Sustainability Pathways with Kirsty Bishop-Fox

Waste in hospitals is something I can’t help but notice every time. And I often feel like there’s not much I can do about it.

I went into surgery expecting waste. And yes, some of it was unavoidable. But I can’t help but question - do I actually need this?

This recent visit surprised me. I saw small positive shifts, but also waste that could be avoided.

In an unexpected moment, I was able to avoid creating waste, which I didn’t expect.

Health comes first. But even healthcare professionals have told me they wish there was less waste too.

Recycling needs a bit of a reality check. People often ask what else they can do to keep waste out of landfill.

The biggest impact actually happens before the recycling bin. Often it’s companies putting plastic on us through the way products are packaged and sold — but sometimes we still have the choice not to buy it.

I also get that sometimes there really isn’t much choice.

Recycling is important, but it can become a bit of a cop-out when companies overproduce packaging and stuff, then leave the waste industry and communities to deal with materials that can’t easily be recycled.

So it’s worth thinking about how we can avoid waste in the first place, wherever it’s practical — and supporting businesses that make sustainable choices part of their core business.

This event has a special place in my heart. I’m at Central Ringwood Community Centre on the 3rd Sunday most months for their Sustainability Community Day, and each March they transform it into a much bigger Sustainability Fair—extending the hours and filling the space with exhibitors, workshops and a great speaking program.

This year I’ll be presenting one of the most thought-provoking talks I’ve done so far. It’s a bit of a test-pilot for something bigger, so I’m really excited to share it here.

The Great Sustainability Misdirection:
Customers, Consumers, and the Sustainability Spin
At some point the narrative shifted—we stopped being called customers and started being called consumers. These words have subtle but important differences, and that language shift changes how waste and sustainability are framed… and who is seen as responsible for the problem.

Drawing on her work bringing community perspectives into industry and government conversations, Kirsty Bishop-Fox unpacks how greenwashing works, how environmental responsibility is often shifted onto individuals, and how to recognise the difference between genuine sustainability and clever marketing messages.

Most importantly, this session explores how we can reclaim our power—making informed choices that challenge the status quo rather than rewarding those who profit from our good intentions. It’s about how we can be more than just consumers in shaping a sustainable future.

📍 Central Ringwood Community Centre
📅 Sunday 15 March
🕙 Sustainability Fair: 10am–2pm
🎤 Talk: 10:30am
🎟 Free entry

Come along for a day packed with inspiration, ideas and practical know-how. https://www.facebook.com/events/2759915847701885/

I’ve been called “difficult” for asking questions about sustainability, equity, and accountability. But maybe that’s because the question is difficult to answer?

This International Women’s Day, I’m thinking about that label.

Because questioning systems that put profit before people and planet shouldn’t be seen as difficult — it should be expected.

But maybe in this sense, the world needs more ‘difficult’ women.

Happy International Women’s Day. 💜

Do you hate food waste? Yep, me too.

If I’m going to an event or gathering where I expect there might be leftovers, I’ll usually take a container with me so nothing goes to waste.

At a breakfast event this week, that didn’t even cross my mind. But when I saw the waitstaff clearing the tables, I asked what would happen to the leftovers — would they be donated somewhere or end up in the bin?

To my absolute dismay… the bin.

My first thought was that if my son had been there, he would have happily eaten mine. Then the zero-waster in me kicked in. I asked if the kitchen might have a box so I could take them — the person next to me said she could even take them back to her workplace.

No luck with a box though… bummer.

All I had was a paper bag — not ideal. Then I spotted the table cards and thought, bingo! Not as good as a box, but workable.

Short walk to the station, then onto the train, and I was pretty pleased the squash factor was minimal. They still looked and tasted great.

A small win for the no-food-waste mission.

Do you take leftovers home when you can?

🌱 This Wednesday | 11 Feb | 1–6pm
I’ll be at the Braybrook Community Sustainable Living Expo!

🎤 At 2:45pm, I’m presenting
"Sustainability Spin: Profiting from Good Intentions"
— a practical look at spotting greenwashing, cutting through marketing spin, and understanding what genuine sustainability really looks like.

✨ This free community expo is packed with fun, hands-on ways to live more sustainably, including:

• Bath bomb making
• Flags to Bags
• Insect hotel building with a Park Ranger
• Low-waste cooking with Scott Hitchens
• Mend & Learn sewing workshop
• Reusable party kits
• Info session on transitioning to an all-electric home

📍 Braybrook Community Hub
107–139 Churchill Avenue, Braybrook
🎟️ Free entry

This Expo is part of the City of Maribyrnong Sustainable Living Festival running throughout February.

👉 Find out more about this Expo https://www.maribyrnong.vic.gov.au/Residents/Our-environment/Maribyrnong-Sustainable-Living-Festival/Braybrook-Community-Sustainability-Expo

I'm looking foward to being back at this year.

One of those places where music, meaning, nature, and community come together — it’s a place where I get to slow down and reset.

This year I’m part of the program with two very different, but deeply connected sessions.

🌱 Junior Nature Guardians
With and Spencer from we’ll be empowering young people to care for nature and see how small actions can make a big difference.

📅 Tues 30 Dec | 10:00am
📍 TinLids – Ta Da

🌏 Sustainability Spin: Profiting from Good Intentions
A deep dive into greenwashing, glossy eco-claims, and what actually makes a difference — and what you can do.
📅 Wed 31 Dec | 2:15pm
📍 The Arbour

The festival offers an incredible lineup of music, workshops, art, crafts, children’s programs, and so much more. You can come for a day or the whole week — Hope to see you at Woodford ✨

A lot of Christmas wrapping paper ends up in landfill.

Our solution is simple: reuse bags and boxes and avoid the guesswork altogether.

Avoiding single-use also means avoiding recycling checklists — which makes recycling at Christmas surprisingly complicated.

Spoiler: the shinier it is, the less likely it is to be recycled — glitter on cards, paper and party hats included.

Thanks to for sharing a great rundown on what Christmas paper can’t be recycled.

Reusable gift bags and boxes work for us — less waste, less stress, and still festive 🎄