Latest news with #Wasted
The Irish Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Irish Sun
Olly Murs lifts lid on boozy nights out and reveals drink he can no longer touch as he launches brand new single
EVERYONE's favourite cheeky chappy Olly Murs is back with a new single, Save Me. In what may be the most relatable track of the year, Olly sings about his messy nights out, losing his wallet and being sick in the back of a cab. Advertisement 7 Singer Olly Murs is back with a new single, Save Me Credit: Supplied 7 Olly sings about his messy nights out on new track Save Me He told Bizarre: 'It is nice not to be writing a song about being in love and how we are happy together. This is more the grittiness of life. 'For me, a drink I can't touch is Sambuca – no night ever started well on Sambuca. It was the first shot you would take when you're 18 or 19. 'Even when I smell it now, it takes me back to when I was first sick or threw up in the taxi. I stay away from it now.' Laughing, he added: 'I'm 41 years of age. I've had some messy nights. My worst ever hangover was actually on Christmas Eve eve. Advertisement Read more on Olly Murs 'We went out to Winter Wonderland and I did lose my wallet, and two guys dressed as Mario and Luigi found it in the toilets. I had to drive to Luton the next day to get it back.' Olly, who is expecting his second child with wife Amelia, revealed fatherhood has made him 'tone it down'. He said: 'I have to be up early to help my wife and do the morning shifts. "Don't get me wrong, there are still occasions where I go out, but it's not the same. Rest is key.' Advertisement Most read in Bizarre Latest Save Me comes ahead of the release of Olly's first album in three years before 2025 is out. He teased: 'I've been writing since the end of last year. I didn't want to do what people expected of me. I wanted to come back fresh with something different.' He added: 'My album is finished. I'm super excited. It wasn't planned. I'm just rolling with it. 'I think the most important thing is I have a good work-life balance with my job, my wife and my kids. Advertisement "I'm just happy, man. You only get one chance, there is no sequel. "I am doing music I want to do rather than what people want me to do.' UNION'S GEORGE GETS WASTED IN NEW BAND 7 George Shelley, who was previously part of Union J, has created a new band called Lightlines Credit: Courtney Philip 7 British singer Jorja Smith has put out her single With You Credit: supplied Advertisement GEORGE SHELLEY, who was previously part of Union J, has created a new band called Lightlines, and they have just released their debut single Wasted. The singer has teamed up with guitarist Alex Pothecary and drummer Will Jackson for the group. Speaking about the song, George said: 'I wrote Wasted in the aftermath of a breakdown. It's me reclaiming my power, my self-worth and setting boundaries. 'Wasted is me saying no, taking back control of my life. And it is the release that came with finally letting go.' Advertisement Another former boy-bander, The Wanted's Nathan Sykes, has also dropped a new tune called Getting Lost, which will feature on his long-awaited second solo album Ultraviolet, out on October 17. Brilliant British singer Jorja Smith has put out her single With You, while Ayra Starr has dropped Hot Body to get you dancing this summer. And make sure you check out the second album from indie rockers THE K'S. Called Pretty On The Internet, it is out today. SHE'S CHERRY EMOTIONAL 7 Singer Mabel with her mum Neneh Cherry Credit: PA Advertisement MABEL should slide some tissues into mum Neneh Cherry's handbag on the day of her upcoming wedding to Sony A&R Preye Crooks. The pop star told Michael Dapaah's YouTube show: 'My mum just cries all the time because she's so excited.' She added later: 'One time a guy pulled up to my house in a Lamborghini and I remember my dad being like, 'Never bring a man to my house again until you're serious'. 'The next guy he met was Preye.' Advertisement MERYL'S BACK IN PRADA 7 Meryl Streep in a purple blouse and shades as filming begins for The Devil Wears Prada sequel Credit: Getty THROW away your spring florals, Miranda Priestly is back in town. She wore a purple blouse and shades as she shot scenes with Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci in New York. Advertisement The 2006 original has become a cult classic and when this new movie comes out next May, it's bound to cause another splash. LEAVING IS HARD FOR BILLIE 7 Billie Eilish performing during her Hit Me Hard And Soft tour Credit: getty At the gig at Manchester's Co-op Live, Billie said: 'This tour has been so wonderful and beautiful and amazing. Advertisement 'It's really weird to be somewhere so beautiful and have such an amazing experience . . . while the world is going through so much horror – especially back home in the US. 'It's a weird, false reality to be doing something so fun when so many people are suffering. 'Anyway, I want to send my love to all those who need it in the war. I love you guys so much.' Billie also revealed her brother and collaborator Finneas was in the crowd, along with her parents. Advertisement She added: 'I also have to thank my amazing tour team and crew who work so hard to put this show together every night. 'I want to thank my brother Finneas, who is here, and both my parents, who are also in this room. 'It's been so wonderful that you guys are here and I get to do this show every night – it's such an amazing experience. I feel so lucky.' FANS GET FREE ROLL HELLO Fresh has come up with a novel idea to ensure Oasis fans living near Wembley Stadium line their stomachs ahead of their first show in the capital tonight. Helping fans to Roll With It, quite literally, the food delivery company is including a free brioche bun to customers living in the HA9 and HA0 postcodes. Fans have to sign up to get the free vegan cob with their meal kit, with each bun – made by local company Bake + Brew – stamped with the title of NOEL and Liam Gallagher's 1995 hit. It'll certainly help soak up the booze. TOM PETTY's acclaimed documentary Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making Of Wildflowers is coming out on blu-ray on September 12. Advertisement It's the first time the film has been released in a physical format and fans will also get 30 minutes of bonus content, along with four of Tom's music videos. The docu captures two years of the rocker's life from 1993 when he first worked with producer Rick Rubin.
Scottish Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- Scottish Sun
Olly Murs lifts lid on boozy nights out and reveals drink he can no longer touch as he launches brand new single
Click to share on X/Twitter (Opens in new window) Click to share on Facebook (Opens in new window) EVERYONE's favourite cheeky chappy Olly Murs is back with a new single, Save Me. In what may be the most relatable track of the year, Olly sings about his messy nights out, losing his wallet and being sick in the back of a cab. Sign up for the Entertainment newsletter Sign up 7 Singer Olly Murs is back with a new single, Save Me Credit: Supplied 7 Olly sings about his messy nights out on new track Save Me He told Bizarre: 'It is nice not to be writing a song about being in love and how we are happy together. This is more the grittiness of life. 'For me, a drink I can't touch is Sambuca – no night ever started well on Sambuca. It was the first shot you would take when you're 18 or 19. 'Even when I smell it now, it takes me back to when I was first sick or threw up in the taxi. I stay away from it now.' Laughing, he added: 'I'm 41 years of age. I've had some messy nights. My worst ever hangover was actually on Christmas Eve eve. 'We went out to Winter Wonderland and I did lose my wallet, and two guys dressed as Mario and Luigi found it in the toilets. I had to drive to Luton the next day to get it back.' Olly, who is expecting his second child with wife Amelia, revealed fatherhood has made him 'tone it down'. He said: 'I have to be up early to help my wife and do the morning shifts. "Don't get me wrong, there are still occasions where I go out, but it's not the same. Rest is key.' Save Me comes ahead of the release of Olly's first album in three years before 2025 is out. He teased: 'I've been writing since the end of last year. I didn't want to do what people expected of me. I wanted to come back fresh with something different.' He added: 'My album is finished. I'm super excited. It wasn't planned. I'm just rolling with it. 'I think the most important thing is I have a good work-life balance with my job, my wife and my kids. "I'm just happy, man. You only get one chance, there is no sequel. "I am doing music I want to do rather than what people want me to do.' UNION'S GEORGE GETS WASTED IN NEW BAND 7 George Shelley, who was previously part of Union J, has created a new band called Lightlines Credit: Courtney Philip 7 British singer Jorja Smith has put out her single With You Credit: supplied GEORGE SHELLEY, who was previously part of Union J, has created a new band called Lightlines, and they have just released their debut single Wasted. The singer has teamed up with guitarist Alex Pothecary and drummer Will Jackson for the group. Speaking about the song, George said: 'I wrote Wasted in the aftermath of a breakdown. It's me reclaiming my power, my self-worth and setting boundaries. 'Wasted is me saying no, taking back control of my life. And it is the release that came with finally letting go.' Another former boy-bander, The Wanted's Nathan Sykes, has also dropped a new tune called Getting Lost, which will feature on his long-awaited second solo album Ultraviolet, out on October 17. Brilliant British singer Jorja Smith has put out her single With You, while Ayra Starr has dropped Hot Body to get you dancing this summer. And make sure you check out the second album from indie rockers THE K'S. Called Pretty On The Internet, it is out today. SHE'S CHERRY EMOTIONAL 7 Singer Mabel with her mum Neneh Cherry Credit: PA MABEL should slide some tissues into mum Neneh Cherry's handbag on the day of her upcoming wedding to Sony A&R Preye Crooks. The pop star told Michael Dapaah's YouTube show: 'My mum just cries all the time because she's so excited.' She added later: 'One time a guy pulled up to my house in a Lamborghini and I remember my dad being like, 'Never bring a man to my house again until you're serious'. 'The next guy he met was Preye.' MERYL'S BACK IN PRADA 7 Meryl Streep in a purple blouse and shades as filming begins for The Devil Wears Prada sequel Credit: Getty THROW away your spring florals, Miranda Priestly is back in town. Meryl Streep has been snapped back in character as the top fashion editor as work gets under way on The Devil Wears Prada sequel. She wore a purple blouse and shades as she shot scenes with Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci in New York. The 2006 original has become a cult classic and when this new movie comes out next May, it's bound to cause another splash. LEAVING IS HARD FOR BILLIE 7 Billie Eilish performing during her Hit Me Hard And Soft tour Credit: getty BILLIE EILISH got emotional at the last UK show of her Hit Me Hard And Soft tour. At the gig at Manchester's Co-op Live, Billie said: 'This tour has been so wonderful and beautiful and amazing. 'It's really weird to be somewhere so beautiful and have such an amazing experience . . . while the world is going through so much horror – especially back home in the US. 'It's a weird, false reality to be doing something so fun when so many people are suffering. 'Anyway, I want to send my love to all those who need it in the war. I love you guys so much.' Billie also revealed her brother and collaborator Finneas was in the crowd, along with her parents. She added: 'I also have to thank my amazing tour team and crew who work so hard to put this show together every night. 'I want to thank my brother Finneas, who is here, and both my parents, who are also in this room. 'It's been so wonderful that you guys are here and I get to do this show every night – it's such an amazing experience. I feel so lucky.' FANS GET FREE ROLL HELLO Fresh has come up with a novel idea to ensure Oasis fans living near Wembley Stadium line their stomachs ahead of their first show in the capital tonight. Helping fans to Roll With It, quite literally, the food delivery company is including a free brioche bun to customers living in the HA9 and HA0 postcodes. Fans have to sign up to get the free vegan cob with their meal kit, with each bun – made by local company Bake + Brew – stamped with the title of NOEL and Liam Gallagher's 1995 hit. It'll certainly help soak up the booze. TOM PETTY's acclaimed documentary Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making Of Wildflowers is coming out on blu-ray on September 12. It's the first time the film has been released in a physical format and fans will also get 30 minutes of bonus content, along with four of Tom's music videos. The docu captures two years of the rocker's life from 1993 when he first worked with producer Rick Rubin.
The Sun
24-07-2025
- Entertainment
- The Sun
Olly Murs lifts lid on boozy nights out and reveals drink he can no longer touch as he launches brand new single
EVERYONE's favourite cheeky chappy Olly Murs is back with a new single, Save Me. In what may be the most relatable track of the year, Olly sings about his messy nights out, losing his wallet and being sick in the back of a cab. He told Bizarre: 'It is nice not to be writing a song about being in love and how we are happy together. This is more the grittiness of life. 'For me, a drink I can't touch is Sambuca – no night ever started well on Sambuca. It was the first shot you would take when you're 18 or 19. 'Even when I smell it now, it takes me back to when I was first sick or threw up in the taxi. I stay away from it now.' Laughing, he added: 'I'm 41 years of age. I've had some messy nights. My worst ever hangover was actually on Christmas Eve eve. 'We went out to Winter Wonderland and I did lose my wallet, and two guys dressed as Mario and Luigi found it in the toilets. I had to drive to Luton the next day to get it back.' Olly, who is expecting his second child with wife Amelia, revealed fatherhood has made him 'tone it down'. He said: 'I have to be up early to help my wife and do the morning shifts. "Don't get me wrong, there are still occasions where I go out, but it's not the same. Rest is key.' Save Me comes ahead of the release of Olly's first album in three years before 2025 is out. He teased: 'I've been writing since the end of last year. I didn't want to do what people expected of me. I wanted to come back fresh with something different.' He added: 'My album is finished. I'm super excited. It wasn't planned. I'm just rolling with it. 'I think the most important thing is I have a good work-life balance with my job, my wife and my kids. "I'm just happy, man. You only get one chance, there is no sequel. "I am doing music I want to do rather than what people want me to do.' UNION'S GEORGE GETS WASTED IN NEW BAND 7 7 GEORGE SHELLEY, who was previously part of Union J, has created a new band called Lightlines, and they have just released their debut single Wasted. The singer has teamed up with guitarist Alex Pothecary and drummer Will Jackson for the group. Speaking about the song, George said: 'I wrote Wasted in the aftermath of a breakdown. It's me reclaiming my power, my self-worth and setting boundaries. 'Wasted is me saying no, taking back control of my life. And it is the release that came with finally letting go.' Another former boy-bander, The Wanted's Nathan Sykes, has also dropped a new tune called Getting Lost, which will feature on his long-awaited second solo album Ultraviolet, out on October 17. Brilliant British singer Jorja Smith has put out her single With You, while Ayra Starr has dropped Hot Body to get you dancing this summer. And make sure you check out the second album from indie rockers THE K'S. Called Pretty On The Internet, it is out today. SHE'S CHERRY EMOTIONAL 7 MABEL should slide some tissues into mum Neneh Cherry's handbag on the day of her upcoming wedding to Sony A&R Preye Crooks. The pop star told Michael Dapaah's YouTube show: 'My mum just cries all the time because she's so excited.' She added later: 'One time a guy pulled up to my house in a Lamborghini and I remember my dad being like, 'Never bring a man to my house again until you're serious'. 'The next guy he met was Preye.' MERYL'S BACK IN PRADA 7 THROW away your spring florals, Miranda Priestly is back in town. Meryl Streep has been snapped back in character as the top fashion editor as work gets under way on The Devil Wears Prada sequel. She wore a purple blouse and shades as she shot scenes with Anne Hathaway and Stanley Tucci in New York. The 2006 original has become a cult classic and when this new movie comes out next May, it's bound to cause another splash. LEAVING IS HARD FOR BILLIE 7 BILLIE EILISH got emotional at the last UK show of her Hit Me Hard And Soft tour. At the gig at Manchester's Co-op Live, Billie said: 'This tour has been so wonderful and beautiful and amazing. 'It's really weird to be somewhere so beautiful and have such an amazing experience . . . while the world is going through so much horror – especially back home in the US. 'It's a weird, false reality to be doing something so fun when so many people are suffering. 'Anyway, I want to send my love to all those who need it in the war. I love you guys so much.' Billie also revealed her brother and collaborator Finneas was in the crowd, along with her parents. She added: 'I also have to thank my amazing tour team and crew who work so hard to put this show together every night. 'I want to thank my brother Finneas, who is here, and both my parents, who are also in this room. 'It's been so wonderful that you guys are here and I get to do this show every night – it's such an amazing experience. I feel so lucky.' FANS GET FREE ROLL HELLO Fresh has come up with a novel idea to ensure Oasis fans living near Wembley Stadium line their stomachs ahead of their first show in the capital tonight. Helping fans to Roll With It, quite literally, the food delivery company is including a free brioche bun to customers living in the HA9 and HA0 postcodes. Fans have to sign up to get the free vegan cob with their meal kit, with each bun – made by local company Bake + Brew – stamped with the title of NOEL and Liam Gallagher's 1995 hit. It'll certainly help soak up the booze. TOM PETTY's acclaimed documentary Somewhere You Feel Free: The Making Of Wildflowers is coming out on blu-ray on September 12. It's the first time the film has been released in a physical format and fans will also get 30 minutes of bonus content, along with four of Tom's music videos. The docu captures two years of the rocker's life from 1993 when he first worked with producer Rick Rubin.
BBC News
09-07-2025
- Entertainment
- BBC News
Warwickshire teen DJ stages sustainable raves for under-18s
A teenage DJ has set up sustainable club nights for under-18 year Seven, 15, hosts a rave night called Wasted, which they said was born out of a passion for music, youth culture, and the stands for "waste education", and plastic is banned at the events, signs and noticeboards are made from recycled materials, and clubbers are encouraged to car share to get Warwickshire teenager said they wanted to show other people it was possible to do things differently and inspire them to recycle, and make other changes to help the environment. Sam said sustainability mattered a lot, as "ultimately, as a 15-year-old, this is about my future".It was also important to make it "cool," said the DJ, as sustainability can be "a bit of a boring subject for some people," despite many young people being fearful about climate is billed as being about regenerating rave culture through sustainability, climate messaging and positive mental wants to use the "community" of dancing in a room together to encourage action for the planet. There have been two club nights so far at Playbox Theatre, Warwick, where Sam said the reception had been great, and people "really resonate with the message."The DJ is even looking to use biodegradable glowsticks at the events, as they are "potentially one of the worst things" for the environment, but they are "super important" at a Seven is keen to make a living from playing music, as long as it remains possible to stick to beliefs around sustainability, because DJing is one of the "coolest jobs". Follow BBC Coventry & Warwickshire on BBC Sounds, Facebook, X and Instagram.
Irish Examiner
17-05-2025
- Entertainment
- Irish Examiner
Climate roundtable: Aoife McNamara, Dr Tara Shine, Conor Spacey and Pat Kane on taking care of the planet
On the 'why' and where their passion for sustainability began Aoife McNamara: Since I was younger, I've always been obsessed with being outdoors. So, it wasn't that the word sustainable was something that I wanted to have in my clothing brand, it was why I started. Nature was in every single part of what I was doing - from my inspiration to my fabric sourcing. It was so seamlessly integrated into my process. A huge part of my ambition of a fashion designer is to try and redesign the Irish and international fashion industry to offer more transparent and circular fashion where we don't create any waste. Pat Kane: I would blame [my passion] on my grandmother. We grew up with her growing her own vegetables; raising her own animals. Not to eat them but more just to have them around which was lovely to see. I was raised by the sea in Rio de Janeiro. The sea was my garden so there was always that respect going on, so it was a natural fit. I'm the founder of Reuzi, Ireland's one-stop shop for sustainable living goods to help reduce household waste. CLIMATE & SUSTAINABILITY HUB Tara Shine: To go back to where my interest in sustainability comes from, it predates the word, I guess. That's how old I am. But in less glamourous surroundings of Kilkenny rather than Rio de Janeiro, I had a similar love for nature and curiosity about the natural world. Aoife McNamara: "What I'd love to see is more of this conscious mindset coming in and that people understand that if they do invest in this garment, they will hand it down from generation to generation." Picture: Anastasiia Redko. I trained as an environmental scientist. I'm lucky because it has taken me all around the world as a climate change negotiator, as an advisor to different governments and international agencies. After eight years of travelling with Mary Robinson as part of the Mary Robinson Foundation - Climate Justice, I decided to turn my attention to Ireland. That led me to write a book, 'How to Save Your Planet One Object at a Time' and to set up Change by Degrees. Conor Spacey: I'm 37 years cooking which is long before the word suitability even appeared or anyone knew what it was. I founded a company 10 years ago called FoodSpace. I work on food systems here in Ireland but on a global level as well. I brought out my first book two years ago – 'Wasted' which is based on food waste. That was always my thing – people at home [and] showcasing simple little hacks and changes that they can make to stop food waste in their home. On sustainability being a 'trend' Conor: I do struggle with the word sustainability because I think it has kind of lost its meaning, to be quite honest. Pat: I completely agree and I'm not in the field for so long. I come from a different world, but I think greenwashing is a big problem – people using the word just because they can. I feel like it has become the trendy little thing. You see content creators that are being sponsored by fast fashion suddenly talking about sustainable fashion. Because it's cool. It feels like you can just use the word – you don't have to find any depth in knowledge or the understanding. Conor Spacey, Culinary Director of Foodspace Ireland. Picture: Philip Doyle Tara: I would say though, I've seen a lot of these words come in an out over the the overriding response we get in Change by Degrees when we help people understand what sustainability is - is surprise. They didn't know that sustainability was about human rights; they didn't know it was about their health and wellbeing; they didn't know it was about the representation of women in minorities in decision making – they just thought it was about boring old carbon and pollution. Helping people understand what the word means so that they're also better able to hold the people who use it incorrectly to account is, I think, important. Just throwing the word in the bin isn't going to solve the problem. But I understand the frustrations. I have those too. Aoife: It's funny - it was two years into my business, and I was creating these sustainable clothes, but I felt like I wasn't getting through to people. I felt like I was just talking about sustainability, but I wanted to do more. It was two years in that I started to do Rewilding Retreats. It was all about really getting people in – and as you said, Tara - educating people on what sustainability actually means; what having a conscious mindset actually means. Education is the biggest part of my role nowadays. On politics, the pandemic and where the world stands now Conor: I think there's a lot of really good stuff going on and it's masked by what's going on in the States and so on in terms of corporations and political moves. Do I believe that Trump can deliver on anything that he's threatening to deliver? I don't. I'm not in any way political but I don't think he'd be allowed to. When the big corporations which are already taking a hit – when they are affected, it will stop because at the end of the day that's where the money is. Tara: I'm really frustrated with the state of the world in this current moment. I see an amazing lack of leadership. That failure is also an opportunity, I hope, for new leaders to be inspired enough to step in and so that our kids might grow up with a different style of leadership. I think what's really important is we don't all get dispirited and just switch off but rather to say 'I'm going to use my sphere of influence to make the best impression'; do good for people; do good for the planet. Get reenergized by that. Pat Kane, sustainability strategist and founder of "I'm seeing people become more conscious of individual impact, local sourcing is becoming more common; I see this with clients. There is a rise in sustainable consumption practices." Pat: I do think in some ways we have regressed since the pandemic and the political climate. Sometimes these kinds of things tend to favour short-term solutions over the long-term sustainability initiatives we need to see. Now, we are looking at economic recovery, trying to deal with any sort of immediate issues around immigration, jobs, health. But I do think in many ways we have progressed as well. I'm seeing people become more conscious of individual impact, local sourcing is becoming more common; I see this with clients. There is a rise in sustainable consumption practices. I do think there's growing public pressure for bigger systemic changes in areas of renewable energy, reducing waste, transportation. Even if I compare my little journey here over the past eight years, people were asking me 'What are you doing?' 'Are you crazy?' and now everybody is like, 'This is it. We have to do it'. I do feel like as collective we're more conscious on where we need to go. Aoife: It's a hard one isn't it, because there is so much hopelessness sometimes that people feel with sustainability, but I think all of us here are very hopeful – that's probably why we're all in these sectors. You have to be hopeful when it comes to this, especially with what's happening in the world. We're filming a documentary at the moment all around the impact the fast fashion industry is having on our planet. I was over in Kenya at Dandora landfill – one of the biggest landfills in the world and it was so heartbreaking and so scary to see. But what it also gave me was hope because when I talked about it and when I shared the message online – the amount of interest – I could see people actually cared. On what the future looks like Tara: A crisis is always an opportunity for growth and disruption. If you remember back to covid, we talked about building back better. Do you remember that expression? We were going to learn the lessons of a global pandemic and we were going to do things differently. We haven't. We've just gone back to doing things exactly like we used to. That's a very frustrating part of human nature. When we have such a deep experience, a lived experience, why doesn't it change how we do things? Now we're in the midst of another crisis around cost of living, around the great geo-political changes in the world... so again we have an opportunity to say, ok in all of this mayhem, what's going to emerge from this? As people who care about other people and people who care about nature, that's where we need to be putting our heads together and getting organised and figuring out how we're going to find a way out of this current situation and into something better. Dr Tara Shine: "Suitability doesn't belong to green people. It belongs to everybody, and everybody belongs in the conversation." Aoife: What I'd love to see is more of this conscious mindset coming in and that people understand that if they do invest in this garment, they will hand it down from generation to generation. Another big thing that I want to see come to life more is understanding the ingredients. It's very similar to food. Having better quality ingredients in what you have is not only better for the planet, but also better for yourself. It's the same for fashion. The material I'm wearing now is sustainable wool – Irish woven fiber – is much better than wearing a polyester fiber and then if you're looking at the lifecycle of that garment, you're starting from nature, you're ending in nature. Tara: I do not know why women accept to be dressed in plastic. I don't get it. Aoife: I feel like sometimes a lot of people don't even know what polyester is actually made of. Or don't want to know. Conor: Same as food. People don't actually realise what it means. Because these items are given different names it disguises the fact of what they are, and I see that in food as you see it in fashion, Aoife. It's set up in a way that you have to go Google what you're wearing – because on the label it's going to say 30% cotton 70% polyester or whatever it is and [they're] not realising its plastic. There's more plastic in that top than your credit card. On where to start and why we don't have to be perfect Conor: People are more and more aware, but with that comes people being overwhelmed. They don't know where to start. My youngest - she's 14 now - and she goes to McDonald's. I'm not going to say she doesn't. She goes with her friends, and she has chicken nuggets. I've shown her the videos. I've shown her what the chicken nuggets is. I was driving her one day from school and she said, 'can we go to the drive-thru' and I said, 'you hardly want to get chicken nuggets – I told you; it's beaks, it's eyes....' She goes, 'hang on a minute, you're all about food waste so if that chicken is being killed, should we not be eating all of it?' This is where you have this young generation who think they know it all and they have smart answers and we have the parents that are trying to make changes, they are aware, but they're overwhelmed. It's [all about] making out positive, little steps - easy wins that give you confidence. All of a sudden when you see these changes happening in your home, you kind of go 'wow, I can do that.' Don't set yourself up to fail. Be positive. Plan out. Make easy wins. I know time is not on our side, but to bring people on the journey I always say set out a year. A 12-month plan. In my home, what am I going to do? Make it accessible. Pat: Coming from my area of sustainable living, I would say try to embrace sustainable habits in your daily routine. Starting with something very simple yet impactful. It's not a massive lifestyle change. It's a small thing you can do. I'm always coming from a place where I'm encouraging people to audit their lifestyle. Look inside your bins and see what is it that you're wasting the most? It's such a small thing but at the end of the week, what went into our bins? If there's a lot of food packaging, can I do better on that front? If there's a lot of composting waste, what happened there? Why did we throw away so much food? It's not a cake recipe. We're not all going to all have the same issues because we have different lifestyles but understanding the problem and setting up your goals and what 'good' looks like could be a good place to start. It is cost-effective. I would love for people to start seeing that. Why would you go for a fashion haul when you can buy a very good piece or an item that will last you for years? Aoife: For me, it's can you do something small. Can you look to second hand? Can you set up a vault on your account to start saving for that investment garment? When you invest in something; when you spend that money and save for it, you really do appreciate it so much more than that fast-fashion or that cheaper purchase that you're not as connected to. Tara: Suitability doesn't belong to green people. It belongs to everybody, and everybody belongs in the conversation. That is not a conversation for people who are perfect. Conor just said he's not perfect. His kids eat McDonalds, my kids eat McDonalds. That's how it is. There is no perfect in this. Know where your food comes from, read the label on your clothes, be curious. Then take an action. Do something different. When you take that action, think about how that makes you feel. Human beings are driven by emotional stories so tell the story of your action – not in a preachy way – but rather like, 'it felt so good because I did this'. Your friends and family and colleagues trust you and listen to you more than any politician, any expert. You are their biggest influencer and that is the great untapped power. THE PANEL Dr Tara Shine: Environmental scientist, policy advisor, co-founder and CEO of Change by Degrees Conor Spacey: Zero-waste, plant-based chef and Culinary Director of FoodSpace Ireland Aoife McNamara: Founder of B-Corp certified fashion label Aoife McNamara Pat Kane: Sustainability advocate and chief sustainability officer at Pragmatica and founder at reuzi
