Ours to Protect is a new show hosted by Traic Ó Braonáin on Nova Nights with Greg Gaughran every Thursday night after 8pm.
Every week we will explore the reality of climate change and look toward a greener and more sustainable future. You will hear from experts, we’ll do some myth busting and there will be tips to help you tackle climate impact of energy, travel, food waste and much more.
Click below to hear the first episode:
Led by the Independent Broadcasters of Ireland, Ours to Protect is is a unique and exciting audio project – a collaboration of local and regional broadcasters from across the country who have come together to tackle climate change, champion climate action, and inform and educate audiences all over Ireland about how they can make a difference.
This unique radio partnership between stations recognises the need for and importance of programmes that explore the reality of climate change for Irish audiences. Local Independent radio stations are a trusted news source in Ireland and know that audiences rely on them to provide transparent, factual and honest reporting. The IBI believe that these programmes will help improve the climate literacy of our audience, create awareness around climate change issues and encourage and enable active engagement in climate action at a local level.
measure what you treasure
Funded by Coimisiún na Meán with the Television Licence Fee, Ours To Protect is the largest-ever radio project funded under the Sound & Vision scheme. It represents a great belief in the trusted power of local radio to give accurate and factual information. It follows from previous projects such as the Irish Music Month IBI Hot Press initiative.
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We want to get your input on our programme and the content that you’d like to hear on Ours To Protect over the next 12 months. Click here to take the survey
For more see: www.ourstoprotect.ie
1. The Emergence of Refill Shops
This week on Radio Nova Ours To Protect, we will explore the emergence of Refill Shops around the country.
Check out that episode for yourselves below.
Find out more information on the importance of Refill Shops here.
2. How To Improve Energy Efficiency In The Home
In this week’s episode on Radio Nova Ours To Protect, we look at ways that you can improve your own energy efficiency in the home and save some money in the process.
It’s a lot easier than you might think.
Find out more below.
You can find out more useful tip bits on how to manage energy in the home here.
3. The Importance Of Locally Grown Flowers v Imported Bouquets
Here on Ours To Protect on Radio Nova, we looked at beautiful flowers, and more specifically the importance of locally grown flowers, versus imported bouquets.
Find out how you can cut down on your carbon footprint when purchasing flowers and more below.
Find out useful hints like the carbon footprint of locally purchased bouquets and locally grown flowers and some handy websites to go with it here.
4. The Importance Of Bees For Bio-Diversity
On this week’s Ours To Protect here at Radio Nova, we look at the importance of bees for bio-diversity.
You can find out all about what bees produce, along with what you can do to prevent the future decline of the population.
See more below.
You can find out more useful tip bits here.
5. Various Cleaning Products Around The House
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ On Radio Nova, Traic once again spoke to Eibhlin Fitzpatrick to discuss the various eco friendly cleaning products used around the house, why are they important? and What is available?
Find out this and more below.
You can also find out more info on the importance of switching to eco-friendly cleaning products here.
6. The Value Of Solar Panels
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ On Radio Nova, Traic once again caught up with Tony Palmer to find out more about the value of solar panels and what is the use of having them on your roof.
Find out more below.
See more here.
7. The Importance Of Sustainable Gardening
This week on Radio Nova’s Ours To Protect, Traic spoke to Anna Browne on the importance of sustainable gardening.
Find out more below.
More information can be found here.
8. Growing Fruit & Veg In Your Own Polytunnel
This week on Radio Nova’s Ours To Protect, Traic spoke to Padraig Ó Máirtín about the importance of growing fruit and vegetables in your very own polytunnel.
Find out how you can grow your own and more below.
You can find out more info on this here.
9. How To Cut Down On Use Of Harmful Pesticides & Herbicides In The Garden
On this week’s episode on Radio Nova’s ‘Ours To Protect’, Traic had a chat with school teacher James Lowry about his experiences of working as part of the Climate Ambassador Programme.
Set up in 2017, the programme was launched to support the Department of Environment, Climate and Communications, to help people who are looking to take action on climate change. People of all ages can apply.
This programme can help subjects such as Agriculture, Biodiversity, Sustainable Business, Food Waste, Climate Justice, Rewilding, Turning Climate Anxiety to Climate Action and others.
Check out the episode for more below.
Find out even more info here.
10. The Benefits Of Using Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic had a chat with Thomas Flynn, a supplier of Hydrotreated Vegetable Oil about the advantages of using such a product.
Today, HVO is also the second largest renewable diesel alternative globally. It is also blended in fossil diesel and sold as mixtures at fuelling stations.
Find out more below.
You can check out more information on this here.
11. Ecological Art
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, we are finding out all about ecological art, a contemporary form of environmental art, which is created by artists concerned with local global environmental situations.
This week, Traic delved into the eco art gallery along the karst landscape region of South Roscommon, finding out about a concept which seeks to preserve, remediate and/or vitalize the life forms, resources and ecology of Earth.
Have a listen to this week’s episode below.
You can check out more information on ecological art here.
12. Organic Products
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic spoke with Ollie Green from Betterplants.ie, a big supplier of organic products, to find out how you can use your own garden to grow your own fruit an vegetables.
Over the last few years, we have become aware of the use of organic products in our garden, amid the dangers regarding the use chemical spray.
Listen to this chat below.
Check out more information on this topic here.
13. Benefits Of Retrofitting Your Home
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic had a chat with Ciaran Byrne of the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority Of Ireland), on the why you should consider retrofitting your home.
As part of a two part feature, Traic spoke to Ciaran about the role of the SEAI, along with how you would begin retrofitting your home.
Check that out below.
You can find out more information on that here.
14. Benefits Of Retrofitting Your Home – Part 2
On the second of our two part chat with Ciaran Byrne of the SEAI, Traic asked him about the grants that are available, and how you should planning the process of retrofitting.
Ciaran also spoke to Traic about what financial aid is provided by the SEAI.
Check it out below.
Find out more information here.
15. Household Food Waste
On this week’s episode of Ours To Protect on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Eibhlin Fitzpatrick of the Refill Mill to discuss household waste, and how we can do our bit to cut down on the problem in our households, and save some money in the process.
Find out more below.
You can also find more information on this here.
16. The Benefits Of Micro Greens
On this week’s ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Ollie Greene from Betterplants.ie, to discuss the value of microgreens, as chefs far and wide are finding ways to incorporate elements to their dishes which are visually appealing, and provide huge benefits to your health.
Check it out below.
Check out more information here.
17. We Chat To The Green Kids!
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’, Traic spoke to Green Kids, Caomhán and Orna about the different ways that that we can reuse plastics, as opposed to just recycling or throwing them in the nearest general waste bin. We have all been guilty of that!
These are the sort of actions today which will impact future generations.
Have a listen below!
More information can be found here.
18. Organic Produce
This week on ‘Ours To Protect’, on Radio Nova, Traic took a trip to the midlands to speak to Diana Pickersgill, who alongside her daughter, has been running an organic farm there for the last three decades.
Traic spoke to Diana about about the benefits of going organic.
Check that out below.
You can also find out more information on this here.
19. How To Make Halloween More Eco-Friendly
On this week’s edition of ‘Ours To Protect’, we look at all things Halloween, as extravagant lights, costumes, decorations seem to appear in shop windows earlier and earlier each year.
What comes with the territory here, is the fact that the carbon footprint with Halloween is rising.
A report has stated that 83% of costumes purchased around Halloween are non-recyclable, oil based plastics.
Traic had a chat with Anna Browne, a sustainability expert from Big Sky Flowers to discuss how we can make Halloween a much more eco-friendly festival.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
20. The Origins Of Halloween
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’, Traic spoke to David Gilroy, to find out about the annual Púca Festival, celebrating the origins of Halloween in Athboy, Co Meath.
Gilroy spoke to Traic about what to expect from this event, along with the origins for this festival, and how this idea came about.
Check that out below.
Find out more information on this festival here.
21. Composting
This time around on ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic chatted with Ollie Green from Betterplants.ie who spoke about all things composting, and particularly, the Bokoshi Bin.
This a composting system, which can make the process of composting that bit easier for the average household.
Ollie Green chatted to Traic about this composting system, and how it works.
Listen to this for yourselves below.
Find out more information here.
22. How To Cut Back On Waste In The Workplace
This week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, saw Traic speak to Eibhlin Fitzpatrick of the Refill Mill, who shared some valuable tips for those of us looking to cut back on waste in your workplace, and cutting costs in the process.
According to latest figures, misuse of such resources has led to a 4.5% turnover rate.
Find out what Eibhlin suggested to Traic on this issue below.
You can find out more information on this here.
23. The Ecobrick
This week’s edition of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic chatted to sustainability expert Padraig O’Mairtin to find out about Ecobricks.
These Ecobricks are recycled bottles which are packed with soft plastics, until they are as hard as a brick, hence the name.
Padraig spoke to Traic about how and why he has a particular fondness for these Ecobricks.
Check out this chat for yourselves below.
Find out more information on the Ecobrick here.
24. Redesigned Furniture & Clothing
This week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, we focussed on the growing popularity of redesigned furniture and clothing.
There has been a huge increase in the number of shops with redesigned and clothing and furniture.
This week saw Traic speak to interior designer Claire Delabre, owner of the Handmade Design Studio in Mullingar to find out why.
Listen to this chat below.
Find out more information on this topic here.
25. Real v Fake Christmas Trees
On this edition of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, we looked at the long running debate of real versus fake Christmas Trees.
Which trees are better for the environment? The debate continues.
Find out more below.
Check out more information on this here.
26. How To Enjoy A Greener Christmas
On this episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic had a chat with sustainability expert Anna Browne of Big Sky Flowers, to look at ways in which we can all enjoy a much more greener, eco-friendly Christmas.
According to some figures, we produce 30% more waste during Christmas than at any other time during the year.
In what is quite an expensive, and potentially environmentally damaging time, Anna Browne mentioned some tips which will surely come in quite useful at this time.
Check this out below.
Find out more information for yourselves here.
27. Upcycling & Re-Purposing
This edition of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Gráinne Lambert, Centre Director of the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun about what this centre has to offer, as well as the idea of bring old fabrics, bicycles, furniture or even paint back to life, through upcycling and re-purposing.
Check out more on this below.
Find out more information on this topic here.
28. Climate Action
On this latest episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ Here On Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Green Party Councillor Hazel Smyth to find out about the different ways that the public can get involved with environmental groups, and take action amid the ongoing climate crisis.
Check out this chat for yourselves below.
Find out more on this topic here.
29. Domestic Recycling
For the first episode for 2024, Radio Nova’s ‘Ours To Protect’ saw Traic speak to sustainability expert Padraig O’Mairtin about the steps that we can take to improve our domestic recycling.
The father of four also revealed how his family recycles.
Find this out and more here.
Find out more information on this here.
30. The Earthy Marketplace
This episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, we looked at online resources that can make people shop and purchase foods from the greener end of the shelves.
To do that, Traic chatted with the Earthy Marketplace founder Lorna Anne Tierney to discuss her online resources, and how it can help.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
31. Recycled Paint
On this episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Dave Kavanagh of the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun to find out about recycled paint, one of several projects undertaken by the team from the centre.
Check out this latest chat below.
Find out more information on this topic here.
32. A Sustainable Way Of Living
On this latest edition of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to the Refill Mill’s Eibhlin Fitzpatrick on how to start taking greener, healthier steps to building a sustainable way of living.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
33. Forests
This episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Eoghan Connaughton the founder of volunteer group, The Gaelic Woodland Project.
This group were founded in response to the lack of efficient levels of forestry for extensive agriculture to take place.
For decades, farmers and private land owners have been paid to plant trees on their land, instead of intensive agriculture.
Despite these grants, Ireland still falls short of targets regarding securing forest cover.
Mr Connaughton spoke to Traic about his group’s approach to this problem.
Find out more via this chat below.
See more information about this topic here.
34. Repurposing Fabrics
On this episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, we looked at ways that you can repurpose old fabrics, and to do that, Traic spoke to Aaron Murphy from the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, to find out about the repurposing fabric & fashion workshops, and training that they offer.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this topic here.
35. Bird Song
On this latest episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, we began the first of a three part feature on all things Bird Song.
This edition saw Traic speak to Bird Song expert and enthusiast Richella Duggan to discuss the blackbird, as well how her interest in the subject began.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
36. Building Energy Rating (BER)
On this latest episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Ciaran Byrne of the SEAI (Sustainable Energy Authority Ireland) to find out about the BER (Building Energy Rating), and what it entails.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
37. Bird Song (Part II)
On this second of our three part feature on Bird Song here on ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic once again spoke to Richella Duggan, noted Bird Song expert and enthusiast, to learn all about the wren.
This episode saw Richella tell Traic about how we might recognise the sound of a wren.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information about this here.
38. Gaelic Woodland Project
This week’s episode of Ours To Protect here on Radio Nova, Traic had a chat to Eoin Connerton, environmental scientist and founder of the Gaelic Woodland Project, to find out more about the charity.
The Gaelic Woodland Project is organised by skill sharing volunteers, creating an ecologically complex patchwork of native habitats in Ireland.
They have started working on a project to acquire land for a native woodland to commemorate the 200th anniversary of the famine in 2045.
Find out more information here.
39. Bird Song (Part III)
This latest episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, saw Traic speak to bird enthusiast Richella Duggan on the Bird Song of a robbin in the final edition of this three part feature.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
40. No Planet B
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, we looked at the ‘No Planet B’ environmental youth group in Naas, Kildare.
This group help to raise awareness about climate change, and biodiversity law.
They also help young people to find out they can contribute to saving and protecting their planet. To find out more about the group, Traic spoke to Niamh Fitzgibbon.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
41. Peatlands
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Micheál Callaghan from the Community Wetlands Forum to discuss the issue of preserving peatlands for climate change, and other environmental issues.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this topic here.
42: Diverse Garden
On this week’s episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, we are looking at ways of making your garden much more eco-friendly.
To do this, Traic chatted to architect Paula Sharkey for a more holistic view on what a biodiverse garden should entail.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
43: Green Ocean Project
In the first of a two part episode on ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, we looked at oyster reseeding in Dublin Bay.
This project is led by David and Margarete Lawlor of Watermark.ie and Greenoceancoffee.ie.
For part one, Traic spoke to David at the marina in Dun Laoghaire about why is reseeding needed and how it protects the bay.
David explained to Traic about the damage that has been caused to these oceans and seafloors.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
44. Green Ocean Project (Part II)
On this latest edition of Ours To Protect here on Radio Nova, we bring you part II of our feature on the Oyster reseeding in Dublin Bay.
Once again, Traic chatted to David Lawlor of Watermark.ie, and Oceancoffee.ie to find out how the reseeding world works, and how you can get involved in the project.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
45. Planet v Plastics
On this episode of ‘Ours To Protect’ here on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Rossa Cassidy from the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun to discuss our use of plastics, and how we can cut down on our use of them to prevent plastic waste.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
46. Evhacs
On this latest episode of ‘Ours To Protect here’ on Radio Nova, we looked at a new innovative product Evhacs, a new system which can charge your electric car, power your heat pump, and manage your home energy consumption.
To find out more, Traic spoke Evhacs’ CEO Jeff Ahern to find out more.
Check out this chat below.
47. Hedgerows
On this episode of Ours To Protect here on Radio Nova, Traic spoke to Mark Mac Dubhghaill from Hedgerows Ireland on the historical importance of hedgerows, and how they came about.
We also looked at how they have enriched and coloured our countryside.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
48. Rediscover Fashion
On this latest edition of Ours To Protect here on Radio Nova, we paid a visit to the the Rediscovery Centre in Ballymun, Dublin to find out about how we can repair old clothes to save them from the landfill.
This edition saw Traic spoke to Arran Murphy of the Rediscovery Centre to find out more.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this here.
49. GAA Green Club Scheme
On this edition of Ours To Protect on Radio Nova, we looked at the GAA’s Green Club Scheme.
The first scheme was launched in 2021, with Phase 2 set up last year, which saw over 200 local GAA clubs taking part.
One such club is Clontarf in Dublin, and Traic spoke to Mick Arthur from their Green Committee, to find out how this committee came about.
Check out this chat below.
Find out more information on this topic here.
