As the new year begins, Alasdair and Jane reflect on what sustainability really means going into 2026. Rather than chasing perfection or the latest green trend, this episode focuses on practical choices, better systems, and learning from where things continue to go wrong.
News Round-Up
Landfill Collapse Exposes the Human Cost of Waste
A landfill collapse in the Philippines has killed at least one person and trapped dozens more, underlining how poorly managed waste sites can become life-threatening. It’s a stark reminder that waste management failures don’t just damage the environment — they endanger lives.
Lego’s “Smart Bricks” Spark Sustainability Concerns
Lego has unveiled tech-filled Smart Bricks, prompting unease from experts about durability, repairability, and the growing trend of adding electronics to everyday products. Alasdair and Jane question whether this kind of innovation really supports sustainability or creates more future waste.
Kidlington Fly-Tip Clean-Up Comes With a Heavy Price Tag
The long-awaited clearance of the Kidlington illegal waste site is due to begin in February, with an £8 million contract awarded to Acumen Waste Services. Around 21,000 tonnes of waste will be cleared at a cost of roughly £380 per tonne — a reminder that waste crime always ends up costing someone.
Britain’s Biggest Fly-Tip Back in the Spotlight
A major illegal waste dump has hit national headlines again, highlighting years of inaction and regulatory failure. The discussion focuses less on shock value and more on how sites like this are allowed to grow unnoticed for so long.
Farewell to Zero Waste Scotland’s CEO
Zero Waste Scotland has announced that CEO Iain Gulland will step down after 11 years. Alasdair and Jane reflect on the importance of leadership in driving long-term progress on waste prevention and the circular economy.
Topic: Be More Sustainable in 2026
Rather than setting unrealistic resolutions, Alasdair and Jane argue that sustainability in 2026 needs to be about better decisions, not more effort. They discuss how the pressure to be “environmentally perfect” often puts people off entirely, when small, consistent changes can have a far greater impact over time.
The conversation touches on over-engineered products, unnecessary technology, and the growing disconnect between how things are designed and how they’re ultimately disposed of. From smart toys and disposable electronics to the hidden costs of convenience, they question whether many so-called sustainable innovations are actually creating tomorrow’s waste problems.
They also stress that sustainability can’t sit solely with households. Without proper producer responsibility, strong regulation, and systems that support reuse and repair, individuals are left carrying the burden. Prevention — designing waste out before it exists — comes up again and again as the real priority for the year ahead.
Rubbish Rant
This week’s rant targets performative sustainability — flashy ideas, complex systems and sustainable claims that look good on paper but don’t work in practice. As Alasdair and Jane see it, 2026 doesn’t need more buzzwords or gimmicks. It needs simpler choices, clearer responsibility, and systems that actually make it easier to do the right thing.
Final thought: You don’t have to do everything in 2026 — just do something better and keep doing it.
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