water matters

Thinking about finding your nearest refill store? Visit refilluk.org.uk to find refill shops and water top-up stations across the country, or find Nothing But Footprints at nothingbutfootprints.co.uk. Most of us generate around 420 kilos of packaging waste every year — and a lot of it ends up somewhere it was never supposed to be. In this episode, host Jake visits Nothing But Footprints, a refill store in the UK, and sits down with owner Dan to find out how packaging-free shopping actually works. From washing up liquid and cereals to toothpaste tablets and compostable sponges, Dan walks through what a refill store stocks, how to use one as a first-time customer, and why he started the whole thing after a diving trip in Southeast Asia left him staring at a mattress floating 50km out at sea in a protected marine park. For more on water, sustainability and the issues shaping our future, visit us at watermatters.life

You've probably seen the headlines, but how did the UK sewage scandal actually happen, and why has it taken this long to become front page news? In this episode of the Water Matters podcast, Matt is joined by Tim Smedley, author of The Last Drop, to dig into Channel 4's Dirty Business, the three-part docu-drama that brought the UK's sewage crisis to a mainstream audience. They trace how campaigners Ash Smith and Peter Hammond first uncovered illegal sewage releases into the River Windrush, how the introduction of event duration monitors finally made the scale of the problem impossible to ignore, and why water companies were able to discharge untreated sewage into rivers and seas for so long without consequence. Thinking about the state of the UK's water system? Read Tim's blog and join the conversation at watermatters.life

15 episodes in — and it's time to pause, reflect, and look ahead. In this behind-the-scenes special, the Water Matters team steps in front of the mic to revisit the journey so far. We dive into six of the most important and still-relevant topics we've covered — the moments that sparked conversation, changed perspectives, and pushed us to think differently about water. Whether you've been with us since episode one or you’re just tuning in, this is the perfect time to catch up, reset, and get ready for what’s next. 🌍 What have we learned? 🔍 What still needs to be said? 💧 And where do we go from here? Join us as we recap the road so far — and share a glimpse of what’s to come.

Should you stop mowing your lawn in May? In this episode, journalist Tim Smedley joins us to explore No Mow May—why letting your grass grow can save water, boost biodiversity, and make your garden more climate-resilient. We dig into the link between garden habits, drought risk, and how skipping the mower helps both pollinators and the planet. If you're into sustainable gardening, climate action at home, or just want an excuse to ditch the lawn mower, this one’s for you.

🎙️ How much is water a focus at UK Homebuilding Exhibitions? | Water Matters Podcast episode 11 In this episode of the Water Matters podcast, we ask a simple but important question: How much is water really being talked about at homebuilding shows in the UK? Fresh from exhibiting at the National Homebuilding & Renovating Show at the NEC Birmingham, we reflect on what we saw (and didn’t see) when it comes to sustainable water management. With over 380 exhibitors and thousands of visitors, only a handful of companies were talking about water – something we believe is a major blind spot in the industry. Host Matt shares: 💧 What the show was like from Graf UK's perspective 📊 How many companies focused on water vs other sustainability topics 🚿 Why this matters for the future of self-build and eco-conscious construction 🗣️ Plans to explore and report from more exhibitions throughout 2025 You’ll also hear from Callum Vallance-Poole, Head of Brand & Marketing at Graf UK, in a short clip recorded live at the event. Thanks for tuning in — and stay with us as we continue to bring the conversation of water to the surface.

In this special episode of Water Matters, we witness history in the making as a family of beavers is reintroduced into the Nene Wetlands in Northamptonshire for the first time in 400 years. Hosted by Matthew Rolph, this episode takes you behind the scenes of this groundbreaking project, exploring why beavers are being brought back and how they could revolutionise water management, biodiversity, and flood prevention across the UK. Joined by environmental journalist Tim Smedley and a lineup of experts from the Wildlife Trust for Bedfordshire, Cambridgeshire & Northamptonshire (Wildlife Trust BCN), we dive into the significance of this momentous event. From their role as nature’s engineers to their ability to reduce flooding and restore wetland ecosystems, beavers are proving to be a game-changer for sustainable water management. 🔹 Why are beavers being reintroduced now?🔹 How do they naturally improve flood resilience and water quality?🔹 What does this mean for future rewilding in the UK?🔹 Will they ever roam free again? Thanks to our partnership with Wildlife Trust BCN and Graf UK, this episode brings exclusive interviews with conservationists, scientists, and the people making this project possible. Plus, hear firsthand reactions from those who witnessed the beavers take their first steps into their new home. This is just the beginning. Over the next two years, we’ll continue to track the impact of this reintroduction, with exclusive camera footage capturing how these beavers reshape the landscape. 👉 Listen now to be part of this historic moment and see why the return of beavers is one of the most exciting conservation stories of our time! #WaterMatters #BeaverReintroduction #Rewilding #FloodPrevention #WildlifeTrustBCN

Join us in this enlightening episode of the "Water Matters" podcast as we welcome Tim Smedley, acclaimed author of "The Last Drop," for a deep dive into sustainable water management solutions. Explore the critical issues and innovative technologies shaping the future of water, from the battle against microplastics to groundbreaking advancements in desalination and water recycling. Whether you're an industry professional, academic, or simply curious about environmental sustainability, this episode offers valuable insights into how we can safeguard our most precious resource. Don't miss Tim's expert analysis and the practical steps we can all take to participate in water conservation.