Futuresteading
This is a conversation about the future. About creating a culture that values tomorrow. We reckon a slower, simpler, steadier existence is the first step - one that’s healthier for humans and the planet. We call it Futuresteading. Each week we chat to community builders, ritual makers, food growers, health wizards and environmental wisdom keepers, gathering practical advice and epic solidarity - so we can all nut this thing out together. Join our nitty, gritty, honest and hopeful convo every Monday during our 16 episode seasons. Support the pod by shouting us a cuppa >>> buymeacoffee.com/futuresteading
Futuresteading
Ep 9 Erin Rhoads : The Rogue Ginger leads us up the on-ramp of change
Maybe you’ve done this before: typed into Google, “Where can I buy glass bottle milk?” or “What local butchers will accept my battered tupperware?”. If you have, it’s likely you’ve stumbled upon The Rogue Ginger.
Erin Rhoads is a proud red head whose simple question, “Why is the world filled with plastic?”, changed the course of her life.
Since 2013, this down-to-earth mum from Melbourne has been blogging about how to reduce plastic and waste, and live a more eco-friendly existence. On her website you’ll find years worth of zero-waste resources, amazingly curated lists on where to shop waste-free and wildly practical information about making the change - with a notable absence of dogma.
Our conversation with Erin goes beyond waste reduction to encompass the psychology of change, on-boarding friends and family with your belief system (or not), localism vs. globalism and what true wealth looks like.
It’s a laid back, tea-with-a-friend style chat that’ll leave you with a warm sense of solidarity - and renewed enthusiasm for making positive change.
SHOW NOTES
- Erin highlights the importance of sharing our stories of joy and contradictions while we embark on change - so it doesn't feel impossible for others to follow.
- Finding ways to create uplifting and engaging challenges for individuals (rather than dutiful misery).
- As consumers, our voices are loud. Erin gives us ideas for sharing our thoughts about how companies can do better (in ways that are actually effective).
- Practical ideas for actioning your beliefs.
- The merits of Localism vs. Globalism.
- Why it’s worth developing a sense of obligation within our communities to bring about lasting change.
- How giving people tools (particularly kids) is a great way to engender hope and positive action: food growing, seed saving, fire lighting and cooking are as important as maths.
- Connecting with your local council is a great starting point for blossoming changemakers.
- Why it’s time for communities to lead rather than waiting for governments to fill the gap.
- Have Australians ever faced real challenges collectively? This might impact our understanding (and appreciation) of community initiatives.
- The power of third parties like films, music, books and docos when trying to influence change in friends.
- How life as a new mother opened up a can of worms on her plastic-free mission.
- Ideas for overcoming the cyclical phases of new initiatives that sees initial traction followed by a dip in interest and engagement.
- ‘Gamification’ as a possible way to incentivise community engagement.
- The value of initiatives that are easy to set up and participate in - but have far-reaching outcomes such as nature strip gardens and free food pantries.
LINKS