The ReNewy Living Podcast: A Sustainability Podcast

Sewing your own clothes might seem a bit crazy when you can buy every type of clothing at the click of a button.  But for home sewist, Jessie Brent, from Made by Me Jessie B, whipping out the sewing machine - whether it’s to make something new or to redesign a piece - is second nature. What started out of necessity and cultural expectations, has grown into a real passion, both for sewing and for being part of a slower-fashion community. Jessie volunteers at her local repair cafe, sews with fabrics that would otherwise go to landfill and helps others become confident with the lost skill and art of sewing. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Sewing your Own Clothes: The Power of Yet The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... Welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast, the show for people who want to live sustainably without the global overwhelm.  We’re here to lighten your environmental load. We celebrate local sustainability across Australia and connect you to the solutions and people already doing great things for a healthier planet. Living sustainably starts with good humans like you. People who care about the natural environment, our communities and the everyday spaces we live in. Each conversation helps you feel reassured that living lighter on the planet is achievable and genuinely feels good to be part of. Join me, Mardi Lee, as we explore how to consume less, build stronger community connections and thrive in your neighbourhood, wherever you call home.

Instead of throwing shoes away, one project is encouraging us to think differently about your favourite pair of shoes. In this episode, I’m joined by two shoe-loving and curious people. Dr Alex Sherlock is a fashion design lecturer & founder of the Footwear Research Network. Together with artist and contemporary jeweller Pennie Jagiello they lead the This is not a Shoe Project.  Our conversation is about all things shoes, their place in sustainability and fashion, and what happens to beloved shoes when they reach the end of their wearable life. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at This is Not a Shoe: Giving Footwear a Reconstructed Life The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... Welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast, the show for people who want to live sustainably without the global overwhelm.  We’re here to lighten your environmental load. We celebrate local sustainability across Australia and connect you to the solutions and people already doing great things for a healthier planet. Living sustainably starts with good humans like you. People who care about the natural environment, our communities and the everyday spaces we live in. Each conversation helps you feel reassured that living lighter on the planet is achievable and genuinely feels good to be part of. Join me, Mardi Lee, as we explore how to consume less, build stronger community connections and thrive in your neighbourhood, wherever you call home.

In this episode, we’re stepping outside the traditional building box to explore how it really can take a village to build a sustainable home. My guests are Rita Ordóez and James Le Compte from Shepherd’s Ground, an eco village and farm in Butterwick NSW. Inspired by Rita’s upbringing and a shared desire to tread lightly on the planet, they’re aim was to build a healthy, eco-friendly family home.  Their journey - featured on ABC’s Grand Designs Australia - revealed the grit and challenges that come with DIY building. Now settled into their finished home, Rita and James share their experiences of building an intentional and sustainable home. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at It Takes a Village to Build a Sustainable Home The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... Welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast, the show for people who want to live sustainably without the global overwhelm.  We’re here to lighten your environmental load. We celebrate local sustainability across Australia and connect you to the solutions and people already doing great things for a healthier planet. Living sustainably starts with good humans like you. People who care about the natural environment, our communities and the everyday spaces we live in. Each conversation helps you feel reassured that living lighter on the planet is achievable and genuinely feels good to be part of. Join me, Mardi Lee, as we explore how to consume less, build stronger community connections and thrive in your neighbourhood, wherever you call home.

In rural and regional towns across Australia, it’s easier than ever to spend money with big corporations. Especially when gift cards are sold in the local post office or supermarket. But that convenience comes at a cost, because it means local businesses miss out on the support they need, to keep their community thriving. In this episode, I’m chatting with Ash Watt, co-founder of Why Leave Town, a business that started when Ash moved back to his hometown of Narrabri, NSW. Seeing how much money was leaving the local economy, Ashley came up with a simple idea. A community gift card program, designed to help keep spending local and the money circulating in the region. This conversation is about what shopping locally really means in a modern, digital world, and why small businesses remain the backbone of strong, connected and sustainable communities.  A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Working Together to Shop Local, Support Local The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... If global environmental problems feel overwhelming, you’re in the right place! The ReNewy Living Podcast is an Australian environmental sustainability podcast for eco-minded people who care about the planet and want relatable ways to make a meaningful difference in their homes and communities. We believe living sustainably is easier when you start where you live. Each episode shares positive stories about people, places and projects leading the way in communities across Australia.  Discover localised ways to live sustainably, with practical ideas to reduce consumption, care for local places and feel connected to a sustainably-minded community for healthier people and a healthier planet. This podcast exists to make sustainability feel human, hopeful and community-focused. It’s our way of connecting you with a network of people and ideas through authentic stories and local solutions that are achievable and genuinely good to be part of. Tune in weekly for around 30 minutes of thoughtful, conversational and inspiring episodes that bring you closer to a more intentional, “together we can” approach to sustainable living.

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Rhi Mitchell, a proud Mununjali woman, marine scientist, and founder of Saltwater Sistas, and based in Coffs Harbour along coastal NSW. Rhi combines wellbeing, leadership and science to inspire change and protect our oceans and environment for future generations. In our chat, we talk about how caring for Country starts with understanding our connection to the land and water…and how that connection influences our wellbeing. We’ll also explore the rhythms of nature and how they guide us to treading a little lighter on the planet. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Looking after the Ocean to Look after the Earth. The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... If global environmental problems feel overwhelming, you’re in the right place! The ReNewy Living Podcast is an Australian environmental sustainability podcast for eco-minded people who care about the planet and want practical, relatable ways to make a meaningful difference in their homes and communities. We believe living sustainably is easier when you start where you live. Each episode shares positive stories about people, places and projects leading the way in communities across Australia.  Discover localised ways to live sustainably, with practical ideas to reduce consumption, care for local places and feel connected to a sustainably-minded community for healthier people and a healthier planet. This podcast exists to make sustainability feel human, hopeful and community-focused. It’s our way of connecting you with a network of people and ideas through authentic stories and local solutions that are achievable and genuinely good to be part of. Tune in weekly for around 30 minutes of thoughtful, conversational and inspiring episodes that bring you closer to a more intentional, “together we can” approach to sustainable living.

We’ve become so used to having flowers available year-round, that we rarely stop to think about where they come from, or what happens to the packaging and the presentation waste. In this episode, I’d love you to meet Bec Humphris, florist and founder of Sydney-based florist Not Just a Pretty Flower. Her business exists to inspire and nurture reconnection to nature. She’s a proud member of the Sustainable Floristry Network and applies sustainable floristry design and principles in her work.  This conversation is about the importance of collaboration and good communication across every part of a business. And how that shared care, passion and collaboration… positively impacts the joy that flowers bring to all of your senses. We’ll also explore what choosing better, more sustainable flowers really means. You’ll find out that there’s so much more to floristry than a pretty flower on the table. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at When Sustainable Floristry Means a Return to Simplicity The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... If global environmental problems feel overwhelming, you’re in the right place! The ReNewy Living Podcast is an Australian environmental sustainability podcast for eco-minded people who care about the planet and want practical, relatable ways to make a meaningful difference in their homes and communities. We believe living sustainably is easier when you start where you live. Each episode shares positive stories about people, places and projects leading the way in communities across Australia.  Discover localised ways to live sustainably, with practical ideas to reduce consumption, care for local places and feel connected to a sustainably-minded community for healthier people and a healthier planet. This podcast exists to make sustainability feel human, hopeful and community-focused. It’s our way of connecting you with a network of people and ideas through authentic stories and local solutions that are achievable and genuinely good to be part of. Tune in weekly for around 30 minutes of thoughtful, conversational and inspiring episodes that bring you closer to a more intentional, “together we can” approach to sustainable living.

The building and construction industry takes up a huge chunk of the total waste generated in NSW and across Australia, far more than what comes from our everyday household rubbish bins. When a building comes down, so many materials are left behind. But where do they all go? The good news, there are great solutions for recycling in construction and in this episode, we’re delving a little deeper into one solution. I’d love you to meet Shaun Oldfield from Coastal Recycled Building on the Central Coast of NSW. After an unexpected career shift from hotel management to recycled building supplies, Shaun loves being part of a team that’s passionate about showing the value in giving building and construction materials a second life.  In our conversation, we chat about the community who uses recycled materials, how sustainable living can begin with something as simple as a personal hobby, and why there’s so much potential in looking at waste differently. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at When a Recycled Timber Yard is Built with Kindness. The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

When most people think of arborists…they think of chainsaws, wood chippers, and tree removals for “safety reasons” or “potential fire hazard.” In this episode, I’d love you to meet Sam Hardingham, founder of Newcastle-based business Everyday Arbor. An experienced arborist, Sam is challenging that narrow view of what it means to be an arborist. His goal is to keep as many trees standing in our local environment as possible. Rather than chasing profit by saying yes to every tree removal request, Sam is putting trees first. We talk about the role trees play in our neighbourhoods, the risks versus the benefits they bring, and how their presence connects us to the bigger picture of balancing urbanisation with environmental sustainability. This episode is a reminder that trees come with issues and risks in suburbia, but should these risks outweigh the benefits of trees? A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Is there such a thing as an ethical tree arborist? The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

Choosing to knock down and rebuild a house is a big decision. But instead of a standard project home, what happens when you choose a passive house - a design built for comfort, efficiency, and sustainability? In this episode, I’d love you to meet ReNewy Living community member Jess Bollinger from Lake Macquarie, NSW. Jess works in environmental sustainability for her day job, yet finds most meaning in making everyday choices that matter—for her family, her place, and her community. We talk about her family’s journey to live lighter on the planet, what sustainable housing in a temperate climate means to her, and how her decision to build a passive house offers ideas and inspiration for your own lasting impact. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Choosing to Build a Passive House Standard Home The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

In this episode, we’re at the closing of the 2024/ 2025 Lake Macquarie Sustainable Neighbourhoods Waste to Art exhibition. It’s a free, annual event that brings together thought-provoking artworks made entirely from waste by people across the community. Some of the pieces are so refined, it’s hard to believe they began as waste. For many households, waste is what goes in the rubbish or recycling bin. But waste is much broader than that. It can be surplus materials, duplicates, or offcuts. Even something brand new that just isn’t needed anymore.  That’s the beauty of this exhibition. It helps you see waste differently. You’ll hear from the two people’s choice award winners about their works along with the volunteer organiser behind the exhibition, and people who came along to the closing event. A summary, plus the links and photos of the pieces discussed in this episode are found here at Seeing Waste Differently The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

In this episode, I’d love you to meet James Felton-Taylor and Annabelle Kater, who run Australian Sustainable Timbers in Dungog NSW.  As native forest managers and timber processors, they’re passionate about showing there’s a better way to work with the bush by rethinking timber production. This conversation is a great reminder that when you lead with intention and work with the natural lifecycle of the trees, timber production and environmental care don’t have to be at odds. They can grow together in a way that respects both people and the planet. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Shifting the Culture of Forestry in Australia The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

What’s the first thing that comes to mind when I say the word “activist”? It’s a word that can stir up a lot of feelings — but at its heart, it’s simply about standing up for what you believe in…and doing something about it.  In this episode, I’d love you to meet Michelle Dado-Millynn, a Dungog-based film producer whose work shines a light on people doing what they believe in most. This conversation is about what activism can look like for all of us… how it exists on a continuum and how this film can be the impetus for grassroots change in your own community. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at How a Ripple Sparks the Power of Activism The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

A community food co-op in the main street of a small regional town can have a massive impact, not just on the reduced environmental impact of locally grown food, but also the value of having access to healthy food, support for local growers and really strong community connections. I'm having a conversation with Anna Crane from the Dungog Wholefood Co-op. It's an amazing conversation about community, the value of people, the value of local foods and how a community food co-op operates. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at How a Community Food Co-op Offers Fair Food for All The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

Let’s talk about plastic. We see it everywhere, even in places it probably shouldn't be. And while we all want to do the right thing by tossing it in the recycling bin, the truth is, plastic recycling is a lot more complex than it seems. To help untangle that complexity, I’m joined by Jess Hodge co-founder of Resourceful Living.  Jess and her team are tackling the plastic problem head on, by turning unwanted plastic items into functional products, all made locally in Kurri Kurri NSW Australia. Jess brings honesty, passion and deep knowledge to this conversation, along with practical solutions that actually make sense. So if you’ve ever wondered what type of plastic is which, where it really ends up, or how we can give waste a second life through circular economy principles — you’re in the right place. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Giving Plastic Waste a Second Life Through Recycling The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Anna Scobie and Kelly Lees from Newcastle-based business Urban Hum. We’re exploring the role of bees in our local environment and how understanding them connects us with the bigger picture of environmental sustainability. From permaculture principles to planting a tiny forest, and even facing the challenges of varroa mite, we’ll talk about what it means to respond with care and curiosity. This episode is a reminder that living sustainably isn’t just about action — it’s about rhythm. It’s about learning from nature, working with the seasons and staying open to what some of the smallest creatures can teach us about a more connected and resilient future. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at What Bees Teach Us About Seasons, Place and Collective Actions The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

"Everyday Voices" is where I take the mic into public spaces, striking up real conversations with everyday people about how they live, care for, and tread lighter on the planet. In this episode I’m talking to Sophie, a high school student who’s showing interest in sustainability and environmental change in government. She shares her early advocacy journey, which will become the building blocks for her continual path for change. Stay tuned after our chat for a short reflection on my own journey — and how we can all become more informed citizens. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Everyday Voices: A Young Persons Environmental Journey The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

While most shopping centres are filled with cloned chain stores, it’s easy to forget that independent grocery shops are out there doing things differently—helping us live more sustainably, eat more mindfully and feel more connected. In this episode, we sit down with Brent Fairns, owner of Organic Feast in Maitland. More than just a shop, Organic Feast is a vibrant local place that shows what’s possible when community and sustainability come together. From certified organic produce to in-house cafe meals, this is a business made with intention. It’s a colourful antidote to the fast, bland world of modern retail. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Escaping Supermarket Sameness thrugh Local & Organic Food The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

When you hear the word decluttering, what comes to mind? For me, my brain jumps straight to the opposite….minimalism, with clean lines, empty shelves and limited colour & texture. But actually, decluttering isn’t really about that. It’s about living with less and feeling lighter, thinking clearer and living easier. In this episode, I’d love you to meet Rachel Louise from Raid my Wardrobe. Rachel brings a wealth of life experience in the art of intentional simplifying — where it’s not about having less for the sake of it, but about shifting the focus from quantity to quality, and building a healthier, more mindful relationship with the stuff in our lives. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Decluttering to Make Space for Simpler Living The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

In this episode, I’d love you to meet Bec Bowie, former owner of the much loved Newcastle cafe, Estabar.  We’re talking about how values influence the way we shape both our lifestyles and our work to feel more purposeful. This conversation is a great reminder that when you lead with your values, then everything flows with more meaning — and more impact. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Leading by Values for a Purposeful Workplace The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects from regional communities across Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

Have you heard about the Slow Food Movement? It’s a global movement that believes everyone has the right to good, clean and fair food.  Helping us understand the movement from a localised perspective, I'd like to introduce you to Amorelle Dempster from Slow Food Hunter Valley. The volunteer-led grassroots organisation helps connect their community with the local farming community, plus make available just simple local and delicious food. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Connecting Community through Good, Clean & Fair Food The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by connecting you with the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our sustainability podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainable living is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive social and environmental impact.

Using healthy and sustainable materials in your interior design is an overlooked, yet important element in your daily living. In this episode, I'm chatting with Nadine Samwell from Eco Edition. She helps homeowners with better choices for healthy and sustainable materials for new builds and renovations. And it's all with the aim of making it simpler and easier for you. She helps you understand what sustainable interior design means and talks about the myths around sustainable materials and home design. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Sustainable Interior Design is Made to Wear In, Not Out The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Hello, I’m Mardi Lee and Welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast! Did you know that right here in Lake Macquarie our local sea turtles are at risk. It's not just something that's happening as part of climate change that you see on the Great Barrier Reef but also here. There are at least three reasons why our sea turtles are being impacted so badly. So what's happening and what can we do about it? I'm chatting with Tanya Rossiter from Hunter Wildlife Rescue which is an organisation that’s spent more than 45 years rescuing and rehabilitating native wildlife. Tania is one of the many volunteers who are advocating for Lake Macquarie's endangered sea turtles. Let's dive in and find out how you can help protect these incredible creatures in our own backyard. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at What's Threatening Lake Macquarie's Green Sea Turtles? The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Decluttering your home is tough enough, right? Finding the time, energy, and headspace when you're feeling your best is a challenge on its own. But what happens when the responsibility shifts? When a loved one no longer needs their belongings, and suddenly, it’s up to you to sort through it all? In this episode, I’m chatting with ReNewy Living Community member Rowena from the Central Coast of NSW. She recently navigated the emotional and practical challenges of clearing her dad’s estate after his passing. Rowena’s experience offers valuable insights into steps you can take today to make things easier for yourself and your loved ones in the future. Let’s hear her story… A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Practical Steps to Decluttering after Loss The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Hello, I’m Mardi Lee, and welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast! Renovating your home is exciting—but it can also be overwhelming, especially when you’re trying to make sustainable short and long-term choices. Is it possible to create your dream design without a massive environmental footprint?  That’s exactly what we’re talking about with my guest Natalie Van de Merwe from On Home Ground. Natalie’s an eco architect who specialises in renovations over new builds to help suburban homeowners create eco-effective homes that work for them and the planet.  If you’re ready to rethink the way you renovate, enjoy listening to our conversation… A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Sustainable Home Renovation Design that Puts People First The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Hello, my name's Mardi Lee and Welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast! Retrofitting your home for energy efficiency can feel overwhelming, especially when it’s less exciting or visible than other reno upgrades. But when it comes to home comfort and savings, it’s what’s on the inside that counts! The simplest ways to improve your home's efficiency are often best shared by someone who isn’t trying to sell you something. That’s where my guest, ReNewy Living community member Gayle from Valentine NSW, comes in. Gayle’s an active member of her local Sustainable Neighbourhoods Group and has a wealth of hands-on experience retrofitting her homes. She’s here to share real, practical advice from her own retrofitting journey. Let’s hear her story... A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at Easy Wins for a More Energy Efficient Older Home The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Hello, I’m Mardi Lee, and welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast! Ever wondered whether community gardens are there just for veggie growing? In this episode, you’ll hear how one local community garden is evolving from a growing food-only garden to becoming a biodiversity haven. Joining me is Katie Ryan from The Groundswell Collective. Katie’s role at The Shelley Street Community Garden is helping guide the garden from purely food production to something more suited to the area. The garden is moving towards building an ecosystem that supports native species, the permaculture principles and the whole community.  Let’s hear her story to see how the Garden unfolded and continues to grow and change… A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at The Community Garden where Veggies Meet Biodiversity The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Newcastle, like much of Australia’s coastline, is known for its golden sand beaches and beautiful ocean swimming. However, once you’re at the beach, you see pieces of rubbish amongst the grains of sand and seaweed. You can’t unsee the problem that you know threatens wildlife and mars the beauty of your beach. In this episode, I’m speaking with Marina DeBris, a Lake Macquarie artist who creates visual story installations to highlight the rubbish problems on our beaches. Over the last decade or so, her solo rubbish-collecting efforts have become a valuable, small-scale commentary about our society and culture. And there’s the minute, non-glitter sparkle of hope - that a change in rubbish responsibility could be possible. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here at From Waste to Wake-Up Call: Art that Hits Home The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast celebrates local sustainability by sharing the stories of people, places and projects of regional communities in Australia.  Our podcast encourages a wholistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Are you looking to create a garden that's beautiful, low-maintenance and good for the planet? We'll dig into why choosing plants from your local area makes a big difference not just for your garden, but for the natural environment too. In this episode, I'm chatting with Emma Graham from Trees in Newcastle. They're a non-profit that's been around since 1989 and are dedicated to protecting and promoting native vegetation specific to the Hunter region. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here: How a Native Plant Nursery Protects Local Biodiversity The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast helps uncomplicate sustainability by connecting you with local knowledge, practices, and actions that fit your lifestyle—making it easier for everyone to contribute to lasting collective change. Our podcast encourages an holistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

Do you ever feel frustrated that the traditional large supermarket model isn't working for you anymore?  In this episode, I'm chatting with Jayne Travers-Drapes, founder of Box Divvy. They're flipping the concept of how we think about fruit and veg shopping by changing the way your purchasing power works. Their un-supermarketing approach is all about supporting local communities and cutting down on food waste. Let's find out about this fresh approach to eating well and doing good. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here: Flipping the Concept of Supermarket Shopping The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast helps uncomplicate sustainability by connecting you with local knowledge, practices, and actions that fit your lifestyle—making it easier for everyone to contribute to lasting collective change. Our podcast encourages an holistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

In this episode, I chat with Phoebe and Aaron Breckell, the founders of Woohoo Body. Based in Newcastle, but known across the country, they’ve created a natural deodorant and skincare company that’s making a big difference to the planet, giving you a healthy deodorant that works. A summary, plus the links from this episode are found here: What Makes Natural Deodorant Great? The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast helps uncomplicate sustainability by connecting you with local knowledge, practices, and actions that fit your lifestyle—making it easier for everyone to contribute to lasting collective change. Our podcast encourages an holistic understanding of what living lighter on the planet means. We'd like to see a world where communities, resources, and nature thrive together—where sustainability is a part of everyday life, to ensure fairness and care for people and place. Each episode encourages critical thinking, inspires action, and connects you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and the solutions towards a positive environmental impact.

In this episode, I’m joined by Yvie Scott, fashion entrepreneur and founder of Aware: The Social Design Project. Yvie launched her Fair Trade business to create meaningful change through ethical fashion and social justice. We explore what it means to run a values-driven business, why supporting communities is her passion, and how Fair Trade can inspire meaningful change. Blogpost and links from this episode are found here: Why Fair Trade Matters The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast simplifies sustainability by helping you confidently take small, meaningful actions that suit your lifestyle - for lasting collective change. Our podcast encourages a holistic understanding of living lighter and its impact on people and the planet. We aim to inspire action, give practical guidance, encourage critical thinking, and connect you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally and drive collective impact. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and solutions towards positive environmental impact.

Living in an intentional eco village such as Shepherd’s Ground has an overarching common goal of living smart and simply. Based on a rural property outside of Maitland NSW it would seem that the challenges of living a lighter footprint lifestyle would be the same for everyone. However, even though there’s the common goal of living sustainably, there’s plenty of scope for residents to individualise what sustainability means to them.  Sally Maguire, resident of Shepherd’s Groun shares her insights of what it’s like to live in an eco village, also known as a land share community. Blogpost and links from this episode are found here: Balancing Collective Living with Individual Ideas The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast simplifies sustainability by helping you confidently take small, meaningful actions that suit your lifestyle - for lasting collective change. Our podcast encourages a holistic understanding of living lighter and its impact on people and the planet. We aim to inspire action, give practical guidance, encourage critical thinking, and connect you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally and drive collective impact. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and solutions towards positive environmental impact.

Unlike the availability of recycling and general rubbish collections, commercial kitchens face big challenges with their food waste. David Sivyer is the founder of Feedback Organic, an organisation focused on reducing food waste from food-based businesses. Starting in Newcastle as a grassroots initiative, Feedback Organic aims to create community-inclusive circular food systems that scale. Blogpost and links from this episode are found here: Closing the Loop on Food Waste The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living... The ReNewy Living Podcast simplifies sustainability by helping you confidently take small, meaningful actions that suit your lifestyle - for lasting collective change. Our podcast encourages a holistic understanding of living lighter and its impact on people and the planet. We aim to inspire action, give practical guidance, encourage critical thinking, and connect you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally and drive collective impact. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and solutions towards positive environmental impact.

When you buy clothes off the rack, you're buying the final product. The care tag might tell you the basic information - what it’s made of, where it was made and even where it was designed. But decades of globalised production have left us disconnected from our clothes and the journey it takes to get to us. Rebecca Muscat from Three Muscats Fibre Farm in Singleton, Hunter Valley is a passionate textile and fibre artist. As a first-generation small farm owner , she’s deeply connected to every step of her craft. Her family cares for the animals whose wool is the basis of her clothing creations. Rebecca’s story reminds us that behind every piece of clothing, there’s a process, a history, and, in her case, a whole lot of heart. Blogpost and links from this episode are found here: A Sustainable Clothing Journey: From Farm to Fibre The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ The ReNewy Living Podcast simplifies sustainability - to help you make the best decisions for your lifestyle so you can take small, meaningful actions for positive change. Our podcast encourages a holistic understanding of living lighter and its impact on people and the planet. We aim to inspire action, give practical guidance, encourage critical thinking, and connect you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally and drive collective impact. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and solutions towards positive environmental impact.

If you have young kids, do you feel your house has been overtaken by too many toys? Toys that are battery operated, have all the bells and whistles or serve only one purpose. Bringing us good news about the value of less plastic toys for more sustainable play are two highly experienced early childhood educators from Caves Beach Uniting Preschool, Michelle Ryan and Raquel Ayerst. At the heart of their preschool practice is sustainability, social justice and creativity. Blogpost and links from this episode are found here: https://renewyliving.com.au/less-plastic-toys-for-more-sustainable-play/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ The ReNewy Living Podcast simplifies sustainability - to help you make the best decisions for your lifestyle so you can take small, meaningful actions for positive change. Our podcast encourages a holistic understanding of living lighter and its impact on people and the planet. We aim to inspire action, give practical guidance, encourage critical thinking, and connect you with like-minded communities to help you thrive locally and drive collective impact. Based in Newcastle NSW Australia, we share diverse voices and stories, starting with local issues… and solutions towards positive environmental impact.

Rather than stockpiling your growing needs-to-be-repaired collection at the back of the garage, consider taking it to your local repair cafe. Repair cafes are dedicated to helping you extend the life of your belongings. Thanks to local volunteers, Sam Doove and Gabrielle Clappison, places like the Lake Mac Repair Cafe ensure your items get a second chance, lasting for many more days and years to come. For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/repair-cafes-help-to-fix-mend-connect/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Have you ever thought about how your soap is made? Soap making has been around for thousands of years, but the rise of industrialisation, globalisation, and cluey marketing means we've lost that connection with real soap ingredients and soap making. Someone who does know what's in her soap is Mel Magill from Honeybee House Skin Co. Mel's a Lake Mac soap maker who uses the cold soap making process to produce soap that's beneficial, not just for your body, but also the planet. The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

You frequently hear the phrase “circular economy” from governments and businesses. But do you know what it really means from a local community perspective? Sharing their perspective are Thomas Michel and Bianca Bartlett from the Newcastle nonprofit startup, The Full Circle Collective. For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/circular-economy-from-a-localised-perspective/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Walking in for a waxing treatment, tinting or facial at a sustainable beauty salon has all the benefits of going to a normal beauty salon. But by far the greatest benefit is knowing that a beauty salon who cares about your skin and body also cares deeply about our planet.  Emma Summerhayes is a local Newcastle business owner from Slow Skin Co. She is serious about looking after your body by using natural skincare, choosing local products and embedding sustainable business practices into her services.  For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/what-makes-a-beauty-salon-sustainable/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Community gardens are green spaces that serve a purpose beyond simply growing fresh food. They're about cultivating connections and are a rich solution to tackling big issues. Today we're joined by Adrian Garner from Smokva Community Garden in Wickham. Adrian shares his local knowledge and experience on how community gardens are more than just a space for plants.  For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/how-smokva-community-garden-cultivates-connection-growth/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living https://renewyliving.com.au/ ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Pressure washers are excellent for your big outside jobs, but after that once in a blue moon cleaning event, they're bulky to store and can seem like money down the (Karchered) drain. But it's places like The Share Shop in Newcastle that helps you rethink whether you need or actually want to own goods you rarely use. For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/the-library-of-things-reducing-waste-through-sharing/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living. ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Two people who know about running successful op shops are Lifeline retail employees, Dalys Harper and David Ison. They explain how op shops are better for your budget and the planet as well as how supporting preloved first has a positive impact in your community. Behind the Op Shop Donation Door When you're decluttering the house or having a clear out, donating to your local op shop is a great first choice. Donating your stuff gives you the feel-goods, knowing the op shop will sell your stuff to help others. But what really happens behind the scenes of the op shop donation door? Discover how op shops are better for your budget and the planet as well as how supporting preloved first has a positive impact in your community. For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/behind-the-op-shop-donation-door/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living. ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned approach for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Anna Noon of the Groundswell Collective is instrumental in establishing Lake Macquarie's first tiny forest. With her team, she aims to bring people together to create a better planet, and shares her expertise & insights on tiny forests. A Local Tiny Forest with Big Benefits You know that feeling when it's a super hot day. You're in a built up environment surrounded by hard surfaces such as roads, car parks and buildings jam-packed together. The radiating heat is overwhelming.  Now, imagine a place where native trees, plants and creatures flourish. You feel and see the wind and stay cool in the dappled shade. It's a pocket of nature that's right in the heart of your urban space where it's needed the most. This is a tiny forest. For the blogpost and links mentioned in this episode, head to https://renewyliving.com.au/a-local-tiny-forest-with-big-benefits/ The ReNewy Living Podcast is hosted by Mardi Lee, founder of ReNewy Living. ReNewy Living empowers people in local communities who want to live sustainably, to take a values-aligned, balanced approach, for an abundantly good & happy lifestyle. In fact, we increase your standard of living, help to reduce your consumption, increase connections to community and help you thrive within your local area. ReNewy Living is grounded in Newcastle, Australia.

Hello and welcome to The ReNewy Living Podcast! Join Mardi Lee from ReNewy Living, as we learn together how to naturally embed sustainability into our unique lifestyles.