135. Sustainability Demystified: Insights, Challenges, and Bold Solutions. Tom Barlett and Lindsey Drylie Carey

🎙️ Featuring Tom Barlett & Lindsey Drylie Carey

Join us in this insightful episode where we explore the ever-evolving concept of sustainability through the eyes of two distinguished academics, Tom Barlett and Lindsey Drylie Carey.

Recorded from the Alex Ferguson Library at Glasgow Caledonian University, this conversation delves into the complexities, challenges, and opportunities in communicating and implementing sustainable practices across industries and communities.

Key Takeaways:

1. Sustainability as a Multifaceted Concept o Sustainability means different things to different groups—be it cultural preservation in coastal communities, reducing environmental impacts in fashion, or addressing overtourism in destinations like Majorca. The challenge lies in communicating across disciplines and sectors, ensuring everyone can navigate their unique "journey" without losing sight of shared goals.
2.  Buzzwords, Definitions, and the Power of Dialogue o Sustainability has become a buzzword, yet its definitions often remain vague or industry-specific. o Rather than striving for a singular definition, it’s essential to foster dialogue and understanding among diverse stakeholders, enabling collaborative solutions tailored to unique contexts.
3.  Challenges: Greenwashing and Greenhushing o Greenwashing: Overstating sustainability achievements for branding, often undermining trust. o Greenhushing: Avoiding communication about real sustainability efforts for fear of criticism or misinterpretation. o Both practices highlight the need for transparency and accountability in sustainability reporting.
4. The Academic Role in Sustainability o Academics act as facilitators, bridging gaps between industries, governments, and local communities. o From crafting case studies to measuring progress, their contributions are crucial in guiding meaningful, long-term change. From Scotland to the World This episode highlights vivid examples like the fishing communities of Barra in Scotland, where sustainability intertwines with preserving livelihoods and local cultures. Insights are also drawn from industries like fashion, where balancing ethical production with economic viability is a constant journey.
5. 🔑 Quote of the Day: "Sustainability isn’t a fixed destination—it’s a journey marked by milestones, challenges, and continuous adaptation." – Tom Barlett 💬 Why Listen? This episode offers a balanced perspective on sustainability, exploring real-world implications, cultural nuances, and the power of interdisciplinary collaboration. Whether you're in academia, industry, or simply curious about the future of our planet, there’s something here for everyone.

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