The Sustainable Act with Smiely Khurana: Recent Episodes
Smiely Khurana
The Sustainable Act dives into environmental issues and solutions, creating social impact, and culture. Discover new sustainable tools, learn tips on reducing your carbon footprint, fight environmental racism and shine light on wellbeing and health! Featuring inspiring guests from all walks of life to share their stories and thoughts, we discuss breaking barriers and inspiring change for current issues. Subscribe and leave a review to support, connect with us on social media to tell us your story, and visit thesustainableact.com for more resources and posts!
Join us for an inspiring and thought-provoking episode as we sit down with Ursula Galvao, the brilliant mind behind the page Zero Waste Cult. Dive into Ursula's personal journey toward a zero-waste lifestyle, where she shares her unique challenges and triumphs along the way. From her early days in the film industry to becoming a leading voice in the sustainability movement, Ursula's story is one of passion, dedication, and innovation.
In this episode, we explore the genesis of Zero Waste Cult, an online platform Ursula started to educate and inspire others to reduce waste. She opens up about her transition to veganism, discussing the hurdles she faced, the narratives that shaped her journey, and how embracing a plant-based diet intersects with broader issues of food security and waste reduction.
We also get an exclusive introduction to Ursula’s latest role as the Creative Director behind The Sustainable Act, where she is set to lead new, exciting initiatives in the sustainability space.
Don't miss this engaging conversation filled with practical tips, personal anecdotes, and powerful insights that will leave you motivated to embrace a more sustainable lifestyle.
Enjoyed the episode? Make sure to subscribe to our podcast and sign up for our newsletter on our website to stay updated with the latest episodes and sustainability tips. Follow The Sustainable Act on all social media platforms to join a community committed to making a positive impact on our planet. Your journey to a zero-waste lifestyle starts here!
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Join host Smiely Khurana in a candid solo episode as she introduces 'Journal Entries,' a new sub-series on The Sustainable Act podcast. In this intimate facetime-style chat, Smiely opens up about her life updates, diving deep into the pivotal decision to leave her corporate job and pursue her passions. Explore the systemic barriers and age identity challenges she faced, shedding light on the journey towards meaningful change.
Discover what Smiely has been up to since taking the leap, from engaging in transformative programs to participating in empowering summits. Get an exclusive sneak peek into what lies ahead for The Sustainable Act as Smiely shares her vision for the future.
Whether you're seeking inspiration for your own journey or simply curious about the behind-the-scenes of sustainable living advocacy, this episode is a must-listen. Follow Smiely Khurana and The Sustainable Act on social media for updates, and hit subscribe to stay tuned for more thought-provoking conversations!
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In this captivating episode, join us as we delve into the heart of the COP28 Entertainment & Culture Pavilion, a dynamic space where creativity meets climate action. We're thrilled to have Samuel Rubin, the Co-Founder and Partnerships and Impact Director of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion, as our featured guest.
About the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion:
As a non-profit initiative, we are committed to cultivating a space where art, music, and storytelling come alive to fuel climate dialogues and foster a culture deeply rooted in climate action and justice.
The Entertainment + Culture Pavilion is the home ground for leveraging the power of Entertainment and Culture to advance climate action and the sustainable development goals.
Our curated events explore the intersections of creativity and culture, with the pressing realities of the climate crisis, offering a panoramic view of how entertainment and culture can be powerful tools in global decarbonization efforts and the fight for environmental justice.
Follow @Entertainment + Culture Pavilion and keep an eye out for the upcoming exciting announcements on innovative programming. Join us in using art, storytelling, and community to drive climate action.
The Sustainable Act is a proud media partner of the Entertainment + Culture Pavilion, joining the mission to bridge creativity, culture, and climate together at Cop28 in Dubai.
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Join us for a special Earth Day episode with Impact Producer Laurel Tamayo! In this episode, Laurel shares her inspiring journey towards a sustainability career, and offers valuable insights on how to make a meaningful impact. We also discuss the importance of vulnerability in facing climate anxiety and prioritizing mental wellbeing. Laurel and Smiely also get into discussing tips on setting boundaries to help balance your personal and environmental commitments.
This episode is a must-listen for anyone looking to make a positive change in their own lives and in the world around them. Tune in now for a fun, informative, and inspiring conversation that will leave you feeling motivated and empowered!
Follow us on social at @thesustainableact and check out our blog for more exclusive content www.thesustainableact.com
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- This interview was recorded early 2021. *
On this episode of The Sustainable Act, I sit down with Emellie O'Brien, founder and CEO of Earth Angel. After her sustainability leadership on The Amazing Spider-Man 2 and it being acclaimed as “the most eco-friendly blockbuster in Sony Pictures’ history,” EOB founded Earth Angel in 2013 to expand her expertise and impact. Learn how this industry trailblazer started her journey in sustainability, the challenges of working throughout the pandemic, some of her biggest lessons and highlight stories from set.
Check out Earth Angel's website to learn more about their services and impacts for reducing waste in the motion picture industry.
Subscribe to The Sustainable Act podcast and follow us on social media to keep up to date with stories and interviews from some of the leading champions around the world. Check out our blog for posts and articles. Thanks for supporting and listening!
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"One man's garbage is another man's gold."
On this episode, I chat with musician, songwriter and actor Paul Snider who tells me how he has taken this quote and belief and sparked a beautiful revolution on stage. "The Music of Junk" is an original musical composed by Paul himself, featuring the performance of original music on instruments crafted from junk and recycled materials, and have played in theatres and venues around British Columbia.
Learn Paul's story on how he came up with this idea and where that has taken him. Check out the website to learn more about the musical experience.
Visit The Sustainable Act Podcast website to read blog posts, find our social media and connect with me! Please consider subscribing to the podcast. Thanks for listening and supporting!!
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The Earth Group exists entirely to provide school meals to children globally, while minimizing our impact on the planet wherever possible. I chat with co-founder Kori Chilibeck on how his company is on a mission to changing the narrative, with profits of the products purchased going directly to the UN World Food Programme. We discuss the infamous 100% aluminum water bottles that I got to use on film sets with the return of single use products, how they work with local Albertan farmers to grow and sell fair trade teas and coffee, and why supporting businesses such as the Earth Group will allow us to work towards a sustainable and ethical world.
Check out the Earth Group's website at https://earthgroup.org to learn more about their mission and products.
Visit thesustainableact.com for more resources and blog posts. Follow @thesustainableact on Instagram to support!
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Fashion is one of the largest industries in the world, so it's both expected and apparent that there is a lot of time, energy and labour that goes into the market. However, due to the rapid increase in fast fashion, it has quickly become one of the largest polluting industries in the world.
On this episode, I sit down with Celine Kabaker, owner and creator of ALMOST THERE, a sustainable fashion line focused on creating ethical and inclusive women's clothing. Celine's company is based in Los Angeles and she has combined her years of top tier fashion experience and passion for the environment into creating a brand for the people & the planet.
We discuss fast vs slow fashion, types of sustainable fabrics, the process of hiring and sourcing, giving back, how Almost There began, and Celine's background in fashion! Shop Almost There with an exclusive discount code for our community: POWER30 for 30% off your purchase, visit https://shopalmostthere.com/
Check out thesustainableact.com and follow us on Instagram and TikTok for more sustainable content!
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This week, I sit down with Kelsey Evans from Keep it Green Recycling to answer YOUR questions about waste, recycling, composting and more! We discuss residential curbside recycling verse commercial recycling, WHY we should be recycling and composting, where to take your recyclable items, PPE (personal protective equipment) and managing waste during covid, some of the challenges of sorting your waste, and how Keep it Green helps businesses and film productions with all of this!
We also discuss some of the poll responses we received from our followers on Instagram, including how many people actually recycle at home and work, myths related to waste, are bioplastics really compostable, and what happens at a composting facility.
Listen to this episode to learn about recycling 101 and share it with your networks to spread the knowledge! It is so important we take the extra step to recycle and compost, and it all starts with educating ourselves!
Learn about Keep it Green Recycling at https://www.keepitgreenrecycling.ca/ and follow them on Instagram at @keep_it_green_recycling
Subscribe and rate The Sustainable Act podcast, follow us on Instagram at @thesustainableact, check out www.thesustainableact.com for more blog posts and resources and connect with us! Thank you for tuning in, I so appreciate your support!!
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This week for the season 1 finale, I (Smiely) take the mic solo and chat all about The Sustainable Act. Tune in as I recap the past 6 months, share what inspired the show's name, a little about me and my personal journey thus far, my best advice, and what to expect for Season 2. I hope this episode invites you to learn more about me and the show!
Stick to the end for some exciting news as well!
Thank YOU for listening and supporting the show for the last 6 months. I cannot wait to bring you season 2 with even bigger and better conversations. Here's to a brighter future!
Follow the show on Instagram @TheSustainableAct and Twitter @sustainableact_ to stay tuned for updates, news and tips! Subscribe to the podcast and please leave a review if you can!
For partnerships, sponsorships, guest inquiries or any other general inquiries, please send an email to thesustainableact@gmail.com
See you in Season 2!
- Smiely
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This week I got to catch up with returning guest, Jennifer Sandoval, who is a sustainability expert and consultant at Green Spark Group to discuss the motion picture industry, challenges, importance of diversity, sustainable action and how to adapt towards a new and better future. We also chat about the Sustainable Production Forum, an annual conference that brings together filmmakers around the globe to lead discussions for systemic change.
To learn more about the FREE forum and to register, visit sustainableproductionforum.com
To connect with and learn about Jennifer, visit greensparkgroup.com
Follow The Sustainable Act on Instagram at @thesustainableact to stay up to date with releases, news, tips and more!
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The climate crisis is an intersectional problem that needs intersectional solutions. How can we provide support and give back to our indigenous communities while fostering a brighter, more sustainable future? NOW’s Co-Founder and CEO Eric Doak joins me for an inspiring, thought provoking conversation on what we need to start focusing on, who we need to listen to and how we can come together to lead our planet towards a greener future. We discuss the current projects NOW is leading and why it is critical to start taking action immediately.
Check out how you can get involved and learn more about NOW at https://www.generation-now.com/
Follow us on Instagram at @thesustainableact and twitter at @sustainableact_ to stay up to date for more news, tips and updates!
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This week I chat with Catherine Arnston, CEO and Founder of EnergyBits! When Catharine learned that algae was the most alkaline, plant-based, nutrient-dense food in the world and had been used for fifty years in Asia to improve health and longevity, she knew she had discovered something big! Catherine started her company to provide algae tablets and continues to provide research and information on the benefits of algae.
Listen to the episode as we discuss the benefits of algae for humans, the planet and how it's the future of plastics, fuel and agriculture! Catherine discusses the difference between Spirulina and Chlorella, both having high nutritional value, work with every kind of diet and builds strength and immunity. Learn more at https://www.energybits.com/. To read about algae's environmental impact, check out https://visuals.energybits.com/articles/why-algae-like-energybits-is-sustainable-and-ecofriendly.pdf
If you'd like to purchase EnergyBits, use code "thesustainableact" at checkout for 20% off your purchase!
Follow us on Instagram at @TheSustainableAct to stay tuned for more information, posts and news!
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This week I sit down with returning guest, Ilze Millere, who discusses her new venture and business with me: ZeroSet.
In this episode we talk about how Covid-19 has affected us, our careers and the sustainability goals we’d been working on, how to implement sustainability into your creative work, and how Ilze’s new company ZeroSet will work with filmmakers, artists and creative entrepreneurs to reduce their overall impact. Some other things we discuss include why leading by example and sharing your wins will create a positive effect, how to start your journey in the environmental movement, and challenges to overcome.
The Sustainable Act is a proud partner of ZeroSet. To receive a discount code for one of ZeroSet’s services, send us an email at thesustainableact@gmail.com with ZeroSet in the subject line! Learn more about ZeroSet at www.zeroset.org or on Instagram at @creative.environmentalists
Follow me on Instagram at @thesustainableact for more tips and fun things!
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This week I sit down with designer and product creator Alisa Yao, based in Vancouver, Canada to discuss everything about the sourcing, making and discarding of materials and products sustainably!
Alisa explains the difference between recycling vs down-cycling, what is greenwashing, how to source materials sustainably and the life cycle of certain products. We also go into eco anxiety, picking your battles and making gradual baby steps to improving your overall consumption and waste.
Alisa has her own business where she creates and sells eco products, be sure to check it out at https://www.etsy.com/ca/shop/AlisaYao and her Instagram at @aymyao to support her and learn more about eco lifestyle!
Subscribe to The Sustainable Act podcast, leave a review and follow us on Instagram at @thesustainableact and share what you thought!
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Ever wondered how entrepreneurs can live a more sustainable life?
This week I sat down with Vanina Howan, host of The Ecopreneur Show podcast! We discuss how Vanina’s background in fashion design lead her to pursuing a sustainability focused career, the start of her podcast and connecting with eco entrepreneurs, advice for businesses and brands wanting to adopt sustainable methods, and advice on practising a zero waste lifestyle. We also talked about cancel culture, privilege, and how to deal with brands or businesses that no longer align with our values.
This week's recommendation is "Designing Your Life" by Bill Burnett and Dave Evans. Be sure to check out Vanina's podcast on all major platforms, her website at https://www.theecopreneurshow.com/ and Instagram @theecopreneurshow
Follow us at @TheSustainableAct on Instagram, subscribe to the podcast, and leave a review if you've enjoyed! Thank you for listening!
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Intersectional environmentalism focuses on amplifying and putting Black, Indigenous and POC communities at the forefront for environmental talks, as they have been discussing these issues for generations, and are the most impacted by the effects of the climate crisis.
This week, I’m joined by Isaias Hernandez, eco educator and the creator of @QueerBrownVegan, who is based in New York.
Isaias, who is a first generation Mexican-American, chats with me all about how his interest to pursue environmental science began, after growing up in a community that faced environmental injustice in Los Angeles, negatively impacting his health. We discuss what it means to be an educator vs an activist, the education system we were brought up in, challenges Isaias faces day to day as a Cis, Queer, Brown male in modern America that cultivated a large following, the importance of supporting and amplifying voices of BIPOC communities rather than speaking for them, and what the future of environmentalism should look like.
There is so much to unpack and I learnt so much from this conversation. Whether you’ve been on the sustainability train for awhile or just getting started, this episode is for you. Learn about environmental injustice, intersectionality and the importance of listening to BIPOC folks.
Follow Isaias at @QueerBrownVegan and https://www.queerbrownvegan.com/ to learn new eco facts and find accessible education content on the environment, and support his work!
And check out @IntersectionalEnvironmentalist at https://www.intersectionalenvironmentalist.com/ to read, learn and find a community that amplifies BIPOC environmentalists.
Also give us a follow on Instagram at @TheSustainableAct to join the discussion, take part in challenges, enter giveaways, and spread the light on sustainability! Tell us what you learnt from this episode and add to the discussion. Thank you for listening and being part of the community, sending you lots of love!
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The Black Lives Matter movement has become our generation’s largest civil rights movement, all while during a global pandemic. People around the globe are taking more initiative to educate themselves on current events and history, fight systemic racism, challenge governments to re-evaluate their priorities and have their voices heard.
I sat with my little sister, 13 year old Saavi Khurana, to discuss the movement from her perspective and what the younger generation is learning and could be doing during this time, so in the next 10 years, we see actual progress.
We discuss the education system, our responsibilities as South Asians supporting our Black communities, and changes we need to see, because social justice is climate justice. We do not speak for Black people and are actively learning ourselves, so please feel free to send us resources and join the discussion.
Continue using your voice. Donate to Black communities, support Black organizations, write letters/call your local government offices and demand change. Check out https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ for resources and links!
Subscribe to the show, leave a review if you enjoyed and connect with us on social media and tell us your story! Follow on Instagram at @thesustainableact
Thank you for listening!
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If you work in the film/entertainment industry, you are probably familiar with start packs. Each time you start a show, you're required to fill out what seems like a book of paperwork, all for it to be entered into a computer after anyways! With some productions having 100+ cast/crew members, millions of sheets of paper are used just once and then tossed. I sat down with Daniel Domachowski, CEO and Cofounder of CircusHR, the newest digital platform for Canadian productions of all scales to onboard cast and crew members, send out, sign and keep track of legal documents and integrate payroll, all in one online tool! No printing required!
In this episode we discuss Circus HR, our thoughts on the future of the film industry post-pandemic, the importance of wellness and more! To learn more about Circus, visit https://www.circushr.com/
This week's TSA recommendation is supporting Black Lives Matter. Please check out https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ to donate, sign petitions, and more to show your support!
Thank you for listening. Follow us on Instagram @thesustainableact and say hello. Leave a review on the podcast if you enjoyed and be sure to subscribe to never miss an episode!
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This week I join Karishma Patel, fitness & wellness blogger at @KP.FITSTYLE, based out of Austin, Texas, to talk all about mental health, self love, breaking the stigma and expectations in the South Asian community as a young brown woman, and dealing with negative people and comments. Karishma lets me know how she started her fitness/self love journey and Smiely gets deep and personal about her mental health journey. Follow Karishma and buy her merch as you're guaranteed to be inspired!
If you enjoyed this conversation and want Karishma back on the show, connect with us on social media @thesustainableact and let us know! Subscribe and leave a review if you enjoyed!
This week's recommendation is Netflix's Never Have I Ever. Also please check out https://blacklivesmatters.carrd.co/ and support Black Lives Matter by signing petitions, donating and sharing! Thank you for listening! See you next week.
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If you are an event planner, a bride or groom thinking about your wedding, or a business that works in the event industry - this episode is for you!
Have you ever thought about all the waste that is produced when you put on an event? Where do you source your materials? Where do they go after the party's done? I sit down with Natasha Thom, an event planner and entrepreneur based out of Vancouver, BC, and founder of Clearwater Events, who lets me in on how her team delivers exceptional events with sustainability at the core mind.
Learn about what inspired Natasha to shift event culture to being more eco-friendly, tips and tricks for people wanting to adopt sustainable methods in their businesses, and how brides and grooms can plan an ethical wedding without compromising the experience! Learn more about Natasha at clearwaterevents.org
Be sure to subscribe, rate and review the podcast. Follow us on social media to get in touch @thesustainableact . And check out this week's recommendation - Nada Grocery in Vancouver for zero-waste shopping!
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Actor Alexander Eling, who’s known for his work on the Netflix series Another Life and Tiny Pretty Things, chats with me about his acting journey, when he started noticing his environmental impact and the actions he’s taking to be more eco-conscious.
We also discuss how the world pandemic is affecting us all during this time, advice for actors wanting to reduce their carbon footprint, and thoughts on self care!
This week we're recommending donating to frontlinefund.ca to support Canadian healthcare workers during Covid-19.
Connect with us on social media @thesustainableact, subscribe to our show and be sure to leave a review! Thank you for listening! #thesustainableact
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This week I have the pleasure of chatting with the only and only incredible person behind the app Scriptation - Founder/CEO Steve Vitolo!
Scriptation is the #1 app for film and tv professionals, to view, annotate and transfer notes on scripts digitally, popularly used in Hollywood. Steve lets me in on the process of launching the app during a time no one would've thought to consider going digital, the challenges and highlights. He also gives some insightful advice for someone that has an idea and wants to start a new venture.
We also discuss how Smiely became interested in sustainable filmmaking and why it's so important to us both!
Check out Scriptation on the app store, and their website at www.scriptation.com. Connect with us on social media at @thesustainableact and let us know your favourite part of the episode!
This week we're recommending checking out Boho & Hobo, a Canadian sustainable brand for eco-friendly products!
Thank you for listening!
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Welcome to The Sustainable Act Podcast! We're so glad you're here. Join us for earth loving, mindful, thought provoking conversations about the environment, film business, personal wellness and culture. I'm your host Smiely Khurana. Subscribe to be the first one to know when we release new episodes. Follow us on Instagram and Facebook at @thesustainableact and Twitter at @sustainableact_ We cannot wait to reveal our guest line up and start important conversations together. If you read this far, connect with us on social media and let us know what you're most curious about and guests you want to see on the show!
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Today we're breaking the myth that you can't go green on a small budget film set!
I'm joined by industry sustainability expert Jennifer Sandoval, Vancouver-based independent filmmaker Alyssa Kostello, and England-based independent filmmaker Ilze Millere to discuss how we can go sustainable on a low budget indie set!
This week's episode is a little different. A week prior, we released a video of the same title, and this is the audio version! Grab a notebook and listen in on tips, challenges, goals and results you can bring into your next production!
Connect with us on Instagram at @thesustainableact and Twitter at @sustainableact_ and let me know what you learned and will apply on your next show! Tag your photos featuring you going sustainable with #thesustainableact
Subscribe to our show to stay tuned for an episode every #SustainableSunday
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