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Louise Lalor is a circular champion in Clonmel, Tipperary. She has set up a permanent Toy Swap Library in a hub called The Circular Square, where there's also regualr repair cafés and eco community events. The work she does is very inspiring and rightly won an award at the Circular.ie awards! Stay up to date with her on Instagram @louiselalor and find the repair cafés here @clonmelrepaircafe. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 Tickets to climate comedy sketch show REBOOT & Some of Our Children. [04:00] Louise introduces herself and the journey into climate action [09:00] How and why the toy library came about [15:05] How it works if people want to visit [15:50] How they sustain themselves financially [16:50] Advice for people setting up something like this in their own locality [19:10] How Louise incorporates climate action into her teaching practice. [22:10] Some of Louise’s favourite moments since starting the toy library [28:10] Where to find The Circular Square etc [29:30] Louise’s first hand account of the wildfires in Tipperary this Summer [34:40] Imagining the future Also mentioned: Suircan Chous cottage Clonmel Picker Pals Toy Libraries Ireland Biodiversity In Schools Active hope by Joanna Macy Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Ray Ó Foghlú is the Engagement and Education officer with the charity Hometree. He runs the farmer engagement side of the Illaun Farm-Forest Alliance so we delved into ways in which farmers can access supports to rewild their land in Ireland. We also chat about the art project Dinnseanachas they are currently running. You can donate to their work here or stay up to date with them on Instagram @hometreecharity. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 [02:25] Ray introduces himself and the journey into working for Hometree [07:30] What Ray hopes the land of Ireland will look like [11:50] Hometree’s goals [16:05] Hometree and the Irish language [19:05] The dinnseanachas project [26:15] How to get involved with Hometree [27:25] The supports available to farmers in Ireland if they want to give land back to nature and how they can apply for it [32:45] Ray’s thoughts on communicating for nature [37:00] Ray’s favourite nature moments [40:45] Imagining the future Also mentioned: Maeve Stone Interview  Email your TDs about the public transport fare increase Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Seán Ó Sullivan is the creator of the well known eco Irish notebook business, Badly Made Books, which has morphed into a new venture called Agus Arís. While a portion of this chat is about the need for sustainable printing practices, we delve a lot into the struggles of keeping a small business sustainable for the staff as well. Seán had so much great advice to share! You can stay up to date with his new venture on Instagram @and.agusaris. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 Time stamps: [03:15] Seán introduces himself and his journey to activism [06:55] Why a company like Badly Made Books / Agus Arís is needed – what is unsustainable about mainstream book/notebook production. [11:00] The birth of Agus Arís [13:15] How the Agus Arís notebooks are made [16:35] The challenges Seán experienced running Badly Made Books and the questions around making an environmentally friendly business sustainable financially and mentally [27:15] Tips Seán has for anyone thinking of starting their own small business [30:00] Other leaves from Seán’s book [34:15] Imagining the future Also mentioned: ReRuns pop up shop Course in Finding Awe with Rachel Dempsey & Laura Kehoe Zen and the Art of Saving the Planet Course Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jeffrey Roe is the CEO of TOG which have been leading the way in cultivating skill sharing around making and repairing. They have been hosting repair cafés since 2014, so before many of us even knew of the term! Jeffrey also set up the brilliant Dublin Maker festival which we chat about as well. I've linked everything below but you can also stay up to date with TOG via Instagram @toghackerspace. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 Time stamps: [02:45] Jeffrey introduces himself and how he got into the work he’s doing [05:35] How TOG came about and what they do [09:05] What is a repair café [14:05] Stand out stories from helping people to repair [15:15] Repair café in a box [18:15] Dublin Maker festival [21:25] Advice for nurturing kids’ (or adults’!) curiosity in making and repairing [22:45] Some of the strangest things to come through the repair café [23:45] The difference between repair and restoration [25:35] Other leaves Jeffrey has for listeners [31:40] A repairer in residence [34:45] How Jeffrey manages Tog’s insurance [37:25] Imagining the future Also mentioned: 2600 MeetingsBuzz FestInternational Repair DayThe Repair Café ConferenceResearch IrelandThe Rediscovery CentreCRNI Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Cornucopia is Dublin's most well known plant based restaurant - no surprise when you learn they've been in business for 40 years this year! I got to chat to co-founer Deirdre McCafferty, and her daughter Dairine who is the current manager, about the history of the restaurant and the importance of community, tasty food and education. You can visit them on Wicklow Street in Dublin 7 days a week, or stay up to date with them on Instagram @cornucopia_restaurant. Deirdre recently released a memoir called The Cornucopia Story which you can get from Kennys or any good book shop! As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 Time stamps: [03:30] Deirdre & Dairíne introduce themselves and Cornucopia [06:50] Who and what inspired Deirdre to be eco conscious [10:30] Discouraging shame for non veggies in a vegetarian restaurant [18:35] Has it become easier or more difficult to run the restaurant over the last 40 years? [24:05] Favourite stories from customers and staff over the years [30:50] Who cooks the food? [34:10] Hopes for Cornucopia over the next 40 years [39:30] Teaching our kids about the addiction to novelty and new things [39:35] Final leaves for your book [48:30] Imagining the future Also mentioned: Cowspiracy Cornucopia Podcast Green Earth Organics Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Jayne has been making jewellery for years but recently retired and set up Serendipity by Jayne where she focuses on making statement pieces from used coffee pods. You can find her at markets or on The Upcycle Movement's website. Follow her on Instagram @serendipity_by_jayne As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 Time stamps: [06:15] An introduction from Jayne and who inspired her to be eco conscious. [11:30] The path Jayne was on before jewellery making [19:35] Other leaves to add to your book from Jayne [26:55] The importance of supporting local and the impact Jayne has had [29:00] Imagining the future Also mentioned: The Cottage Market in Drogheda Crafty Crab market in Howth The Upcycle Movement - Lynn's podcast episode TAP Teacher Artist Partnership   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Simon Berrow is the CEO and founder of the Irish Whale and Dolphin Group. This charity does phenomenal work researching the abundant marine life we have in our coastal waters. Make sure to get involved with them in any capacity you can, and stay up to date with them on Instagram @theirishwhaleanddolphingroup. Click here for the sample letter & TD email addresses - email BEFORE JULY 8TH 2026! Tickets to Golidlocks and the 3 Planets As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 Time stamps: [03:30] Simon introduces himself and shares his story into marine science[11:15] The importance of knowing our marine life so we can protect it – and what species rely on Irish waters[19:10]  The man-made problems that challenge the lives of whales and dolphins[22:00] A scientific stance on bottom trawling[26:50] The specific goals of the IWDG[34:30] What top down changes need to happen to s[41:00] Ways in which members of the public can help IWDG[48:30] Simon’s favourite win for marine life  Also mentioned: Jacques Cousteau Hans Hass Save Our Sprat campaign The Irish Ocean Literacy Network Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Lorna Anne is an activist, environmentalist and fellow vegan. The projects she set up along her journey of activism like @earthy_cailini made her a brilliant business networker, and now she's co-founded an online resource called Our Earthy Collective. Everything she does is rooted in preserving the precious life we have on Earth by reconnecting with the land and each other. Stay up to date with her new venture on Instagram @ourearthycollective.ie. Tickets to her Big Vegan Hike this weekend, June 21st.Tickets to ReRuns pop up shop.Tickets to Golidlocks and the 3 PlanetsAs always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Support via Vinted, Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 [03:30] Lorna Anne introduces herself and how a health diagnosis steered her on a path to sustainability [20:50] When Lorna Anne started taking to the streets as a protester [28:00] How Earthy Cailini & Earthy Marketplace came about [32:30] Setting up Earthy Virtual Assistant [38:30] Our Earthy Collective [50:15] Imagining the future   Also mentioned: Cowspiracy Reforest nation Rachel Loughrey / Eco Hun Gaelic Woodland Project The Toy Library Candlelit Tales Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Anne Fennell recently set up a new business called Kindred Sorting, where she specialises in compassionately clearing out the homes of loved ones who passed away, and making sure as many items as possible find a new loving home. She also helps with regular organising and clearing out spaces, and here she shares loads of tips if you're hoping to do the same. Check out her website www.kindredsorting.ie or follow her on Facebook or Instagram @kindredsorting. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 [03:30] Anne introduces herself and how Kindred Sorting came about [06:55] The catalyst for Anne becoming eco conscious [13:55] What happens when you book in with Anne – she talks us through the process – and where everything goes afterward [29:10] Tips for doing your own clear out [32:45] Tips for clearing out the home of a loved one who’s passed [34:35] Stand out moments   Also mentioned: Caitriona Kenny Overleaf Eco Books Lesley from The Quilt Shed Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Along the Wild Atlantic Way, nestled in the Kerry countryside, Billy Jo works year round growing organic vegetables on her small patch of land. Leagh Farms is 100% certified organic which I learned in this chat is no easy accomplishment! Make sure to support your local veg and fruit growers in supermarkets and at farmers' markets, and you can stay up to date with Billy Jo's farm directly on Instagram @leagh_farm. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 [03:40] Billy Jo introduces herself and how the farm came about [07:40] What challenges Billy Jo faces as an organic veg grower in Ireland [12:20] Savouring seasonal food and making it last [16:40] The process involved in being a certified organic grower [21:40] What chemical processes non organic food goes through [24:45] Tips for growing organic at home [31:50] How Billy Jo manages pests on her farm [36:40] The impact growing food has had on the children around Billy Jo Also mentioned: Irish Organic Association The Organic Trust An tIonad glas Brown Envelope seeds Seedsavers Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Welcome back to Book of Leaves! I'm kicking off season 7 and episode 136 with renowned wildlife rescuer Pearse Stokes. He volunteers with Kildare Wildlife Rescue who I've had on the podcast before - I recommend going back to give that one a listen too to find out more about how the charity works! In this chat we delve deeper into systemic and social changes that need to happen to strengthen wildlife populations. You can follow Pearse on Instagram @pearse_stokes and KWR @kildarewildliferescue. You can also keep an eye on ticket sales for their 2026 conference here. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee or my short film crowdfundr is here 💕 [04:50] The interview begins with an introduction from Pearse [11:35] Having a sense of duty and how that can encourage people, especially young men to the wildlife cause [17:50] Pearse’s take on hunting [22:50] Malcolm Noonan’s new motion to increase wildlife rescue and rehabilitation funding [24:20] The perception between conservationists and wildlife rescue & rehabilitators and what needs to change about it [34:20] The clear reasoning (and science!) in favour of banning fox hunting [41:30] How to help KWR [44:30] Pearse’s favourite rescues [47:20] Leaves people can take from Pearse’s book   Also mentioned: Wildlife Rescue Cork Kildare Biodiversity Conference   Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Peter Gregory is the founder of Green Bubble, a business that saves bubble wrap and other packaging waste from going straight to the bin after use. He's now branched out other forms of waste like cardboard boxes. We generate so much waste, the work he does can't be appreciated enough! Check out his website www.green-bubble.ie or stay up to date with him on LinkedIn or Instagram @greenbubble.ie. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Find my depop profile @cearadc! Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee X x [04:10] Peter introduces himself  [06:25] When and why Peter set up Green Bubble and how it works. [29:00] What Peter does as a parent to live eco friendly on the planet [36:00] Climate catch up coffee mornings [38:10] Imagining the future   Also mentioned: Sunflower RecyclingReDiscovery CentreBold DonutSustainabilityExamples.com Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Suzanne Martin is an animal rights activist and vegan who set up SAFRI, a group campaigning to end animal testing in Ireland. She is also a member of NARA so we decided to have a chat about their recent pig and turkey farm investigations and share some tips on having a vegan christmas. You can stay up to date with them on Instagram via @safrireland. And DON'T FORGET to get in touch with your TDs and ask them to support the bill to ban fox hunting! As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Find my depop profile @cearadc! Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee X x   [04:30] The interview begins with an introduction from Suzanne[11:30] What SAFRI is and why it came about [19:00] Scientific arguments against animal testing[22:00] The work of NARA, and their recent pig farm investigation[27:50] Turkey farm description[29:10] Advice for people who want to stop eating animals at Christmas time[43:00] Final insights into a cruelty free world[44:00] Imagining the future  You might also like: Interview with Dr. Ailis Brosnan Episode 16 & 17 Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Rupa Marya is a physician, musician and writer. Her work mainly centres around food as medicine and doing away with colonial captilalist practices in favour of community. She was recently fired for speaking up against the ongoing genocide in Gaza, and thus found herself moving to Ireland where she is doing phenomenal work. We are very lucky to have her!   As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Find my depop profile @cearadc! Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee X x [03:30] Rupa introduces herself and her magical journey to the activism she does today [19:20] Examples of resistance to colonialism Rupa has seen in Ireland [21:35] Advice for people who don’t yet have a community they’ve tapped into [22:40] The food project in St James' Hospital [39:00] Ireland as ground zero - pros and cons! [46:30] Speaking out despite the consequences [53:30] Imagining the future Also mentioned:   Enflamed: Deep Medicine Book Wild Awake Ireland – Lucy O’Hagan? Joanna Macy Gaelic Re-existance Jimmy B O’Brían ? Manchán Magan Irish Healthcare Workers for Palestine Dr. Colin Doherty The Great Oven Chris hedges Aramark research Lancet eat report (Oct 25) Talamh Beo Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

Malú Colorín is an artist and facilitator, specializing in natural dyeing and textiles through her business Talú. She also works for Fibreshed Ireland who are trying to re-localise the textile industry in Ireland, supporting wool, flax and hemp farmers. She organises brilliant workshops and events - you can stay up to date with her on Instagram via @talu.earth or @malu_colorin. As always, don't forget to follow Book of Leaves on Instagram, Blue Sky or Facebook, leave us a review, and share with a friend. Find my depop profile @cearadc! Patreon / Buy Me A Coffee X x   [04:00] Malú introduces herself and her journey into natural dyeing & textiles [08:20] Why Malú promotes natural dyeing [10:20] Issues with the dyes used today in mainstream factories [16:10] How to naturally dye your own textiles and clothes! [21:30] Issues and solutions of the synthetic fibres used in clothes [29:50] The work of FibreShed [33:50] The Archipelago Festival of Colours [37:00] What Malú’s artistic practice looks like & how we can support it [42:00] Imagining the future   Also mentioned: Let them be Naked documentary Galway Wool Co-Op Guppy Bags   Suggested listening: Freya, Hemp Farming Virtue, Emerald & Wax Arran, Rediscovery Centre Mary, Change Clothes Dublin Carrie Ann, Feshion Revolution     Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.