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Sustainability by Design

Sustainability by Design

Written by: Blast Design
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About this listen

Sustainability by Design explores how brand, design, and communication can help businesses move from good intentions to measurable impact.


Hosted by the team at BLAST, each episode features honest conversations with sustainability and marketing leaders who are reshaping how organisations talk about — and deliver — change.


From evolving regulations to creative storytelling, these discussions uncover what it really takes to build belief in a sustainable future.


A podcast for anyone working at the intersection of design, business, and sustainability who wants to make progress, not just promises.

© 2026 Blast Ltd.
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Episodes
  • The Techno Optimist: Rethinking fashion through innovation
    Mar 19 2026

    In this episode, Giff is joined by Ann Claes, co-founder of Masjien, a technology and sustainability agency working at the crossroads of fashion, innovation and systems change.

    Ann shares her journey through fashion production, business development and mentorship, and why she now describes herself as a “techno optimist”. She explains how Masjien challenges the status quo by using technology in two ways: to accelerate sustainability and to help creativity flourish.

    The conversation digs into what’s really slowing fashion down, from the speed and volume of consumerism to how hard it’s become to keep sustainability on the agenda. Ann unpacks why storytelling and emotion matter, how tools like digital product passports can make sustainability communication more engaging, and how to balance inspiration with transparency to avoid greenwashing.

    We also dive into TURBO, Masjien’s sandbox project for “stacking” technologies into a strategic toolbox, plus what it takes to move innovation from interesting to adopted.

    Key topics covered:

    • Ann’s path into sustainability, tech and fashion
    • Techno optimism and reframing sustainability communication
    • Why storytelling and “love brands” matter more than ever
    • Credibility, transparency and avoiding greenwashing
    • TURBO as a sandbox for stacking technology strategically
    • Change management, cross-team buy-in and collaboration

    Looking for fresh ways to make your sustainability message stand out?

    Download Blast’s free guide, 5 Ways to Unearth Big Ideas for Successful Sustainability Campaigns, at bright-ideas.blast.co.uk — it’s full of practical ways to develop ideas that are original, on-brand, and effective.

    If you’re ready to take the next step, book a call with our team to discuss your project: https://calendly.com/blastdesignlondon/intro-video-call-clone.

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    46 mins
  • Redesigning the future: the opportunity of our time
    Jan 13 2026

    In this episode, Giff is joined by Will Hayler, co-founder and CEO of Blue Earth Summit, to explore how entrepreneurial thinking, creativity and capital can come together to drive real climate solutions.

    Will shares his journey from media, marketing and events into building Blue Earth Summit – not as another climate conference, but as a movement focused on transforming the way the world works. He explains why Blue Earth centres investment, scale and economic reality, and how moving money from investors to innovators and NGOs is essential to making change happen.

    The conversation digs into why sustainability needs optimism as much as urgency, how innovation and technology create genuine reasons for hope, and why bringing non-traditional climate voices into the room is critical. Will also reflects on the role of creativity, music and culture in shaping what comes next – and why the future of sustainability should feel inclusive, energising and human.

    Key topics covered:

    • Will’s entrepreneurial journey and the origins of Blue Earth Summit
    • Why Blue Earth is a movement, not just an event
    • The role of investment in scaling climate solutions
    • Moving from problem-focused narratives to solution-led thinking
    • Technology, innovation and reasons to be optimistic
    • Collaboration between business, NGOs and investors
    • Creativity, culture and the future direction of Blue Earth Summit

    Looking for fresh ways to make your sustainability message stand out?

    Download Blast’s free guide, 5 Ways to Unearth Big Ideas for Successful Sustainability Campaigns, at bright-ideas.blast.co.uk — it’s full of practical ways to develop ideas that are original, on-brand, and effective.

    If you’re ready to take the next step, book a call with our team to discuss your project: https://calendly.com/blastdesignlondon/intro-video-call-clone.

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    33 mins
  • From backstage to star: Making sustainability perform
    Dec 15 2025

    In this episode, Giff sits down with Georgia-Rae Taylor, founder of sustainability consultancy Common Ground, to explore how impact and imagination can work together to create real change inside brands.

    Georgia-Rae shares her journey from growing up in rural New Zealand to building a strategic sustainability and communications agency that turns sustainability from a siloed function into a creative, commercial and cultural force.

    She lifts the lid on what really happens between sustainability and marketing teams, why greenwashing is more nuanced than simple lying, and how brands can communicate credibly without losing their personality.

    Key topics covered:

    • Georgia-Rae’s path into sustainability and founding Common Ground

    • How growing up in New Zealand shaped her view of people, place and community

    • The gap between sustainability teams and brand or marketing

    • Greenwashing as a consumer protection problem

    • Common pitfalls in sustainability communications and how to avoid them

    • The role of AI in amplifying greenwashing

    • Why sustainability must move out of the silo and into a shared brand language

    Looking for fresh ways to make your sustainability message stand out?

    Download Blast’s free guide, 5 Ways to Unearth Big Ideas for Successful Sustainability Campaigns, at bright-ideas.blast.co.uk — it’s full of practical ways to develop ideas that are original, on-brand, and effective.

    If you’re ready to take the next step, book a call with our team to discuss your project: https://calendly.com/blastdesignlondon/intro-video-call-clone.

    Show More Show Less
    43 mins
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