Switch Ashna and Lydia

Today we talk about building sustainability into your business, with special guests Adam Doffman and Zac Huddart from Lola’s Cupcakes. Lola's is iconic in London and UK-wide for their fresh, handcrafted and delicious cakes.

Lola's didn’t start out with sustainability at its core, but is now doing a lot of work in this area. It is a great example of a company pivoting its operations to be more sustainable, despite it being challenging to do so. Other companies could draw inspiration from this, which made us want to get them on the podcast even more!

We discuss how an established business begins switching to a more sustainable model. Where do you start? And what brought about the shift? We also ask Adam and Zac for their view on working for a values-led company like Lola's, for those who might be looking to gain a similar experience.

Check out Lola's sister company Next Day Solar, as mentioned in the episode. Next Day Solar is making solar power accessible to everyone who wants to play a part in creating a better future.

Tell us what you think about the episode or the topics covered at podcastswitch.com or @podcastswitch.

Today we discuss physical activity and the links it has to social impact. We start by discussing the intersection of yoga, yoga philosophy and social impact, as there are links there which Lydia, as a yoga teacher, has come to realise through her training. We then move to other ways in which physical activity and sports can have socially positive effects.

A couple of links to initiatives we mention in the episode:
GoodGym - Helping the community while getting a workoutFight for Peace - Combines boxing and martial arts with personal development and education for kid. Teaching peaceful, fun conflict without the need for violence.Equality - LGBTQ+ sports leagues and clubs around the world are a demonstration of the socially-connecting and educational power of sports, for example Queer Surf Club.You can  try a gym powered by human energy - Terra Hale in London runs the lights and speakers on pedal power - one class generates enough energy to supply a computer for a day.Tell us what you think at podcastswitch.com or @podcastswitch.

Today we haven’t chosen an easy topic, but it's an extremely vital one: Mental Health. 
We are grateful that this topic is not new, as over the past few years mental health is slowly coming into the everyday conversation (from workplaces addressing it, to parents and children communicating about it more, to governments increasing funding in it). However, we want to use this platform to expand the dialogue and also dive into how mental health is fundamental to achieving the UN's sustainable development goals (SDGs) and how it intersects with sustainability as a whole.
On today’s episode we will discuss:
A quick refresher on the UN’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)Connections between mental health and the SDGsHow mental health is essential in achieving the SDGs and vice versaCheck out the SDGs at https://sdgs.un.org/goals.

Tell us what you think at podcastswitch.com or @podcastswitch.

We've talked on the show about spending power and the impact that buying more sustainable products can have on the planet and society. However, what about the impact of our 'wealth', i.e. the money we hold in bank accounts, investments, pensions, etc?

Our wealth has a significant impact on carbon emissions, for example. You can create 27 times more impact on carbon emissions/climate change through your savings/investments than you can by cutting out meat from your diet and stopping flying COMBINED!!!?

And since 68% of UK savers want their investments to consider people and planet alongside profit, in this episode we break down how wealth can have a negative impact, why it matters and how to switch it up and use your wealth for social good as much as possible.

Check out https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/ - a movement to ensure the money invested in UK pensions is used to build a better world.

If you’re looking to change who you bank with, I recommend using the UK Government’s Current Account Switch Service.

Bronwyn King TED talk - Oncologist talks about pension: https://www.ted.com/talks/bronwyn_king_you_may_be_accidentally_investing_in_cigarette_companies#t-35173

ShareAction: A charity working towards an investment system that truly serves savers and communities, and protects our environment for the long term.  https://shareaction.org/

A great blog outlining comparisons between different banks, with our former podcast guest Besma Whayeb: https://www.curiouslyconscious.com/2020/02/best-ethical-banks-current-accounts-uk.html/

PLEASE NOTE: Ashna and Lydia are not financial advisors. They do not have any professional or academic training in finance or investments. All of the content of the episode is based on their own amateur research, opinion and personal experience.

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What is Switch?

The reason we started Switch is because we want sustainable living to be mainstream. The podcast acts as a small piece in the puzzle towards this goal by opening up the conversation on sustainability, helping people to feel more positive, empowered and effective in how they can improve the planet and society.

Say hello at www.podcastswitch.com or follow us on social media @podcastswitch.

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The reason we started Switch is that we want sustainable living to be mainstream. The podcast acts as a small piece in the puzzle towards this goal by opening up the conversation on sustainability, helping people to feel more positive, empowered and effective in how they can improve the planet and society.

One key thing we haven’t actually touched on much though is how we can all open up a conversation at home, with our loved ones, friends, at school, work, and so on. It’s not just about being empowered with knowledge if you want to make change, it’s also about having the confidence and permission to speak honestly with those around you.

So, in this episode, we unpack our own challenges on this issue and discuss things we think are helpful when you want to discuss your values on sustainability or anything else in a constructive way.

Tell us what you think/let us know your tips at podcastswitch.com or @podcastswitch.

Welcome back to Switch Podcast. This new season we are exploring our core foundations and how sustainability intersects with them. In season 1 & 2 we put a spotlight on some of our biggest environmental challenges such as plastic waste, food systems, fast fashion; and brought in guests who were doing some pretty cool things to tackle these. 

This season we will be looking into more conceptual topics and diving a bit deeper as we talk about things like relationships, careers, communities, and how we can push for a more sustainable/ holistic way of living.  

This weeks topic is all about careers and how to get the job that is aligned to your values.
Areas to explore:
Our career paths and what drove us to make the decision we didThe passion vs. income dilemma Privileges associated with the above dilemma Why now could be a good timeTell us what you think/let us know your tips at podcastswitch.com or @podcastswitch.