Our Thoughts
The Pothole Problem at the Heart of Net Zero
On the surface, potholes have little to do with climate policy. But politically, they have everything to do with it. They have become shorthand for a deeper public anxiety: the sense that basic services are deteriorating while government appears unable, or unwilling, to fix them.
Rewiring Routine: The behavioural challenge at the heart of UK recycling reform
With the introduction of Simpler Recycling reforms and the forthcoming Deposit Return Scheme (DRS), there is a need to shift established behaviours at scale across the UK. How can the sector successfully influence daily routines to ensure the effectiveness of this new recycling infrastructure?
Why the May Elections Matter for the Sustainability Movement
A growing body of evidence points to a troubling disconnect: public support for climate action remains relatively strong, yet the story we hear about it is increasingly negative.
Recent survey data suggests that right-leaning media narratives are amplifying a false backlash against net zero. Coverage is now more than twice as likely to skew negative than public opinion would justify. The result?
When London’s hospital systems failed, environmental risks became real
Until now the environmental focus has been predominantly on mitigation cutting emissions to prevent future harm. This remains essential. But as the realities of extreme weather events become more immediate and visible, the debate is shifting…
What to Expect in 2026
If 2025 felt like a bruising year for the sustainability movement, 2026 is unlikely to offer much respite. Against a challenging backdrop, how should sustainability professionals respond? Here are five suggestions.
Does the Circular Economy Give You the ‘Ick’?
Is the move to a circular economy stalling because people are worried about the quality of reusing materials?
What do Oprah Winfrey, Putin, Elton John, Nelson Mandela and Andrew Carnegie have in common?
Bill Gates has recently committed to giving away all his wealth – what can he learn from Thomas Carnegie a pioneer of this approach?
What environmental behaviour change campaign is urgently needed by the UK?
International evidence demonstrates how effective water conservation campaigns can be. Will anyone have the foresight to launch one in the UK or are we going to hope it rains heavily soon?
Where are the inspirational political leaders?
At a time when we need bold radical leadership, I despair at the paucity of the political debate and highlight some of the things I would like them to talk about.
What is your word of the year?
‘Brain Rot’ is the Oxford Dictionaries word of the year, but what is the one that you have heard most in meetings and events?
Did I make the right decision?
I am sure like many people the recent global events have led me to question how best I personally can make a positive impact. Eighteen months ago I left leading Hubbub to set up Sizzle – was it the right decision?
Is anyone brave enough?
A key message from the US election is that if people feel things aren’t improving, they are less likely to vote for you. A ground-breaking report suggests that tackling inequality is essential in addressing social and environmental challenges. Will anyone be brave enough?
Why community engagement should be essential for any climate strategy
Extreme weather, recent political events and hard-hitting reports can make it hard to remain optimistic. Perhaps one response is to celebrate the amazing range of local community initiatives driven by passionate people intent on improving their locality.
Can our policy asks help to deliver a Circular Economy?
Can a different approach to policymaking remove some of the barriers that have prevented successive governments from introducing a ban on the use of peat in growing?
How can you mainstream Circular Economy initiatives?
After years of experimentation is the Circular Economy about to hit the mainstream?
Is it R.I.P. for the K.P.I.?
Delivering systemic change is complex and time-consuming. Here are five things I have learned and how they have changed the way I think and work.
The Challenges of Systemic Change
Our first attempt to creating systemic change has proved highly challenging. Here are five key findings from our initial independent evaluation.
How to react when an expected funder says no
Getting a rejection from a potential funder is a regular occurrence and can be demoralising. This is how I have learned to react.
Five effective behaviour change techniques
Creating effective behaviour change campaigns is complex, here are five techniques that can help.
Five tips for Social Entrepreneurs
Having created four social enterprises, I am increasingly asked for guidance from existing and perspective social entrepreneurs. Here are five frequent questions and my thoughts based upon my experience and way of working.