This month a multi-national company and an influential public body asked me to review their forthcoming sustainability strategies. They are both at the leading-edge of the sustainability debate, so it was interesting to compare their thinking and to reflect on how strategies are evolving. It struck me that both organisations have realised that significant change is essential but is made increasingly more complex by environmental and political uncertainty. Given this recognition, I was surprised about what was missing: neither organisation felt like they have truly grasped the scale of new thinking required.

For the voluntary sector, the purpose of the organisation should be core. The question we face in the sector is: how do we best deliver on our purpose, often with limited resource? Our approach to making change often includes campaigning or localised grassroots activities. However, there is a third option: catalysing and collaborating.

Based on my years of experience developing projects like Leeds by Experience and the Community Fridge Network, this article explores the longterm potential of collaborative networks with a shared vision.

Will the political picture in the UK help or hinder positive environmental change? Here are my five key thoughts for the year ahead.

As my start up journey continues, I reflect on the key difference in work patterns from my previous role and outline five essential things that need to be in place in order to create systemic change at scale.

Gardening is facing the pressure of people wanting to see immediate results. This trend for instant gratification has environmental consequences. You can’t hurry nature and our gardening habits need to reflect this reality.

With UK politics in turmoil, the cost of living crisis hitting pockets hard and sweeping public spending cuts in the pipeline there is a real danger that Net Zero commitments will be ditched. How can we stop this happening?

Phasing out the sale of commercial peat has been on the environmental ‘to do’ list for 30 years. What can be done to hasten the move to sustainable alternatives? Sizzle has been investigating.

Sizzle aims to make it easier for everybody to live greener lives by changing the way services and products are delivered. But how can a small start-up decide where it can make a real impact? Our answer is the Sizzle Index and we would love to hear your thoughts on this approach.

What is it like to start an organisation from scratch. Here are my reflections on the joys and challenges after the first month of starting Sizzle.