The Eco-Interviews: Recent Episodes
Fiona Martin
At The Eco-Interviews, we're speaking to people living and working in environmentalism and sustainability. From farmers to business people, academics to activists, we're amplifying voices and sharing stories from eco-warriors from across the world.
Hey, it’s been a minute. Our last podcast came out at the beginning of January and here we are in the 2nd week of February. This past month has been wild in terms of US politics, and I also needed some hibernation time for myself. But I’m crazy excited to introduce you to Casey Kennedy, an attorney specializing in title search and heirs property resolution. Casey is the founder of Hogan Land & Title, a premier real estate title abstracting and genealogy services company, and the Principal Attorney for The Law Offices of Casey E. Kennedy, LLC. Casey is an alumnus of Duquesne University School of Law and graduated cum laude with a concentration in Energy & Environmental Law. She is passionate about solving heirs property issues in Appalachia and protecting land ownership in rural communities throughout the south. Before practicing law in West Virginia and South Carolina, Casey was an offshore fisherman in Kachemak Bay, Alaska and a specialized surface and subsurface title researcher. When she is not working she can be found spending quality time with her adorable toddler, husband, 47 house plants, and two dogs. She’s a muralist, avid gardener and enjoys cycling and hiking. It’s been a privilege to get to know Casey, and I’m excited she was able to come on The Eco-Interviews to share her story of working in the energy industry to transitioning to business ownership with the mission of helping people and the planet. Find the transcript of this interview at https://www.eco-interviews.com.
Happy New Year Eco-Interviews listeners! To kick off 2021, I’m sharing a quick interview with April Jones, founder of the Pinehurst Farmers Market in Columbia, SC. With two grocery stores closing in her Pinehurst neighborhood, April and her neighbors were facing what’s known as a food desert or food apartheid situation. April was inspired by legendary farmer Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm to be the change she was looking for in her Pinehurst Community. At a conference April attended, Penniman said: “If you are looking for someone to save you, no one is coming. You will have to save yourself.” Those words were a call to action for April to create a solution to the issue of food access in the Pinehurst neighborhood. The vision was created to form a self-reliant, self-sustainable plan of action that would create healthy, organic food options for the community that would support the local economy and give residents access to food sovereignty. Two years later and with COVID-19 changing the way we all interact with each other in day-to-day life, April has created the Pinehurst Community Action non-profit, which accepts donations that are then turned into COVID solidarity boxes full of fresh, locally and regeneratively grown fruits and vegetables. April really is trailblazing here with her neighborhood, creating the community, mutual aid, and food systems that move people from surviving to thriving. This is SO important as we’ve seen presumed stable systems collapse during the pandemic. The United States is facing some of the highest infection and death rates from COVID, and this is compounded by a hunger crisis, economic crisis, and the systemic racism that is baked into our institutions. April really is living up to Leah Penniman’s words by creating something to save herself and her community. If you are local to Columbia, South Carolina, I encourage you to visit the farmers market on Wednesday afternoons, or contribute to Pinehurst Community Action. For those further afield, seek out similar community action in your area, or be the one to start something! In 2021, let’s create the world we want now and for future generations. It will take all of us working together to ensure our own health, wealth, and happiness. Get the full interview transcript + video at https://eco-interviews.com.
I’m excited to introduce you to Carmen Munhequete in this week’s episode. Carmen currently works as a principal consultant at ERM (Environment Resource Management) based in Maputo, Mozambique. She is an experienced professional, with more than 17 years working in development across the mining-, agricultural-, environment and climate change-, and humanitarian relief sectors. What an opportunity to speak with someone doing amazing work from the other side of the world. It’s unfortunate that we do not hear more, or know more, about what’s going on in Africa so connecting with Carmen in Mozambique was a real treat. It’s worth keeping in mind that developing countries like Mozambique suffer the brunt of climate change disasters even while their population are the lowest contributors to the causes of accelerated global warming. For example, while the richest 10 percent of people produce half of the planet’s individual-consumption-based fossil fuel emissions, the poorest 50 percent — about 3.5 billion people — contribute only 10 percent. How is a developing country like Mozambique helping its people face multiple crises like poverty, violence, lack of infrastructure, and climate change? Carmen is working on the frontlines to tackle these issues, and she shares her story with us today.
Welcome Eco-Interviews listeners! I’m your host Fiona Martin, and this is the podcast where we amplify the voices of those defending Mother Earth and tackling the climate crisis. In this episode, I’m chatting with Melanie Ruhlman, president of Save Our Saluda, a nonprofit watershed organization dedicated to protecting and restoring the Upper Saluda Watershed in Upstate, South Carolina. Melanie earned her Bachelor of Science in Forestry from North Carolina State University in 1990 and her Masters of Science in Forest Hydrology from the University of Georgia in 1996. Her areas of expertise include watershed assessment and planning, hydrology, water quality, erosion and sediment control, stormwater management, stream assessment, soils, wetlands, and public outreach and education. She lives on the North Saluda River in Marietta, South Carolina with her husband and two children and enjoys paddling, biking, hiking, and gardening. Our rivers provide us with drinking water, irrigation, biodiversity, recreation, relaxation, and unfortunately waste disposal. While our ancestors and previous generations may have disrespectfully interacted with our rivers, organizations like Save Our Saluda are working to correct the damages done and prevent further harm. While it’s easy to point the finger at big polluters like wastewater plants and other industrial uses, agriculture is a big culprit of river pollution. Conventional farming practices like tilling leave the soil exposed, and rain creates water runoff full of precious topsoil, heavy metals, and chemicals like herbicides, pesticides, and fertilizer. One initiative directed by Save Our Saluda is to provide funds to farmers for regenerative agricultural practices like cover cropping, no till, and riparian buffers. Not only does this help our rivers, it helps the farmer’s bottom line with improved biodiversity and better crop yields with fewer inputs. A win-win-win, right? Find the video and transcript of this interview at https://eco-interviews.com.
In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Felicia Campos, a historian who also has Masters in Peace and Conflict Studies under the UNESCO Chair at Innsbruck University, Austria. Felicia has been around the world studying a host of subjects, but in this interview, we find her in her home city of Florianopolis, Brazil. Florianopolis is a unique city, located on an island in the south of Brazil. It’s been designated a “sustainable city” so I was interested in hearing from Felicia what makes Floripa sustainable, why does it’s population care so much, and how the residents, businesses, and municipality all work together to reach their sustainable goals. It’s fascinating to learn about other places and the efforts they make, and if there is one takeaway for me, it’s that as citizens, we need to be involved in the planning process for our towns and cities. No one wants to live next to polluting coal plants and landfills, swim in plastic-filled water, or inhale exhaust fumes from millions of cars. But it takes the people standing up for our rights for clean air, water, and soil to make a difference. The tech entrepreneurs putting down roots in Floripa know the citizens want to maintain the natural splendor of the city, and they make adjustments accordingly. Find the full transcript of this interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 22 of the The Eco-Interviews, we speak with bird expert April Harper about human-wildlife interactions, the threat to wildlife, and how climate change is affecting birds. We also talk about October Big Day, a global bird watching event taking place October 17-18, 2020. Find the full transcription of this interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 21 of The Eco-Interviews, we talk with Randi, the Founder & CEO of Handep, a social enterprise that works to empower women and farmers in Kalimantan through sustainable fashion, and agricultural products. Find the full transcript of this interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 20 of The Eco-Interviews, we talk with Jennie Stephens, CEO of the Center for Heirs Property Preservation. Heirs property is when someone inherits land without a will. The families tied up in heirs property face exploitation from loggers, developers, and are unable to fully benefit from their land. We talk about how the Center helps get clear title for these families, connects them with sustainable forestry practices, and works to prevent the growth of heirs property in South Carolina. Find the full transcript of this interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 19 of The Eco-Interviews, we chat with Amy Armstrong, Executive Director and General Counsel at the South Carolina Environmental Law Project (SCELP). We discuss what SCELP does and who they represent, recent actions at the Long Savannah Project, out of date permits at 3 coal-fired plants in South Carolina, and the proposed Bay Point Island "eco-tourism" resort. See full transcription of this interview at https://www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 18 of The Eco-Interviews, we chat with Chris Templeton from ReSoil, a commercial composting facility in Elgin, SC. We discuss the process of commercial composting, how it can integrate into our waste management systems to reduce landfill waste, and the road blocks that are preventing that from happening. You can find out more about ReSoil at https://www.resoil.us/. Find the full transcript of the interview at https://eco-interviews.com/.
In episode 17 of The Eco-Interviews, I chat with Alan Hancock, Energy and Climate Advocacy Director at the Coastal Conservation League, headquartered in Charleston, SC. We cover a wide variety of topics such as energy production in South Carolina and the growth opportunities in solar, offshore drilling in the state, climate and racial justice, and how to get more involved in our democracy. You can find the full transcript of this interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 16 of The Eco-Interviews, we talk about the history of the Gullah/Geechee people in the Lowcountry of the Carolinas and Florida, their fight for their land and sovereignty, and the intersectionality of environmental justice and racial justice. Queen Quet is a published author, computer scientist, lecturer, mathematician, historian, columnist, preservationist, environmental justice advocate, environmentalist, film consultant, and “The Art-ivist.” She is the founder of the premiere advocacy organization for the continuation of Gullah/Geechee culture, the Gullah/Geechee Sea Island Coalition. See the full transcript and video of this interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 15 of The Eco-Interviews, we talk to Chase Renninger about regenerative agriculture and his farm, Woodland Valley Farms. We discuss the principles of regen ag and permaculture, the increase in demand from local farmers during COVID-19, and some of the difficulties farmers are facing during this time. You can find the full transcript at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 14 of The Eco-Interviews, we chat with Shelley Robbins from Upstate Forever about plastics. What are plastics made of? Can they really be recycled? And what can be done in the future to reduce our plastic use and waste. You can find the full transcript at www.eco-interviews.com.
In episode 13 of The Eco-Interviews, we speak with Rebecca Haynes, Deputy Director of the Conservation Voters of South Carolina (CVSC). We discuss where South Carolina is in terms of environmental legislation, our energy landscape, and how the V.C. Summer debacle changed how energy production is regulated. You can find the full transcript at www.eco-interviews.com.
Episode 12 of The Eco-Interviews is with Zach Steinhauser, a naturalist and purple martin conservationist. We discuss the plight of the purple martins, their migratory patterns, the fact that they're all born in manmade birdhouse, and his upcoming documentary file, Purple Haze, a Conservation Film. See full transcription of interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
Episode 11 of The Eco-Interviews is with Dr. Colin Nolden, Vice-Chancellor’s Fellow at University of Bristol Law School, UK, and a Researcher at the Centre for Research into Energy Demand Solutions at the Environmental Change Institute, University of Oxford, UK. His research spans sustainable energy governance at the intersection of climate policy, demand and mobility. In this episode, we discuss the energy landscape of the UK, and Dr. Nolden's research into powering the UK's railway network with solar panels. You'll find the full transcription at www.eco-interviews.com.
Episode 10 of The Eco-Interviews is with Stephanie Gibson, a permaculture enthusiast living in St. Petersburg, Florida. Along with her husband, Steph has turned their front and backyard into an edible forest. We discuss the ideas behind permaculture, composting, raising chickens, and the natural cycles of give and receive between us and our surroundings. Find the full transcript and podcast at www.eco-interviews.com.
In Episode 9 of The Eco-Interviews, we speak with David Harper, founder of Land In Common, and a land conservation professional with more than 30 years of experience working with landowners and land trusts to preserve over 7,000 acres of farmland, natural areas, cultural and historic sites. We talk about the evolution or land ownership, what that means for our society, and how the future of how we relate to land could be a vital part of solving our climate crisis. Find the full transcript and podcast of this episode at www.eco-interviews.com.
Our discussion with Puja is a deep dive into our global food systems and the negative effects it has on human health and the environment. Puja's business Consult Urth works with businesses in the food and hospitality industry to create sustainable systems that reduce their negative impact on the environment, and improve the quality of life for their employees, customers, and community.
Episode 7 of The Eco-Interviews is with Amanda Borlotti, a triathlete and vegan living in Abu Dhabi, UAE. Amanda is a cat lover who helps out with local rescue groups - this love of animals was her driver for turning vegan three years ago. Becoming vegan opened her eyes to environmental issues, and she hopes the rise in veganism will help protect the future of our planet. We talk about veganism, environmentalism, and what it's like being a triathlete in Abu Dhabi. Subscribe to the podcast and see the full interview transcript at www.eco-interviews.com.
Mike Ginger has had a long standing commitment to sustainable travel issues, clean energy and energy conservation, growing food and lower impact consumption. Mike has worked on a series of sustainable travel projects including early cycle planning, infrastructure implementation and promotion/engagement in Bristol UK. We talk about cycling and transportation policy, environmentalism through the years, and the Transition movement. Find full transcription and podcast of interview at www.eco-interviews.com.
Oli Moraes has research experience looking at blue carbon – mangroves and seagrasses – in the Pacific Island region as a means to addressing climate change mitigation, adaptation, biodiversity conservation and sustainable development. Oli is currently working as a Research Officer at RMIT University with IPCC lead author on climate change adaptation Dr Lauren Rickards in the School of Global, Urban and Social Studies. In this episode, we discuss the Australian government's actions regarding carbon emissions, coal mining, and the bushfires, as well as a deep dive into blue carbon.
Chris is a farmer in Cornwall, UK who's farm has transitioned from conventional to organic to regenerative over the past few decades. He is also a founder of the Cornwall Beaver Project. Our discussion covers regenerative agriculture and beavers, and how letting nature do her thing turns out to be the best thing for us.
Xiao is a sustainability professional working in Switzerland. She is currently working as a sustainable investment analyst in an investment management firm. She has worked on corporate sustainability and sustainable business management in various industries including fashion, food, materials and consulting. We discuss how industries view sustainability, what sustainability means to different industries, and how sustainable investment can help make a positive change when it comes to environmental issues.
Mel lives in Somerset UK with her husband and 2 young children. Mel first became interested in the environment and sustainability in October 2018 following the release of the IPCC report. As the mother of two young children, she felt compelled to action and co-founded the Facebook group “Taunton Green Parents”. It began as a group to support families to live in a more sustainable way, but quickly gained momentum and now boasts over 800 members. With a self-organized group of 4 admins, Mel finds herself and colleagues lobbying, giving media interviews, connecting group members with psychologist to address eco-anxiety, organizing a march in solidarity with the Mothers Rise Up movement, and promoting nature and sustainability events for parents and children. On top of all of this, Mel is now studying for an MSc in Sustainable Development in Practice at the University of the West of England. In this interview, we talk about building a community around eco-awareness, experiencing eco-anxiety, being driven to action, and all that entails.