The ReNewy Living Podcast: A Sustainability Podcast

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.

30. Giving Plastic Waste a Second Life Through Recycling with Jess Hodge from Resourceful Living

Let’s talk about plastic. We see it everywhere, even in places it probably shouldn't be. And while we all want to do the right thing by tossing it in the recycling bin, the truth is, plastic recycling is a lot more complex than it seems.
To help untangle that complexity, I’m joined by Jess Hodge co-founder of Resourceful Living.  Jess and her team are tackling the plastic problem head on, by turning unwanted plastic items into functional products, all made locally in Kurri Kurri NSW Australia.
Jess brings honesty, passion and deep knowledge to this conversation, along with practical solutions that actually make sense.
So if you’ve ever wondered what type of plastic is which, where it really ends up, or how we can give waste a second life through circular economy principles — you’re in the right place.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Giving Plastic Waste a Second Life Through Recycling
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.

29. What Bees Teach Us About Seasons, Place and Collective Action with Kelly Lees & Anna Scobie from Urban Hum

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Anna Scobie and Kelly Lees from Newcastle-based business Urban Hum. We’re exploring the role of bees in our local environment and how understanding them connects us with the bigger picture of environmental sustainability. From permaculture principles to planting a tiny forest, and even facing the challenges of varroa mite, we’ll talk about what it means to respond with care and curiosity.
This episode is a reminder that living sustainably isn’t just about action — it’s about rhythm. It’s about learning from nature, working with the seasons and staying open to what some of the smallest creatures can teach us about a more connected and resilient future.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at What Bees Teach Us About Seasons, Place and Collective Actions
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.

28. Everyday Voices: A Young Persons Environmental Journey with Sophie from Lake Macquarie

"Everyday Voices" is where I take the mic into public spaces, striking up real conversations with everyday people about how they live, care for, and tread lighter on the planet.
In this episode I’m talking to Sophie, a high school student who’s showing interest in sustainability and environmental change in government. She shares her early advocacy journey, which will become the building blocks for her continual path for change.
Stay tuned after our chat for a short reflection on my own journey — and how we can all become more informed citizens.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Everyday Voices: A Young Persons Environmental Journey
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.

27. Escaping Supermarket Sameness Through Local & Organic Food with Brent Fairns from Organic Feast Maitland NSW

While most shopping centres are filled with cloned chain stores, it’s easy to forget that independent grocery shops are out there doing things differently—helping us live more sustainably, eat more mindfully and feel more connected.
In this episode, we sit down with Brent Fairns, owner of Organic Feast in Maitland. More than just a shop, Organic Feast is a vibrant local place that shows what’s possible when community and sustainability come together.
From certified organic produce to in-house cafe meals, this is a business made with intention. It’s a colourful antidote to the fast, bland world of modern retail.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Escaping Supermarket Sameness thrugh Local & Organic Food
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.

26. Decluttering to Make Space for Simpler Living with Rachel Louise from Raid my Wardrobe

When you hear the word decluttering, what comes to mind? For me, my brain jumps straight to the opposite….minimalism, with clean lines, empty shelves and limited colour & texture.
But actually, decluttering isn’t really about that. It’s about living with less and feeling lighter, thinking clearer and living easier.
In this episode, I’d love you to meet Rachel Louise from Raid my Wardrobe. Rachel brings a wealth of life experience in the art of intentional simplifying — where it’s not about having less for the sake of it, but about shifting the focus from quantity to quality, and building a healthier, more mindful relationship with the stuff in our lives.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Decluttering to Make Space for Simpler Living
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.

25. Leading by Values for a Purposeful Workplace with Bec Bowie

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Bec Bowie, former owner of the much loved Newcastle cafe, Estabar. 
We’re talking about how values influence the way we shape both our lifestyles and our work to feel more purposeful. This conversation is a great reminder that when you lead with your values, then everything flows with more meaning — and more impact.
A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Leading by Values for a Purposeful Workplace
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.