Beyond Net Zero Journey

On this episode of Beyond Net Zero Journey, host Chloe Thomas explores her recent transition to a more sustainable video conferencing solution.Recognizing that using video conferencing platforms like Zoom can contribute to carbon emissions, Chloe references Mike Burners Lee's book, "How Bad Are Bananas," (episode 3) which estimates that using Zoom emits around 50 grams of carbon per hour on a desktop.Chloe suggests that using Whereby could be a more eco-conscious option for video conferencing that aims to be better for the planet and people while offering similar or better functionality compared to Zoom.Chloe emphasizes the importance of finding environmentally-friendly solutions for communication and encourages listeners to consider reducing their carbon emissions from video calls and suggests alternative options such as emails.https://whereby.com/Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

On this episode of Beyond Net Zero Journey, host Chloe Thomas shares her recent discovery of a mobile phone service provider in the UK that aligns with her mission of reducing carbon usage.Chloe discusses her decision to switch to Honest Mobile, a BCorp and carbon-negative company that offers a better roaming deal and contributes to environmental causes.She highlights the social proof and eco-consciousness of Honest Mobile, including their carbon offsetting initiatives and awards.Chloe expresses her satisfaction with the service and customer support she received, emphasizing the company's prompt and helpful chat option on their app and website.She encourages businesses to consider Honest Mobile as an easy decision to reduce their carbon footprint.https://chloelink.com/honestmobile Honest mobile - Use code chloe12691 and we both get a free monthThanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

On this episode of Beyond Net Zero Journey, host Chloe Thomas provides the final update on her mission to change her business banking set up so it's better for the planet. She believes that she has reached the law of diminishing returns with the banking project, so it's time to move on to the next caron reduction project... the cloud. Other Benefits:Chloe shares her experiences working with new banks, highlighting that they are much easier to work with compared to the old ones. She has found the process enjoyable, especially with the ease of making changes through online or app-based services. Chloe has found financial benefits in the form of interest on savings, cashback on credit cards, and lower account fees, making her business financially better off.Stay tuned to hear about Chloe's continued journey to go Beyond Net Zero.https://chloelink.com/creditcard Capital On Tap Business Credit Card we switched to (use this link to earn us both £75 when you make your first transaction)https://chloelink.com/monzo Monzo Business Account we switched to (use this link to earn us both £5)Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

On this episode of Beyond Net Zero Journey, host Chloe Thomas invites listeners to join her in a book review of "The Carbon Almanac," a beautifully designed book that offers inspiration and education on the climate crisis. Chloe discusses the collective behind the book, their meticulous research, and the vast resources available on their website. She recommends buying a physical copy of the book from sellers such as B Corps, xigxag, or World of Books and suggests reaching out with any questions or future episode topics. Chloe also updates listeners on her current projects, including the Cloud project, and shares her recent discovery of "eco anxiety" through the pages of "The Carbon Almanac." Tune in to learn from Chloe's journey and discover this insightful book.Get the book here: https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/seth-godin/carbon-almanac/9780241594827Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

It's our first ever interview![warning- Chloe edited this herself, so apologies for the audio not being better!!]Chloe's chatting to Andrew Bosomworth, founder of the brilliant Carbon Poditive tool.This tool has saved Chloe HOURS of trying to work out how to enable her listeners (you included) to listen carbon-guilt free. An awesome easy to use tool, from a team on a brilliant mission.Make your podcast Carbon Poditive here: https://carbonpoditive.com/Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

It's time for another book review - and now Chloe's focusing on book directly relevant to eCommerce.This time it's "The World is on Fire but we're Still Buying Shoes" by Alec Leach.Get your copy here: https://alecleach.com/products/the-world-is-on-fire-but-we-re-still-buying-shoesComment on Chloe's LinkedIn Post about it here: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7022182197113577472-S0q4/Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

It's time to start the next section of our Supplier Audit... and the new focus is The Cloud.How are we going to tackle reducing the carbon footprint of our cloud storage?Chloe's outlining her plan of attack, which includes tackling it in three distinct areas:One - Storage what files are we storing that we shouldn't be?what files are unnecessarily stored in multiple places?what processes can we put in place for the future to limit file duplication AND automate future deletion?Two - CommunicationOur 5 main channels are: Asana, Gmail, Squadcast, Streamyard, and Zoom...Clear out past communications?Reduce carbon footprint of ongoing communications.Consider switching providers...Three - SoftwareAre the cloud tools we're using helping us reduce our carbon footprint?Or do we need to move?Stay tuned for updates as we successfully tackle each one...Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

Reducing the carbon footprint of our business travel has always been part of the journey, and talking about it can have a massive carbon shadow impact (inspiring others to do the same).To help do that Chloe's taken the Flight Free Pledge:What is it?Why take it?How to use it for increasing Carbon ShadowAND... the impact so far...Useful links:Take the pledge with Flight Free UK (no flights OR limit your flights) https://flightfree.co.uk/ Announcement post on LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chloethomasecommerce_im-going-flight-free-this-year-are-you-activity-7024339317149847552-Ae36Thanks for listening.If you've got comments, ideas, or suggestions on this or for a future topic please contact Chloe via LinkedIn https://www.linkedin.com/in/chloethomasecommerce/Find out more about this show and all our episodes here https://www.beyondnetzerojourney.com/

The (final?) stage of our Banking Supplier Audit is underway - and it's the move from FreeAgent to Xero...Quick Banking Supplier Audit recapWhy move to Xero?Any issues?Final thoughts on banking (hopefully!?)See also episodes 7,9,11

Chloe started the year with a Carbon Literacy Training Course..Why get some training?Why this course?What was it like?Would she recommend it?Links:Jen Gale https://www.asustainablelife.co.uk/carbon-literacy/The Carbon Literacy Project/Trust https://carbonliteracy.com/ Fashion Declares https://fashion-declares.org/ LinkedIn post to announce the certification https://www.linkedin.com/posts/activity-7037355293093068800-5fLU

FINALLY we're back with another episode - sorry for the longer-than-intended absence.The good news is that although I've been failing to update this audio diary, I have been doing a lot on our journey. So updates on:Why the gap has been so longCarbon Literacy Training - LinkedIn up date herePodcasts becoming carbon-guilt freeThe end of the banking changes is in sightOur offsetting to date - ecologi page hereChanges to podcast content to encourage more to make the changesUpcoming overstocks eventand plenty more too

We're pausing the show until January, so here's Chloe's look back on 2022 and our progress.Including:OffsettingThe Banking projectThe Travel PolicyFinding ways to keep making progressThe helpful communityInvestingLinks:https://chloelink.com/creditcard Eco UK Business Credit Card we switched to (use this link to earn us both £75 when you make your first transaction)https://chloelink.com/monzo Eco UK Business Account we switched to (use thie lnk to earn us both £5)https://chloelink.com/offsetting Our offsetting service Ecologi (use this link and they will plant 30 trees in my forest when you sign up)

Chloe's review of the book "the Future we Choose the Stubborn Optimists Guide to the Climate Crisis" by Christiana Figueres and Tom Rivett-Carnac. Listen to find out why she read it, what's in it, and why she loved it enough to record a review of it!Get your copy at at a 'good' BCorp bookseller like these two:World of Books (wob) for new and second hand - https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/christiana-figueres/the-future-we-choose/9781786580375XigXag for ebook and audiobook - https://xigxag.co.uk/audiobook/the-future-we-choose-9781838771034/

Time for another diary update!Where have we got with the banking changes?What's the impact been of the website improvements?How's the offsetting going?Which supplier audit topic am I tackling next? (podcasts!)And several more tips too...Mentioned links:Offsetting with ecologi - https://chloelink.com/offsetting (and if you sign up they'll plant 30 trees)Website carbon calculations at websitecarbon.comCapital on Tap Credit card - https://chloelink.com/creditcard (using my referral link to sign up will earn us both £75 when you make your first transaction)Monzo - https://chloelink.com/monzo (We both get £5 when you signup and make a card payment)MyMotherTree banking vs flights infographic - https://www.linkedin.com/posts/dan-sherrard-smith_big-news-based-on-exclusive-research-by-activity-6986255413230903296-GwDL

This episode builds on episode 5 where I shared our carbon reducing Travel Policy.In this one I'm sharing the steps I take to reduce the carbon impact of my work travel.Step1 - do you need to go?Step 2 - do you need to go to the whole thing?Step 3 - Maximise the return from the tripStep 4 - Minimise waste during the tripStep 5 - Low Carbon Travel OptionsStep 6 - Offset the carbon of the tripUseful links:The LinkedIn discussion postReMarkable Tablets https://remarkable.com/Ecologi https://ecologi.com/ecommercemasterplan?r=61b0a531631bbe339e443ed1 (use this link to join ecologi and they'll plant 30 trees!)

How can you do better for the planet when you buy books?Chloe's been trying to work this one out!In this episode she's sharing:The best places to buyThe best formats to buyHer new approach to the books she's readingHer new approach to how she's promoting her own books and othersImportant links:World of Books - BCorp of paperbacks - https://www.wob.com/xigxag - BCorp for ebooks and audiobooks and xbooks - https://xigxag.co.uk/masterplanZiffit - for selling old books easily - https://ziffit.com/

Time for another diary update!Where have we got with the banking changes?What's the impact been of the website improvements?How's the offsetting going?And several more tips too...Mentioned links:See our ecologi status (and if you sign up they'll plant 30 trees)Website carbon calculations at websitecarbon.comCapital on Tap Credit card (using my referral link to sign up will earn us both £75 when you make your first transaction)Monzo (We both get £5 when you signup and make a card payment)

Trying to make the right decisions as you make your business greener / more sustainable etc is HARD.Often there are no perfect answers - it’s actually a balancing act between competing priorities. And a challenge to avoid going down the rabbit hole.Recent eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast guest Kresse Wesling from Elvis and Kresse shared her killer question for faster, better decision making - and it's stuck with me -so here I'm passing it on to all of you.Listen to find out more.And you can hear my chat with the awesome Kresse (one of my eCommerce sustainability heroes) on the eCommerce MasterPlan Podcast episode 392https://ecommercemasterplan.com/elvis-and-kresse-podcast/

This is a quick episode to update you on our progress on our supplier audit. (check out episode 7 for part 1 and a bigger explanation of what it all is).I’m currently working through changing our banking providers - because this is one of the biggest impacts I can have, and once all the changes are made - they’re (hopefully) made forever!I've finally found a business credit card provider in the UK who is doing something towards sustainability - Captial on TapFull details in the episode, key links here:Their blog post about it is here: https://www.capitalontap.com/en/blog/posts/our-carbon-offset-commitment/If you're planning on signing up with Capital on Tap - then you and I both get £75 if you use this link: https://chloelink.com/creditcardAND please note - I have no financial qualifications so this isn't advice, it's just me sharing our journey.

It's time for another diary update - what have I actually achieved on:My business's path to beyond net zero?Shouting about it and inspiring othersLearning about itPLUS I'm sharing 10+ little things I've done to help remind me to do better, that do do better, AND which spark conversations to inspire others to change too.Useful links to things I mention:Regenerative Business Course (Free) - https://www.youtube.com/playlist?list=PLGlzXIA6r32BWpR-LWEpQu1jR2RvKdg7YEcosia Search Engine - https://www.ecosia.org/World of Books for second hand books - https://www.wob.com/Ziffit for selling old books - https://www.ziffit.com/Good Club for no packing food (and toiletries) - https://www.goodclub.co.uk/Bower Collective for no packing household and personal care stuff - https://bowercollective.com/HairStory for lower carbon haircare - https://www.hairstory.com/Solios Watches - solar powered - https://www.solioswatches.com/---Got questions or ideas? Get in touch

I'm deep in the depths of our Supplier Audit at the moment (episode on how we're tackling that coming up later!)One of the areas I've found that we can have a HUGE impact is by changing our banking suppliers.In this episode, I'm sharing what we're doing, and the awesome tips I've had that made it a LOT easier to change your:Business Current AccountsBusiness Credit CardsPensionsAccounting SoftwarePayment ProvidersAmazing websites:https://bank.green/https://www.mymothertree.com/https://makemymoneymatter.co.uk/That LinkedIn Discussion: https://www.linkedin.com/posts/chloethomasecommerce_netzero-businessbanking-sustainability-activity-6956211637204701185-tN8q

This is another area it's really simple for any business to lower their carbon impact via.Stop needlessly replacing your hardware!In this episode we're talking:mobilesdesktops and laptopspodcast micstabletsAnd sharing some stats from Mike Berners-Lee's 'How Bad Are Bananas?' book - hear Chloe's review of that in episode 3.

We now have a net zero travel policy at eCommerce MasterPlan.That sounds rather grand - as it’s just me a tribe of freelancers. BUT I know this is potentially our biggest negative impact, so I wanted to make sure I wasn’t stumbling through it and actually was making conscious decisions.3 parts to this.Reduce our travelReduce the impact of our travel - offset / travel methodEncourage others to reassess their travel impactsListen to hear what all this means, and how I'm doing it all.Plus updates on what this means for my personal list travel activities, and my thoughts on lowering the commuting impact of your teams.Hopefully, it will help you make your own net zero travel policy, and maybe even inspire you to take it a little further...

Finally! It is diary update 2 on how we're getting on, plus how to find time to get your business to net-zero.Diary BlockingMake the project easy to pick up and dropBeat the Guilt!

This bonus episode is our response to what’s happening in Ukraine.It’s VERY low-fi – no jingles, no ads, and edited by Chloe!!! Because I wanted to get it out fast (this is hitting the airwaves a mere 2 hours after we recorded it), because we’re putting it out on multiple podcasts AND because it just feels totally wrong to put ads in an episode like this.So what’s this episode about?Earlier this week Matteo reached out to see if I’d be up for sharing what he and his team are doing to help in Ukraine – in his words “to help the professional network to fight this war”.So we’re going to talk about how those eCommerce skills are being leveraged to helpAnd we’re also going to share how you can help Matteo and his team, AND I’ll share a couple of other clever ways to help that I’ve come across recently.Yes, we are doing an episode on a war. BUT if you’re a regular listener you’ll know my way of coping with big scary things is to get practical – so this is not going to be a ‘guilt-trip you into donating’ infomercial – more a celebration of some of the amazing people and things that are happening in response to the awfulness.My aim is for this to be an inspiring and hopeful episode, not one that will make you sad. None of us needs more sadness.In fact - I felt more positive after recording this than I did before!My guest Matteo Grassi is ex-ShopifyPlus, the CEO and Co-Founder of Popup, a no-code eCommerce platform, AND co-founder and advisor to Viceroy Group a “humble and happy umbrella company of DTC brands” (great description from their LinkedIn profile!).Between the two companies, they have team members from all over the world, including… Ukraine. So Matteo and the team have been quick to work out how they can help their own team members, AND leverage their skill sets to help the Ukrainian people cope with the day to day challenges of this war.Here are the links to how you can help:- Support Matteo’s work via Commerce4good at chloelink.com/commerce4good- Get your Ukrainian designed Tshirt (and add a helpful tip!) at www.artists4good.store- Hire Ukrainian talent at https://remoteukraine.org/- Find real ways to help Ukraine from wherever you are in the world - chloelink.com/ukrainehelp- What to do as a business guide – chloelink.com/ukrainebusiness - And one last one… Simon Wharton is running 100k this month for the Disasters Emergency Committee so you could just sponsor him on his just giving page – chloelink.com/simonThis podcast uses the following third-party services for analysis: Spotify Ad Analytics - https://www.spotify.com/us/legal/ad-analytics-privacy-policy/**** Get all the links and resources we mention & join our email list at https://keepopt.com Love the show? Chloe would love your feedback - leave a review here: https://keepopt.com/review or reply to the episode Q&A on Spotify. Interested in being a Sponsor? go here: https://keepopt.com/sponsorAdvertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Chloe's review of the book "How Bad Are Bananas: The Carbon Footprint of Everything". Listen to find out why she read it, what's in it, and why she loved it enough to record a review of it!Get your copy at a 'good' BCorp bookseller like these two:World of Books (wob) for new and second hand - https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/mike-berners-lee/how-bad-are-bananas/9781788163811XigXag for ebook and audiobook - https://xigxag.co.uk/

Chloe's review of the book "What we Need to Do Now: For a Zero Carbon Future" by Chris Goodall. Listen to find out why she read it, what's in it, and why she loved it enough to record a review of it!Get your copy at at a 'good' BCorp bookseller like these two:World of Books (wob) for new and second hand - https://www.wob.com/en-gb/books/chris-goodall/what-we-need-to-do-now/9781788164719XigXag for ebook and audiobook - https://xigxag.co.uk/

Our first 'diary' update on our Beyond Net Zero Journey. Covering:A little backgroundWhat we're doing to the business 'eCommerce MasterPlan' to make it more carbon neutralWhat we're doing to inspire others to follow usKey links:Episode 359 of the eCommerce MasterPlan podcast https://ecommercemasterplan.com/our-new-net-zero-focus-podcast/Our Net Zero Web Page https://ecommercemasterplan.com/our-net-zero-journey-updates/Our Ecologi Offsetting Account Page https://ecologi.com/ecommercemasterplan?r=61b0a531631bbe339e443ed1 (special link - they'll plant 30 extra trees in my 'forrest' if you sign up using this link)

A quick guide to why Chloe Thomas (eCommerce MasterPlan, Keep Optimising) has created this new audio diary of her businesses journey to net zero and beyond.Find out more at https://beyondnetzerojourney.comVerification code ZvVo9elkwOJFTaH7BYUU