Julia Hailes MBE

Sustainability Pioneer

Speaking on Plastics – (May18)

The town hall in Bridport was full with an expectant crowd. Organised by the Transition Town network in Bridport, as part of their Green Fortnight, everyone had come to hear me talk about plastics. I’d taken a lot of time getting slides together, but the projector wouldn’t accept them! It became clear that I’d have […]

A lot of rubbish is talked about plastics… (Jan18)

The phone was ringing, the dog was barking and the builder was wanting my attention – when I was connected live to the BBC Radio 2’s Jeremy Vine show (11jan18).  What prompted me to call?  Plastics.  More specifically, my husband had phoned from his car suggesting I might like to go on the programme. Everyone […]

Raw Foundation Making Waves about Waste (Jan13)

I was rather impressed by the Environment Agencies initiatives to reduce waste – as relayed to an audience pulled together by the Raw Foundation, at Bristol’s Create Centre.  Did you know that the government organisation used to drive as many miles as the AA?  Now they’ve reduced this by 21 million miles a year, as […]

Which? on plastic bags (Aug12)

  I’ve done a lot of speaking and writing about plastic bags!  I’ve even written a poem on the subject, for one speech I made.  Which? asked me to give them an expert view for an article in entitled ‘Plastic bags at breaking point‘.   As well as being interviewed on the topic, I wrote a […]

Vanessa Feltz show – BBC radio London 2011-2012 (Apr12)

Having been on the programme in 2011 talking about plastic bags, I was asked back to talk about vests.  The show had seen a comment I’d made in the Daily Express about how difficult it was to get children to wear vests – but that this was preferable to turning up the heating.

Radio 5 Live – Appeared on multiple programmes (Feb12)

I’ve been on a number of Radio 5 Live Programmes including: Anita Anand Show – as a panellist throughout the evening Richard Bacon Show talking about bottled water and plastic bags Kay Adams – talking about how to stop wasting food Steve Wright Show

Regional Radio Highlights, including Britain’s greenest school children (Feb12)

Regional radio highlights include: Radio Solent Somerset Sound:  Have been a regular guest Steve Rhodes Show for BBC 3 Counties Radio: talking about M&S decision to start charging for carrier bags Greenest school:  regional radio blitz to look for Britain’s greenest school children for think tank sponsored by British Gas Generation Green.

Eco-Sheets – Using Recycled Plastics (Jan11)

In January 2011 I took my son Connor (far right in picture) to see the Eco Sheet factory.  Melinda Watson from the Raw Foundation came too (pictured far left) – and Amanda Barry-Hirst from Greenhouse PR.  Omer Kutluoglu, one of the founders showed us around.   They’re making brilliant use of recycled mixed plastics – turning them into […]

Poem – The Poor Old Humble Plastic Bag (May10)

I gave a speech this week at the Plastics and Films Association (PAFA) annual lunch. ‘Films’, as in ‘plastic films’, I should point out because a number of people have been confused. The 200 strong audience at the Dorchester Hotel were particularly appreciative when I said that plastic bags were better for the environment than […]

Expert Panel on Packaging (2008-2010)

Between 2008 and 2010 I sat on a expert advisory panel on packaging at M&S.   This was run by Rowland Hill, Helene Roberts and Mark Caul from M&S.   Other panel members include Jane Bickerstaffe from Incpen (Industry Council for Packaging and the Environment) and Mark Barthel from WRAP (Material Change for a Better Environment). Changing […]

Packaging & Films Association (May10)

“Everyone I have spoken to has commented on the value and inspiration they have received from the day and your part was a significant factor in all of that. Just the right balance of relevance and a very special personal flavour with knickers and goldfish thrown in (metaphorically I hasten to add).” Peter Woodall, PRP […]

Speech for PAFA – Plastics & Films Association AGM (May10)

The AGM for the Plastics and Films Association was held at the Dorchester Hotel.   I was the key note speaker following David Bebee the PAFA Chairman.  With some challenges for the plastics industry, I concluded with a poem about plastic bags.  See my blog by clicking here. “Everyone I have spoken to has commented on […]