From Sewage to Solutions with The Moaning Bloody Environmentalist (MBE) - With Chris Hines & Curly Steve

Searching for a Greener Room

SfaGR with Chris Hines AUDIO Transcript

Chris Hines, a long-time environmental activist and co-founder of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS), discussed his journey from surfing in Cornwall to leading campaigns against sewage pollution. He highlighted SAS's early successes, including a 1991 lobby at the Houses of Parliament that led to a £2 million research fund. Hines also shared his work at the Eden Project, where he implemented sustainable practices like the Triple Bottom Line. He emphasised the importance of community, resilience, and informed consumerism, advocating for ethical consumerism and repairing and reusing items. Hines also mentioned the impact of misinformation and the need for better environmental legislation.

Action Items

• [ ] Research and subscribe to the Ethical Consumer magazine to make more informed purchasing decisions.
• [ ] Slow down, travel less, and stay longer in destinations to reduce carbon emissions.
• [ ] Repair, reuse, and respect the possessions and resources you have.
• [ ] Engage in more conversations with people and build connections within your community.

Outline Chris Hines' Environmental Journey and Early Surfing Experiences

• Curly Steve introduces Chris Hines, highlighting his extensive environmental activism and surfing background.
• Chris Hines shares his early life in Plymouth, growing up near Dartmoor, and his love for the natural environment.
• Chris recounts his first experiences with surfing, starting with a wooden belly board and later owning a second-hand surfboard.
• He describes his favourite surfing spots in Cornwall, including Whitmouth, Polzeth, and Trigg Point.

Formation of Surfers Against Sewage (SAS)

• Chris explains his transition from surfing to environmental activism, leading to the formation of SAS in 1990.
• He details the initial meeting in Porthtowan and St. Agnes, where the idea of SAS was born due to increasing pollution in the water.
• Chris describes the first public meeting in St. Agnes, which attracted over 200 people despite initial scepticism.
• He highlights the early challenges, including the discovery of panty liners and condoms in the water, which spurred the formation of SAS.

Early Activism and the Impact of SAS

• Chris recounts the first public protest in the Houses of Parliament, which led to a £2 million research fund into the health effects of sewage-contaminated sea water.
• He discusses the impact of SAS's activism, including the introduction of the term "intelligent activism" to describe their strategic approach.
• Chris describes various tactics used by SAS, such as media campaigns, shareholder activism, and legal challenges to force water companies to improve their practices.
• He shares a memorable incident involving a 10-foot inflatable turd, which was used as a protest tool to draw attention to the issue.

Challenges and Solutions in Water Treatment

• Chris explains the historical lack of sewage treatment works in the UK and the impact of Margaret Thatcher's statement that all sewage was treated before discharge.
• He describes the discovery of Jersey's effective sewage treatment system using ultraviolet light disinfection, which inspired SAS to advocate for similar solutions.
• Chris details the successful implementation of UV treatment in Durham and Welsh Water, which significantly improved water quality.
• He highlights the ongoing challenges faced by SAS, including the need for continued activism due to regressive legislation and funding cuts.

Transition to the Eden Project and Introduction of Triple Bottom Line Thinking

• Chris discusses his transition to the Eden Project as Sustainability Director, where he implemented waste management and sustainability initiatives.
• He introduces the concept of the Triple Bottom Line, which balances economic, social, and environmental considerations in business practices.
• Chris shares an example of applying the Triple Bottom Line to the installation of a dishwasher at the Eden Project, which reduced landfill, created jobs, and improved the dining experience.
• He describes the impact of the Triple Bottom Line approach on various aspects of the Eden Project, including security and procurement.

Establishment of A Grain of Sand

• Chris explains the establishment of A Grain of Sand, an organisation focused on helping individuals and organisations make a positive impact.
• He discusses the importance of community-based solutions and the role of small, agile organisations in driving change.
• Chris highlights various projects and initiatives supported by A Grain of Sand, including vinyl flooring recycling and sustainable surfboard manufacturing.
• He emphasises the need for collective action and the power of small, individual contributions to create a better future.

Current Challenges and Future Directions

• Chris discusses the current state of environmental activism, including the need for stronger legislation and increased public awareness.
• He highlights the role of technology in both solving and exacerbating environmental issues, emphasising the importance of responsible use.
• Chris shares his thoughts on the future of environmental activism, including the potential for community-based solutions and the importance of resilience.
• He concludes with a call to action, encouraging listeners to engage in conversations, support environmental initiatives, and work towards a more sustainable future.