Chris Torpey answers the BRiMM Life Questionnaire

Latest low-impact life reset  
“Saying no to things! It’s fine to not always be available on other people’s schedules, both socially and in work, and it’s fine to prioritise your own life. Obviously it’s a balancing act and you won’t want to say no to everything, but it’s quite empowering to protect your own boundaries and routine, and not let it be dictated by others.”

Change that has brought you joy
“Getting up early and doing some stretches (due to a bad back), leaving the window open a bit and listening to the wind in the trees or the birds outside.”

Favourite planet-positive products
“Household things like smol, Wyld and Who Gives A Crap? are great because they’re used so much, and there are tonnes of casual, day-to-day things that we all do out of habit that can be done differently. Once you make simple changes like that, you start to open your eyes to other things in life that are wasteful and it empowers you to seek out alternatives. Plus Beyond Burgers are the greatest.” 

All-time top second-hand find
“A Puma jacket from eBay about 20 years ago, that was vintage even then. Shame I can’t fit into it anymore.”

Favourite walking route  
“Anywhere along the coast of Wirral! We’ve got the longest prom in the country here, and I grew up right by it. It’s really relaxing to walk along from Seacombe Ferry up to New Brighton, watching the weather come down the river, and the boats coming in and out, people going by. You’ve got the big, wide open vistas on the Irish Sea when you turn the corner, and gorgeous nature intrudes on the Dee side; but I love the quiet churn of the Mersey on the Left Bank side.”

What’s your most joyful weekend moment
“Sat eating a pain au chocolate and having a cup of coffee, looking out at the trees outside the living room window, no matter the season.”

Plant-based dish of dreams
“I recently had a chilli with courgette that was gorgeous, but don’t know the recipe! I like cooking a curry with chickpeas and either aubergine or sweet potato, with garam masala (a top tier spice). Roast the aubergine or sweet potato (I sprinkle some garam masala on here too); make the curry with onions and add garlic and ginger when frying; add the spices (cumin, curry powder, coriander, turmeric, red pepper flakes); chickpeas, veg broth/stock; tin of chopped tomatoes and a tin of coconut milk; reduce down to curry-like consistency, stir-in roasted aubergine or sweet potato, and then add the garam masala for a lively hit! You can add spinach as well, or wilt it and add the spinach chopped to your rice. Serve with a bit of coriander and sliced red onions, maybe a naan bread if you’re that way inclined!”

Song that lights you up
“There are too many! ‘Anyway That You Want Me’ by Evie Sands is always one that pulls on the heartstrings, because of the way it builds. ‘Wichita Lineman’ by Glen Campbell, too. They don’t write songs like them anymore!”

Independent coffee shop that makes you happy 
“The original Bold Street Coffee. It was such a great community place, lovely people coming in and out, really knowledgeable staff, great records stacked up behind the counter. The afternoon ebbs and flows were lovely, not as hectic as the morning. It's still the high bar that I hold others to.”

Indie record store tip 
“Go and ask the staff what they recommend, or what’s new. Don’t be intimidated by the stereotype of record store staff – they’re experts, and it’s a waste to not pick their brains! When I go to a record store on holiday, I like to ask the staff to suggest some local artists, because I want to take something home from the place I’ve visited. You’ll be surprised at how much you’ll learn, and how many other shoppers get involved! Also, don’t ever not go into Sounds Of The Universe if you’re near Soho, it’s the best.” 

Second-hand store or market worth a mooch 
“Anywhere that has vintage film camera gear – I’m always on the lookout, so send me any suggestions!

Causes you give to every month
“St John’s Hospice.” 

Podcasts that lift you up 
“I generally listen to news and politics podcasts, which are kind of the opposite of uplifting! But I’ve always liked ‘99% Invisible’ and ‘Reply All’’s weird uncoverings and delving into backstories.” 

Person who inspires you 
“Apart from my partner and my parents and my friends? No one, really! I’m past that now at 40, I just admire lots of people instead (Bernie Connor probably the most). But yeh, my partner inspired me to be a better person every day, so probably her.” 

Planet-positive hero 
“James Gillaspy, our Sustainability Lead at Future Yard. He’s tireless, passionate and really insightful about all the work he does and is taking us on a journey to become operationally net zero by 2030. He’s also a lovely guy and he has a wand of a left foot when playing football!”

Quote to live by 
‘If something is worth doing, it’s worth doing properly.’ Not sure if it’s a quote from someone specific, but it’s something I live by. Good enough isn’t worth it, anything with your name on it should be done properly.” 

What gets you every time 
“Pelé’s overhead kick equaliser in Escape To Victory.”

What is love
“It is a warm blanket of support and trust and respect, the freedom to get things wrong and learn from them, knowing that someone else has your back, and the tingles that run down your spine or cause your heart to swell.”

Issue you care most about changing 
“Equality of opportunity and a more level playing field. We’ve had over a decade of painful austerity that has made things harder for the least well-off in society, through no fault of their own, and the gap in wealth between the top and the bottom has grown into a chasm. I’d want to see that gap brought down, a bigger state providing for everyone, and a Universal Basic Income. And, of course, ending the horrific situation in Gaza.” 

Do you have a message you’d love to share with the collective? 
“Be nice to each other!” 

Find out more about Chris’ live music venue, Future Yard. Then read our other BRiMM Life Questionnaires for loads more low-impact living tips