The ReNewy Living Podcast: A Sustainability Podcast

40. Working Together to Shop Local, Support Local with Ash Watt from Why Leave Town

In rural and regional towns across Australia, it’s easier than ever to spend money with big corporations. Especially when gift cards are sold in the local post office or supermarket. But that convenience comes at a cost, because it means local businesses miss out on the support they need, to keep their community thriving.
In this episode, I’m chatting with Ash Watt, co-founder of Why Leave Town, a business that started when Ash moved back to his hometown of Narrabri, NSW. Seeing how much money was leaving the local economy, Ashley came up with a simple idea. A community gift card program, designed to help keep spending local and the money circulating in the region.
This conversation is about what shopping locally really means in a modern, digital world, and why small businesses remain the backbone of strong, connected and sustainable communities. 
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Working Together to Shop Local, Support Local
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
If global environmental problems feel overwhelming, you’re in the right place! The ReNewy Living Podcast is an Australian environmental sustainability podcast for eco-minded people who care about the planet and want relatable ways to make a meaningful difference in their homes and communities.
We believe living sustainably is easier when you start where you live. Each episode shares positive stories about people, places and projects leading the way in communities across Australia. 
Discover localised ways to live sustainably, with practical ideas to reduce consumption, care for local places and feel connected to a sustainably-minded community for healthier people and a healthier planet.
This podcast exists to make sustainability feel human, hopeful and community-focused. It’s our way of connecting you with a network of people and ideas through authentic stories and local solutions that are achievable and genuinely good to be part of.
Tune in weekly for around 30 minutes of thoughtful, conversational and inspiring episodes that bring you closer to a more intentional, “together we can” approach to sustainable living.

39. Looking after the Ocean to Look after the Earth with Rhi Mitchell from Saltwater Sistas

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Rhi Mitchell, a proud Mununjali woman, marine scientist, and founder of Saltwater Sistas, and based in Coffs Harbour along coastal NSW. Rhi combines wellbeing, leadership and science to inspire change and protect our oceans and environment for future generations.
In our chat, we talk about how caring for Country starts with understanding our connection to the land and water…and how that connection influences our wellbeing. We’ll also explore the rhythms of nature and how they guide us to treading a little lighter on the planet.
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Looking after the Ocean to Look after the Earth.
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
If global environmental problems feel overwhelming, you’re in the right place! The ReNewy Living Podcast is an Australian environmental sustainability podcast for eco-minded people who care about the planet and want practical, relatable ways to make a meaningful difference in their homes and communities.
We believe living sustainably is easier when you start where you live. Each episode shares positive stories about people, places and projects leading the way in communities across Australia. 
Discover localised ways to live sustainably, with practical ideas to reduce consumption, care for local places and feel connected to a sustainably-minded community for healthier people and a healthier planet.
This podcast exists to make sustainability feel human, hopeful and community-focused. It’s our way of connecting you with a network of people and ideas through authentic stories and local solutions that are achievable and genuinely good to be part of.
Tune in weekly for around 30 minutes of thoughtful, conversational and inspiring episodes that bring you closer to a more intentional, “together we can” approach to sustainable living.

38. When Sustainable Floristry Means a Return to Simplicity with Bec Humpris from Not Just a Pretty Flower

We’ve become so used to having flowers available year-round, that we rarely stop to think about where they come from, or what happens to the packaging and the presentation waste.
In this episode, I’d love you to meet Bec Humphris, florist and founder of Sydney-based florist Not Just a Pretty Flower. Her business exists to inspire and nurture reconnection to nature. She’s a proud member of the Sustainable Floristry Network and applies sustainable floristry design and principles in her work. 
This conversation is about the importance of collaboration and good communication across every part of a business. And how that shared care, passion and collaboration… positively impacts the joy that flowers bring to all of your senses. We’ll also explore what choosing better, more sustainable flowers really means. You’ll find out that there’s so much more to floristry than a pretty flower on the table.
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at When Sustainable Floristry Means a Return to Simplicity
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
If global environmental problems feel overwhelming, you’re in the right place! The ReNewy Living Podcast is an Australian environmental sustainability podcast for eco-minded people who care about the planet and want practical, relatable ways to make a meaningful difference in their homes and communities.
We believe living sustainably is easier when you start where you live. Each episode shares positive stories about people, places and projects leading the way in communities across Australia. 
Discover localised ways to live sustainably, with practical ideas to reduce consumption, care for local places and feel connected to a sustainably-minded community for healthier people and a healthier planet.
This podcast exists to make sustainability feel human, hopeful and community-focused. It’s our way of connecting you with a network of people and ideas through authentic stories and local solutions that are achievable and genuinely good to be part of.
Tune in weekly for around 30 minutes of thoughtful, conversational and inspiring episodes that bring you closer to a more intentional, “together we can” approach to sustainable living.

37. When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness with Shaun Oldfield from Coastal Recycled Building

The building and construction industry takes up a huge chunk of the total waste generated in NSW and across Australia, far more than what comes from our everyday household rubbish bins. When a building comes down, so many materials are left behind. But where do they all go?
The good news, there are great solutions for recycling in construction and in this episode, we’re delving a little deeper into one solution.
I’d love you to meet Shaun Oldfield from Coastal Recycled Building on the Central Coast of NSW. After an unexpected career shift from hotel management to recycled building supplies, Shaun loves being part of a team that’s passionate about showing the value in giving building and construction materials a second life. 
In our conversation, we chat about the community who uses recycled materials, how sustainable living can begin with something as simple as a personal hobby, and why there’s so much potential in looking at waste differently.
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness.
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

36. Is There Such a Thing as an Ethical Tree Arborist? with Sam Hardingham from Everyday Arbor

When most people think of arborists…they think of chainsaws, wood chippers, and tree removals for “safety reasons” or “potential fire hazard.”
In this episode, I’d love you to meet Sam Hardingham, founder of Newcastle-based business Everyday Arbor. An experienced arborist, Sam is challenging that narrow view of what it means to be an arborist. His goal is to keep as many trees standing in our local environment as possible.
Rather than chasing profit by saying yes to every tree removal request, Sam is putting trees first. We talk about the role trees play in our neighbourhoods, the risks versus the benefits they bring, and how their presence connects us to the bigger picture of balancing urbanisation with environmental sustainability.
This episode is a reminder that trees come with issues and risks in suburbia, but should these risks outweigh the benefits of trees?
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Is there such a thing as an ethical tree arborist?
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

35. Choosing to Build a Passive House Standard Home with ReNewy Living Community Member Jess Bollinger

Choosing to knock down and rebuild a house is a big decision. But instead of a standard project home, what happens when you choose a passive house - a design built for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability?
In this episode, I’d love you to meet ReNewy Living community member Jess Bollinger from Lake Macquarie, NSW. Jess works in environmental sustainability for her day job, yet finds most meaning in making everyday choices that matter—for her family, her place, and her community.
We talk about her family’s journey to live lighter on the planet, what sustainable housing in a temperate climate means to her, and how her decision to build a passive house offers ideas and inspiration for your own lasting impact.
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Choosing to Build a Passive House Standard Home
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

34. Seeing Waste Differently with Community Artists from the Lake Mac Waste to Art Exhibition

In this episode, we’re at the closing of the 2024/ 2025 Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art exhibition. It’s a free, annual event that brings together thought-provoking artworks made entirely from waste by people across the community. Some of the pieces are so refined, it’s hard to believe they began as waste. For many households, waste is what goes in the rubbish or recycling bin. But waste is much broader than that. It can be surplus materials, duplicates, or offcuts. Even something brand new that just isn’t needed anymore. 
That’s the beauty of this exhibition. It helps you see waste differently.
You’ll hear from the two people’s choice award winners about their works along with the volunteer organiser behind the exhibition, and people who came along to the closing event.
A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Seeing Waste Differently
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

33. Shifting the Culture of Forestry in Australia with Australian Sustainable Timbers

In this episode, I’d love you to meet James Felton-Taylor and Annabelle Kater, who run Australian Sustainable Timbers in Dungog NSW.  As native forest managers and timber processors, they’re passionate about showing there’s a better way to work with the bush by rethinking timber production.
This conversation is a great reminder that when you lead with intention and work with the natural lifecycle of the trees, timber production and environmental care don’t have to be at odds. They can grow together in a way that respects both people and the planet.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Shifting the Culture of Forestry in Australia
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

32. How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism with film producer Michelle Dado-Millynn

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word “activist”? It’s a word that can stir up a lot of feelings — but at its heart, it’s simply about standing up for what you believe in…and doing something about it. 
In this episode, I’d love you to meet Michelle Dado-Millynn, a Dungog-based film producer whose work shines a light on people doing what they believe in most.
This conversation is about what activism can look like for all of us… how it exists on a continuum and how this film can be the impetus for grassroots change in your own community.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

31. How a Community Food Co-op Offers Fair Food for All with Anna Crane from Dungog Wholefood Co-op

A community food co-op in the main street of a small regional town can have a massive impact, not just on the reduced environmental impact of locally grown food, but also the value of having access to healthy food, support for local growers and really strong community connections.
I'm having a conversation with Anna Crane from the Dungog Wholefood Co-op. It's an amazing conversation about community, the value of people, the value of local foods and how a community food co-op operates.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at How a Community Food Co-op Offers Fair Food for All
The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living...
The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia. 
Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place.
Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally.
Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.