ESG Made Easy

Today, we’re joined by Lucia Salas, one of the co-founders of Raiz Vertical. Their company aims to create a centralised network of vertical hydroponic farms within urban areas and, in doing so, bring food closer to the people who need it while building community.In this episode, we’ll be discussing:🌱 The flexibility and advantages of hydroponic farms.🫂 The social impact of vertical farms, and building community to teach the next generation about the food they eat and how it’s grown.🍽️ Food grown in a soil farm vs. a hydroponic farm – how does it differ in taste and nutritional value?💧 How resource-intensive and efficient a hydroponic farm is.⛔ The challenges faced in managing and getting investments for a company specialising in vertical farming.🤝 The difficulty in finding customers who would benefit from vertical farming.Future trends within agriculture.🏢 If Lucia could redesign the food system within an urban setting, what would that look like?🗓️ What advice would Lucia give herself 10 years ago?Find Lucia here:LinkedIn Find out more about Raiz Vertical here:Website | Instagram | Twitter | LinkedInThank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

Today, we’re joined by Daniela Arias, an impact analyst at Triodos Investment Management that offers impact investment solutions for a broad client base of professional investors. She is also the former co-founder and CIO of Sibö B.V., a biotech company dedicated to bridging the gap between insects and food!In this episode, we’ll be discussing:⛔ The trials and roadblocks Daniela faced while managing an innovative biotech company invested in creating edible food from insects.⚖️ The positive and negative impacts of sustainability, and why it’s important to consider both when embarking on a sustainability journey.📉 What being an impact analyst entails and how they help businesses decrease their negative impacts socially and environmentally.✍️ Best practice on how small businesses can start reducing their negative impacts.⭐ What makes a successful sustainable business?🌱 Passing the legacy of sustainability onto others.Find Daniela here:LinkedIn Find out more about Triodos Investment Management here:Triodos Investment ManagementThank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

Gregg Reid is the Creative Director and Co-founder of Hundred Studio, a B Corp Certified independent creative agency based in Northern Ireland, delivering a range of services from brand identity to graphic design to a global market.In this episode of ESG Made Easy, we sit down with Gregg Reid of Hundred Studio—a design agency with a mission to do business better. Founded during the pandemic by Gregg and co-founder Craig, Hundred Studio blends stunning creative work with sustainable values.We discuss how culturally driven values have shaped their journey, why becoming a B Corp was a long-term ambition from the beginning, and how certification helped separate them from the other creative agencies— defining themselves as "Not just another design agency", but instead driven by purpose to create real change. We talk about the long but rewarding road to achieving B Corp status and the awareness it raises from tracking water usage to waste tonnage, and making more conscious choices across every touchpoint.💬 In this episode, you’ll hear about:🌱 Why B Corp certification was a natural evolution—and the awareness it brought along the way✂️ The behind-the-scenes of making sustainable design choices, from recycled inks to responsibly sourced paper💸 Why the right environmental option often costs more—and how to stay true to your values anyway🤝 Their partnership with Exemplar Coffee and driving social economic value by connecting readers with coffee farmers🌍 Their support for Carbon Literacy training and local conservation initiatives🧭 The studio’s ambition: not to be the biggest, but to be the best creative agency in Northern IrelandGregg also shares why building a values-led agency attracts like-minded clients—and how their B Corp status is helping reframe creativity as a force for positive change.This episode is part of our special series on B Corps in Ireland, spotlighting companies embedding purpose into the heart of business.Find out more here:💻 Hundred Studio🌍 1% For The Planet☕ Exemplar Coffee🌄 Belfast HillsThank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

Dave Linton & Stephanie McEvoy sit down to discuss Dignity in the Care System & the power of making your customer the hero. Dave Linton is the Founder of Madlug, an award-winning social enterprise with a powerful mission: to ensure no child in care ever has to carry their life in a bin bag. With over 107,000 children and young people in care across the UK, Madlug donates one bag to a young person in care for every bag sold, delivering dignity in the most practical and meaningful way. In this episode of ESG Made Easy, we sit down with Dave to hear how, with no background in textiles or business, he turned a heart-breaking observation as a youth worker into a purpose-driven brand starting with only £500. Now ten years strong — and with over 127,000 bags donated, Dave discusses the positive social impact Madlug delivers and how becoming a B Corp keeps them accountable. We unpack Madlug’s journey to becoming one of Northern Ireland’s first B Corps, how they balance affordability with ethics in their supply chain, and why their mission has resonated with customers and care-experienced youth alike. You’ll also hear about:  🎒 The heart breaking moment that sparked Madlug’s creation  🏆 Why they chose the B Corp route (and how it fit with their Community Interest Company governance)🌍 How they’re working to retrofit environmental sustainability into a global growth model💡 The deep impact of making the customer the hero 🤝 Why buying backpacks can be a powerful act of corporate social responsibility This episode is part of our special series on B Corps in Ireland, spotlighting companies embedding purpose into business. 🎧 Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website: 👉 https://www.madlug.com/ 👉 www.esgmadeeasy.co.uk 👉 Dave Linton on LinkedIn 👉 www.madlugfoundation.org  💬 Let’s Keep the Conversation Going! Follow us on social media: @esgmadeeasy | @madlug | #bcorpsinireland | #dignityinabag | #buyonegiveoneThank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

Umberto di Venosa is the Co-founder of One Foot Abroad, a B Corp certified company offering bespoke walking holidays across Europe. A former national rugby player from France turned slow travel entrepreneur, Umberto has spent the last two decades in Ireland building a business that combines his passion for the outdoors with a strong commitment to ethical business operation and sustainability. In this episode of ESG Made Easy, we talk to Umberto about the journey behind One Foot Abroad — from its early days in 2006 mapping walking trails with friends, to its 2023 B Corp certification. We explore how sustainability became a core value after reading Limits to Growth, and how that ethos now shapes everything from hotel selection to implementing water refill points along the Camino de Santiago.  You’ll also hear about:  ✨ How One Foot Abroad implements purpose into their daily business operations  🌍 Why B Corp certification helped validate their existing sustainability values and amplify impact   📲 The balance of tech and tradition: using apps to streamline and reduce environmental impact  🤝 Supporting local communities along 5,000km of European trails  💡 Why they only work with partners who align with their values — and how that empowers real change This episode is part of our special series on B Corps in Ireland, spotlighting companies embedding purpose into business.Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today's discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively! Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.🎧 Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website:👉 www.esgmadeeasy.co.uk👉 https://www.onefootabroad.com 👉 https://followthecamino.com/en/camino-de-santiago-routes👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/umbertodivenosa📲 Stay connected and join the conversation! Follow us on social media @esgmadeeasy @onefootabroadThank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today's discussion insightful and actionable.Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

🎙 B Corps in Ireland: James McManus on Earth’s Edge, Ethical Expeditions & Adventure with ImpactJames McManus is the founder and expedition leader behind Earth’s Edge— & director of  B Corp Ireland. Earth's Edge is an adventure travel company, creating life-changing experiences in some of the world’s most stunning and remote places. Since 2007, Earth’s Edge has been leading small group expeditions to the likes of Kilimanjaro, the Himalayas and the Andes, all while putting sustainability and social impact at the heart of every journey.In this episode of ESG Made Easy, we chat with James about how Earth’s Edge became a certified B Corp in 2021, the challenges and joys of running a purpose-led travel company, and what sustainability looks like at high altitude.We dive into James’ journey from passionate adventurer to social entrepreneur, and how becoming a B Corp helped crystallise the company’s commitment to people, planet and performance—without compromising on the thrill of expedition.You’ll also hear about: 🇰🇪 Their community-first approach to adventure tourism—from Kenya to Nepal 🧭 Why adventure should be accessible and inclusive, not elite 🌿 How B Corp status has shifted their internal culture and external partnershipsThis episode is part of our special series on B Corps in Ireland, spotlighting the changemakers embedding purpose into business.Thanks for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope today’s conversation inspires you to think a little differently about travel, impact and leadership.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively! Your support helps us reach more listeners like you and keep delivering down-to-earth ESG advice.🎧 Explore more from Earth’s Edge: 👉 https://earths-edge.com 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/company/earth's-edge/ 👉 http://facebook.com/ExploreExperienceEvolve/ 👉 https://www.instagram.com/earths_edge/ 👉 https://www.youtube.com/c/Earths-edge📲 Stay connected and join the conversation! Follow us on social media @esgmadeeasy Tag us with your biggest takeaways from this episode—especially if you're listening from a mountain peak!Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

🎙B Corps in Ireland: Laura Castello on THINKHOUSE, Youth Culture & the Moment They KnewLaura Costello is Head of Sustainability & Planet Services at THINKHOUSE, and Ireland Lead at Purpose Disruptors, a non profit working to change the story of advertising. With 10+ years in the communications industry, she is responding to the climate and nature crisis through strategy, storytelling, imagination and community building. Accelerating cultural and business transformation for a thriving future, she works with a range of clients across the corporate, public and not for profit/NGO sectors. Laura is also a Clean Creatives ambassador.In this episode of ESG Made Easy, we sit down with Laura Castello, from THINKHOUSE—an award-winning youth marketing agency and one of Ireland’s newest B Corps.Laura shares her journey with THINKHOUSE since 2015 and the powerful moment that sparked their B Corp certification decision (spoiler alert: it involves a book, a colleague, and a bold boardroom moment). We explore how certification has opened doors to new clients, shaped sustainability-driven campaigns like Good Life 2030, and earned THINKHOUSE a spot as an Irish Government SDG Champion.You’ll also hear about:Laura’s top sustainability book picks:The Overstory by Richard PowersBraiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall KimmererCitizens by Jon Alexander✨ Why THINKHOUSE chose B Corp (and what was holding them back)🌍 How youth culture is a powerful force in reshaping brand sustainability📊 The power of B Corp’s proof points, global recognition, and simplicity💡 Campaigns that navigate the tension between consumption and sustainabilityThis episode is part of our special series on B Corps in Ireland, spotlighting companies embedding purpose into business.Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today's discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively! Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.🎧 Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website:👉 www.esgmadeeasy.co.uk👉 https://www.thinkhousehq.com/👉 https://www.purposedisruptors.org/👉 https://www.goodlife2030.earth/👉 https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ncAzTEWF-Mw&list=PLLS6wd6WYC_9fynXxc5smtpgCUGtzC4Z4 👉 https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauracostello11/📲 Stay connected and join the conversation! Follow us on social media @esgmadeeasy @goodlife2030Ireland, @thinkhouse, @lauraevelync, @purpose_disruptors Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

Join us as we dive into the world of renewable energy with Jack McShane, a final-year student at Ulster University. Jack's journey through solar, wind, and biomass energy, combined with his technical expertise in math, chemistry, physics, and practical skills like CAD and building design, offers unique insights into the future of sustainable energy careers. Discover the evolving landscape of energy technologies and the urgent need for sustainable solutions to combat climate change.Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

In this historic episode, from our previously titled "This is Climate Action" podcast episode, Tom Woolley delves into the world of sustainable construction. Tom is an architect and educator passionate about green building materials. He is also author of Natural Building Techniques: A Guide to Ecological Methods and Materials (which you can buy here)Discover the benefits of hempcrete, a game-changer in reducing carbon footprints and improving building health. Tom shares his expertise on promoting eco-friendly alternatives despite industry resistance. Tune in for unique insights on innovative technologies and the future of sustainable architecture.If you are looking for more sustainability support? Visit www.esgmadeeasy.co.uk for free resources and consultations.Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!

In this historic episode, from our previously titled "This is Climate Action" podcast episode, Owen from Green Energy Wind Service and Maintenance discusses the company's 20-year history in the renewable energy sector in Northern Ireland. He explains the operation and benefits of wind turbines, emphasising their role in reducing carbon emissions and the importance of integrating various renewable technologies for a sustainable future. Owen highlights the need for improved energy storage solutions to maximise the efficiency of renewable sources and envisions a future where smart electrical systems replace fossil fuels. He also addresses the career opportunities in the wind energy industry, the minimal impact on biodiversity during turbine construction, and debunks common myths about wind energy.Thank you for tuning into this episode of ESG Made Easy, where we break down sustainability and governance topics for business owners looking to navigate the ESG landscape with confidence. We hope you found today’s discussion insightful and actionable.If you enjoyed this episode, please subscribe, rate, and review – it helps massively!Your feedback helps us reach more listeners like you and continue to deliver practical ESG advice.Dive deeper into today’s topics and access additional tools on our website.Stay connected and join the conversation!📱 LinkedIn | InstagramKeep in touch!