In episode 65 of Rubbish Talk, we sit down with Louise Robertson, founder of the Sustainables Academy, a volunteer-powered, not-for-profit organisation that’s rewriting how sustainability and waste are taught in schools worldwide. Louise draws on her years as a head teacher and part-time lecturer in the UK and beyond to explain why she felt compelled to replace the traditional “take, use, dispose” approach with a robust circular-economy curriculum that equips both teachers and students with the knowledge and tools they need right now.
Louise tells us how, after observing fresh-faced educators cobbling together random lessons on sustainability, she launched the Sustainables Academy two years ago to provide a structured framework. At its heart are twelve “pathways” each for sustainability, circular economy and climate mental health, brought to life by a cast of playful Earth-steward characters. Those resources are fully aligned with curricula from England, Scotland, Wales, Northern Ireland, Australia and the US TEKS standards—so whether you’re in Sydney or Seattle, you can drop straight into ready-made lesson plans and activities.
Although the Academy’s main age category is ages 3–12, Louise has designed secondary school modules that align with youth leadership programmes like the Duke of Edinburgh award, empowering older students to run sustainability clubs in their local primaries. Already, educators in 61 countries have registered for the free platform—a testament to the appetite for curriculum that goes beyond recycling bins and landfill statistics and instead teaches young people to close the loop from day one.
One of Louise’s favourite innovations is JOT—short for “Just One Thing”— a monthly blog that challenges listeners to take a single, bite-sized action for the planet. Inspired by Michael Mosley’s health tips on Radio 4, JOT might ask you to give your loose change to a community recycling fund or pledge to carry a reusable water bottle for a week. It’s small steps she says, that build momentum and make sustainability feel doable, not daunting.
Looking ahead, Louise is eager to bring youth voices into the Academy’s governance, recruiting student ambassadors and even young board members to help steer its next phase. She’s also on the hunt for sponsors—schools have asked for hi-vis jackets and starter packs for outdoor clubs, and a little financial backing would go a long way. Her ultimate dream? That every school on the planet adopts the Sustainables Academy’s holistic, circular-economy ethos, working hand in hand with existing programmes to turn academic knowledge into real-world change.
When asked what she’d tell young people considering a career in sustainability or waste management, Louise points out that it’s one of the fastest-growing sectors, touching everything from renewable energy and green construction to farming and high-tech recycling. She urges anyone with an interest in science, engineering, creativity or hands-on problem-solving to explore the field—there’s strong demand for fresh ideas, and real opportunities to see the impact of your work every day.
Tune in to episode 56 of Rubbish Talk for all this and more as Louise Robertson shares her candid reflections on why sustainability education needs systems, structure and—above all—students who believe they really can change the world.
Useful Links 🔗
The Sustainables Academy Website
The Sustainables Academy – Facebook Account
The Sustainables Academy – Instagram Account
The Sustainables Academy – X Account
Environmental News Updates 🌍
Collector Turns 450,000 Cans into $70,000 Down Payment
Jane was thrilled to spotlight a LinkedIn story shared by Alex Robinson, CEO of Hubbub (and guest on Episode 25), about a New South Wales recycler who, thanks to the state’s Deposit Return Scheme, gathered 450 000 cans over seven years—earning $70 000, enough for a two-bed down payment. “That’s my new job,” Jane laughed on air, while Alasdair noted that putting a value on waste can unlock real earning opportunities, even if he’s still cautious about DRS.
Fridge on Wheels: GAP ALBA’s Newcastle > Perthshire Cycle
In Episode 64 we spoke with Guy MacGregor about the GAP ALBA fridge-recycling plant—this time, staff from GAP ALBA pedalled a fridge from Newcastle up to Perthshire to mark the plant’s grand opening by Scotland’s First Minister John Swinney. Battling rain and headwinds, they towed their appliance for “Changing Minds with Pick Up a Penny.” Great work from GAP ALBA!
Troon’s Beach Toy Library Makes a Splash
Remember Laura Young from Episode 17? Her Troon Beach Toy Library is now lending spades, buckets and more to seaside families—saving them from buying single-use plastic for a day’s play. Jane loves the idea of building epic sandcastles without cluttering landfills, and Alasdair praised the swap-and-return model as a simple yet powerful way to cut waste.
Scotland’s Circular Economy Ambitions:
Are the Basics in Place?
A joint Zero Waste Scotland & EDAS report shows Scots use 21.2 tonnes of material per person annually—nearly double the global average. Alasdair argued we need a firm foundation of proper bin-sorting and litter disposal before aiming for high-level circularity targets, and Jane agreed that bold policy must go hand-in-hand with day-to-day responsibility.
Albion News
Alasdair’s Hiking Adventure in the Picos Mountains
Alasdair shared his trek through Spain’s Picos Mountains, he highlighted that every hiker must carry out all rubbish they bring in. With no bins or signal on the trail, the rule has resulted in pristine paths and a lighter pack on the descent. Jane quipped, “It was certainly lighter on the way out,” as they both admired a park culture that makes “pack it in, pack it out” second nature.
Get Moving: Join the Rubbish Talk Strava Club
Alasdair reminded us that the Rubbish Talk Strava club is the perfect way to stay motivated and explore new routes—whether you’re tackling mountain trails or just sneaking in a quick walk. After a brief break, Mia has promised to reboot the leaderboard (and Alasdair—fresh off his Picos Mountains adventure—claims the top spot!). Jane is already planning her first entry: “Nothing like friendly competition to get me out the door,” she laughed. Lace up your trainers, join the club, and let’s see who tops the leaderboard next week!
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