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Adam Cox talks to John-Paul Savant, CEO of ATG (Auction Technology Group) about the latest research revealing that unlike with other commodities, people don’t understand the environmental consequences of buying brand new furniture. He discusses that second-hand items can have a dramatic impact on the planet and that auctions can be the driver to making the world a more sustainable place.

In this episode of Policy Matters, hosts Matt Dickson and Franz Buscha talk to Sam Friedman, Associate Professor of Sociology at the London School of Economics and a member of the Social Mobility Commission. Sam explains his recent research highlighting how those from working class backgrounds find themselves earning less than colleagues from more privileged families, even when they have the same qualifications and work in the same elite professions. Going beyond the numbers to understand this ‘class pay gap’, Sam describes the numerous interviews he undertook with elite professionals from different backgrounds and what this revealed about the hidden mechanisms that operate, often rewarding privilege rather than merit or ability. The discussion then moves on to the dominance of private schools – and especially a particular group of private schools – in the elite strata of society and considers the sorts of policies that might help to make Britain a more meritocratic society.

The pros of the property market right now, and how to save energy this winter. If you can keep your head, while other home buyers lose theirs…you could get yourself a better deal! Plus, the team bust some energy-saving myths, looking at whether carbon credit offsetting is a big old waste of money – or a good way to save the planet. And ‘tis the season to book your festive break, but what are the top best-value destinations for your Christmas holiday?

Adam Cox talks to Charlie de la Haye from Epson UK regarding new research revealing the UK’s ignorance when it comes to the cost of printer ink. Some believe that ink is more expensive than scorpion venom, (the world’s most expensive liquid), and some believe that it’s less expensive than champagne, when printer ink is much more expensive. With students heading back to university en masse at this time of year, it means that many students will either overspend on ink by up to a thousand pounds over a 3-year degree or potentially avoid printing essential work to keep costs down. They discuss how new printing technology could help students save a lot of money.

Saving, spending, planning — you've got money questions and we've got answers. Every week host Alison Southwick and personal finance expert Robert Brokamp challenge the conventional wisdom on life's biggest financial issues to reveal what you really need to know to make smart money moves. In this week's show, we're joined by Caitlin Zaloom, NYU professor and author of Indebted: How Families Make College Work at Any Cost. Her research explores the financial and moral conflicts Americans face when paying for college.

With the Supreme Court weighing up the prorogation of Parliament, political commentator Mike Indian considers where the power lies in our parliamentary democracy and how MPs should behave if they disagree with their constituents. He ponders whether the UK would be better off with a written constitution and, with the publication of his memoirs, believes that David Cameron is the last gasp of a bygone political era.

Steve Caplin reveals the winners of the IgNobel Awards for bonkers scientific research. He drools over the new iPhone and thinks gamers will love the company's Apple Arcade. In auto news there's funding for a project to charge car batteries in 6 minutes, a 3-wheel electric car from Estonia and an electric water taxi on trial in the Seine. Self-driving Segways will soon recharge themselves while e scooters could speed up urban journey times if made legal.

James Cameron-Wilson looks at the UK box office, where Downton Abbey has scored the highest-ever opening for a British period film. In at #3 is the Jennifer Lopez true-life scam movie Hustlers. For home viewing, James recommends the Blu-Ray release of the 1952 Western High Noon starring Gary Cooper.

Helal Miah of The Share Centre looks at recent news from Ocado, Kingfisher, Next and Sirius Minerals, as well as the surge in the oil price. He also looks ahead to what we might expect from Boohoo, Halma, the AA, United Utilities and SSE.

Want to keep up with the latest earnings updates from the States? Well join Chris Hill and the Motley Fool Radio Show team here on Share Radio, direct from Washington DC, for news, views and analysis of the US stocks that matter. In this week's show: Smile Direct leaves investors frowning; WeWork reworks its corporate governance; Old Navy prepares to split from The Gap; And Popeye’s brings new meaning to BYOB. Motley Fool analysts Andy Cross, Ron Gross, and Jason Moser discuss those stories and weigh in on the latest from Dave & Buster’s, GameStop, Shopify, and Zscaler. Plus, media and entertainment analyst Tim Beyers talks new iPhones and Apple’s evolving business.