Making Sustainability Less Miserable with Lucy Hawthorne, Climate Play

In this episode of Straight Talking Sustainability, Emma welcomes Lucy Hawthorne, founder of Climate Play, to unpack how play—especially using LEGO—can be a powerful tool in making sustainability engagement more effective and enjoyable. They discuss the neuroscience of play, overcoming cynicism, and practical facilitation techniques to unlock creativity and connection in sustainability journeys.Key TopicsLucy Hawthorne's journey from environmental campaigning to play-based sustainability facilitation 02:11The limitations of traditional moralistic and fear-based sustainability approaches 02:46Introduction to LEGO Serious Play as a facilitation method 06:45How using LEGO unlocks new ways of thinking, connection, and imagination 08:52The science: neuroscience of play and embodied cognition 08:56, 19:51Overcoming organizational resistance to play-based methods 12:34, 14:50A live micro LEGO exercise exploring the "Three Horizons" future-thinking tool 19:24How facilitation via play can level hierarchies and increase inclusive participation 26:36The importance of imagination and creating positive, strengths-based visions of the future in sustainability work 31:03Expanding play-based facilitation across sectors—business, academia, coaching, and more 35:09Playfulness as a mindset: responding to uncertainty and experimenting beyond the status quo 38:21Standout Quotes"What if sustainability wasn’t so miserable?" — Lucy Hawthorne 13:56"The LEGO is the method, but the mindset is about being willing to experiment and see opportunities." — Lucy Hawthorne 38:21Connect with Lucy HawthorneWebsite: climateplay.orgIf you enjoyed this episode, help spread the word by sharing, rating, and subscribing!Book a Power Hour with Emma https://calendly.com/emma-lighthouse/power-hourConnect with EmmaWebsiteEmailEmma Burlow | LinkedIn