How can your organization become more sustainable? Join EarthSelf founder and CEO, Tabi Jayne as she interviews a wide range of guests from business, non-profit and the public sector with one thing in common: a commitment to sustainability.
How is white supremacy a symptom of systemic decline? It's a big question but it's one that Nafeez Ahmed, executive director of System Shift Lab, is happy to answer. He says the "othering" of people or communities can often be the result of crisis or instability -- a clash between world views. The mainstreaming of far-right, xenophobic discourses in the western world and the rise in "illiberal" politics, Nafeez says, have come from the convergence of many global crises, from economic to climate change. System Shift Lab works to bring together top scientists, technologists and business leaders to co-ordinate and share solution strategies for adaptation and evolution.
Why are diverse leadership approaches needed as we transition to a sustainable world? Dave Stewart, founder of The Fresh Air Leadership Company, explains that all transformations throw up complex problems and opportunities that require different ways of thinking. Dave calls most current leaders "one-trick ponies" and points out that evolving to a sustainable world will require people who understand different contexts and can apply appropriate strategies in each one. The Fresh Air Leadership Company takes clients out into nature, believing the natural environment to be conducive to creative thinking – a skill necessary for a successful move to sustainability.
How can we address increasing skepticism around sustainability in business following Covid-19? Kevin Wilhelm, CEO of Sustainable Business Consulting and author of How To Talk To The Other Side, explains how "peeling back the onion layers" of skepticism can help understand its cause, and help find common ground. Once common ground is identified, conversations can be held, whether on climate change or the coronavirus pandemic. And Kevin reveals how taking proactive action on the environment and social justice issues can actually be financially beneficial for businesses. "Reach out to your skeptic first," says Kevin, "because they're going to tell you the reasons your idea won't work. And if you can figure out how to get past that, you have a greater chance of success."
What does it mean for an organisation to be "sustainable"? Linda Midgley, SDG lead at PwC Europe, defines sustainability as being futureproof -- ensuring a business is flexible, adaptable and successful in the long term. Linda explains the role of the UN's Sustainable Development Goals in uniting governments and businesses globally in the conversation about sustainability. Rather than attempting to embrace all 17 SDGs and becoming overwhelmed by them, says Linda, businesses should focus on just three to eight at a time -- by investing money and time in these, they will see cost savings and "quick wins".
Paul Adderley, of consultancy firm Beyond Green, explains how sustainability is not just about resilience but also about dependency — on natural resources, on markets, on consumers and even on competitors. Beyond Green helps businesses understand the value of all of their assets – including people, infrastructures, customers and suppliers – and shows how collaboration, asking questions and sharing risks can not only grow profits but also help protect people and planet.
How do we find the truth, in a chaotic world which bombards us with information? In a break from the norm, Tabitha Jayne is joined by two guests in this podcast edition: Jules Wyman, of JulesWyman.com, and Fiona Scrase, of Action Learning Centre. They discuss how to navigate bias, cope with uncertainty, engage in conversation and form an understanding of the world around us. Jules Wyman is an award-winning confidence coach who offers pragmatic methods for learning resilience; and Fiona Scrase is a coach and consultant specialising in action learning.
What are the added benefits of solar farms for business and planet? Rob Davis, a director at Fresh Energy, shares some important facts about the role of pollinating insects in food sustainability; and how creating pollinator-friendly areas under solar arrays can have a huge positive impact on crop production, clean air, the environment... and business. Fresh Energy works to drive policy for a clean energy economy, improving health and ensuring vibrant, thriving communities. Its Center for Pollinators in Energy seeks to share pollinator-friendly solar information, standards and best practices.
What is the value of football in uniting communities? Danny Bisland, national club grow manager with the Scottish Football Association, explains how studies done in conjunction with UEFA have shown the true economic value of the sport. But Danny also reveals the power of football in uniting communities, and how the sport's reach among those who love it can help spread news of the UN's SDGs and empower individuals to work towards them.
Why should investors plough their funding into a circular economy? Because, says Bridget Croke, managing director at investment firm Closed Loop Partners, a company report reviewing 60 advanced recycling businesses showed there is tremendous opportunity – both economically and environmentally – to repeatedly turn plastic into new materials, instead of continually creating waste. The recycling technology is already there – it just needs investment to make a circular economy a far more economically viable option than sourcing rapidly depleting raw materials.
What is a wellbeing economy, and how will it help global markets as we emerge from Covid-19? Katherine Trebeck, advocacy and influencing lead at Wellbeing Economy Alliance Scotland, explains that returning to "business as usual" will be disastrous for people and planet. A thrust for economic growth will see a return to austerity that will only hurt the poorest and most vulnerable in society. The Wellbeing Economy Alliance unites groups and organisations who see the economy as a subset, not a pillar, of society. It needs to be squarely focused on delivering human and ecological wellbeing.
What do conspiracy theories have to do with a sustainable future? Tabitha Jayne, director and lead coach of EarthSelf, looks at the logic behind conspiracy theories, and why people turn to them in times of chaos. She shows how the unexpected rationale behind such ideas can be harnessed to forge a path to the kind of sustainable world we would all want to live in. Identifying the reason for conspiracy theories – the search for control in an uncontrollable environment – allows us to find new, shared ways of taking control and recognise we have the power to change the world.
Mike Elm's New Story Ride initiative sees him cycling through Europe and Asia to find the new story of how humanity can prosper in the 21st century. From visiting car-free Croatian islands and meeting a permaculture garden engineer, to being impressed by one man's bike-cum-music stage and welcomed into the home of complete strangers, Mike is finding a plotline alternative to the tired old narrative for society and humankind.
Jean Claude Pierre, former CEO of Scott Bader, shares how he has used Chinese wisdom to build better business. Referring to the concept of wu wei, he emphasises the importance of "inaction" – of waiting for the right time and place before making decisions. Through dialogue, conversation and collaboration, a business can be built with sustainability at its heart, using new ways of thinking and with a business model driven by a sense of purpose.
Professor Peter Hawkins, director of Renewal Associates, explains how ecological coaching can make leadership fit for the 21st century – by bringing ecology into the boardroom, quite literally. By reframing the relationship between stakeholders, from customers and coaches, to partners, leaders can move from eco anxiety to being eco informed. Then they can take responsibility for the changes they make and the power they have to create those changes.
Tabitha Jayne, director and lead coach at EarthSelf, explains why coaching with nature is essential for the 21st century. Coaching with nature will make individuals and teams resilient and adaptable, and lead to sustainable, cost effective and resilient businesses; ones that are aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.
Brian Keane, CEO and co-founder of WeeGreen, describes how the business's digital platform taps into neighbours' relationships to spread the word of eco living. Through word-of-mouth recommendation, and the concept of trust, WeeGreen has successfully boosted residential solar installations
Jason Gregory, CEO and co-founder of EnergyRM, explains the concept of deep energy efficiency and how the company's software can analyse commercial buildings' energy usage. The DataMeter software can show landlords and property owners where the energy imbalance in a building is, and incentivise investment in more energy-efficient and sustainable retrofits. Jason's objective is to allow stakeholders to see energy as a capital asset that can be monetised.
Former computer scientist Henrietta Kekäläinen co-founded Carbo Culture to find a way of converting biomass waste into a high purity carbon; hacking Earth's natural carbon cycle to take down carbon from the atmosphere, secure it, nourish soil and crops, and reduce greenhouse gases and global warming.
Technology and social entrepreneur Traver Kennedy explains the work of diagnostics company Aviana in repurposing technology developed for NASA to diagnose illnesses including Covid-19. He believes that, with better testing, the ability to self-diagnose with easy-to-use technology will lower healthcare costs and protect healthcare workers.
Charly Cox launched Climate Change Coaches to help people use joy to move from disempowerment to capability. To make individuals feel empowered in the face of climate change. She works with business and organisations to help them transition to sustainability. She also trains people how to self-coach, reframing the impossible as easy.
Flooglebinder co-founder Brad Frankel found that sending students to work in communities abroad made a huge positive impact on their mental wellbeing. Working sustainably, and with nature, helps improve personal development, and also reconnects people with nature. Making those connections with nature also helps reduce carbon footprints and changes people's behaviour in the natural world.
SEVENTEENx founder Mick Hase is passionate about providing a platform for the people making change. The SEVENTEENx speaker events highlight those unheard of, purpose-driven SMEs and small businesses with a desire for sustainability at their core. He unites a global community of engaged businesses and people in conversation with one other. Travelling Australia's capitals, he shines a spotlight on the sustainable and the inspirational.
Colin McIntosh, founder and CEO of start-up Sheets & Giggles, took an organic route to sustainability by first building the perfect business model. He made sure he understood what consumers wanted and how his brand would be a financial success, before thinking about the product. He also focused on ecology and a social conscience. Sheets & Giggles is a sustainable business which produces bed sheets from the wood pulp of eucalyptus trees, using less water and energy than cotton to produce, and no pesticides or insecticides. Sheets & Giggles has a rapidly growing turnover, thanks to Colin's formidable business background and mission-driven outlook.
Tabitha Jayne, EarthSelf director and lead coach, talks about how to coach with nature, and breaks NATURE down into an acronym: Nature connection, Adaptability, Transformative coaching skillset, Understanding of how nature impacts humans, Recognition of human/nature relationship, Evidence base. Simplifying how to coach with nature allows coaches to use the strategies and systems of nature to show individuals and organisations how to work sustainably and efficiently.
Gina Lee, founder of Upcyclers Network, tells Tabitha Jayne at Sustainable: The Podcast how recycling and reusing materials can save not only money but also the planet. Avoiding extracting virgin resources cuts the environmental impact on the planet. Upcycling creates manufacturing jobs. Emphasising the positive benefits of recycling will make it a more attractive method of production. Reusing and recycling can create a sustainable economy. And highlighting the businesses and organisations that already successfully transform waste into value-added materials will encourage others to take up this circular production model.
Bremley Lyngdoh, founder and CEO of the non-profit Worldview Impact Foundation, talks to EarthSelf’s Tabitha Jayne about the Ride East programme. Motorcyclists travel across northeast India, spreading awareness of the UN Sustainable Development Goals. Another scheme hopes to plant 1billion mangrove trees in Myanmar in the next 10 years. Bremley talks about people-led sustainability movements, and the importance of peace and stability in the drive for sustainability.
Rune Sovndahl, co-founder and CEO of cleaning and maintenance provider Fantastic Services, talks to Sustainable: The Podcast’s Tabitha Jayne about the importance of making a business truly sustainable from the inside out. Fantastic Services has replaced much of its car fleet with electric vehicles, and made its office largely paper free in an effort to reduce its waste. Rune is also a firm believer in repairing not replacing, and talks about the EU Ecodesign Directive which will make it easier for consumers to repair broken products rather than buy brand-new ones. “Whether it's a coffee machine or the boiler, you don't have to replace as much as you think,” he says. “It's basic plumbing, it's basic soldering, it's basic wiring.”
SF Bay coffee company’s Laura Rogers spoke to Sustainable: The Podcast about her family company’s commitment to supporting the coffee farmers who supply the firm, including the 63 schools, housing complexes and multiple dental and health centres they have so far built for coffee farmers in Central and South America and Rwanda. Not only this but SF Bay has worked to create 100% fully compostable coffee pods for coffee machines. Sustainable: The Podcast learned from Laura what drives the company to become the biggest family-run business in the world.
EarthSelf founder and director Tabitha Jayne looks at the evolution of Sustainable The Podcast, and how the language around sustainability can move from a model of negative stories by showcasing the positive actions being taken by business and organisations. Sustainable The Podcast is aligning itself with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals, an ambitious blueprint for a sustainable world. Tabitha highlights how businesses are already working towards a world of no poverty or hunger, with good health and wellbeing, better education and reduced inequality. Sustainable The Podcast will share the positive actions being made, to inspire other businesses, from SMEs to corporations.
"You need to step back and think; Realize that you may need to change the system in order to solve complex problems." — Richard Burrett Join me today as we talk about sustainable investments and its importance in building a sustainable future with Richard Burrett. Richard is the Chief Sustainability Officer at Earth Capital, a global equity firm that’s totally focused on sustainable development within the climate change nexus of energy security, as well as food and water security. In this episode, Richard shares the importance of investing in sustainability, especially now that we’re experiencing climate change. He talks about focusing on investments that bring positive environmental impact and how to ensure its results are really positive. Moreover, Richard shares how we can make the best decisions to avoid unintended consequences. Listen on and learn the steps to a more sustainable way of investing and consumption. In this episode, Richard and I talk about: What is sustainable finance The importance of sustainable finance in creating a sustainable world Why investing in sustainability is essential in today’s climate The approach Earth Capital is currently using to be able to impact the way business operates How to make better decisions and avoid unintended consequences Creating profit with a purpose
"Don't try and solve everything. Just help one person or two, and that's fine." - Guy Battle A resilient community is better achieved when the gap between the Private, Public, and Voluntary sectors are bridged. When we unite together to create social value, we have an increased impact on our communities, workers, and the environment. Today on Sustainable I’m speaking to Guy Battle. Guy, is the Chief Executive Officer at the Social Value Portal whose mission is to promote better business and community wellbeing through the integration of Social Value into day to day business and the uptake of The Social Value Act. In this episode, Guy talks about how his career shifted from building sustainable buildings towards Social Value. And what it means to achieve Social Value. In this episode, Guy and I talk about: Sustainability as a triple bottom line issue Social value strategy The National TOMS Framework 2019 Transforming the relationship between the private and the public sector Getting organizations to be more sustainable Making better use of the public sector's money Getting back to society More about Guy Battle Guy Battle is a Sustainability Consultant with over 25 years of experience. Guy originally trained as an engineer and has worked on many award-winning projects with internationally renowned architects. Guy was the lead partner for Sustainability at Deloitte LLP, where he worked closely with many corporates helping them solve some of the key sustainability challenges facing the world of corporate business. In 2014, Guy founded The Sustainable Business Partnership and also set up the Social Value Portal to focus on unlocking the inherent social, environmental and financial opportunities that businesses should do to create value. LinkedIn More about The Social Value Portal: The Social Value Portal is an on-line solution that allows organizations to measure and manage the contribution that their organization and supply chain makes to society, according to the principles laid out within the Public Services (Social Value) Act 2012. Our solution allows organizations to report both non-financial AND financial data and rewards organizations for doing “more good” in the community. We can measure environmental, social and economic activities and will help identify and measure the additional Social Value delivered through your project in terms that are meaningful to your customers. Social Value Portal Mentioned in this episode: National Social Value Conference 2017 National TOMS Framework 2019 Social Value Act James Lovelock Gaia Philosophy If you enjoyed this, check out episode 119 pursuing Excellence in Business for People, Planet And Profit SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
“There are solutions around waste, around plastics and they are here. There are more solutions coming and... it’ll take more responsibility for how we can get better at managing waste”. — Nick Palmer There are many solutions in managing waste and one of them is pyrolysis. Pyrolysis is not a new technology in decomposing waste. Some businesses have already adopted this process and innovatively transformed it to positively impact our environment. On today’s episode of Sustainable, you’re going to learn about the benefits of pyrolysis in making small-waste transformation with Nick Palmer. Nick is the Business Development Director of PyroCore, a leader in small scale, future-ready pyrolysis solutions. His 20 years experience in sales and marketing enabled him to effectively engage with businesses around the world to advance Pyrocore’s vision in revolutionizing the way waste is processed. He will explain what pyrolysis is and how waste can be converted into something valuable. He also talks about the benefit of using small-scale transformation and how PyroCore’s technology is helping to elevate and transform waste management. In this episode, Nick and I talk about: What is pyrolysis The benefit of using it to make small-scale waste transformation How PyroCore transforms waste into something valuable The challenges of transforming waste into something new The financial drivers that impact sustainability actions Where to reach Nick: LinkedIn More About PyroCore: PyroCore an environmental company that offers a range of small scale waste to energy and waste to product technologies with a focus on troublesome and problematic waste streams. They recover value from waste otherwise destined for landfill, which makes significant positive economic, environmental and operational contributions. To know more about PyroCore and the services that they provide, you can visit their website here. Mentioned in this episode: PyroCore If you enjoyed this, check out episode 143: Finding New Uses for Plastic with Caleb Rick SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
“Think about valuing water. Think about how important water is - to you, your family, your community, your business and act accordingly.”— William Sarni 80% of the water discharged globally is untreated. People don’t have access to safe drinking water on a consistent basis. We’re facing increasing water scarcity due to climate change. Poor water quality and sanitation, negatively impact people's lives. Affecting food security and livelihood, especially in other parts of the world. The good news is, these problems can be solved! Today on Sustainable, I talk to William Sarni, the CEO and founder of Water Foundry, a company committed to solving water scarcity and water quality challenges, about the water challenges that we’re currently faced with and how to solve them. William is an internationally recognized thought leader on water strategy and innovation. He has worked with multinational companies, water technology companies and NGOs as a sustainability and water strategy advisor for his entire career. Access to clean water is possible and Will is going to help us better understand the world of water as he talks about the importance of educating the public on how to properly manage water. Bringing new thinking to old challenges, Will encourages us to rethink, reboot our approach to solve water problems fast. Will also talks about the digital transformation of the water section and how this is going to help us achieve our goal of having universal access to safe drinking water sanitation and hygiene. He also Will talks about the water challenges that we are currently facing and how to solve them. He also talks about the importance of understanding the value of water and how education and proper management of water can efficiently help us solve water problems. In this episode, Will and I talk about: The water challenges the world is facing today and how to solve them Educating the public on how to manage water Understanding the value of water Encouraging diversity, collaboration and innovation to solve problems with water faster and more efficiently Taking action in solving the water challenge by being more committed and passionate Educating multi-national water technology companies that water is the key to their business and why The reason why William is so passionate about water Democratizing access to actionable information Creating a global movement and awareness on the value of freshwater The actions that William does to show his appreciation for water Connecting to our nature and humanity Connect with Will LinkedIn More about Water Foundry: Water Foundry is a company committed to solving water scarcity and water quality challenges within our lifetime through innovation in business strategy, technology, partnership, business models and funding/financing. Mentioned in this episode: Water Foundry UN SDG 6 If you enjoyed this, check out episode 141 Effective Water Use by Mimicking Nature's Systems with Mike Jenzeh SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
“Care for the environment comes I believe you know, with living a healthy life” — Jeff Mendelsohn When external investors come into a community to develop it, there is the real risk that they end up creating a community that’s disconnected from the very people who live within it. This model of community regeneration is people broken If we want to bring back into our communities then we need to start by helping those who live within them. We also need to return ownership of the community to those who are at the heart of it. Today on Sustainable I’m speaking to Jeff Mendelson the founder of LocalCode. He is a social entrepreneur, who started off his sustainable entrepreneur journey by founding New Leaf Paper. He is also a strategic advisor, investor, and systems thinking. Launched in Jan 2019 LocalCode is a hybrid non-profit/for-profit company supporting the formation of healthy communities with thriving Main Streets in towns and cities across North America. It empowers local enterprises to overcome the strategic advantages enjoyed by national chains and franchises, outperform them, and revitalize Main Street. We discuss what regenerating local communities means for the environment and how LocalCode is helping to do this and giving back to the heart of the community In this episode, Jeff and I talk about: How Jeff is creating harmony in the world by focusing on enterprises What is LocalCode? What you need to know about the regenerative community How to engage the community to support the local economy What it means to have a healthy main street and a local trust Apprenticeship and the Imbalanced Money System Connect with Jeff Mendelsohn LinkedIn More about LocalCode: LocalCode provides cities with essential research and policy recommendations to support local economic revitalization. Drawing on the success of innovative programs in other cities that have revitalized Main Streets, we translate lessons in successful local development to the context of each community. We steer cities to develop solutions and evidence-based programs that build the local economy, rather than the default “big box retail” approach to development. LocalCode Mentioned in this episode: New Leaf Paper Desolation Wilderness BristleCone Pine Trees If you enjoyed this, check out episode 160 Humanity's Greatest Challenge: Adapting to the world we currently live in SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
“Algae is a resource and there are opportunities here for the brand and for the industry to come together and use technology as a business mechanism to drive and improve sustainability.” — Ryan Hunt Algae is emerging as a leading resource in our transition to a sustainable world. They grow faster than normal plants and thus many are using them as an alternative material in making commercial products like the flexible foams you see on some major shoe brands today. Join me today on Sustainable as I talk to Ryan Hunt, the co-founder, and Chief Technology Officer at Algix, about using algae as a new-eco conscious product. Algix is a clean technology company finding creative answers to eco-questions with the use of algae. In this episode, Ryan shares how he uses science to create eco-innovations to make a difference in the world. He also talks about what inspired him to do make more products using algae and how he is incorporating it in other brands. There are many opportunities when it comes to using algae. Tune in and learn the amazing things it can do to improve sustainability and build more sustainable materials for people and the planet! In this episode, Ryan and I talk about: Ryan’s inspiration in using algae to make more sustainable products The process of converting biomass into bio-oil and using algae as an advance mechanism for environmental remediation to absorbing CO2 The algae economy Incentivizing algae The challenges in combining science and entrepreneurship Integrating Algix into supply chains Creating durable products with a longer life span Opportunities for algae More about Ryan Ryan is the co-founder of ALGIX, LLC. He considers himself as a technologist, combining science and entrepreneurship to create eco-innovations and make a difference in the world. He is very passionate about science and technology. He’s been studying and researching physics and bioengineering for a wide variety of topics in material science, microbiology, horticulture, biophysics, and biochemistry. His research mainly focus on algae-based waste water treatment, bioelectromagnetics, biocomposites and photosynthetic optimization. LinkedIn More about Algix: ALGIX is a clean technology company finding creative answers to eco-questions using algae. They help industries rely less on environmentally harmful processes and materials as well as helping sustainability-focused brands source innovative materials to achieve their goals and bring new-eco conscious products to the market. ALGIX utilizes the vast potential of algae to improve our planet by enhancing lives and addressing society’s most pressing challenges. They’re revolutionizing systems essential to life by providing clean water, protein-rich foods, and sustainable plastic products to the world. Mentioned in this episode: ALGIX ALGIX’s partner brands: VIVOBAREFOOT Adidas TOMS® Clarks® Billabong If you enjoyed this, check out episode 17 Sustainable Buildings SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
Finds your purpose and follow it. — Virginia Cinquenani On today’s episode of the Sustainable, Virginia Cinquemani, the founder and director of Green Gorilla Consultants, a company focused entirely on sustainability professionals, joins us to talk about how we can empower sustainability professionals and help our clients what sustainability is all about. Virginia is also a qualified architect, project manager and BREEAM AP. She’s very passionate for sustainability and has written a book to help sustainability professional in their works called “Integrating BREEAM throughout the Design Process”. In this episode, Virginia shares how she and Green Gorilla Consultants is enabling professionals to become stronger and more fulfilled in their work so that they can spread the message with sustainability further. She also talks about how she’s addressing the frustrations of people who work within the sustainability sphere and why technical skills are not enough when working on sustainability projects. Moreover, we also discuss how to seel sustainability and adapt to your client’s language, how to reduce the performance gap within our own work, as well as the current state of the construction industry in the UK. In this episode, Virginia and I talk about: How coaching and further training help sustainability managers work better? Why technical knowledge of sustainability is not enough when you’re a sustainability professional Using a language that’ll enable you to communicate better with your clients and help them grasp and understand what sustainability is How to sell sustainability What sustainability means for Virginia Forgetting the word “sustainabiluty” and how to shift the polarization from people who’re comfortable using language that doesn’t connect with others Educating your clients, actively listening, and adapting to their needs Virginia’s thoughts on the current happening within the UK construction industry Using sustainability as a way of achieving quality to make businesses more resilient Reducing the performance gap within our work Where to reach Virginia: LinkedIn More About Green Gorilla Consultants: Green Gorilla Consultants is a unique leadership training and coaching (CPD Accredited and IEMA Approved) company focused on empowering sustainability consultants, letting their inner green gorilla loose, and become stronger, more assertive, and more resilient by providing them with the best toolkit to confidently stand on their own and take on sustainability projects. To know more about Green Gorilla, you can visit their website here. Mentioned in this episode: Episode 168: Embodied Carbon with Anthony Pak If you enjoyed this, check out episode 144: The Role of Coaching in Creating a Sustainable World SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
"We need to shift our relationship with nature, holding it sacred." -Anthony Pak Making sure that resources are renewed and recycled is what green buildings are for. But have you ever thought about the resources and energy it takes before even making a building? The manufacturing and transport of these materials have already left a carbon footprint way before construction begins. This carbon footprint combined with the building’s end of life emissions is called: Embodied Carbon. Today on Sustainable, I talk to Anthony Pak, the founder of the ECN Vancouver, the first local chapter of Embodied Carbon Network. We Discuss the blindspots of the building community and what we should think about and consider before we build buildings. ECN organizes events that empower building industry professionals to become champions for embodied carbon! In this episode, Anthony talks about his article on Embodied Carbon; and how it has raised awareness and has opened doors to educate the building industry about it. In this episode, Anthony and I talk about: What Embodied Carbon is The Blindspots of the Building Industry Addressing Embodied Carbon Where to get Answers about Embodied Carbon More about Anthony Pak Anthony is the Principal of Priopta, one of the first companies in North America to provide a Parametric Life Cycle Assessment consulting service. Anthony is also the founder of the ECN Vancouver, the first local chapter of Embodied Carbon Network. LinkedIn Anthony’s Embodied Carbon Article More about Embodied Carbon Vancouver: The Embodied Carbon Network is a growing movement that aims to address the gaps within sustainable construction in a move to prevent the excess production of carbon while we build sustainable cities and communities of the future. It brings together leading experts in building design to help create dialogue and collaboration to accelerate our transition to a sustainable world. What does it take to make that building in the first place? think about all the materials that go into it. All those materials have upstream environmental impacts it took something to extract those resources. Embodied Carbon Vancouver Mentioned in this episode: IPCC Land Use, Land-Use Change, and Forestry Work That Reconnects by Joanna Macy Embodied Carbon Network Eco Expo Asia 2019 The Urgency of Embodied Carbon and What You Can Do About It If you enjoyed this, check out episode 17 Sustainable Buildings SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe to your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating.
“When your vision becomes more powerful than your memory, then your future becomes more powerful than your past.” — Paul Dunn Imagine what the world would be like if every transaction you make contributes to making a difference in other people’s lives and the environment? Today on Sustainable, I talk to Paul Dunn, the chairman of B1G1. We discuss it’s giving activities and positive impact with the Sustainable Development Goals. B1G1 is a revolutionary global social enterprise and non-profit organization with a mission to create a world full of giving! In this episode, Paul shares how B1G1 is helping businesses achieve more social impact and contribute to the bigger vision - a world of peace and prosperity. He also talks about the book “LEGACY” and how people and businesses can change the way our world evolves. In this episode, Paul and I talk about: What inspired B1G1 to align their giving activities and positive impact with the Sustainable Development Goals How businesses can make a difference in our world The SDG’s as a pathway for humanity to come together and achieve powerful things The challenges of integrating SDG into your work Paul’s giving story The LEGACY book and the reader’s feedback The impact of every little thing that we do How giving through B1G1 can inspire families and children to make a difference More about Paul Dunn Paul’s work as Chairman of the revolutionary B1G1 has been featured in leading-edge publications such as Forbes, Fast Company, Trendwatching, Springwise and online through the key technology newsletter Mashable, as well as Voice of America. He is a four-time TEDx speaker and a hugely respected and admired business leader. He frequently travels around the world, educating businesses about B1G1 and sharing inspiring business insights. LinkedIn More about B1G1: B1G1, a social enterprise and non-profit organization with a mission to create a world full of giving. Unlike conventional giving models, B1G1 helps small- and medium-sized businesses achieve more social impact by embedding giving activities into everyday business operations and creating unique giving stories. Every business transaction can impact lives for as little as just one cent. B1G1 ties every giving and impact created to the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals. These 17 goals represent the global community’s next step in ending poverty, fighting inequality and injustice, and tackling climate change by 2030. Since launching over 10 years ago, B1G1 has helped small and medium-sized business owners around the world create over 100 million positive impacts that help us work towards a world of peace and prosperity for people and planet. B1G1 Mentioned on this episode: UN Sustainable Development Goals Article: Now we can make the Global Goals (SDG’s) connect so much more Brené Brown's first TEDx Talk Nicola Sturgeon TEDx Talk Masami Sato ( Founder & CEO of B1G1) If you enjoyed this, check out episode 32 CSR vs. Sustainability with Ioana Tetelea SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe in your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating. To find out more about creating systemic and transformational change for people and the planet, head on to www.earthself.org
“If you think you have an idea that might make a difference, just get on and do it.” — Ben Dear If you were to die tomorrow, what would your legacy be? What contribution do you want to leave behind? How do you want to be remembered? Today on Sustainable, I talk to Ben Dear the founder of Osmosis Investment Management about pragmatic investment solutions built on a more sustainable future. Osmosis Investment Management is a majority-owned employee and management company consisting of experienced portfolio management and environmental research specialists who are at the forefront of integration sustainability data into investment portfolios through their unique Model of Resource Efficiency (MoRE). In this episode, Ben is going to talk about ethical and sustainable investing solutions. He shares what inspired him to set up Osmosis, his own investment management company and how the film An Inconvenient Truth gave him the epiphany of how he wanted to be remembered and what legacy he wants to leave. In this episode, Ben and I talk about: What inspired Ben to set up his own investment management company How do we define sustainability ESG investment Transparency and disclosing data Greenwashing in the financial industry Winning the economic battle before the environmental one Leaving a legacy and contribution to the world More about Ben Dear Ben founded Osmosis in 2009. Prior to Osmosis, Ben launched, developed and sold two businesses in the financial sector. Utilising the proceeds of both corporate transactions, he founded Osmosis with the intent of growing a globally recognized brand within the asset management industry, utilizing a core philosophy that sustainability and returns are not mutually exclusive. Today, Osmosis manages investments on behalf of institutional clients from the UK, Europe, Scandinavia and North America with approximately $1.7bn in assets under management. LinkedIn Twitter More about Osmosis Investment Management Osmosis is an award-winning sustainable investment manager that was launched in 2009 and is headquartered in London. MoRE or The Osmosis Model of Resource Efficiency is a proprietary investment database developed and maintained by Osmosis, allowing them to create an objective, sustainable, alpha generating investment factor, through the identification across the 32 economic sectors of companies who are generating more revenue consuming less resource than their sector peers. You can learn more about Osmosis by visiting their website here Mentioned on this episode: An Inconvenient Truth Osmosis Investment Management Article: No, We Are Not Running Out of Forests If you enjoyed this, check out episode 66: Making Better Financial Decisions with Jeannie Boyle SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe in your prefered Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating. To find out more about creating systemic and transformational change for people and the planet, head on to www.earthself.org
“Coaching takes everything deeper. It enhances what you already have and helps you discover new things” — Snjolaug Olafsdottir Coaching is a changing journey. It’s about having the freedom and flexibility to explore what you really want to do. Through coaching, you give others the awareness to make better decisions for themselves. But if we don’t have the right information, how do we start doing that? On today’s episode of Sustainable, I talk to Snjolaug Olafsdottir about integrating coaching into your current skill set. We also touched on the journey that took her from Iceland to Scotland where she’s currently working and interning with me while going through the transformational change coach training program. Snjolaug is an environmental engineer who works as a sustainability consultant in Iceland. She was a former guest back on episode 114 where we talked about the need to be selfish with sustainability. In this episode, Snjolaug shares her journey and what led her here, why she decided to intern with us, as well as her experiences on the training journey. In this episode, Snjolaug and I talk about: How you can implement and integrate coaching into your work and business How coaching can be utilized to change the way business is done Evolution of coaching Snjolaug’s coaching experience Snjolaug’s experience of the Earthself Transformational Change Coach Training Program More about Snjolaug Olafsdottir Snjolaug holds a PhD in Environmental Engineering and is currently working as a Sustainability Consultant. She’s the owner of Andrymi Consulting, a firm that specializes in sustainability and corporate social responsibility. LinkedIn Mentioned on this episode: UN Sustainable Development Goals Episode 114: Selfish Sustainability with Snjolaug Olafsdottir Carbon footprint If you enjoyed this, check out episode 114: Selfish Sustainability with Snjolaug Olafsdottir SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe in your preferred Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating. To find out more about creating systemic and transformational change for people and planet head to www.earthself.org
“We all have a relationship with the sea.” — Tom Kay Finisterre's founder Tom Kay created a sustainable clothing brand, born from the need to make innovative products for hardy British surfers and the life they lead. On today’s episode of Sustainable, I talk to Tom Kay about the clothing brand that designs functional and sustainable products for people who love the sea. Finisterre is an accredited BCoporation that stays true to its original design ethos of functionality and sustainability, remaining committed to its product, environment, and people. In this episode, Tom shares how he started Finisterre in a flat above a surf shop and how it has grown reaching new customers that share Finisterre’s team’s passion for the sea. In this episode, Tom and I talk about: Tom’s inspiration in starting Finisterre on a foundation of sustainability How Finisterre’s community has grown Challenges that Tom and Finisterre are faced with How being an observer of the sea influenced and impacted the work that Tom is doing with Finisterre How we all are connected to the sea Advice for people who wants to understand the sea better More about Tom Kay Tom Kay founded Finisterre in 2003 with the vision of making quality, ethical garment for hardy surfers of British seas. He started out with little business history or design experience in a flat above a surf shop with an innovative fleece that was designed to keep out chill winds and warms up cold bodied fresh from the sea. Today, Finisterre is an accredited BCorporation that has received a range of awards including the Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals good business Award in 2010, Observer Ethical Business Award in 2008, and the Surfer’s Path Green Wave Award in 2008 LinkedIn Mentioned on this episode: Finisterre If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 35: Sustainable Shoes with Galahad Clark SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe in your prefered Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating. To find out more about creating systemic and transformational change for people and the planet, head on to www.earthself.org
“If you believe in the future of abundance or the future generation, align your decisions to your personal ethics and to organizations that reflect it.” — Tom Duncan Did you know that you can build your wealth, save money, and save the planet all at the same time? Yes, it’s actually possible through the use of blockchain technology! Today on Sustainable I talk to Tom Duncan, the CEO of Goodbanc, about what blockchain technology is and how it can help us create a regenerative finance economy and restore our ecosystem. Goodbanc is a digital banking platform for impact investing that provides a low-risk way of investing in regenerative and renewable markets that allows flexibility by cutting out that middleman or any third party. Making money go further both for investors and the people who are receiving the investment. In this episode, Tom is going to share how we can allocate our capital and invest it into something good that helps our planet. In this episode, Tom and I talk about: Blockchain technology How blockchain is reforming the financial system to become more transparent How Goodbanc is achieving its mission through blockchain technology Creating liquidity through tokenization Decarbonizing the planet and restoring the ecosystem through Goodwallet and Mangrove Tree planting projects from Goodbanc How to use our investment and money to buy time for our planet and give more back to the environment Aligning your financial, investment, and purchasing decisions to your personal ethics More about Tom Duncan: Tom Duncan is the CEO of Goodbanc, a digital banking platform for impact investment, finance and green bonds that utilizes Liquid Technology Ltd blockchain and digital wallets. He is also Managing Partner at Liquid Token. He’s an experienced fund manager, investment professional involved in a number of high profile transactions involving blockchain ventures. Mentioned on this episode: Goodbanc United Nations If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 132: Creating a regenerative economy with L. Hunter Lovins SUBSCRIBE TO SUSTAINABLE: THE PODCAST If you’re enjoying Sustainable: The Podcast be sure to subscribe in your prefered Podcast Platform to get notified on the latest episodes. Let me know your thoughts about this episode by leaving a review and rating. To find out more about creating systemic and transformational change for people and the planet, head on to www.earthself.org
Recognizing our emotions is the key to our power. Start by being in tune with your body. Lie down and just listen to what your body is telling you. — Matthew Phelan Whether you’re a small or large organisation, the key to a successful business is not only meeting your customers’ needs but ensuring that the work culture supports your employee’s well being. Micromanaging and controlling is not the best way to bring out employees maximum potential. So, how can an organisation thrive and ensure that its people are happy? Join me today as we talk about happiness with Matthew Phelan, the Head of Global Happiness at The Happiness Index. The Happiness Index aims to improve the way organisations treat their staff. In this episode, Matthew shares how happiness is an important factor in creating a happier and healthier workplace. He also talks about how technology and data can give employees a voice and ensure that happiness is at the centre of every organisation. In this episode, Matthew and I talk about: How people experience happiness and why it’s the key to making the working environment a healthier place to be How listening and understanding what your body is telling you can increase your happiness How The Happy Index brings data into feelings Creating a culture of happiness and flexible working within your own organization Key things to learn from the data gathered by The Happiness Index How focusing on happiness impacted the way Matthew lives his daily life More about Matthew: Matthew Phelan is the Co-founder and Head of Global Happiness at The Happiness Index, a privately owned company that combines unique talents of business experts, data scientists, organisational psychologists, developers, product designers, and generally lovely people! As the Head of Global Happiness, he’s on a mission to globally expand happiness and understand how people experience happiness. LinkedIn Twitter Mentioned on this episode: The Happiness Index Working With Humans by Matt Phelan and friends Podcast GaryVee Who wants to play Gary V or not Gary V? Meditations by Marcus Aurelius Bodily Maps of Emotions If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 25: Employee Engagement with Aidan Tracey
Look deep into nature, and then you will understand everything better. — Albert Einstein When it comes to saving our planet from climate change, there is no such thing as plan B. Why? Because we only have one planet and we can’t afford to make more mistakes than we already have. Today you’re going to meet Lubomila Jordanova the brain behind Plan A, the first-ever data-driven crowdfunding platform in the fight against climate change. In this episode, we’re going to talk about what kind of data they use to predict where and how climate change will hit the hardest. It sounds complex but Lubomila is going to simplify everything for us! In this episode, Lubomila and I talk about: What kind of data Plan A uses to make predictions and how their algorithm uses that data to identify where and how climate change will hit the hardest Approaching climate change differently The challenges in getting Plan A off the ground The six themes (r combination of systematic problems) that created climate change How climate change is affecting people's lives in ways other than just the changing climate (e.g. war) How focusing on creating a sustainable world impacts the way Lubomila lives her life How the science of climate change works More about Lubomila: Lubomila Jordanova is the founder and CEO of Plan A, the first data-driven crowdfunding platform in the fight against climate change. It was founded in 2017 and its work mainly focuses on oceans, forests, wildlife, sustainable energy, sustainable living and waste management. In 2018, Lubomila was chosen by Business Punk as one of the Top 100 Entrepreneurs to watch in Berlin. LinkedIn Mentioned on this episode: Plan A If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 130: An innovative solution to end poverty with Mike Freni
“What is happening within us as humans i.e. our inner nature, is reflected out in the natural environment itself.” - Tabitha Jayne Even though the world has greatly advanced, we are still living in very challenging times. With these advancements, we have made our lives better than ever but we’ve also never faced such a global threat either. If I ask you what’s the greatest challenge mankind is facing today, what would your answer be? Join me today as I talk about humanity’s greatest challenge. No, it’s not about climate change but it is something deeper. We’ll explore the stages of human development and what it means to collectively grow as a species. I will also touch on the topic of what is stopping us from reaching our full potential individually and as a group. After listening to this episode, I invite you to take the time for a walk out in the natural world. And you’ll gain the wonderful benefits that you can only get when you spend your time outside in nature. In this episode, I talk about: How can we control the environment? How can we change other people? Our capability to adapt to the changing environment Stages of human development Using the environment as a way for us to develop individually and collectively as a species Spiral Dynamics vs. Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs (stages of development) The gaps and the biggest issue that’s stopping us from facing our greatest challenge The importance of collaboration and connection The only question that is worth asking when we are faced with humanity’s greatest challenge Mentioned on this episode: Episode 151: Laundry Sustainability with Todd Cline Andrew Carnegie If you enjoyed this episode, check out episode 127: Our Relationship with the Natural World by Tabitha Jayne
"If you're exposed enough to something that's not natural to your body; It's likely going to cause harm through interaction with molecules in your body." Chemistry is everywhere! From the clothes we wear to the food we eat, chemistry is all around us. We even breathe it. Chemistry has done great things for our society. It has made our products more effective, and our economies more prosperous. But often at a cost for our environment and health. As chemistry continues to further the quality of our lives it can also make our world more sustainable. Today on Sustainable, I talk to dr. Joel Tickner about chemistry and its potential to help create a sustainable world. Joel is the Executive Director of the Green Chemistry and Commerce Council (GC3), whose vision is a world where green chemistry is standard practice throughout the value chain. The GC3 works toward that vision by catalysing and guiding action across all industries, sectors and supply chains. In this episode, Joel introduces green chemistry and how it can put less strain on the environment and natural resources as well as benefiting human health. We discuss how common chemicals used today were a breakthrough when invented but have environmental and health impact that are unacceptable. We also talk about the importance of implementing green chemistry to make the future design and production process sustainable and in alignment with the natural world. In this episode, Joel talks about: What green chemistry is and how it will benefit us and our environment Building and impacting chemical design to achieve sustainability Teaching the next generation of chemists and chemical engineers to take social and environmental impact into account in their design Why training working chemists and chemical engineers to re-think that molecular design is very important for the future Effectively enhancing the natural state of molecules for our benefit Learning from how nature adapts to minimize the negative impact of toxic molecules The chemical alternatives that allow us to meet our goals but have low impact on our health and the environment Scaling innovative products and collaborative innovation Sustainable consumption and the demand for safer chemicals Importance of leadership within the government regarding green chemistry projects Educating investors about opportunities regarding the chemical industry and profit returns Incorporating chemical risk management into projects “We need to start thinking differently. Now we that we understand the problems much better, we need to really focus on the solution and put the resources into that.” - Joel Tickner More about Joel Tickner: Joel is a leading expert on the application of green chemistry and alternatives assessment in science and policy. He has served on a number of EPA and Natural Academy of Sciences advisory committees and advises government agencies around the world. Joel is also a Professor of Public Health at the University of Massachusetts, Lowell and is also the Executive Director of the Association for the Advancement of Alternatives Assessment (A4) and the Co-Director of the Massachusetts Toxics Use Reduction Institute (TURI). More about GC3: GC3 members are champions and innovators in the fields of green chemistry and the production of safer chemicals, materials and products. Approximately 75% of GC3 members are individual companies and 25% are representatives from non-governmental organizations, local, state and federal government agencies, and consulting firms. Mentioned in this episode: Bhopal disaster – one of the world's worst industrial disasters Paul Müller - the inventor of DDT and a Nobel prize winner Making Better Environmental Decisions and Alternative to Risk Assessment by Mary O'Brien Episode #151: Laundry Sustainability with Todd Cline GC3 Sustainable Chemistry Alliance Sustainable Chemistry Research and Development Act Eat Grub Ellen McArthur Foundation If you enjoyed this, check out episode 129: Accelerating Hydrogen Energy Solutions with Traver Kennedy
A sustainable business leads to a sustainable future. Sustainability is becoming the new norm in today's competitive market. Growing numbers of conscious buyers and green consumers has led businesses to create products and services to meet these new consumer needs in order to add value and build trust for their brands. That's why many businesses are adopting sustainability management because it efficiently optimizes the use of resources (human, natural, and financial) and reduces the cost and risk while creating opportunities to develop a strong brand reputation. Regardless of its benefits, some companies haven’t joined the sustainability journey yet. Angela Casler from the Sustainability Management Association (SMA) is on a mission to educate everyone about sustainability management and ultimately make it a norm within businesses. Today on Sustainable, Angela and I talk about transforming leadership to make sustainability management become the norm within businesses. Angela is the founder and CEO of Sustainability Management Association, a 501 c6 non-profit that educates professionals on how to achieve success through environmental conservation, social responsibility, and economic performance. SMA provides a simple study guide to give people the standard metrics used in project management and manage sustainability and create a strategy around it. In this episode, we talk about how you can manage sustainability and transform leadership to create a more sustainable world. Also, Angela tells us how you can join and become a member of an organization for sustainability professionals. In this episode, Angela and I talk about: How to transform leadership towards a more sustainable future The purpose and the main reason why Sustainability Management Association (SMA) was founded The Triple Bottom Line (TBL) and how to incorporate it in business Why education and learning about sustainability is important in transforming a leader Challenges that people need to be aware of Products and services that meet the needs of our planet Creating a culture of sustainability and preventing the culture of fear Procurement solutions to change the way we complete our daily task within our organization Strategically embracing sustainability The meaning of Social Responsibility Interconnected relationship between business and the human environment The positive impacts and results from the people who’re engaging with SMA Stories about amazing ways that people are transforming Angela’s personal story and experience from the 2018 California wildfires and what we can learn from that How to maintain our ecosystem and create a healthy environment where people can thrive along with species in forests The sense of urgency that we are on the fight for survival The resilience of our ecosystem When all of us are working together, we can create solutions to help people, planet, and profit. And it’s our generation's responsibility to take action over it. More about Angela: Angela, is a full-time lecturer at California State University, Chico’s Department of Management and also serves as the principal partner of Sustainability Management Consulting, a strategic planning consulting company. With more than 25 year’s management experience in the financial services, international banking, transportation and consulting industries, Angela has been a small business owner since 2005 with SB Bear Trucking and founded Sustainability Management Consulting in 2010. Connect with Angela: LinkedIn More About SMA: The Sustainability Management Association’s vision is to establish the field of sustainability management as a management norm. Through the leadership of their directors and of their 2500+ members from 33 US states and 18 international countries, the Sustainability Management Association is transforming leadership through education, collaboration and innovation. www.sustainabilityma.org Mentioned in this episode: Sustainability Management Certified Professional (SMCP): The First Professional Accreditation (Study Guide) Triple Bottom Line (TBL) The 2008 Californian Wildfires If you enjoyed this, check out episode 119: Pursuing Excellence in Business for People, Planet, and Profit with Ann Pike
"You don’t have to believe in the problem to believe in the solution. There are opportunities to make more money while solving the problem." — Hunter Lovins What do roasted termites, crickets or grasshoppers taste like? Wasp, termites, locusts, caterpillars and ant eggs; just reading their names, trigger up a feeling of disgust for many but for some, it’s a nutritious delight! In large parts of the world insects are a staple food source, whereas we consider it squeamish here in the Western world. EAT GRUB has come up with a sustainable solution to supply the increasing world population with protein as farmland is decreasing, by revolutionising Western food culture with insects. EAT GRUB has committed themselves to change the way people think about insects as a food source by educating the public and developing quality nutritious tasty products. You might be seeing “grasshopper bourguignon” or “soupe de cricket” soon at a restaurant’s menu near you! Today on Sustainable Neil Whippey and I talk about insects, the sustainable superfood that’s rich in protein. Neil eats bugs for breakfast and is on a mission to normalize eating insects. Learn what a tasty, nutritious and sustainable superfood is like as Neil talks about edible insects, the food innovation and its future. In this episode, Neil talks about: How they came up with the idea of insects as a viable food source and business product? Who eats insects and why should too Cooking insects Adapting a new form of diet and normalizing eating insects The tasty "Cricket Energy bars" From pop-up shops to cookbooks The best way to convince people to try and eat insects How to use your money to drive the change that you want Offering nutritious snacks and going to schools to educate kids about insects How focusing on sustainable protein sources impacted the way Neil live his daily life There's nothing to fear if you recognize this (eating insects) as a solution. Not only are you eating tasty and nutritious food but you're also helping reduce the destruction to the environment by consuming from sustainable food sources. Mentioned on this episode: United Nations 17 Sustainable Development Goals Eat Grub: The Ultimate Insect Cookbook Natural Capitalism by Hunter Lovins, Amory Lovins and Paul Hawken Episode 150: Circular Economy for waste management with TomSzaky Episode 151: Laundry Sustainability with Todd Cline United Nations If you enjoyed this, check out episode 93: The Mushroom Revolution with Eric Jong
The darkest hour is before the dawn. — Winston Churchill It’s said that the darkest hour of the night comes before the dawn. When I look around, I see so much fear. There’s climate emergency’s being reported all around the world and species extinction continues to go on. Because of this, I feel like now is the time to question the narrative of whether or not we can create a sustainable world. Join me today as I talk about the certainty of a sustainable world. I’m going to share 3 points in connection to the rhetoric narrative that the media is portraying and showing to us in relation to a sustainable world. In this episode, I talked about: The reason why I’m talking about the certainty of a sustainable world Confirmation bias in relation to the certainty of a sustainable world How the external world can be a reflection of what’s going on within us Challenging the notion of extinction by redefining it into the light of evolution How can we ensure that what you’re doing is fundamentally making a change? The continuous cycle within the natural world The need for having a powerful vision to align to Reframing and shifting from the narrative of extinction to evolution How to create change that enables a world of peace and prosperity for people and the planet Look at the vision you’re telling yourself, how is this impacting your behaviour? Question your fears then acknowledge them as you forward together with others who believe in the same vision as you. There is still hope even in the worst of circumstances. So don’t give up, a sustainable world is on its way after the darkest hour. Mentioned on this episode: United Nation’s 17 Sustainable Development Goals Andy Egan (Episode 146: The Power of Tree Techcnology) International Tree Foundation Hitler World War II Joanna Masie The 6th mass extinction event / Holocene extinction Winston Churchill Angela Casler Sustainability Management Association If you enjoyed this, check out episode 78 with Laura Storm on exploring how to move towards a more sustainable world
No matter how empowering you are as a leader, if you're in a traditional system, empowerment is still inhibited. — Michael DeAngelo In a constantly changing and complex environment, companies need to correctly address new challenges and opportunities. To do this they need an organizational structure that lessens obstacles to meet company goals and achieve work efficiency. Today on Sustainable, I talk about holacracy, a revolutionary management system that replaces conventional management hierarchy and how it's being implemented to transform organizations in the corporate and non-corporate sectors with Michael DeAngelo. Michael DeAngelo is an experienced business leader with C level executive experience in different industries including healthcare, entertainment and technology, and natural resources. He's an avid beekeeper and holacracy practitioner from HolacracyOne - a company that practices holacracy and spearheads its development. We'll be exploring how this structure is helping businesses around the world empower its employees through hierarchy abolishment and leadership distribution. In this episode, Michael talks about: What is Holacracy and why is it important? The difference between holacracy and traditional management system How holacracy works in a practical application How Michael self-organize in amplifying individual strengths Misconceptions around holacracy and self-management How to manage multiple roles within departments The “space” for reaction in holacracy management system The challenge of implementing holacracy Examples of habit that are hard to change What company and leader is holacracy good for Holacracy in relation to the circular economy and how the two complement each other How focusing on Holacracy impacted Michael’s life Connect with Michael: Email: hello@holacracyone.com LinkedIn More about HolacracyOne: HolacracyOne is the company spearheading the development of the Holacracy method. It was founded in 2007 by Brian Robertson and Tom . We’re a non-conventional company in many ways: we’re based in the USA but all our business partners work from home. We don’t have any employees, we’re all legal partners in the company, and we’ve adopted Holacracy in our bylaws. Learn more about HolacracyOne and everything about holacracy here. If you enjoyed this, check out episode 25: Employee Engagement with Aidan Tracey, Home Energy Scotland
Those who love peace must learn to organize as effectively as those who love war. —Marthin Luther King One of the leading causes of death for children every year are malnutrition-related illnesses. Global hunger continues to rise despite the efforts of many to lessen it. In order to combat hunger, companies like Cure4Humanity has developed a solution that works! Today on Sustainable, I talk about Cure4Humanity Inc.’s complex business model and its inventions as a sustainable solution to world hunger and other global and environmental problems with Eric Williams. Eric Williams is the Chairman and Co-Founder of Cure4Humanity Inc.& SafestCities Inc. Cure4Humanity is a socially responsible organization who invented the ability to provide water, innovative indoor farming, energy and affordable safe housing. He’ll be talking about how Cure4Hunger invented the world’s first legitimate cure for global hunger. He also shared how developing Cure4Humanity’s complex business model became a way for people to earn money and make big companies be more sustainable. In this episode, Eric talks about: How C4H complex business model and great vision was developed Developing the “Gravity Garden”- how it works and its benefits Providing equity to farmers How Eric handles scepticism when people doubt his visions Providing basic humanity needs thru C4H and SafestCities affordable homes How C4H Food and Water Domes keeps the food safe and secure Global refugee crisis, deforestation and vertical farming Where do C4H’s profits go to Building thousands of Water and Food Domes over the next decade and beyond More about Eric Williams: A southern-California native, Eric is 25-year channel technology expert, philanthropist, filmmaker “40 Point Plan” (Rated PG 2012) and music producer. Eric has advised more than 300 companies worldwide as CEO of Corporate Channels from 1999-2007. Eric retired from the industry to pursue humanitarian efforts and conceived the world’s first disaster proof farm that does not require any 3rd party water, power nor seasons. From seed to harvest, this game changing invention is able to grow more crops per square foot in recorded history. Unlimited self reliant and sustainable farms are now able to be mass produced in more than 90% of the world’s populated regions. Connect with Eric Williams: LinkedIn Cure4Humanity Inc. SafestCities Inc. More about Cure4Hunger: Cure4Hunger has invented the cure for global hunger by integrating six state of the art technologies creating the world’s first legitimate cure. The United Nations Food and Agriculture Organization estimates that nearly 870 million of the world’s 7.1 billion inhabitants, or one in eight, suffered from chronic undernourishment in 2010-2012. The majority of the world’s hungry population live in developing countries, where Cure4Hunger is charted to build thousands of Water and Food Domes over the next decade and beyond. Learn more here. Send your message directly to them at info@Cure4Hunger.org Additional Resources: Cure4Hunger cure for global hunger inventions Cure4Hunger Food & Water Domes Vertical Farming Del Webb If you enjoyed this, check out episode128: Nature: The future of energy, innovation & business with Bill Browning, Partner, Terrapin Bright Green