Think Act Regenerate

Hosted by Leigh Baker

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Oct 2026

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About the show

THINK ACT REGENERATE is a podcast by Leigh Baker of ThinkActRegenerate which explores the wealth of regenerative design solutions happening on the ground in Australia and New Zealand, as well as around the world.

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21 recent

October 16, 202640 min

INSIGHT | The power of small, smart, local regenerative action

There are endless messages about "use less and campaign for policy change" - messages that can easily hide today's wealth of smart, local, regenerative solutions. In this example-rich episode, we explore strategies for meeting local needs using local resources and creating local jobs BY combining local wisdom and global know how. FULL TRANSCRIPT https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-the-power-of-small-smart-local-regenerative-action/#transcript CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of ⁠⁠⁠HopkinsonCreative.com⁠ ⁠⁠ – used with permission. LINKS Tools https://doughnuteconomics.org/tools https://www.systemicdesigntoolkit.org/ The Blue Economy book/report : https://www.clubofrome.org/publication/the-blue-economy-2010/ The Blue Economy by Gunter Paui l https://www.theblueeconomy.org/en Sources Systemic production system: https://www.researchgate.net/figure/Systemic-Production-Model-Bistagnino-2011_fig1_306105392 Service Flip podcast episode: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-how-to-uncover-regenerative-service-flip-opportunities Dark Sky movement: darksky.org https://www.experiencewinton.com.au/About-Winton/Dark-Sky-Community The Next Economy: https://nexteconomy.com.au/our-work/ ACE Hub: acehub.org.au Car share: https://drivemate.au/ and https://www.evee.com.au/ Independent developing world energy https://e360.yale.edu/features/developing-countries-solar-boom https://thebpp.com.au/blog/bpp-partnership-impact-series-expanding-access-to-solar-energy-and-water-in-kiribati/ Warburton Community Hydro Project https://www.ipwea.org/blogs/intouch/2019/06/25/yarra-ranges-mini-hydro-project Electricity grid losses https://www.aemo.com.au/energy-systems/electricity/national-electricity-market-nem/market-operations/loss-factors-and-regional-boundaries Variable speed motors https://www.linkedin.com/feed/update/urn:li:activity:7227102139649572865/ Which EVs have the most impact? https://theconversation.com/the-worlds-280-million-electric-bikes-and-mopeds-are-cutting-demand-for-oil-far-more-than-electric-cars-213870 Grid losses: https://www.aemo.com.au/energy-systems/electricity/national-electricity-market-nem/market-operations/loss-factors-and-regional-boundaries TRY: https://totallyrenewableyack.org.au/watts-happening/ Distributed solar jobs: https://www.pv-magazine.com/2025/12/08/distributed-solar-employment-vastly-outpaces-utility-scale-solar-globally-iea-reports/ France commercial rooftops https://lnkd.in/p/gUgxp5ga Coalition for Community Energy: https://c4ce.net.au/ Chip oil EV charging https://thedriven.io/2024/11/21/biofil-ev-chargers-running-on-waste-cooking-oil-plug-the-network-gaps-again/ Green Connect Illawarra https://acehub.org.au/knowledge-hub/case-studies/green-connect Credits schemes TNQ https://www.greenfinanceinstitute.com/hive/revenues-for-nature/case-studies/the-reef-credit-scheme/ https://www.cassowarycredits.com.au/

September 11, 202636 min

INSIGHT | Using systems capabilities to explore regeneration opportunities

In recent episodes we’ve talked about key approaches to regenerative business strategy and design - what’s happening. The growing opportunities, the goal of regeneration, circular design, product as a service, nature-based biomimicry innovation and 3D safety. Now we’re diving deeper into the how of regenerative business execution – the smarter skills and strategies that enable better results, faster. ‘ In this episode, we’re exploring the power of systems awareness and systems capabilities, including its value in business innovation. We’ll also dip into a few of the tools available today that you can use to develop and strengthen your systems effectiveness - in ALL areas (not just sustainability). CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of ⁠⁠HopkinsonCreative.com ⁠⁠ – used with permission. LINKS Examples: Wetland regeneration by drying out: https://www.abc.net.au/news/rural/programs/landline/2026-08-30/carp-removal-clearing-european-carp-from-murray-river-wetland/107091060 Smart traffic management systems: https://theconversation.com/smart-tech-systems-cut-congestion-for-a-fraction-of-what-new-roads-cost-125718 Brewery mining bitcoins to earn from excess solar: https://www.abc.net.au/news/2026-07-25/bitcoin-mine-generates-heat-to-produce-beer/106831374 Electric biscuit ovens - higher temp-less energy: https://www.thenakedscientists.com/articles/interviews/net-zero-oven-revolutionise-commercial-baking Patagonia makes Earth its sole shareholder: https://corporateknights.com/leadership/patagonia-made-earth-its-sole-shareholder-will-other-companies-follow-suit/ Eliot Energy - fleets of smart batteries: https://www.stoneandchalk.com.au/articles/why-eliot-energy-is-tackling-climate-change-one-refrigerator-at-a-time Sources: Interface: CONFESSIONS OF A RADICAL INDUSTRIALIST by Interface founder Ray Anderson. Stroh, SYSTEMS THINKING FOR SOCIAL CHANGE: https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/systems-thinking-for-social-change/ Ison & Straw, THE HIDDEN POWER OF SYSTEMS THINKING https://www.routledge.com/The-Hidden-Power-of-Systems-Thinking-Governance-in-a-Climate-Emergency/Ison-Straw/p/book/9781138493995 Meadows, THINKING IN SYSTEMS https://www.chelseagreen.com/product/thinking-in-systems/ Senge, THE FIFTH DISCIPLINE https://www.penguinrandomhouse.com/books/163984/the-fifth-discipline-by-peter-m-senge/ Meadows article on Leverage Points: https://donellameadows.org/archives/leverage-points-places-to-intervene-in-a-system/ Bevan’s diagram on Leverage Points: https://x.com/HelenBevan/status/1974006943334207859 Article on Archetypes (positive as well as negative): https://thesystemsthinker.com/positive-systems-archetypes/ Systems Thinking Websites thesystemsthinker.com - Great for practical business applications, case studies, and tools. donellameadows.org/ - The Academy for Systems Change (formed by the Donella Meadows Project to continue her work) offers core theory and insights for beginners. kumu.io - Diagramming tool for systems thinkers Systemic Design https://www.designcouncil.org.uk/resources/systemic-design-framework/ https://www.systemicdesigntoolkit.org/ Think Act Regenerate Insights email series: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insights/ Regenerative Thinking in Action program: https://thinkactregenerate.com/program/

July 28, 202633 min

INSIGHT | 3D Safety as Opportunity in Regenerative Business Innovation

When the industrial revolution began, humans still thought of nature as "boundless" AND with infinite capacity to absorb and neutralise toxins and waste. Today we're increasingly aware that "there is no away" - for wastes ranging from microplastics to PFAS to hormones. Since the 1990s, innovators and entrepreneurs have been developing materials and products and processes and design principles that are regenerative and beneficial (not just less bad). Today, there are growing opportunities to apply 21st century 3D safety developments to innovate and grow businesses - once you learn to see beyond compliance and "less harm". In this episode, host Leigh Baker of Think Act Regenerate discusses how 3D safety principles and commercial resources can be combined to uncover smart regenerative business opportunities. CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of ⁠HopkinsonCreative.com⁠ – used with permission. LINKS Stories Interface Flooring - 1) Captured landfill gas to power their manufacturing plant, removing toxic emissions from the air of their local community. 2) Developed glueless fastening system for carpet tiles. (Book: BUSINESS LESSONS FROM A RADICAL INDUSTRIALIST) Zeoform - replacing extractive building products with materials made from plant fibre and water. zeoform.com H2o vortex - water purification without chemicals. h2ovortex.com PlntMatter - plant cellulose transformation: ⁠ www.plntmatter.com ⁠ Sparxell ⁠⁠ - colorants made from cellulose instead of mica, titanium and chemicals. ⁠⁠ https://sparxell.com/ Bobcat T7X -the world’s first all-electric compact track loader - electrified hydraulics to remove toxic fluids ⁠ https://www.fastcompany.com/90878768/bobcat-t7x-all-electric-compact-track-loader ⁠ Certifications and catalogues Green Seal: greenseal.org Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute: c2ccertified.org/certified-products and c2ccertified.org/resources Good Environmental Choices Australia: www.geca.eco Global GreenTag: globalgreentag.com SpotMaterial: spotmaterial.com Approaches Biomimicry 3.8: biomimicry.net Cradle to Cradle Product Innovation Institute Resources: c2ccertified.org/resources The Doughnut Design for Business: ⁠https://doughnuteconomics.org/tools/doughnut-design-for-business-core-tool⁠ Green Chemistry Introduction: https://www.beyondbenign.org/about-green-chemistry/

November 27, 202429 min

INSIGHT | Using BIOMIMICRY to find regenerative business opportunities

Humans have been copying nature for millenia - but we gave it a back seat at the start of the Industrial Revolution. Now it's back - and offering a wealth of regenerative innovation opportunities for products, processes and systems design. Nature's "superpower" is to create solutions at room temperature, using renewable resources and renewable energy. In this episode, host Leigh Baker of Think Act Regenerate discusses how Biomimicry-based design can be used to uncover smart regenerative business opportunities. FULL TEXT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-using-biomimicry-to-find-regenerative-business-opportunities/#text CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of HopkinsonCreative.com – used with permission. LINKS Resources AskNature solutions library: asknature.org Bioneers Action Hub: bioneers.org Biomimicry Toolbox: https://toolbox.biomimicry.org/methods/define/ Economics of Biomimicry: https://infomineo.com/sustainable-development/bioinspired-innovation-harnessing-natures-wisdom/ ThinkActRegenerate INSIGHTS: https://thinkactregenerate.com/INSIGHTS/ Regenerative Thinking in Action: https://thinkactregenerate.com/program/ Examples Bardee (black soldier fly): https://www.bardee.com/collections/all Fungi Solutions: https://www.fungisolutions.com.au/ Interface Factory as Forest: https://trellis.net/article/inside-interfaces-bold-new-mission-achieve-climate-take-back/ Kalundborg Symbiosis Industrial Estate: https://www.symbiosis.dk/en/ Mycellium (mushroom) products: https://myceliuminspired.com/products Samsara (enzymatic plastic recycling): https://www.samsaraeco.com/ SugarCrete: https://www.newcivilengineer.com/innovative-thinking/researchers-transform-sugarcane-by-product-into-slabs-and-bricks-22-03-2024/ Zeoform: https://zeoform.com/zeoboard

October 9, 202439 min

INTERVIEW | Solar entrepreneur Andy McCarthy discussing the next BIG renewable energy opportunity

Andy McCarthy - founder of Gippsland Solar in 2010 - has told his renewable energy business story (so far) in his recent autobiography HERE COMES THE SUN. I caught up with Andy at the start of October to discuss what he’s learned and where he sees the next big openings in renewable energy opportunity. FULL TRANSCRIPT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/interview-solar-entrepreneur-andy-mccarthy-on-the-next-big-renewable-energy-opportunity/#text LINKS: Books HERE COMES THE SUN: https://affirmpress.com.au/browse/book/Andy-McCarthy-Here-Comes-the-Sun-9781923046337 CROSSING THE CHASM: Marketing and Selling Disruptive Products to Mainstream Customers https://www.harpercollins.com/products/crossing-the-chasm-3rd-edition-geoffrey-a-moore?variant=32130444066850 Other links Recent Think Act Regenerate PODCAST interview on battery as a service: https://thinkactregenerate.com/interview-exploring-battery-as-a-service-opportunities-with-eliot-energy / FREE Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS email series: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insights

August 30, 202447 min

INSIGHT | How to uncover regenerative Service Flip opportunities

Service and value tools for finding business opportunity have been developing for decades - both in mainstream business and sustainability circles. In Circular Economy circles, they talk about The Service Flip - but there's a much wider toolkit on offer. "Regenerative business service and value design is not about finding a better or lower cost solution to the existing problem of an industry. It's about redefining the problem itself." Adapted from Blue Ocean Strategy FULL TEXT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-how-to-uncover-regenerative-service-flip-opportunities/#text RESOURCE LINKS FREE Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS - introductory email series: ⁠https://thinkactregenerate.com/insights/⁠ Think Act Regenerate Service Thinking Resources: https://thinkactregenerate.com/product-as-a-service-paas-stories-sources-and-resources/ Circular Design Guide: https://www.circulardesignguide.com/post/service-flip The Service Economy by Walter Stahel: https://www.globe-eu.org/wp-content/uploads/THE_PERFORMANCE_ECONOMY1.pdf EXAMPLES Aspect Legal SME advisory: https://www.aspectlegal.com.au/lawyerline-sme/ Bristol Siddeley "Power by the Hour": https://www.nexsys.co.uk/knowledge-hub/servitization-jargon-buster/ Lighting services by Signify: https://trellis.net/article/how-philips-became-pioneer-circularity-service/ and https://www.circularx.eu/en/cases/40/signify-light-as-a-service MUD Jeans as a service: https://mudjeans.com/pages/sustainability-mud-jeans Rare bird as a service: https://reasonstobecheerful.world/farmers-protect-rare-red-fronted-macaws-bolivia/ Supermarket solar as a service: https://www.smartease.com.au/solar-panels-supermarket-iga/ https://www.smartease.com.au/solar-panels-supermarket-iga/ Vogue review of clothing services: https://www.vogue.com/article/clothing-rental-subscription

August 7, 202434 min

INTERVIEW | Exploring "battery as a service" opportunities with ELIoT Energy

In this episode, host Leigh Baker of Think Act Regenerate talks with David Hauser about innovative Melbourne battery-as-a-service startup ELIoT Energy - and the multiple benefits their business model offers customers, the hospitality industry, environment and community. FULL TEXT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/interview-exploring-battery-as-a-service-opportunities-with-eliot-energy/#text LINKS ELIoT Energy website: https://eliot-energy.com/ 10 key regenerative perspectives on regenerative business opportunity: https://thinkactregenerate.com/regenerative-design-insights/ FREE Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS email series: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insights/ CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of HopkinsonCreative.com – used with permission.

May 22, 202434 min

INSIGHT | The radical efficiency opportunities of CIRCULAR systems

This podcast episode summarises the third of the Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS email series on regenerative innovation -and the rich smorgasbord of business and career opportunities it offers. Circular Economy principles have been a driver of regenerative business growth over the last 1-2 decades - and proving increasingly profitable. A lot of people have heard the term - but think of it as "something about better recycling". However, assuming that the circular economy is just about better recycling is like assuming that all you can do with a smartphone is make voice calls - because it's called a phone. This podcast episode explores the full scope of Circular Economy design, with examples from over two decades of real world business innovation. FULL TEXT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-the-radical-efficiency-opportunities-of-circular-systems/#text CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of HopkinsonCreative.com – used with permission. LINKS General resources The Australian Circular Economy Hub: https://acehub.org.au/ The Ellen Macarthur Foundation’s Case Studies and Examples: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/topics/circular-economy-introduction/examples The Ellen Macarthur Foundation’s CIRCULAR DESIGN GUIDE: ⁠https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-design-guide/overview⁠ The full Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS email series: ⁠https://thinkactregenerate.com/insights/ Examples Bananas – from food waste to food in Australia: https://thinkactregenerate.com/dried-bananas-food-vodka/ Banoffee Leather: https://banofileather.com/ Bateup Green Chair: https://www.bateupconsulting.com.au/greenchair Canyon Solar in supermarket carparks: https://onestepoffthegrid.com.au/solar-carparks-offer-renewable-solution-for-supermarkets-and-cheap-ev-charging/ Caterpillar remanufacturing: https://www.caterpillar.com/en/company/sustainability/remanufacturing.html Close the Loop (R) Australia: https://www.closetheloop.com.au/about-us/ Close the Loop® road surfacing: https://www.closetheloop.com.au/tonerplas-in-the-award-winning-m80-ring-road-upgrade/ https://roadsonline.com.au/from-plastic-to-pavement-with-close-the-loop/ EU Unsold Clothing Destruction Ban: https://english.aawsat.com/fashion/4711286-eu-approves-ban-destruction-unsold-clothing Framework Computers: https://frame.work/au/en Interface early years BUSINESS LESSONS FROM A RADICAL INDUSTRIALIST: https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781429997164/businesslessonsfromaradicalindustrialist Interface reuse and upcycling: https://www.caterpillar.com/en/company/sustainability/remanufacturing.html Kua Coffee: https://kuacoffee.co/about Rohner upholstery textiles: https://www.wipo.int/wipo_magazine/en/2007/02/article_0002.html

April 25, 202438 min

INSIGHT | Levelling up to design for REGENERATION

One of the core propositions of Think Act Regenerate is that today’s regenerative design thinking enables a rich smorgasbord of smarter, faster, funner win/win/win solutions that go WAY beyond 20th century “sustainability” and “efficiency”. What IS regenerative thinking? To me, it’s a new place to stand – because we can’t solve 20th century problems with 20th century thinking. Here’s my take on what regeneration is about and why it has a strong business focus, illustrated with a heap of examples. FULL TEXT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-levelling-up-to-design-for-regeneration/#text LINKS Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS email series: http://thinkactregenerate.com/insights Think Act Regenerate INSIGHT on OPPORTUNITY https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-a-world-of-business-and-career-opportunity/ Books and general links BUSINESS LESSONS FROM A RADICAL INDUSTRIALIST https://us.macmillan.com/books/9781429997164/businesslessonsfromaradicalindustrialist REGENERATION: https://regeneration.org/the-book THE DEEP GREEN PROFIT HANDBOOK https://thinkactregenerate.com/wp-content/uploads/2023/11/DeepGreenProfit.pdf Michael Porter: “Why business can be good at solving social problems” https://www.ted.com/talks/michael_porter_why_business_can_be_good_at_solving_social_problems.html Project Drawdown: https://drawdown.org/solutions Examples: Precious metals being recovered from ewaste using the whey https://rpra.ca/the-hub/researchers-extract-gold-from-e-waste-using-a-cheese-byproduct/ Farmer upcycling excess produce https://thinkactregenerate.com/dried-bananas-food-vodka/ AMP upcycling skyscraper https://thinkactregenerate.com/upcycling-commercial-buildings-circular-economy-at-a-whole-new-scale/ Sundrop farms, using solar energy and seawater to grow tomatoes in the desert: https://www.sundropfarms.com/ Interface flooring, utilising land-fill methane to power a factory https://www.greenbiz.com/article/interface-flooring-powers-plant-using-landfill-emissions Farmers installing solar panels to protect their crops and power their on-farm equipment https://ceat.org.au/the-benefits-of-agrivoltaics-in-agriculture/ A Riverina renewable energy coop building a community solar garden https://switchedon.reneweconomy.com.au/content/australias-first-community-solar-garden-becomes-a-reality Kua Coffee, utilising a social enterprise structure to serve its growers in Kenya https://kuacoffee.co/learn/why-does-kua-have-a-foundation-and-a-company An Indian company making a vegetable-based “Leather” from banana waste: https://banofileather.com/ Plastic-free coffee pods utilising algae-based material to protect the coffee https://www.fastcompany.com/91056402/how-keurig-finally-made-a-coffee-pod-with-no-plastic Waste processing powered by Black Soldier Fly for food waste: https://goterra.au/food-waste-management/ HarperCollins use design to reduce paper cost and save trees https://www.fastcompany.com/91071102/harper-collins-made-a-tiny-tweak-to-its-book-design-and-has-saved-thousands-of-trees-as-a-result Totally Renewable Yackandandah – from solar panels to energy retailer https://totallyrenewableyack.org.au/ Melbourne business turns toner cartridge waste into road surfacing material and vegetable garden modules: https://roadsonline.com.au/the-proof-is-in-the-pavement-with-close-the-loop/ WA farmer is using biochar and dung beetles to reduce operating costs, increase production : https://www.wantfa.com.au/wp-content/uploads/2016/04/WANTFA_NF_Summer2015_Biochar-002.pdf A family-run building company in NSW building super-efficient housing that sells itself https://thefifthestate.com.au/columns/news-from-the-front-desk/news-from-the-front-desk-issue-no-231/

March 22, 202418 min

INSIGHT | A world of business and career OPPORTUNITY

A surprising number of people look at “sustainability” and “the environment” as onerous obligations instead of seeing it as a rich smorgasbord of business and career opportunity. So they miss out on the wealth of commercial solutions coming to market – many of which are already scaling globally. In the first of 10 Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS, we explore the scope and scale of today’s opportunities and identify some starting resources. FULL TEXT: https://thinkactregenerate.com/insight-a-world-of-business-and-career-opportunity/#text LINKS The Think Act Regenerate INSIGHTS email series: thinkactregenerate.com/insights Project Drawdown ’s solutions catalogue: drawdown.org/solutions Ellen Macarthur Foundation for the Circular Economy: ellenmacarthurfoundation.org Circular Design Guide : circulardesignguide.com Project Regeneration’ s Action Nexus: regeneration.org/nexus Planning worksheet download of “An Ikigai for regenerative solutionists”: thinkactregenerate.com/an-ikigai-for-regenerative-solutionists CREDITS Original music composed for the show by Ian Hopkinson of HopkinsonCreative.com - used with permission.