Episode Details
Back to EpisodesEP71 Empowering Futures: Playful Sustainability Education; An interview with Louise Robertson
Description
Philippa hosts an episode of Pondering Play and Therapy with guest Louise Robertson, founder of The Sustainables Academy (nominated for the Earthshot Prize in 2025) and a lecturer at Aberdeen University, formerly a teacher and head teacher. Louise explains how the colourful “Sustainables” characters provide a playful hook to help children, educators, parents, and communities understand complex sustainability concepts across water, air, and land, encouraging mindful choices, reduced waste, and critical thinking through play. She describes free, curriculum-aligned resources spanning multiple international curricula, pathways for sustainability, circular economy, and climate mental health, plus “wasters” reminder characters and a parent portal with activities and monthly newsletters. The conversation also covers the One Sky app launching in June, representation in the characters, funding challenges, and Louise’s goal for global recognition and support via the website and social channels.