Can a building be both green and safe? In this thought-provoking episode, we dive into the overlooked tensions between sustainability and fire safety. Joined by fire safety engineer and lecturer Rhoda, we unpack how eco-friendly building materials—like wood—offer climate-conscious benefits but introduce new fire risks. From concrete’s carbon footprint to the vulnerabilities of informal settlements, this conversation explores the complex trade-offs in designing for both people and the planet.

We examine why safety must be built into sustainability from the start, how regulations are struggling to keep up with innovation, and why public awareness is just as critical as good policy. The episode wraps with a candid confession segment that encourages listeners to reflect on the blind spots in their own sustainability choices.

Key Takeaways:

• Going green shouldn’t mean compromising safety.
• Fire risks must be considered early in the design process.
• Wood is sustainable but combustible—innovation must be paired with caution.
• Fire safety regulations often trail behind rapid changes in materials and design.
• Informal settlements face unique challenges that demand context-specific solutions.
• Cross-disciplinary collaboration is key to creating truly resilient spaces.

Whether you're a designer, policy maker, or conscious consumer, this episode will spark reflection on how we balance ambition with responsibility in the built environment.

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Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

What happens when cutting-edge AI meets traditional waste management? Prepare to have your perspective transformed as sustainability innovator Gift Lubele takes us behind the scenes of South Africa's hidden recycling economy.

Did you know that 80-90% of all South African post-consumer packaging passes through the hands of approximately 90,000 to 200,000 informal waste pickers? These unsung environmental heroes work tirelessly, often in dangerous conditions and facing significant social stigma, to collect and sort materials that would otherwise end up in landfills.

Gift shares the remarkable journey that led him to co-found Kudoti, a Google-backed waste management platform designed to bridge the gap between these informal waste collectors and major corporations seeking data visibility for sustainability reporting. His definition of sustainability—"protecting possibilities" by balancing people, planet, and prosperity—offers a refreshing framework that acknowledges both environmental and social dimensions of the challenge.

As we explore the intersection of technology and waste management, Gift unpacks why technological solutions alone aren't enough. From the challenges of behavior change ("it might be too late for adults") to the importance of local knowledge ("what works as an incentive in one community fails in another"), we examine why even well-designed systems often struggle to drive meaningful environmental impact. The conversation takes fascinating turns through AI's potential in predicting climate trends, aggregating fragmented sustainability data, and creating green job opportunities that balance ecological and economic needs.

Whether you're a sustainability professional seeking innovative approaches or simply someone trying to make better environmental choices, this episode will transform how you think about waste, technology, and the invisible workforce keeping our recycling systems alive. Join us for an honest conversation about both the promise and limitations of technology in building a truly circular economy.

Join in on #CandidConfessions and let us know what is the one waste habit you still struggle with?

Get in touch with Gift at www.giftlubele.com

Support the show

Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack

In this conversation, Kabelo explores the deep-rooted cultural practices that have long embodied sustainability, often without the formal recognition of the term. She reflects on her upbringing in South Africa, where resourcefulness and eco-conscious behaviours were a way of life, not a trend. As she navigates the professional sustainability landscape in Europe, she recognises the disconnect between traditional practices and modern sustainability narratives, advocating for a broader understanding of what sustainability means across different cultures. Kabelo emphasises the importance of reclaiming these cultural practices as valid contributions to the global sustainability conversation.

Takeaways

Sustainability practices often stem from necessity rather than ideology.
Cultural wisdom plays a crucial role in sustainable living.
Many traditional practices are inherently sustainable without being labeled as such.
The global South has valuable insights into sustainability that the North can learn from.
Sustainability doesn't have to conform to a specific aesthetic or lifestyle.
Reusing and repurposing items has been a common practice in many cultures.
Food waste management has always been part of traditional practices.
Sustainability is not a new concept; it's been practiced for generations.
Feeling out of place in professional sustainability spaces is common for many.
Everyone can contribute to sustainability in their own way, regardless of their background.

Support the show

Follow Candid Sustainability and Kabelo on Instagram : Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

Kabelo Rathobei (@krathobei) • Instagram photos and videos

Engage with the community and read more on Substack: Candid Sustainability | Kabelo Rathobei | Substack