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Plains FM Mornings' Ed Swift

Ed Swift is the presenter and producter of Plains FM Mornings in Christchurch, one of the few local radio shows in Canterbury. Ed presents the SIFT sponsored Green Biz segment on Monday mornings when we talk about sustainable businesses in Canterbury.

1. What do you do to live more sustainably (with a low impact) in your life?

One of the big things I do is bike and walk to wherever I need to get to, and if it’s not within walking distance, I’ll try to catch a bus! We also use the three bin system as much as possible (recycling, organics, etc.) and we use a push lawnmower on our little patch of grass (it’s hard work but it’s not using petrol and polluting the place).

2. How do you live more sustainably at work?

We recycle as much paper as possible, making little note pads out of any scrap possible. Also basic things like turning off the lights in rooms I’m not using and turning off the computer and screen at night – it’s just common sense.

3. What do you think is the biggest environmental issue we need to deal with in Christchurch/New Zealand?

I think we’ve nailed the rubbish problem pretty well with the 3 bin system, but now we all need to look at the difference we can make at home and work.

4. What makes you smile?

Having a good laugh with mates, and seeing my 3 year old niece.

5. What is your bigget pet peeve?

Being trained as a journalist and having a mother who has exceptional grammar, I get peeved when people don’t get apostrophes correct, and also when people don’t know the difference between “affect” and “effect”. It seems weird but it just bugs me for some reason!

6. What id your favourite colour and why?

Red – not too sure why, I just always have! I could say something funny here like “red things always go faster!”

7. Do you have a favourite place in the world? Describe why?

Sumner Beach, a great place to be at in the summer, sitting in the sand, swimming in the sea, and there are lots of good cafes around too!

8. What’s your connection to SIFT?

I present and produce Plains FM Mornings, where we have a weekly slot with SIFT on Monday at 9.10am looking at sustainability (shameless plug – tune in weekdays from 8am on 96.9FM or streaming live at plainsfm.org.nz!).

9. Do you remember your favourite teacher and why they were your favourite?

Dr Huffadine from King’s College in Auckland – wasn’t officially my teacher but he was my Housemaster and he taught us a lot at school, and was always up for a game of pool in lunchtime.

10. What do you want to leave behind?

As little waste as possible.

11. What do you think the future will bring?

Who knows – 2 years ago I would’ve never predicted I would be hosting my own radion show in Christchurch, so I’ve given up trying to predict the future!

12. Who is someone you really admire and why?

My mum – she’s raised 4 children (of which I’m the youngest) while finding time to volunteer in the community, work as a part-time journalist in Auckland, and finish her BA with First Class Honours last year – now all she needs to do is start her PhD!

13. What is happening outside your window right now?

I see trees of green (but not red roses too), plus the redevelopment of Visions of Campus at CPIT.

14. What is your favourite breakfast?

Nothing beats scambled eggs on toast, especially if a nice flatmate brings it to you in bed (hint hint).

15. What is the best piece of advice you can give us?

Always have a positive outlook on life, and don’t forget to smile.