This article is a summary of the podcast conversation “28. Everyday Voices: A Young Person’s Environmental Journey”. Listen to the full episode on Spotify podcasts or Apple podcasts, and go here for the relevant links mentioned in the podcast. Read on for the summarised topics from the episode.

Everyday Voices: A Young Persons Environmental Journey

“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.

After our chat I gave a short reflection on my own journey — and how we can all become more informed citizens.

Overview of the Conversation

Volunteering on the Lake Macquarie Youth Advisory Council, Sophie advocates for more sustainable practices within her local council area,
Sophie’s experiences with mental health challenges have inspired her journey into volunteering and advocacy.
Sophie began in small advocacy groups like the school School Representative Council and NSW Youth Parliament, seizing every opportunity to get involved
With ambitions to become a politician, she hopes to make real change—currently leaning towards the Greens, as their values align most closely with her own
Having robust conversations with family is valuable – we certainly don’t agree on everything and we don’t really talk about politics much unless I bring it up, but we…help each other understand different things.
Sophie’s journey has been shaped by her family, peers and friends

Reflecting on Mardi’s advocacy journey and influences, starting as a teenager in the 1990’s and how I thought best to respond at the time
As a teenager, becoming more aware of global political and environmental issues such as Chernobyl, Japanese whaling in Australian waters, Exxon Valdez oil spills, falling of Berlin Wall, rapid deforestation of the Amazon in Brazil and hardwood native forests in Australia
Reflection of more education about becoming an informed voting citizen closer to voting age. How can young people make informed choices if they aren’t taught how to engage?

Big global issues can be overwhelming. This is why ReNewy Living exists – to shift that focus to local action, where change feels tangible, positive and meaningful.

Sophie’s one simple tip for advocacy:

✓ Jump at every opportunity you’re given…as you might find something you really love and feel passionate about, so you can follow that passion.

This episode of The ReNewy Living Podcast was recorded on Awabakal country. I wish to acknowledge the traditional owners of the land and waters in the Newcastle and Lake Macquarie region of New South Wales.

I hope you’re feeling more confident about doing better for our people and planet by taking a start where you live approach to living sustainably. If this episode has spurred you into action, please feel free to share the episode with your friends. It would mean the world to me!

Listen into the stories and voices of this story here at Spotify podcasts and here at Apple Podcasts… And you can also sign up to my regular emails here… I look forward to sharing more stories with you next time.

Everyday Voices: A Young Persons Environmental Journey(S4 Ep28)

Links from the Podcast Episode (S4 Ep28)

NSW Youth Parliament (led by YMCA) – focus on leadership & advocacy for Years 10-12 high school students
Lake Macquarie Youth Council is a way for young people to have input in Council decisions
NSW Young Greens – (for under 31 year olds) aims to empower young people to actively engage with politics and activism through the Greens
The Greens political party, established 1992
NSW Young Labor (for 15 – 26 year olds) is the largest youth political organisation in Australia
Get it Right with Undercover Architect podcast: Does Roof Colour Matter in your Home’s Energy Efficiency? With Architect Sid Thoo. Listen on Spotify podcasts here… and Apple podcasts here…)
The Wilderness Society – since 1976 protecting Australian nature and wildlife
Greenpeace Australia Pacific – since 1977 – fighting for a greener, healthier world for our oceans, forests, food and climate
Australian Conservation Foundation – since 1965 and advocating against pollution and destruction
Midnight Oil website – Australian rock band formed in 1976