All Consuming

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Exploring our culture of consumption through products that have changed the world

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala explore our culture of consumption through products that have changed the world -  asking how did we get here and what happens next?

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala explore our culture of consumption through products that have changed the world. They unravel the mysteries of marketing and the formidable forces that drive purchasing habits. From toilet paper to funerals, perfume to package holidays they'll be combing the past to see how landmark innovations have shifted the course of history. And asking what happens next?

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All Consuming: Houseplants

Houseplants

BBC Radio 4 - All Consuming, Houseplants

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala pick apart houseplants and learn about a recent boom.

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala trace how houseplants entered our homes by traversing jungles and taking a trip to the Royal Chelsea Flower Show.

Charlotte Stavrou and Amit Katwala go mushy for houseplants in this episode of All Consuming where they explore our culture of consumption. 

Philodendrons, Hoyas, Monsteras -  the list of plants available to consumers is now almost endless and these green companions became a crucial part of our home during lockdown when we craved the outdoors. 

In recent years, our love for houseplants has seen the plant market explode - but at what cost? 

Charlotte and Amit meet Jacob James, a seller of rare plants at the Royal Chelsea Flower Show, who reveals that there’s been a recent crash in rare houseplant prices. 

We check in with historian Catherine Horwood to find out how houseplants first entered the home and ecologist Dr Adam Cross gives us a fly’s eye view of a rare carnivorous plant.

Amateur biologist Sebastian Cocioba tells us how he hacks orchids for a special Mother’s Day present. 
 
Presenters: Amit Katwala and Chalotte Stavrou
Producer: Emily Uchida Finch

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