Sustainability Now - exploring technologies and paradigms to shape a world that works

A Sustainability Now Interview with Josh Farley What if our metrics for economic health are simply upside down? How can a “healthy” economy—measured by rising GDP—coexist with ecological collapse, mental health crises, and widening inequality? Josh Farley, ecological economist, isn't just rethinking economics—he's redesigning it. A professor at the University of Vermont and Fellow at the Gund Institute for Environment, his work bridges economics, ethics, and ecology, challenging the very foundation of how we think about money, nature, and our collective future. With clarity and a sharp eye for absurdity, Farley unpacks the dangerous delusion of GDP as a measure of well-being—revealing how our systems reward depletion and call it growth, while sidelining equity, health, and ecological integrity. Instead, he offers a new paradigm: one that prioritizes regeneration over extraction and collective stewardship over unchecked consumption. It's not just a critique—it's a grounded, hopeful invitation to redesign economics for a world that actually works. If you've ever sensed that the numbers aren't telling the whole story—this conversation is the deeper math you've been waiting for.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Food Forward Founder, Rick Nahmias In a world where millions go hungry while billions of pounds of food go to waste, Food Forward is proving that abundance, not scarcity, is the problem—and the solution. Founded in 2009 by our guest, Rick Nahmias, what started as a backyard fruit-picking effort has grown into one of the most effective, large-scale food rescue operations in the country. With a laser focus on fresh, plant-based food, Food Forward moves an astonishing 100 million pounds of produce annually—more than even the LA Food Bank—directly into the hands of those who need it most. Their work isn't just about feeding people; it's about restoring dignity, health, and access to nutrient-rich foods while solving one of the most overlooked contributors to climate change: food waste. The key to their impact? Precision, partnerships, and logistics at scale. Food Forward operates at just 7 cents per pound—one-third the cost of a traditional food bank. By leveraging deep relationships with wholesalers, farmers, and volunteers they've made food donation seamless, cost-effective, and even financially beneficial for suppliers. Yet Food Forward is more than an organization—it's a movement built on the principle of shared abundance. Inspired by a gifting ethos, their work empowers individuals to become stewards of food justice in their own communities, whether through volunteering, replicating food rescue efforts locally, or supporting policy change. And for those wondering if this model could work elsewhere? Rick and his team have made their tools and expertise open-source, to help support the development of food recovery efforts nationwide. Tune in to hear how Food Forward is reshaping food access, reducing waste, and proving that a well-fed world is within reach.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Water Stories Founder, Zach Weiss What if the key to impacting climate change isn't as much about carbon as it is about water? In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Zach Weiss, visionary water restoration expert and founder of Water Stories, for an exploration of how and why healing the water cycle can regenerate the planet. From extreme weather events—droughts and wildfires to catastrophic mudslides and floods—our planet's most pressing climate crises are symptoms of a broken water cycle—a situation that we have the ability to heal. Zach shares why water cycle restoration is the most effective, immediate, and scalable solution to stabilizing our climate, cooling landscapes, reversing desertification, and restoring thriving ecosystems. Drawing from real-world success stories, Zach shares how farms, cities, and even entire river systems are being revived through simple, nature-based interventions. In Montana, a parking lot became a thriving wetland in just two years, providing habitat for a rare and endangered salamander species. In India, through the work of Rajendra Singh, communities restored 13 rivers that had been dry for decades. These projects aren't just theoretical—they're proof that by working with nature, rather than against it, we can restore balance to the planet. With a community of 6000 and growing, Water Stories is spreading the word through education and action, providing extensive resources for individuals, professionals, and policymakers alike. They also offer a once-a-year six-month training that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to get involved in this regenerative work—work that has been successfully implemented by everyone from individual land stewards to government agencies.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Solarrolla founders Brett and Kira Belan Join us for a conversation with Brett and Kira Belan of Solarrolla, a company reimagining transportation with fully solar-powered electric vehicles. Drawing on Brett's mechanical engineering expertise from Ford and Jaguar, their journey began with a bold experiment—a solar-powered VW bus that carried their family 1,400 miles on sunlight alone. Now, they've built everything from solar camper vans to electric tractors, embodying a vision for a future untethered from fossil fuels. More than an alternative to gas-powered travel, these vehicles invite us to embrace a slower, more attuned way of moving—where nature, rather than deadlines, dictates the journey. With solar arrays generating up to 100 miles per day, they double as mobile power stations, supplying electricity during grid failures, natural disasters, or remote work setups. Solarrolla's vision is transformative. Imagine a world where solar-powered highways create roaming energy grids, and transportation becomes a tool for freedom and planetary stewardship. They're not just building vehicles—they're rethinking how we move, live, and connect with the planet. Resources and links from this episode: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/03/15/092-solarrolla-vehicles-powered-solely-by-the-sun/.

A Sustainability Now interview with Dr. Kristin Reihman, MD Double board-certified physician Kristin Reihman invites us to rethink everything we know about healing. Drawing on her extensive expertise in integrative medicine and brain injury treatment—as well as her own remarkable recovery from chronic illness—she challenges conventional medicine's tendency to mask symptoms rather than address their root causes. When it comes to brain health, and a deep insight into neuroplasticity, she reveals how the brain's ability to heal is far greater than mainstream medicine typically acknowledges. In a fascinating shift of brain health paradigm, Kristin explains how natural movements from infancy—such as tummy crawling and creeping—can reawaken the brain's regenerative capacity at any age. As unconventional as it sounds, these innate patterns can help adults and children alike recover from inflammation and injury, sharpen cognitive function, and unlock deeper healing potential. This insight is especially critical as conditions like ADD, ADHD, autism, and dementia continue to rise, requiring solutions beyond pharmaceuticals and long-term care. Kristin links this more holistic approach to healing to the broader challenge of sustainability, making the case that vibrant brain health is not just a personal necessity, but a key to resilient communities and a thriving planet. Join us for an inspiring and grounded conversation that offers a vision of hope for healing—by honoring the profound connection between physical, emotional, and environmental wellness. A conversation that goes beyond conventional medical wisdom to establish holistic health as a cornerstone for a sustainable, thriving future.  

A Sustainability Now interview with Co-Founder, Maddie Hamann. PACHA's mission is centered around regenerative agriculture, leveraging the power of buckwheat—an adaptable, nutrient-dense crop—to provide delicious nutrition, enhance soil health and foster long-term ecological restoration. In contrast to conventional farming methods that rely heavily on synthetic chemicals and tilling, regenerative practices like those championed by PACHA enrich the soil, sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity. More than just a bread product, PACHA is part of a movement to heal the planet, one loaf at a time. But sustainability doesn't stop at the farming. PACHA Bread's commitment extends to every aspect of its operation, from using 100% home compostable packaging to minimizing food waste. In a bold move away from petroleum-based plastic, PACHA's bio-based packaging not only aligns with their eco-conscious values but also champions a circular economy where waste is reduced and resources are repurposed. Even the byproducts from their grain, like buckwheat hulls, are upcycled into new products like their upcoming sourdough buckwheat tortillas—making PACHA a true innovator in the quest for more sustainable food systems. In a landscape where environmental responsibility often takes a back seat to profit margins, PACHA Bread stands out as a business that seamlessly integrates ecological stewardship with entrepreneurial creativity. Join us for our exploration of PACHA's truly regenerative business model which incorporates regenerative agriculture, reducing plastic waste, and producing nourishing, allergen-friendly food, exemplifying the potential for sustainable, values-driven business to serve both people and the planet.  Resources and links from this episode can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/02/16/090-pacha-bread-of-life-nourishing-people-and-planet/ #Sustainability #RegenerativeAgriculture #EcoFriendly #PlasticFree #FoodInnovation #ClimateAction #OrganicFarming #CircularEconomy #HealthyEating #ZeroWaste

A Sustainability Now interview with Founder, Adina Popescu—a groundbreaking AI-driven predictive platform that integrates global oceanic and satellite data to map and monitor ocean health. Starting with the oceans, ÆRTH's bold mission is to eventually build a real-time, dynamic digital twin of the planet—to uncover global ecosystem patterns, predict ecological impacts, and drive sound restorative interventions. The importance of this work cannot be overstated as illustrated by the cautionary tale of a proposed project to cover the Saharan Desert with solar panels. Predictive modeling revealed the fact that such a project would disrupt the flow of nutrient-rich Saharan sand to the Amazon, potentially causing the rainforest's collapse. ÆRTH's mission is to make visible the hidden connections within Earth's ecosystems to guide responsible environmental stewardship. Having been an advisor to organizations like Apple's Media Arts Lab and Conservation International, Adina brings an audacious vision founded in science and technology to creatively address the intricate web of our global environmental challenges.  Links and other resources from this interview: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/02/02/089-aerth-meets-earth-mapping-our-planets-delicate-web/ #SustainabilityNow, #OceanConservation, #DigitalTwin, #ClimateAction, #EcoInnovation, #AIforGood, #GreenTech, #EnvironmentalStewardship, #SustainableFuture, #TechForGood

Featuring Neal Spackman, Founder and CEO of Regenerative Resources Co. and globally recognized pioneer in ecological restoration and sustainable design. Through his work, Neal showcases the power of nature-based regenerative practices to restore ecosystems, revitalize economies and build cultural and environmental resilience. We discuss Neal's groundbreaking Al Baydha Project, a prime example of regeneration in action. In the heart of the desert, he collaborated with semi-nomadic tribes to turn barren, unproductive land into a thriving ecosystem. By employing techniques such as watershed management, reforestation, and agroforestry, and scalable solutions like check dams and silvopasture systems, the project restored the land, revitalized the local community and reintroduced life to one of the harshest environments on Earth. Neal's current project, RAFT (Regenerative Aqua-Forestry Technology), reimagines aquaculture through a circular economy lens. By integrating sustainable shrimp farming with mangrove restoration, RAFT addresses global challenges like habitat loss, food insecurity, and climate change. Spackman discusses how this closed-loop system creates symbiotic relationships between aquaculture and coastal ecosystems, restoring biodiversity, improving water quality, and sequestering carbon—all while producing economic value. At the heart of Spackman's work is the concept of regenerative systems, going beyond conservation to rebuild the relationship between people and planet. His projects illustrate the profound potential of working with natural processes to align human and ecological interests to foster human well-being along with planetary health. Resources and links from this episode: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/01/04/88-sustainable-synergy-where-ecology-meets-economy/ 

Featuring Nedo Bellucci, Phenom Biotech CEO Join us for a stimulating conversation with Phenom Biotech's CEO, Nedo Bellucci, as he introduces us to an eco-innovation with potential to shake up agriculture as we know it. With their Energy Potential Technology (EPT), Phenom has crafted a way to boost crop yields and improve livestock health—all without the usual chemicals and costs. Imagine healthier, faster-growing plants and animals powered by natural compounds like citric acid instead of synthetic inputs.   But that's just the beginning. Nedo reveals how EPT doesn't just support better farming; it tackles organic waste too. Turning animal waste into high-quality fertilizer with minimal emissions, EPT is redefining what waste management can do for a cleaner planet. Plus, Phenom's citric acid-based sanitizers are outclassing chlorine and could reshape food safety with natural, powerful disinfection that extends shelf life and neutralizes pathogens.   More than just a cool concept, Bellucci's vision offers a blueprint for the future: profitable, sustainable, and scientifically savvy. This episode showcases how one company's game-changing technology is poised to reshape our food system, turning bold ideas into actionable, eco-friendly solutions. Join us for an inspiring look at how innovation and nature can work hand-in-hand to create a healthier, more sustainable world. Resources and links mentioned in this episode are available at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2024/12/30/087-green-growth-citric-solutions-and-the-future-of-farming/ 

Featuring Molly Burhans, environmental advocate and Founder of GoodLands Imagine harnessing the vast resources of one of the world's largest landowners to combat climate change and promote social justice. This is precisely the visionary work of Molly Burhans, an American cartographer, data scientist, and environmental activist who is transforming how the Catholic Church—and potentially other major landholders—responds to our planet's most pressing sustainability challenges. At just 26, Molly founded GoodLands, an organization dedicated to mobilizing the Church's extensive landholdings for ecological conservation and community benefit.She spearheaded the creation of the first unified digital global map of the Catholic Church, a groundbreaking project unveiled at the Vatican in 2016, which revealed the immense potential for environmental stewardship embedded within the Church's properties—estimated to exceed the combined size of France and Spain. Molly's innovative use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has not only illuminated the Church's carbon footprint and conservation opportunities but also set the stage for strategic, mission-aligned land use on a global scale. Her extraordinary contributions have earned her numerous accolades including: being named a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth, an Ashoka Fellow, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Sierra Club Earth Care Laureate, one of Encyclopædia Britannica's “20 Under 40 Shapers of the Future” and many more. In addition to a Master's in Ecological Design from the Conway School and her work on projects, advocacy, and creative initiatives, Molly is an adjunct professor of Urban Design at Columbia University's Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. With a deep personal commitment to her faith, Molly embodies a new generation of leaders who are leveraging technology, data, and visionary thinking to create sustainable solutions.Today, she stands at the intersection of ecology, technology, and spirituality, demonstrating how innovative approaches to land management can have profound implications for environmental sustainability and social justice worldwide.

  Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Roland Vandermeer, Executive Chairman of UpTerra, an ag-tech company pioneering the future of farming by combining ancient principles with cutting-edge science. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable investments across water, agriculture, and energy, Roland shares how UpTerra is introducing a groundbreaking approach to farm wellness through structured water and energetic frequencies. UpTerra's innovative three-part system begins by transforming farm irrigation water into structured water, which is more hydrating and energizing for both crops and livestock. The second phase infuses this water with targeted frequencies to boost plant and animal vitality, while the final step introduces remote digital amendments that enhance farm health and deter pests. These technologies have been tested and validated, showing remarkable improvements in plant and animal resilience, crop yield, soil health, water retention, and pest management. With insights into the energetic foundations of our universe, this episode explores a future where technology and nature harmoniously collaborate for sustainable agriculture. Discover how this visionary technology is reshaping our relationship with nature—and perhaps, our understanding of reality itself.

Founder and Executive Director of Better Giving, Chauncey St. John's innovative platform is transforming the nonprofit landscape. With a free, all-in-one solution for fundraising, savings, and investment, Better Giving is helping nonprofits globally to streamline their operations and enhance financial sustainability. With more than $6 million raised for over 180 nonprofits, Chauncey shares how Better Giving is reducing administrative burdens and enabling organizations of all sizes to thrive. Better Giving's model, allows nonprofits to accept donations in multiple forms—from traditional payments to cryptocurrency and stock donations—opening doors to a broader range of affluent donors. The platform's approach also democratizes access to high-yield savings and managed investment funds, creating a long-term financial strategy for organizations. By providing a seamless, no-cost fundraising service, Better Giving empowers even the smallest nonprofits to compete on a global stage. Chauncey shares insights into the importance of financial self-sufficiency for nonprofits and how Better Giving simplifies the traditionally complex world of fund management. He explains the revolutionary potential of allowing nonprofits to grow their funds through investments, thus shifting the typical cycle of constant fundraising into one of strategic financial planning. As we wrap up, Chauncey reflects on the long-term vision of Better Giving, including the role of blockchain technology and the future possibilities of integrating cryptocurrency donations in ways that could reshape how charities manage and grow their resources. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in the intersection of innovation, technology, and philanthropy.  Join us to discover how Better Giving is not just changing the way nonprofits raise money, but how it's creating a pathway to financial autonomy. Links and other resources related to this interview: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2024/11/09/084-empowering-nonprofits-how-better-giving-is-revolutionizing-financial-sustainability/ #FinancialSustainability #NonprofitInnovation #BetterGiving #podcast #FundraisingSolutions #CryptoDonations #PhilanthropyTech #NonprofitLeadership #FinancialAutonomy #BlockchainForGood #CharitableGiving

With a distinguished 45-year career and over 1,500 presentations and publications, sustainable energy expert Michael Totten delves into the prospects of transitioning into a solar-powered economy utilizing the transformative power of agrivoltaics and digital innovations. Michael describes how these technologies are revolutionizing farming practices and creating the potential for sustainable, self-sufficient communities. Learn about his pioneering work on tri-level natural farming using solar microgrids, his collaborations with rock bands like Pearl Jam to combat climate change, and the groundbreaking concept of digital twins, a virtual visualization tool to help manage and optimize all manner of production scenarios.   #Agrivoltaics #SustainableFarming #DigitalInnovations #SolarEnergy #RenewableEnergy #SustainableAgriculture #GreenTechnology #DigitalTwins #ClimateChangeSolutions #FutureOfFarming

Join us for an insightful conversation with Chris Marquis, the Sinyi Professor of Management at the University of Cambridge, as we delve into the world of sustainable economics and his latest book, "The Profiteers: How Business Privatizes Profits and Socializes Costs." In this episode, Chris will share how his academic research aims to tackle some of the most pressing crises of our time, including climate change, inequality, and discrimination. Discover what inspired Chris to write "The Profiteers" and explore the hidden costs of business, known as externalities. Learn how current business models reward companies for transferring these costs to consumers and whether this practice is prevalent in other countries. We will also dive into critical issues such as who bears the burden of carbon emissions, environmental damage, cheap goods, cheap labor, and systemic discrimination.  Finally, Chris will discuss potential solutions for building a regenerative economy. He will explain the concept of the commons, the role of corporate activism, how governments can contribute, and what individuals can do to make a difference. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion that promises to challenge your views on business and economics while offering actionable insights for creating a more sustainable future. Links and more resources related to this video: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2024/08/10/081-the-profiteers-how-business-privatizes-profits-and-socializes-costs/ #SustainableEconomics #TheProfiteers #ChrisMarquis #BusinessEthics #ClimateAction #CorporateResponsibility #RegenerativeEconomy #SocialImpact #EnvironmentalJustice #EconomicInequality

A Sustainability Now Interview with Nathan Lou, Co-Founder and Executive Director of Mongol Tribe. Agro-ecologist Nathan Lou is Co-founder and Executive Director of San Diego-based Mongol Tribe, a 501C3 providing hands-on education and experiences with traditional and regenerative land management practices. With local resiliency as his rally cry and food sovereignty as its anthem, Nathan is all about taking back our autonomy, the ability of our communities to grow our own food and medicines with less dependency on external inputs. We talk about urban food forests and public policy, seed libraries and how to develop them, community building and cultivating connection to the land, even in a city environment. Links and resources from this episode at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2024/03/16/urban-food-forests-seed-libraries-as-food-sovereignty-strategies/  #UrbanFoodForests #SeedLibraries #FoodSovereignty #SustainabilityNow #CommunityResilience #RegenerativeAgriculture #LocalFoodSystems #LandStewardship #Agroecology #CommunityBuilding #UrbanAgriculture #FoodJustice #EnvironmentalEducation #PublicPolicy #SeedSaving #UrbanFarming #CommunityEmpowerment #ResilientCommunities #ConnectionToLand #AutonomousFoodProduction

A Sustainability Now interview with Nina Simons, author, speaker, teacher and co-founder of Bioneers Join us for a thoughtful and visionary conversation with Nina Simons, co-founder of Bioneers and author of the top Nautilus award winning book, Nature, Culture, and the Sacred: A Woman Listens for Leadership. Nina invites us into what she calls “full spectrum leadership;” leadership that reclaims our human wholeness, that values the wisdom of our hearts, our bodies, our intuition, dreamtime and our ancestors. She calls for regenerating leadership in service to Mother Life in a way that values being as much as doing and is committed to learning how to live in right relationship with nature while reclaiming our fullest human capacities. Throughout her career, spanning the nonprofit, social entrepreneurship, corporate, and philanthropic sectors, Nina has worked with nearly a thousand women leaders across disciplines, race, class, age and orientation to create conditions for mutual learning, trust and leadership development. Additionally, along with her husband and partner Kenny Ausubel, Nina is a recipient of the revered Goi Peace Award for “pioneering work to promote nature-inspired innovations for restoring the Earth and our human community.” Nina's book: Nature, Culture and the Sacred: A Woman Listens for LeadershipPreview on Bioneers | Buy on Bookshop.org Bioneers website If you like what we're doing, please support us and help spread the word https://www.patreon.com/sustainabilitynow

We currently stand at a pivotal juncture where the loss of numerous species from our local ecosystems poses a serious threat. This jeopardizes the ecosystem services that are essential for our well-being, including oxygen production, water purification, flood control, pollination, pest regulation, and carbon storage. However, this isn't a moment of condemning human actions, but an opportunity to embrace an enjoyable path to positive change through stewardship. Doug Tallamy's message emphasizes a solution-focused approach: small individual efforts can collectively make a significant impact. By working together, we can create new ecological networks that support the growth and resilience of plant and animal populations, allowing them to thrive despite normal population fluctuations. At the heart of this initiative is the concept of the Homegrown National Park®, a term coined by Doug. It serves as a rallying point, recognizing that even our grand national parks, remarkable as they are, are too isolated and limited in scale to preserve species effectively. The idea behind the Homegrown National Park is a grassroots call to action, encouraging us to restore habitats in our residential and working areas, and to a lesser extent in agricultural and grazing lands, effectively extending the concept of national parks to our own yards and communities. To visually represent this collective effort, they have created "THE MAP," an interactive community-based tool that tracks each person's contribution to native plantings by State, County, and Zip Code. This map not only gauges progress toward the ambitious goal of planting 20 million acres of native species in the U.S. but also provides individuals with a tangible way to see their role in a larger ecological restoration effort, thereby creating new ecological networks and revitalizing biodiversity. #HomegrownNationalPark #getonthemap #RewildYourYard #NativePlanting #BackyardHabitats #EcoStewardship #BiodiversityBoost #HabitatRestoration #CommunityConservation #EcoNetworks #DougTallamy #ConservationEfforts #BiodiversityMatters #StewardshipForChange #EcosystemResilience #HomegrownNationalPark #SustainableLiving #DougTallamysVision #CommunityConservation #TheMapForChange #RestoringBiodiversity #CollectiveAction #SpeciesPreservation #SmallStepsBigImpact    

Deniz Tekerek is co-founder and Chief Commercial Officer of Archireef, a Nature-tech startup that restores coral reefs with proprietary 3D-printed clay Reef Tiles. Often called the rainforests of the sea, coral reef structures help slow down and shrink waves as they hurtle towards shore, which helps protect coastlines from hurricanes, cyclones and tsunamis. Corals protect shorelines in 81 countries around the world, sheltering the 200 million people living along those coasts. Found in warm, shallow water, coral reefs cover less than 1% of the ocean floor but host more than 25% of marine life.

Graham Stewart, founder of Fibre52, is creating a revolution in the fabric industry. Over the past 2 years, Graham has developed and patented an environmentally kind and cost-conscious process to bleach and dye cotton that results in a stronger fiber. Without chemical degradation, it produces cooler, naturally dry, soft, wrinkle and stain-resistant clothing that is recyclable, biodegradable, and a natural replacement for plastic. With his 50+ years in the industry, Graham is an extraordinary source of information, influence and insight. He gives us a deeper glimpse into the world of fiber, fabric and fashion, a world we all rely on yet very few of us know. It is because of his global connections and reputation, and the power of his innovations, that major brands are jumping on the Fibre52 bandwagon in their transition to sustainable practices. Resources related to this episode at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2023/09/02/074-fibre52-a-revolution-in-the-fabric-industry/

Meet Joe Luttwak, a man on a mission to revolutionize #sustainability. With years of experience in the #CarbonFiber sector, including renowned companies like Ferrari, he embarked on a journey to create an eco-friendly alternative. Joe's brainchild, Lingrove, emerged as a game-changer, introducing a groundbreaking proprietary formulation. This innovative formula transforms waste and rapidly renewable plants into high-performance goods. One of Lingrove's standout creations is the remarkable Blackbird Guitar. Blending the strength of carbon fiber with the rich resonance of aged wood, this masterpiece stands out for being tree-free and free from harmful additives. The ingenious combination of flax fibers and plant-based resins holds the key to its success. The brilliance of this product swiftly caught the attention of designers seeking natural fiber composites. Acknowledging that the construction industry contributes 40% of greenhouse gases, Lingrove evolved to develop ekoa eco-veneers. These cutting-edge materials empower architects and product designers to seamlessly incorporate sustainable elements into their projects. Ekoa serves as a versatile alternative to wood, vinyl, metals, and plastics, finding its application in interior design. Whether adorning walls, ceilings, cabinetry, millwork, or vehicle dashboards, this low-carbon, clean-air solution boasts a remarkable strength-to-weight ratio, surpassing even that of steel. Explore the world of Lingrove and Joe Luttwak, where innovation and sustainability converge, revolutionizing industries and shaping a #GreenerFuture.

With a long and distinguished career in microbiology, Mike Cox is an inventor as well as the Founder and CEO of Anaerobe Systems, a microbiology manufacturing and research company. While developing a process to produce hydrogen from biomass, a happy “accident” led Mike to the invention of a miracle “plant food” and fertilizer. What's beautiful about Mike's solution is that the feedstock for his fertilizer is food waste, or as he's brilliantly rechristened it: food grade fuel. With food waste being one of the greatest contributors to CO2 emissions, how elegant to use that waste to feed plants and restore the soil. Not to mention that hydrogen is essentially a “free” byproduct of the process. All this and a lucrative business model to boot!

While researching the rapid shift in cancer incidents from northern states to the Mississippi Delta, triple board-certified physician, Dr. Zach Bush connected the widespread use of Glyphosate (trade name: Round-up) in America's farmlands with soil and human health everywhere from the farms to the Gulf of Mexico. This chemical destroys the microbiome in the soil as well as our digestive systems. Dr. Zach realized that it is necessary to restore soil health to allow our farmlands to produce nutrient-dense foods that will then restore human health.   David explains how Farmer's Footprint was born out of an effort to educate farmers about regenerative agriculture practices through the story of how the Breitkreutz family is transitioning their Minnesota farm from from conventional farming to regenerative agriculture. Storytelling became the root of making connections and helping farmers start making steps toward regenerative farming.   Their ethos is one of progress over perfection. They seek to meet farmers where they are, never allowing divergence in dogma to devalue the food producer's profound contribution to society. They are engineering the tools, business models, policies, and incentives to scale regenerative practices globally.

Values-based investing, supporting local economies, supporting social change. What if you could literally invest your money where your life and your values are? Longtime activist and visionary, Michael H. Shuman, has made a career of applying his economics and law training to enable that very thing. Seeing local economies as a vehicle for global change, Michael schools us in strategies to fund local initiatives. In fact, this conversation is a crash course in local investment, crowdfunding, values-based investing, and investment vehicles including Solo 401K's and Self-directed IRAs. Don't be fooled, all this financial talk is anything but dry. Michael provides us the keys to the kingdom. He shows us ways we can redirect our wealth to things that matter and create impact as well as return on investment. Resources and more at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2023/05/30/put-your-money-where-your-life-is-with-michael-h-shuman/

A positive contrarian and thought provocateur in both business and the regenerative movement, Carol Sanford brings about change by disrupting certainty; and this interview is no exception. By digging deep to unearth and upend underlying assumptions, Carol has changed the essence of work in corporations such as Google, DuPont, Intel, P&G, and Seventh Generation, making the impossible possible and generating unprecedented results. She speaks of a stellar example with a Colgate plant in South Africa where generations of racial division and prejudice were dismantled by effectively challenging the very concept of race. Contending with a terminal diagnosis of ALS, Carol also shakes up our concept of and relationship with death, displaying tremendous grace and unvarnished candor. Resources and more are available at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2023/02/04/070-disrupting-certainty-with-carol-sanford/ If you like what we're doing, please support us and help spread the word https://www.patreon.com/sustainabilitynow  https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumkgzfUTcfuzR5FxAmAyxA  https://www.facebook.com/OurSustainabilityNow/  https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitynow8/ https://twitter.com/SustMovement 

Hal Crimmel, educator, author and filmmaker, joins us for a rich conversation about the growing momentum behind the rights of nature movement as well as the making of his film entitled, "The Rights of Nature: A Global Movement." If we can imbue corporations with the same rights as people, doesn't it make sense to empower nature, the very foundation of life, with the legal standing to preserve its right to exist? Like a baby who has to rely on a guardian to represent it in court, shouldn't nature too be defended by our guardianship? These questions are just the tip of the iceberg. We explore the delicate ecological dynamics between people and nature, government and corporate interests, laws and enforcement; and look at the changing experience of our role and relationship to the natural world.

Some have said that the wheel is the most important invention of all time. For 5000 years, it has remained relatively unchanged; until now that is. The folks at Shark Wheel have literally reinvented the wheel and now this new wheel is poised to solve some of the biggest problems in commercial agriculture. The discovery that sine waves can be found everywhere in nature, from planetary motion to the way fish swim and humans walk, was the breakthrough that got things "rolling." Next came the development of the shark wheel, a sine wave-based wheel, developed from a cube, that has the exact same shape as the jaw of a shark.   This same sine wave breakthrough is also the foundation of a revolutionary wind and water turbine technology with many more technological innovations likely on the horizon. 

with Lauren Tucker of reNourish Studio, Co-Founder and former Executive Director of Kiss the Ground Lauren Tucker is on a mission to evolve our food system and is consequently challenging the very foundations of the business of food.    Lauren's latest venture, reNourish Studio, a project of Farmer's Footprint, brings together an eclectic group of business people from the food production and distribution system to work on business, ecosystems, equity, biodiversity and food access collectively rather than addressing their individual businesses and these issues as siloed and separate.    At the root of this living systems approach is a radical rethinking of our thinking, and a willingness to challenge our generally imperceptible assumptions. This important and powerful conversation is about what it takes to go beyond our current capabilities to create meaningful and regenerative change that will achieve previously unimaginable outcomes.

Christa Barfield, founder of FarmerJawn, is a force of nature. Healthcare professional turned urban farmer, educator and entrepreneur, Christa had an epiphany in 2018 that led her to create LifeLeaf Organic Farms, parent company to Viva Leaf Tea Co. and FarmerJawn Agriculture, a Philly-based community greenhouse and CSA. Driven by deep passion, Christa taught herself how to farm and is now sharing that knowledge and the fruits of her labors with members of the Philadelphia community. Her ultimate goal is to eradicate local food deserts, typically communities of black and brown people where there is little access to fresh, nutritious and affordable food, and to provide a more intimate and local connection to its source. Join us to share in Christa's dynamic journey of creating a sustainable urban farming renaissance, strengthening the local Philly supply chain and healing the relationship of black and brown people to food, land and farming. She epitomizes what it looks like to literally make change from the ground up.

With John Fullerton, founder of Capital Institute and one of four featured experts in the "Going Circular" documentary. We may think of economics as a dry and academic pursuit, but assumptions about money and economy are both reflective of, and instrumental in, shaping our interactions with the natural world. In this provocative conversation, we explore a new way of thinking that aligns economics with living systems and the many wisdom traditions, particularly indigenous, that have stood the test of time. By applying nature's laws and patterns of systemic health, self-organization, self-renewal, and regenerative vitality to socioeconomic systems, regenerative economics offers an emerging path forward from our current unsustainable economic system and the finance-dominated ideology that drives it. Links and other resources:

In her unique approach to global conservation, founder of Earthfire Institute, Susan B. Eirich, Ph.D. shares transformational tales of people connecting deeply with nature to bring us into a personal relationship with the living world. Understanding that so many of our human and environmental ills stem from deep dissociation, Susan developed Reconnection Ecology, an ecopsychology and spiritual ecology perspective that blends nature and human psychology. Her sacred and life-affirming stories bring us into open-hearted connection with wild animals and offer a pathway to healing the trauma that humans, animals, and our Earth are currently experiencing. Resources and links: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2022/06/05/064-reconnection-ecology-healing-humans-and-nature/

What if the water cycles of the planet hold the key to reversing climate change and eliminating the deadly drought, fire, and flood cataclysms that are becoming ever more frequent? What if our focus on carbon is missing the point?  Having spent the last decade working in more than 25 countries on 6 continents, Zach Weiss has been restoring water cycles to transform barren terrains into lush and verdant landscapes. A positive impact can be seen in as little as one rainy season, affecting water tables, temperature, weather patterns and the overall  health of ecosystems. Join us for a profound shift of perspective and possibility as we discuss a viable way to align with nature, reverse climate change and create a truly thriving future.

After joining the Mawah Environmental Commission, Karin La Greca received a letter from Eric J. Fuchs-Stengel, a local high school student who wanted to do a litter clean-up. Wanting to encourage his motivation, she helped him organize the first of what would turn out to be over 200 clean-ups that have removed tons of trash from the community over the past 14 years. Not satisfied with simply removing trash, they went on to start Fresh Roots Farm, a regenerative farm based on permaculture principles that has fed and educated hundreds of people. 14 years later, MEVO, The Mawah Environmental Volunteer Organization, which is now headed by Violet Reed stands as a shining example of what a single action can take on a life of its own to help shape a world that works. Resources mentioned in this episode can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2022/04/19/062-the-letter-that-spawned-a-regenerative-movement/

What if humanity is following a natural evolutionary cycle of maturation that moves from rampant proliferation, consumption and competition to cooperative harmony?  This is the hopeful perspective offered by Dr. Elisabet Sahtouris, world-renowned evolution biologist, futurist, speaker, author, and educator. A deep "pastist" Dr. Sahtouris uses the story of life's evolution on our planet to inspire a new story of a future for humanity that is based in connection and cooperation.  Join us for the premiere of our latest podcast interview followed by a wide-ranging conversation with Dr. Sahtouris that will integrate past and future, sustainability and spirituality and shine a way forward for a thriving human experience on planet earth.

What if we could transform the planet and our relationship to it and each other by simply focusing on transforming one place at a time? Bill Reed and Regenesis Inc. contend just that: that by understanding the unique essence of a place, its history and geology as well as its social and geographical dynamics, we can regenerate that place and its surroundings as an integral part of a greater whole. Were we to do this on a city by city basis, with only 4037 cities larger than 100,000 people, and 3.5% being an average tipping point, we would need only to transform 141 cities to start a domino effect that would affect the entire planet. Through our conversation, Bill invites us to think both smaller and bigger at the same time, to recognize systems nested within systems, wholes within wholes. We are challenged to move from separateness to a rich experience of interwoven connectedness, to move into a way of being that has us be an indigenous part of the natural world.

Pilot by day and entrepreneur by night, Steve Churchill is the owner of the Urban Worm Company, a vermicomposting-related blog, online store, and manufacturer of the Urban Worm Bag. Steve is all about the worms, joyfully promoting vermicomposting as a means of turning household and commercial waste into a highly-valuable soil amendment. Who knew there was so much to talk about when it comes to worms? This conversation runs the gamut from how to build and tend a worm bin to the burgeoning worm farming business. Links and other resources athttps://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2022/01/24/059-vermicomposting-making-worms-sexy-again/ Please support us and help spread the word https://www.patreon.com/sustainabilitynow https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCumkgzfUTcfuzR5FxAmAyxA https://www.facebook.com/OurSustainabilityNow/ https://www.instagram.com/sustainabilitynow8/ https://twitter.com/SustMovement

Did you know that cork can absorb 55 times its own weight in carbon from the atmosphere? Join us for an interview with Paul Maughan-Brown, content manager for the wine cork recycling program ReCORK and it's parent company Canadian orthopedic footwear brand SOLE. ReCORK, North America's largest natural wine cork recycling program was launched in 2008 by Canadian footwear company SOLE. ReCORK is an alliance of businesses and individuals who work together to collect and repurpose natural wine corks. The corks are used to innovate and create natural, sustainable alternatives to petroleum-based foams and plastics so common in the footwear industry. ReCORK has generated a truly innovative supply chain solution, collected more than 110 million corks for recycling, and planted over 8000 cork oak trees. And they're just getting started!

"Vegangelical" Paul Shapiro's activism led him to start The Better Meat Co. in 2018 with a mission to build a more sustainable food system by replacing meat from animals with a next-generation, plant-based mycoprotein superfood. Paul is a four-time TEDx speaker and his book Clean Meat: How Growing Meat Without Animals Will Revolutionize Dinner and the World, is a national bestseller. Additionally, Paul has a podcast called Business for Good which highlights entrepreneurs who use their businesses to solve the world's most pressing problems. Resources and links are available at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/10/26/057-better-meat-for-a-better-world/

In an eye-opening conversation with professional archeologist and herbalist, Lauren Lembo connects us to the world of traditional plant medicine and wakes us up to the social and environmental costs of many personal care products we assume to be green and wholesome. Lauren is the owner and founder of Blue Fox Botanicals, a New Jersey-based company producing vegan skin care solutions and herbal formulas that are sustainably cultivated, fair trade, locally produced, ethically packaged, and palm-oil free.

If the children are our future, it's in good hands with the kids of MUN Impact. Beyond the rich academic training provided by Model United Nations, MUN Impact provides the tools, ideas, networks and inspiration for these kids to translate their knowledge, skills and vision into real world projects aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals. A true global citizen, Cody Eckert shares his undaunted optimism for the future as he guides and supports these remarkable young people in his role as MUN Impact Director of Global Operations.  Links and other resources can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/09/13/054-mun-impact-the-kids-who-will-save-the-world/

As Jack Herrera once said, “I don't know if hemp is going to save the world, but it's the only thing that can.” Bruce Dietzen, creator of the Renew Sports Car, Founder of Carbon Negative Fiber is about to quantify that with his Drawdown Hemp Project. In a bid to win the Musk Foundation's $100 Million X Prize for Carbon Removal, Bruce has built a coalition of entrepreneurs from all disciplines of the hemp industry to develop a consensus on the carbon sequestering power of hemp. An acre of hemp can sequester tons of carbon. Couple that with the carbon being avoided by not producing materials with conventional methods and the potential for drawdown is huge.

Still very much misunderstood, the effectiveness and importance of cannabis as a plant medicine has everything to do with our endocannabinoid receptors. Tammi Sweet explains the nuances and mechanisms of our biological interactions with this miraculous master plant and teaches us how we can benefit from its medicinal properties.

Visionary, film producer, and activist, Ryland Engelhart is guided by the fundamental question, “How can I use my life to awaken more love?” After years as "Mission Fulfillment Officer" and co-owner of the legendary, family owned, plant-based Café Gratitude and Gracias Madre restaurants, Ryland co-founded Kiss the Ground and is now engaged in full time advocacy of regenerative agriculture.   Join us for this deeply spiritual interview about bringing the sacred to commerce and cultivating a culture of gratitude.   Resources and links at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/06/27/051-heart-centered-entrepreneurship-with-ryland-engelhart-of-kiss-the-ground/

If we're going to stop fracking and pipelines, we need future-thinking energy policy. Tom Gilbert of ReThink Energy NJ joins us to discuss how his organization informs and empowers citizens and decision-makers to support sensible policies to bring about a swift transition to clean, efficient, renewable energy. They advocate reducing the use of dirty fossil fuels and stopping unnecessary pipelines that threaten our land, air, water, health, and safety. Resources and links: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/05/02/048-rethinking-energy-policy/

Co-founders of Possible Planet, Jonathan Cloud and Victoria Zelin are on a mission to finance the transition to a regenerative future by creating strategies to attract capital and investment in clean energy.   Today's conversation is about PACE, (Property Assessed Clean Energy) — a source of financing that: 1) requires no money out of pocket to make clean energy property improvements, 2) pays for itself with clean energy savings and 3) attaches the cost to the property rather than the property owner.   Join us to learn more about this game-changing innovation in financing that can help fund the transition not only to net zero buildings, but to buildings that capture more carbon than they emit.

What if we could use open-source software development principles to reverse climate change?   That is exactly what Chris Neidl and The Open Air Collective has done through their Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) projects and their leadership in crafting the New York State Low Embodied Carbon Concrete Leadership Act (LECCLA). LECCLA is new legislation that would require all of the state’s agencies to include climate impact in their selection criteria for concrete procurement. The more sustainable a concrete provider’s bid is, the more likely it will be to win the business.   This is a big deal. As the single largest purchaser of concrete in NY, the state’s collective buying power could kickstart a market transformation, creating significant demand for low carbon concrete while broadening its availability in the private sector.   Resources and links from the interview: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/03/21/46-concrete-solutions-to-climate-change/

Featuring Tim Paganos, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of microshare.io Smart buildings are good right? Adjusting room temperature and lighting based on patterns of use is more efficient, uses less resources and is therefore more sustainable. Collecting more detailed data enables greater refinement of systems and environments. But when is enough, enough? Join us for this provocative conversation about data collection, sustainability and privacy. More info and links at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/03/06/45-sustainability-through-it-a-double-edged-sword/

Starting with the reinstatement of the 1942 Articles of Incorporation for the Kentucky Hemp Growers Association and then inspiring the planting of three feral hemp seeds by Woody Harrelson in the 90's, Joe Hickey has been a primary force behind the legalization of industrial hemp. Despite being a nearly magical plant with over 25,00 uses that include food, fuel, fiber, housing, health, and so much more, industrial hemp has been hindered in its adoption because of its close association to cannabis — which is known for its psychoactive properties. Industrial hemp contains less than .3% THC, the mind-altering substance present in marijuana. In addition to its multitude of uses, hemp also nutrifies the soil and is thought by many to be the salvation for struggling farmers. Links and more info at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/02/13/44-joe-hickey-godfather-of-industrial-hemp/

Director of the documentary film “At War with the Dinosaurs,” John Michael Parkan is a hydrogen energy evangelist extolling the virtues and promise of a burgeoning hydrogen economy. Hydrogen is the third most abundant element on earth and is a sustainable green-energy alternative to fossil fuels that has been around since the early 1800’s. All the major car manufacturers have produced a hydrogen fuel cell car and the technology is more planet-friendly than battery-powered electric vehicles.   So why is it that, when so many of us think of hydrogen, our primary reference point is images of the fire-engulfed Hindenburg, an image rife with the misappropriation of danger, while hydrogen fuel is actually so much safer than gasoline?   Join us for this VERY illuminating interview and hear the true story of hydrogen and learn how this technology may be the solution for a transition away from a fossil fuel economy to a truly sustainable future. John Michael addresses the perceptions and prejudices related to hydrogen power and provides us with cogent steps we can take to support the emerging hydrogen economy.   About John Michael: John Michael Parkan attended the prestigious USC Film School and has shot, produced and directed multiple commercials, music videos, and shorts, in addition to special features for theatrical and library films. At War with the Dinosaurs is his first feature length documentary film.   More resources and links at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/01/30/43-fueling-the-future-with-hydrogen/

Jason Schramm has focused his passion for the vegan lifestyle along with his tech skills on developing global directories for vegan events, vegan-friendly movies, and plant-based meal delivery. When Jason embraced veganism 5 years ago, it started him on the path of evaluating his own life. He saw how difficult it was for folks interested in a plant-forward lifestyle to find one another and connect. Jason’s solution: VegEvents.com, the largest listing of vegan events throughout the world. VegMovies.com came next, replete with movie descriptions and warnings about potentially disturbing content. His most recent venture, VegMealDelivery.com was a creative response to the COVID lockdown. Attention to the environmental impact of his food choices brought with it a desire to further minimize his carbon footprint. Thus, Jason’s veganism became a gateway to a life of minimalism, mindfulness, and purpose. It’s his minimalist lifestyle that has afforded Jason the luxury of providing his resource websites at no charge. Jason’s story is one of self-reflection, freedom, and purpose, stemming from a bold choice to look at the way our actions impact the world at large and respond accordingly.