Welcome to Episode 48 of the Rubbish Talk Podcast! In this episode, we have the pleasure of speaking with Jennifer Carfrae, Programme Director for the Masters in Soils and Sustainability, a collaborative effort between Scotland’s Rural College (SRUC) and the University of Edinburgh.
Jennifer has been with SRUC since 2007 and has run the Masters programme since 2012, helping develop the next generation of soil scientists and sustainability experts. With teaching responsibilities that span from HNC up to Masters level, Jennifer’s work includes crucial subjects like resource recovery, remediation of degraded land, and the strategies behind effective land restoration. Her research often intersects with the waste industry, with a specific focus on how material recovery can support real-world applications. Jennifer works closely with industry partners to address the “wicked challenges” of our time, such as biodiversity loss in construction soils and moving industries like construction towards a more circular economy.
Jennifer and her students tackle some challenging topics in the classroom, and she has a unique perspective on recycling behaviours. She shares how she has seen, firsthand, how behaviour around recycling varies greatly depending on individual circumstances, cultural backgrounds, and even competing life pressures. In her view, effective recycling behaviour requires an understanding of these variables, and making progress toward behaviour change is about acknowledging these personal and societal complexities.
With a class full of international students, Jennifer’s classroom discussions are enriched by a diversity of perspectives. This year, she’s incorporated more discursive activities, allowing students to explore and compare waste management and sustainability policies across various countries. These discussions bring invaluable insights into why certain strategies work better in some places than others, sparking animated debates and enlightening students and educators alike.
Interestingly, Jennifer’s original career path was quite different from where she ended up. She began studying zoology with aspirations of working in conservation, but halfway through her studies, she found her true passion in plant and soil sciences. This discovery led her to ecology, and eventually to a PhD opportunity with the Centre for Ecology and Hydrology, which kickstarted her career. After a brief stint in finance, Jennifer found her way to SRUC, where she discovered her love for waste management and sustainability education.
Jennifer has had her share of memorable roles—both good and bad. One of her favourite aspects of her current position is teaching the Masters module, where the diversity of students brings depth to class discussions. On the other hand, she recalls one of her least favourite experiences: conducting a food waste audit that involved analysing the contents of 29 bins, a task that was as unpleasant as it sounds! Yet, all these experiences have strengthened her resolve and broadened her perspective on sustainability.
Through her work, Jennifer’s views on sustainability and waste management have evolved. She emphasizes the importance of educating others on why sustainable practices matter and feels that the more people understand these implications, the more likely they are to adopt positive changes in their own lives.
Jennifer hopes to continue her work in sustainability, and her advice for young people is simple but powerful: pay attention to the qualifications needed for the jobs you’re interested in and don’t worry if your career path takes unexpected turns. For her, a critical turning point was traveling after a significant health scare, which she recounts in this episode. Since then, she has prioritized experiencing new places every year, making the most of life’s opportunities.
Finally, Jennifer shares her thoughts on using AI, like ChatGPT, in education. While she sees value in tools that can support learning, she stresses the importance of critical engagement and the need for students to develop original ideas and provide their own data in research. For Jennifer, the key is finding a balance, ensuring AI is a supportive tool rather than a substitute for personal effort.
Join us for a deep dive into Jennifer Carfrae’s journey and discover what it takes to make a real-world impact in sustainability. Plus, stay tuned as her Masters students will be attending the Resourcing Scotland Event, where they’ll bring their tough questions to Alasdair in a lively exchange. You won’t want to miss this insightful episode!
Useful Links
Rural Policy Centre Research Briefing
Environmental News Updates
BBC Report on Incineration as UK’s Dirtiest Power Source
This week, Jane discussed a recent BBC report revealing that incinerating household waste has become the UK’s dirtiest method of power generation. As incineration replaces coal, there’s growing concern about the increasing amounts of plastics being burned. Jane questioned whether this focus on incineration is necessary, especially when recycling efforts still have along way to go. The report raises key questions about the environmental impact of waste management and how the UK should balance power generation with sustainability.
Industry Reacts to BBC’s Waste Incineration Analysis
Alasdair introduced the industry’s response to the BBC’s report on incineration, emphasizing the challenges waste management currently faces. With low recycling rates—such as only 20% of public using food waste recycling in Scotland—incineration remains a critical method for handling waste that can’t be recycled or landfilled. While the environmental concerns are acknowledged, the industry stresses that without higher recycling engagement, incineration will still be a necessary part of the waste management strategy. This response adds another layer to the ongoing debate on how best to handle the UK’s waste.
Alasdair initially mentioned a shortfall of 800,000 tonnes in capacity; however, the correct figure is 600,000 tonnes—still a significant shortfall, but not as large as originally stated!
UK DRS Excludes Glass in England and Northern Ireland
This week, Jane and Alasdair discussed the recent announcement from the Circular Economy Minister confirming that glass will not be included in England and Northern Ireland’s Deposit Return Schemes (DRS). The schemes will focus on PET, steel, and aluminium cans. Jane noted that Wales and Scotland still plan to include glass, leading to uncertainty about how the different policies will align.
Alasdair highlighted the potential contradictions, especially since Scotland originally intended to include glass in its DRS, complicating the situation across the UK. Both agreed it’s a “watch this space” situation as the different regions take their own approaches to recycling.
They also touched on the growing opportunities for people to earn money through the DRS, with both Alasdair’s daughter and Jane’s niece collecting plastic bottles for cash in Glasgow and Ireland.
Compostable Produce Stickers Set for 2025 Launch
Jane and Alasdair discussed the fresh produce industry’s recent commitment to replace plastic stickers on fruit with compostable alternatives by 2025. Jane called it a “no-brainer,” pointing out that if plastic stickers are causing compost contamination, switching to compostable versions makes perfect sense. Industry leaders have set an action plan, with the framework to be developed and finalized by the end of 2024. Both agreed this is a positive move in reducing plastic waste and improving food waste recycling.
A special thanks to Jenny Grant from Episode 8, who brought this to our attention through her LinkedIn post.
South Ayrshire Schools Align Recycling with Home Collections
This week, Jane shared news about South Ayrshire schools introducing new recycling bins that mirror household waste collections. Pupils now have designated bins for non-recyclables, paper, cardboard, metals, plastics, and cartons—helping reinforce recycling habits both at home and in school. Jane noted that this is a logical move, hoping more schools and councils follow suit. Well done to South Ayrshire Council for making these improvements! Want to find out more about what South Ayrshire Council are doing to drive change? Listen to John Morrison on Episode 45.
Alasdair added that similar changes are happening in offices, where recycling systems now match household practices. However, he highlighted a gap in services, mentioning a small business owner who struggled to get commercial food waste collection despite council services being available for households – the joy of the waste sector where restrictions to a service make sense to people in the sector but absolutely no sense to the wider public. This illustrates the need for better access to waste recycling for businesses as well.
Glasgow Tenements Pilot Electric Wallpaper Scheme to Combat Climate Change
In an innovative approach to reducing carbon emissions, a pilot scheme in Glasgow is testing electric wallpaper designed to improve heating efficiency in tenement properties. Jane and Alasdair discussed how this technology, similar to underfloor heating, aims to combat climate change by offering a more efficient way to heat homes, particularly in areas where traditional heating methods, like gas central heating, are prevalent.
The new system consists of thin metallic sheets that connect to the electricity supply, utilizing infrared technology to heat solid objects in the room. Jane noted the significant challenge of heat loss in Scottish homes, which account for over 36% of carbon emissions, and expressed curiosity about the potential impact on electricity bills. Both agreed that while this technology sounds promising, particularly for older tenement buildings, further research and evaluation will be essential to determine its viability and effectiveness.
Albion News
Guest Introduction Needed for Our 50th Episode!
We’re excited to announce that our 50th episode of Rubbish Talk is coming up soon! To celebrate, we’re looking for a concise 60-second introduction to the podcast. If you think you can craft an intro that beats Alasdair’s, we want to hear from you!
To submit your introduction, please email us at hello@rubbishtalk.co.uk
Let’s make this milestone episode memorable!
Alasdair’s Adventure in Braemar – finding the “Secret Howff”
Alasdair recently took a holiday near Braemar, where he uncovered a fascinating piece of climbing history. He shared that rock climbing used to be a working-class sport, with climbers traveling from Aberdeen to brave the cliffs despite the often poor weather. Local landowners were not fond of these climbers crossing their land, leading to some adventurous souls building a secret shelter, known as a “howff,” for refuge.
After searching for over an hour and a half in stormy conditions, Alasdair and his companions finally located the elusive howff. Though it was small and cosy — perfect for shelter on a cold winter’s night.
To see pictures from this adventure, click here!
Introducing the Rubbish Talk Strava Club!
We’re thrilled to introduce the Rubbish Talk Strava Club, a community designed to promote health, fitness, and sustainability among our listeners. This club was created to encourage our audience to engage in outdoor activities while spreading the word about our podcast.
As part of our club’s activities, we’re excited to announce the
“10 in 10 Challenge” for the month of November.
The challenge is simple: commit to at least 10 minutes of activity for at least 10 days throughout the month. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can do more! This is a great opportunity to motivate each other and share our experiences while having fun.
If you’re interested in joining us on this journey, search for “Rubbish Talk” on Strava and get involved! Let’s get active together and inspire others along the way!
It is easy to do:
– Download the Strava App
– Find and Join the Rubbish Talk Club
– Track your activities on Strava
– These will automatically by recorded under the Rubbish Talk Club
Attention to all Amazon Podcast Listeners!
We’re excited to share that Rubbish Talk is now available on Amazon Prime! If you enjoy listening on this platform, we’d love for you to check us out there. If there are any other platforms where you’d like to hear our podcast and we’re not available yet, please let us know. We appreciate your support!
Recycle or Revival?
In light of Recycling Week, Alasdair shared an amusing personal experience with his wireless earbuds. After struggling with a broken earpod for three months, he recently discovered that it miraculously started working again! The takeaway? Before tossing out your electronics, give them some time—you might be surprised!
We would love feedback from our listeners!
We are always eager for guest suggestions, general feedback as well as spreading the word about Rubbish Talk to friends, family, colleagues and others to help us reach a wider audience.
Upcoming Training Courses!
2 Day REHIS – Working with Waste Management Legislation Course
📅 Tuesday 10th – Wednesday 11th December 2024
Have you had a look at our Tik Tok Account yet?
We have recently introduced a fortnightly video called “Meet the Team Monday” where we interview our staff and to find out their job roles, favourite part about their job, favourite/funny memory and a “which colleague is most likely to…” question to add some humour. Make sure to follow us and check out our videos.
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Please don’t hesitate to get in touch with your ideas and recommendations. Together, let’s make a positive impact in the waste management community. Thank you for your support!