The Town Haul

Host Amy Koonin Taylor hands over the reins of the show to Michael Allegretti, Rubicon's Chief Strategy Officer, as he interviews Shonte Eldridge, Amazon Web Service's former Executive Government Advisor. Engaging because of their rapport, inspiring because of their shared experiences and knowledge, and timely because of the lasting effects of the COVID-19 pandemic; this episode is a unique and entertaining look into the future of cities and government!  

Kentucky startup EZ-Chow is changing the Louisville landscape with their flexible, innovative, "EZ" to use technology. The tech is perfect for restaurants looking to integrate online ordering with point-of-sale systems and digital marketing. Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with EZ-Chow founder and Kentucky native Mo Sloan to reflect on his unique entrepreneurial journey. 

Rooted in a passion for rare material recycling, Rubicon and g2 Revolution have teamed up for innovative initiatives this fall. Host Amy Koonin Taylor talks with g2 Revolution's Tonya Martin about their passionate partnership. They launched the RUBICONMarketplace, where businesses and residents can recycle materials that are not generally accepted in curbside or commercial recycling programs. In addition to the RUBICONMarketplace platform, g2 is a marquee partner for Trick or Trash; a fun and educational program designed to help reduce the waste that accumulates every year around Halloween.

Upcycling blemished mushrooms into a meaty treat, the brains behind Eat The Change are on a mission to turn plant-based palates into the norm. Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by Seth Goldman, an eco-entrepreneur with a rockstar resume to talk about his latest venture, Eat The Change. Goldman founded Honest Tea, co-founded PLNT Burger, and is chair of the board of Beyond Meat. Now he's co-founded Eat The Change, a sustainable snack line of mushroom jerky with Top Chef alum Spike Mendelsohn. 

Formally Imperfect Produce, Imperfect Foods has been one of the marquee brands making some serious changes in the food waste space. Imperfect Foods has an incredible goal of rescuing one billion pounds of food waste over the next nine years in addition to becoming a net-zero carbon operation. Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by Head of Sustainability Maddy Rotman to talk all about the evolution of the blemished produce subscription brand and how they continue to grow and evolve with our planet.

When it comes to revolutionizing animal consumption around the world without sacrificing flavor, Better Meat Co.'s Paul Shapiro literally wrote the book on it. Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by author, activist, and CEO Paul Shapiro to talk about the use of unique technology that will shape how future generations eat. With environmental sustainability at the forefront of everything he does, Shapiro is a true industry influencer with inspiring advice for all. 

The most important meal of the day got a muesli makeover when Hannah Barnstable brought the super grain to the states from a trip to New Zealand. Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Seven Sundays female founder Hannah Barnstable to discuss not only the health benefits of her products but how this Minnesota bred B Corp is championing some serious social and environmental change. 

Born out of the want to influence households to live more sustainably, Preserve products are flying off shelves and into homes. Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by CEO Eric Hudson to talk about all things impact: supply chain, community involvement, and even Covid-19. With toothbrushes and razors made from potential ocean waste and recycle back program, Gimme 5, Preserve is an eco-friendly differentiator in the everyday product space.

A unique single-use plastic alternative, B Corp Lilybee Wrap is an easy way to reduce waste in your own home. CEO and founder Stacia Jensen joins host Amy Koonin Taylor from New Zealand to break down the LilyBee Wrap origin story and celebrate the brand's environmental impact!

Ethically sourced and effortlessly chic, Nisolo is a major player in the sustainable fashion game. Popular amongst big fashion bloggers and sustainability influencers alike, the brand boasts an evergreen aesthetic for its accessories. Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Nisolo's Impact and Sustainability Lead, Matt Stockamp, to break down the Nisolo business model from 100% fair living wages to measuring social and environmental impact. 

Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by one of the fiercest food waste warriors yet, Pulp Pantry CEO Kaitlin Mogentale. Addictive chips are made from upcycled fruit and veggie pulp, giving second life to many superfoods. What started as an innovative idea on her college campus has quickly turned into a pantry staple for health-conscious and eco-conscious consumers.

Matriark foods stands proudly on the front lines fighting both food waste and food security. With their products rooted in farming and flavor, the Matriark Foods team is providing a delicious and sustainable solution. CEO Anna Hammond joins our host Amy Koonin Taylor to break down their business model, explain their unique supply chain, and share some profound advice with budding female entrepreneurs. 

After an eye-opening trip to Bali, Indosole founder Kyle Parsons decided to work on the global issue of tire waste while simultaneously developing some of the most comfortable and sustainable footwear on the market. Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by Parsons to talk about the brand's journey, conscious consumerism, and how big ideas can bring about big changes. 

Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by Kate Daly, Managing Director of Closed Loop Partners, an innovation center for the circular economy. CLP invests in businesses that are doing right by both people and the planet. Working in environmental sustainability spilled over into every facet of Daly's life as she took on a "buy nothing year", 365 days where she didn't purchase anything new and learned how to refuse and reuse.

To celebrate World Oceans Day 2021, host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Sandra Ann Harris, founder of ECOlunchbox, a fellow B Corp firmly planted on the front lines in the fight against single-use plastics. Helping all of us reduce plastic waste way beyond the school halls, Harris and her team have created a line of lunchroom products that are both sleek and sustainable. Harris also authored the book "Say Goodbye to Plastic: A Survival Guide for Plastic Free Living" where she doles out tons of tips and tricks for saving our marine life and most precious resources.

Just in time for the spike in warmer weather, this week’s episode of The Town Haul features TIDAL New York, an eco-friendly flip flop line that is changing the shoe game from material to manufacturing. Our host, Amy Koonin Taylor, sits down with Tim Gibb, co-founder of new TIDAL New York to kick off the summer of sustainable products. The new B Corp on the block, TIDAL’s unique sandal is both a comfortable and circular solution.

The Leanpath mission to solve the global food waste crisis is one we can all get behind. During a year that has left a dark cloud over the restaurant industry, Leanpath pivoted parts of their product and developed technology-driven solutions to fight the good fight and ensure no scrap was left behind. Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with CEO Andrew Shakman to break down some behaviors that can reduce waste in both restaurant kitchens and our own homes.

Although he doesn't have his own Tik Tok account, the ACC's Benji Backer is quintessential Gen Z. He's young, he's passionate, and he works tirelessly to make a positive change for our planet. Benji and his team are leading a grassroots effort on eco-conscious education across college campuses and the halls of government. Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Backer to talk about all things climate change, building the bipartisan bridge, and his love for Aaron Rodgers.  

Host Amy Taylor hands over the reins of the show to Stephen Goldsmith, former Mayor of the City of Indianapolis, as he interviews Mitchell Weiss, Harvard Business School professor and published author about his new book “We the Possibility: Harnessing Public Entrepreneurship to Solve Our Most Urgent Problems.” Engaging because of their rapport, inspiring because of their experience, and timely because of the COVID-19 pandemic, this episode is the perfect platform for the Town Haul season opener!

Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Rubicon's Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Allegretti, to discuss the concept of resiliency: what it means, why it's important, and how it impacts our environment, public health, and the overall ability for communities to thrive, worldwide.

From growing up on reality TV and the baseball field, to a passionate pursuit to make the world a better place than he found it, Shane Keough is an inspirational breath of fresh air. Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Keough to talk all things sustainability in sports in what is sure to be one of the best episodes of the season!

Host Amy Koonin Taylor is sitting down with Rubicon’s Chief Sustainability Officer, David Rachelson, to talk about Rubicon's inaugural ESG (environmental, social, and governance) report. The ESG report covers a multitude of topics relating to environmental impact reduction, the use of technology to to innovate and solve global waste issues, and tells the story of partnerships and business cases along the way.

Host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with two of the brains behind the brand, the National Wildlife Federation, Kristy Jones and Liz Soper to talk about the importance of an environmental education. Rubicon is the official technology partner of their highly popular Recyclemania competition, and although the campaign was cut short due to Covid-19, the recycling results are still astounding. With the pandemic keeping us at home, the NWF has created so many resources to explore, educate, inspire, and take action right from your couch.  

While everyone is self-quarantining during the COVID-19 pandemic, Fill it Forward has a fun, healthy, and charitable solution to drinking your way to a better world. Host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined by Fill it Forward's Ruby Bowry to expand on the technology behind their unique line of products, how you can champion the clean water cause from your own couch, and how to find the silver linings while we all stay at home.  

Recording from her closet, host Amy Koonin Taylor sits down with Rubicon’s Chief Strategy Officer, Michael Allegretti, to discuss the Coronavirus pandemic and our new normal. A short episode, but jam packed with information on Rubicon’s #haulerheroes campaign to engage quarantined families to show gratitude for their garbage pick ups, and most importantly, how we can help keep our sanitation workers safe during these scary and unprecedented times.  

Friends for over 20 years and now reuniting on air to talk all things food waste, our host Amy Koonin Taylor is joined via Skype by her childhood friend Ilan Gluck, US East General Manager for Wasteless. With a proven model abroad and new stores stateside, Wasteless is changing the grocery game with their transparent technology and weapons against waste!  

Kentucky born and Cali raised, Eddie Donaldson is on his way back home to beautify, engage, and uplift the Louisville community. With a passion for the human and artistic connection, Donaldson's involvement in the Wall Sluggers Mural Project is sure to be a home-run. Join host Amy Koonin Taylor for a unique conversation with a cultural curator focusing on social impact. Eddie Donaldson's story is one that is not to be missed.  

Season 3 of The Town Haul is kicking off with a bang! Our host, Amy Koonin Taylor, is joined by Mycocycle founder Joanne Rodriguez to talk all about the magic of mushrooms. Using our earth's greatest detoxifier, Mycocycle is making fungi functional to repurpose construction materials. Good on pizza and great for our environment, mushrooms are the unsung heroes of the circular movement.

After becoming a mother, Blueland founder and CEO Sarah Paiji Yoo began her journey to reduce her personal plastic consumption. After researching all of the harmful plastics and chemicals in our oceans, our homes, and even in our stomachs; Sarah sought to change the way we clean. Our host, Amy Koonin, is joined via Skype by Paiji Yoo to talk about her revolutionary eco-friendly cleaning products and the Blueland mission for a clean home and a clean planet!  

On a quest to revolutionize the agricultural and social landscape of Eastern Kentucky, Jonathan Webb has his work cut out for him. Working from within Appalachia in Kentucky, AppHarvest is combining conventional agriculture techniques with technology innovation. He's bringing his idea to the region, to the soil, and to the local schools. Host Amy Koonin is joined via Skype by Webb to talk all things education, entrepreneurship, and eating your vegetables!  

You've seen their products in iconic department stores like Bloomingdales and Nordstrom, but there is so much more to their story than just soft t-shirts and huggable hoodies. With an emphasis on biodegradable packaging, WRAP certified facilities, and clothing made from recycled water bottles, Alternative Apparel's line is a sustainable fashion slam-dunk. Alternative Apparel CEO Evan Toporek joins host Amy Koonin via Skype to break down their commitment to their customers, comfort, and eco-friendly practices.

From Atlanta to Mumbai, the fight to neutralize our plastic footprint rages on. At the forefront of the movement is rePurpose Global, a social enterprise shedding light on harmful habits and encouraging the public to pass on plastic through their #plasticnetural and partnerships. Our host, Amy Koonin, is joined via Skype by rePurpose and their partner, Saahas Zero Waste to chat about how to close the loop locally and across the ocean.  

After landing a deal with Mr. Wonderful on NBC's Shark Tank, RAREFORM saw both a surge in sales and opportunity to tell their sustainability story. The line of bags, cases, and accessories are made from recycled vinyl and boast a unique business model. Upcycling the large billboards we all pass on our highways, the brains behind the bags are able to keep the material out of the landfill, create lightweight, trendy, and durable products, and give a second life to a street staple. Host Amy Koonin is joined via Skype by RAREFORM's Kara Morin to talk about the process, the future, and the tank.  

Even if you're unfamiliar with her name, chances are you've come across some of her tips and tricks peppered throughout the eco-conscious community. Author and influencer Kathryn Kellogg lives a zero waste lifestyle. What does that mean? Host Amy Koonin is joined via Skype by Kellogg to break down her own waste reduction journey. What products does she keep in her bathroom? How do you not create excess waste in the kitchen? How does this lifestyle impact your ability to go to parties? Answering all of Amy's burning questions, Kellogg is a human diversion database with an unparalleled passion for sustainability!  

At the forefront of the single-use saga, ChicoBag founder Andy Keller is making some massive strides against big plastic. Keller is an electric personality with a deep-rooted passion for environmental sustainability. Our host, Amy Koonin, is joined via Skype by Keller and his alter-ego "bag monster" to talk about everything from material transparency, helping musician Jack Johnson clean up the ocean, and the lawsuit that propelled his passion for plastic alternatives.  

How did a college hobby become a full-time weapon in the fight against food waste? ReGrained's Daniel Kurzrock joins host Amy Koonin via Skype to chat about how his super idea became a super grain! A certified B Corporation with social and environmental missions, ReGrained bars are the ultimate in edible upcycling. This truly unique business model and bar allow consumers to have their beer and eat it too. Kurzrock's sustainable snack is quickly taking over the game and we're just "hoppy" to be along for the ride!  

Hamilton Perkins is changing the game when it comes to travel style. A young entrepreneur with a social and environmental mission, Perkins has worked tirelessly to curate his totes out of some pretty unique materials. Host Amy Koonin is joined by Perkins via Skype to talk about the early days of the collection and the future of sustainable fashion. With sleek and modern styles of "Earth Bags" made from pineapple leaf fiber, plastic water bottles, and even old museum banners, Perkins' creativity and passion for the planet is truly out of this world.

In a belated Earth Day celebration, host Amy Koonin sits down in the Rubicon studio with the affectionately named, "Yardi Boys"; 3 millennial men trying to change the planet one day at a time. With 4 people, 2 microphones, and endless passion for sustainability, the boys cover everything from their own in-office eco-friendly efforts to emojis.  

William McDonough's resume reads like a thick phone book. He's an architect, a designer, an author, a professor, and an established thought leader in the Circular Economy space. He also sat down with host Amy Koonin at Rubicon HQ to walk listeners through his professional timeline, personal passion for sustainability, and how he sees the future for closing the loop and upcycling. Known as "The Godfather" of the Circular Economy, McDonough makes our planet an offer we shouldn't refuse.

Beer, Bread, and B Corp; what could be better? Host Amy Koonin is joined via Skype by Toast Ale's Louisa Ziane to talk about all things food waste and fermentation. Transcending the time difference, Louisa sheds some light on how a simple idea can inspire real change. Toast Ale is a B Corp out of the UK that is taking craft beer to the next level by using leftover bread from bakery partners to brew both smooth and smart. With over 1 million loaves saved from the landfill, Toast Ale is a mission-driven malt that is changing the way we think about the ingredient supply chain.

With an ice cream cone shaped swimming pool in his backyard, Author Ocean Robbins' father fled the family business and moved his brood to a remote island to focus on sustainable living. The next generation of the Robbins family (of Baskin Robbins fame) has turned his life's work into educating and inspiring consumers to make healthier choices when it comes to waistlines and waste bins. Host Amy Koonin is joined by Ocean via Skype to discuss his book, his childhood, and his passion for environmental responsibility. His journey may have been a "rocky road", but boy has it been interesting!  

Ends and Stems is a meal planning service with sustainable values at its core (no pun intended). Our host, Amy Koonin, is joined via Skype by Alison Mountford, CEO and Founder of Ends and Stems and a Rubicon 2018 Waste Fit Champion. With over a decade in the culinary industry, Mountford is successfully fighting food waste without sacrificing flavor!

How did a background in counterterrorism inspire conscious consumerism? Author Jane Mosbacher Morris joins host Amy Koonin in the studio to celebrate the launch of her new book, "Buy the Change You Want to See: Use Your Purchasing Power to Make the World a Better Place!" Jane explains how small changes in sustainability can lead to big improvements in underserved areas, gives advice for budding female entrepreneurs, and even makes a case for why Dominos pizza is the best in NYC.

A unique community near Atlanta, Serenbe has quickly become a slice of heaven outside of city limits. Serenbe has it all: retail and spa amenities, fresh food straight from the farm, and focus on overall health and wellness. Amy Koonin, our host and proud Serenbe resident, sits down with founder Steve Nygren to break down the Serenbe story, the community's conscious steps towards waste diversion, and how Steve was instrumental in introducing Amy to her fiance!

In what is sure to be a best seller, Author Chris Tuff has created an easily digestible and engaging manual for managing millennials. The waste industry is antiquated and is now being run by new leaders, ideas, and young and hungry employees. How do we respect the old while ushering in the new? CT is the authority on all things millennial culture; he was a digital pioneer at Facebook and even turned his proposal into a viral sensation. Our host, proud millennial Amy Koonin, sits down in the studio with Tuff for what turns into quite the therapy session.

From branding booze to branding bubbles, Seventh Generation CEO Joey Bergstein has had a hand in several household names. A Keynote speaker for the event, Bergstein joins host Amy live on location in Philadelphia at the Sustainable Brands Conference. Learn more about his unique career trajectory, ingredient transparency in all Seventh Generation products, and his legendary Halloween costumes!

Made from 100% pre-consumer cutting room scraps, Brooklyn's Daniel Silverstein and his unique "ReRoll" fabric are taking the fashion world by storm. Zero-waste in and out of the atelier, Daniel's nickname evolved after working in the industry and witnessing first-hand what textile waste is doing to our environment. ZWD joins host Amy Koonin via Skype to talk about his eco-conscious evolution in Brooklyn, his NY Fashion Week stand-up comedy routine, and why he's Amy's favorite person to follow on Instagram!

Ken Beckstead is turning a bad habit into something good for our planet! Host Amy Koonin is joined via Skype to learn everything about his Butts to Watts program and how he's turning discarded cigarette butts into a powerful and unique energy source. This west-coast waste warrior is on a unique mission to revolutionize our roadways!

Find out how a Florida craft brewery is tackling a global problem, one sip at a time! Amy Koonin is joined via Skype by Saltwater Brewery's Dustin Jeffers to talk about everything from wild flavors to wildlife. Saltwater Brewery is a pioneer in the brewing movement that utilizes their edible six-pack rings to not only rid the brewhouse of extra food waste but to feed sea creatures instead of endangering them. We'll cheers to that!

We're #talkingtrash with one of Southface Energy Institute's environmental visionaries, Southface's President, Andrea Pinabell! Joined in the studio, host Amy Koonin gets down to the building blocks of the built environment, energy efficiency, and what homeowners can do to live more sustainably. Like Ludacris and Jermaine Dupri said, "Welcome to Atlanta where the playas play" – and Rubicon and Southface are both major players in the ATL sustainability scene.