Go Green Radio: Recent Episodes
Jill Buck
According to the U.S. Census Bureau, the world population is expanding at a mind-boggling rate. The world reached 1 billion people in 1800; 2 billion by 1922; and over 6 billion by 2000. It is estimated that the population will swell to over 9 billion by 2050. That means that if the world’s natural resources were evenly distributed, people in 2050 will only have 25% of the resources per capita that people in 1950 had. If we intend to leave our children and grandchildren with the same standard of living we have enjoyed, we must preserve the foundation of that standard of living. Go Green Radio is the beginning of an important new shift in the way we treat our world. This grassroots program promotes the very best character traits in children and adults: caring for yourself and caring for others. Through simple, responsible behavior shifts, together we can protect human health through environmental stewardship. Go Green Radio airs live every Friday at 9 AM Pacific Time on VoiceAmerica.
Sustainability in schools includes school meals! Tune in today as we speak with the Senior Director of School Nutrition for the Camden City School District (CCSD) in NJ, Arlethia Brown, MBA, CPFM. She will discuss the many ways she has incorporated sustainability principles into the healthy, appetizing food she and her staff serve the children in Camden, NJ. We will also discuss CCSD’s sustainability work beyond school nutrition in areas like energy conservation and facilities management.
California’s new Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) may be the most consequential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in a generation. By 2032, the law requires a 25% reduction of single-use plastic packaging and foodservice products; all single-use packaging and foodware (including non-plastic items) be recyclable or compostable; and a 65% recycling rate for plastics. Today we’ll talk with one of a handful of people “in the room where it happened” about how plastic producers agreed to come to help enact this legislation. Heidi Sanborn is the founding Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, and she will also discuss how EPR and managing waste are finally being considered important to addressing climate change.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent. The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions. Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
On February 3, 2023, five train cars containing 887,400 pounds (115,000 gallons) of vinyl chloride¹ ² ?, the key building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, derailed and were subsequently burned, setting off a major environmental health disaster that sickened area residents and first responders³, killed wildlife4, and contaminated East Palestine, Ohio and surrounding communities.5 A similar disaster struck Paulsboro, New Jersey in 2012. In both cases, the train cars carrying cancer-causing vinyl chloride were on their way to plastics manufacturing plants in New Jersey owned by OxyVinyls (a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum)¹ 6, where factories make PVC plastic for flooring and other building materials sold at major retailers like The Home Depot. OxyVinyls is responsible for the transport of rail cars filled with vinyl chloride across an enormous distance and through a number of major and minor population centers, putting communities across the country at risk.A new report quantifies that risk, and today we will talk with one of the authors, Mike Schade, as well as Jess Conard, a resident of East Palestine turned activist after the disaster near her home.
Boston Public Schools (BPS) has a robust, comprehensive sustainability program that encompasses all aspects of a green, healthy school environment. Our guest today is Katherine Walsh, Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Program Director for BPS. She will discuss BPS’s approach to school sustainability and how other school districts can replicate their methodology.
Though we live on a planet comprised primarily of water, the amount of freshwater available for human consumption and industrial purposes continues to dwindle due to pollution and freshwater runoff into the ocean. Water is embedded in every product we buy and the energy we use to power our lives. Water agencies in many parts of the United States struggle to find an adequate supply of clean water to meet the needs of the people and businesses they serve. Recycling water is becoming a necessity, and today we will talk with Patrick Sheilds, General Manager of the West Basin Water District in Southern CA, and Stephen Katz, Market Development Manager at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, about the many varieties and applications of recycled water they are deploying to meet the needs of Los Angeles and neighboring communities like Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
New York Times best selling author, David Lipsky, joins us to discuss his newest book, The Parrot and the Igloo, which explores how “anti-science” became so virulent in American life through a history of climate denial and its consequences. Tune in as David untangles a century and half of science, money and politics that will surely set the guardrails for the remainder of human history.
Tune in as we talk with Lisa Baril about her new book, The Age of Melt. Around the world, ice has preserved some of history’s most fascinating artifacts, such as the skeleton of an Iron Age horse, wooden arrows with bird-feather fletching, and even a baby mammoth. Yet, these incredible pieces of history were only discovered as the ice began to do what we all feared: melt. Science journalist Lisa Baril traveled all over the world studying ice and its effect on humans. In THE AGE OF MELT, she explores the shifting view that humans have long held of glaciers—from fear, to awe, to conquest. A unique form of science, ice-patch archeology, arose from the current climate crisis, as such discoveries could only be made at the cost of the world’s ice formations. It’s paradoxical, Baril notes, “The more the ice melts, the more we learn about the past...while melting ice compromises our future.” Yet Baril is hopeful, “Although we can’t rewind the clock to a time before human-caused climate change, we can use the knowledge gained from melting ice to help us respond more thoughtfully when considering the kind of future we want for ourselves and for the generations of humans yet to be born.”
With environmentally preferred purchasing policies in place in more than three-quarters of U.S. states and certified eco-conscious products required for new custodial contracts in federal buildings, demand for more environmentally friendly cleaners in public facilities continues to rise. Tune in as we speak with Kirsten Hochberg, Ph.D., Senior Specialist within CloroxPro’s Clinical and Scientific Affairs team, about their company’s solutions to protect health and the environment.
With environmentally preferred purchasing policies in place in more than three-quarters of U.S. states and certified eco-conscious products required for new custodial contracts in federal buildings, demand for more environmentally friendly cleaners in public facilities continues to rise. Tune in as we speak with Kirsten Hochberg, Ph.D., Senior Specialist within CloroxPro’s Clinical and Scientific Affairs team, about their company’s solutions to protect health and the environment.
As the Federal government invests heavily in clean energy projects, we have an opportunity to ensure that the communities impacted benefit from the influx of resources. Historically, communities in the immediate vicinity of utility-scale energy projects generally did not receive benefits from the project but bore the burdens of increased pollution and negative health effects. Today we’ll discuss a new white paper from the Initiative for Energy Justice that explores the critical role of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) and Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) in ensuring that underserved and overburdened communities benefit from recent federal investments in clean energy and climate infrastructure. Tune in as we speak with Dr. Marisa Sotolongo, Senior Policy Analyst with the Initiative for Energy Justice.
New York Times best selling author, David Lipsky, joins us to discuss his newest book, The Parrot and the Igloo, which explores how “anti-science” became so virulent in American life through a history of climate denial and its consequences. Tune in as David untangles a century and half of science, money and politics that will surely set the guardrails for the remainder of human history.
Tune in as we talk with Katie Cleary about her upcoming documentary Protectors of the Wild which focuses on the urgent need to save endangered wolves in North America. Katie Cleary’s remarkable journey has taken her from being a model and Hollywood actress to becoming one of the world's leading animal activists & documentary filmmakers. Recently, she directed the acclaimed animal documentary WHY ON EARTH, featuring Clint Eastwood, showcasing her dedication and passion for this critical cause.
Angeles Link could be the nation's largest clean, renewable hydrogen energy pipeline system, that could deliver clean, reliable, renewable energy to the Los Angeles region. As envisioned, the Angeles Link could support the integration of more renewable electricity resources like solar and wind and would significantly reduce greenhouse gas emissions from electric generation, industrial processes, heavy-duty trucks, and other hard-to-electrify sectors of the Southern California economy. Angeles Link could also significantly decrease demand for natural gas, diesel, and other fossil fuels in the LA Basin, helping accelerate California’s and the region's climate and clean air goals. Tune in as we speak with Shirley Arazi, Director of Angeles Link Regulatory and Policy, and Despina Niehaus, Director of Strategy and Sustainability about Angeles Link.
As the Federal government invests heavily in clean energy projects, we have an opportunity to ensure that the communities impacted benefit from the influx of resources. Historically, communities in the immediate vicinity of utility-scale energy projects generally did not receive benefits from the project but bore the burdens of increased pollution and negative health effects. Today we’ll discuss a new white paper from the Initiative for Energy Justice that explores the critical role of Community Benefits Agreements (CBAs) and Community Benefits Plans (CBPs) in ensuring that underserved and overburdened communities benefit from recent federal investments in clean energy and climate infrastructure. Tune in as we speak with Dr. Marisa Sotolongo, Senior Policy Analyst with the Initiative for Energy Justice.
New York Times best selling author, David Lipsky, joins us to discuss his newest book, The Parrot and the Igloo, which explores how “anti-science” became so virulent in American life through a history of climate denial and its consequences. Tune in as David untangles a century and half of science, money and politics that will surely set the guardrails for the remainder of human history.
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
California’s new Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) may be the most consequential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in a generation. By 2032, the law requires a 25% reduction of single-use plastic packaging and foodservice products; all single-use packaging and foodware (including non-plastic items) be recyclable or compostable; and a 65% recycling rate for plastics. Today we’ll talk with one of a handful of people “in the room where it happened” about how plastic producers agreed to come to help enact this legislation. Heidi Sanborn is the founding Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, and she will also discuss how EPR and managing waste are finally being considered important to addressing climate change.
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project in Alturas, California recently won the $20,000 Edge Prize — a new prize celebrating exceptional projects from Alaska to California which work towards creating resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Lomakatsi Restoration Project engages youth in learning how to build fire-adapted forests and communities. The model creates meaningful, living-wage work that provides a foundation for the next generation of workers in forest product and ecological restoration industries. Tune in as we talk with the organization’s Founder & Executive Director, Marko Bay, and the Tribal Partnerships Director, Belinda Brown!
Environmental justice (EJ) communities are on the frontlines of the adverse impacts of climate change and are disproportionately exposed to a wide range of polluting industries, including fossil fuel infrastructure like coal plants, natural gas plants, and pipelines. Will the use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) mechanisms and hydrogen co-firing in the power sector will further harm EJ communities that are already overburdened? According to Dr. Nicky Sheats John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University, “EPA’s proposed rule all but recognizes that CCS and hydrogen co-firing will add to toxic air pollution in communities living near power plants, and this is unacceptable when such communities already live with an unfair share of cumulative impacts from pollution.” Tune in as we examine the ramifications of allowing CCS and hydrogen co-firing for America’s most vulnerable populations.
There are grave environmental issues plaguing our world, from pollution to climate change. These global crises can often leave us feeling powerless, questioning: How can one person make a real impact? Drawing from his personal experiences of growing up in a town marred by toxic waste, and his professional journey in the plastic bag manufacturing industry, sustainability expert Trent Romer demystifies the concept of sustainability and how you can make choices that shape our planet’s future. Tune in for our conversation with Trent Romer!
After receiving praise from President Biden for working to address the indoor air quality crisis in Denver Public Schools, Attune deployed its IAQ monitoring systems in 45 school districts and 369 school buildings across the state of Colorado. This CDC- funded initiative aims to improve IAQ environments in Colorado school districts for students, teachers and administrators. Today we will talk with the Co-Founder and CEO of Attune, Dr. Serene Al-Momen, about her company’s technology and the results they expect to achieve with this groundbreaking partnership between school districts in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), and the University of Colorado Boulder.
There are grave environmental issues plaguing our world, from pollution to climate change. These global crises can often leave us feeling powerless, questioning: How can one person make a real impact? Drawing from his personal experiences of growing up in a town marred by toxic waste, and his professional journey in the plastic bag manufacturing industry, sustainability expert Trent Romer demystifies the concept of sustainability and how you can make choices that shape our planet’s future. Tune in for our conversation with Trent Romer!
Our guest today is Aneshai Smith, the founder and CEO of GO See The City (GSTC), a platform and app dedicated to combatting food waste and food insecurity across the United States. Aneshai's commitment to sustainability, coupled with her unique approach to addressing critical issues like food waste and hunger, have helped GSTC form a partnership with the City of Gainesville, Florida, and has recently cemented a partnership with Levy Restaurant Group, one of the largest concession managers for stadiums and arenas in the U.S. In just the first few weeks of the Levy partnership, GSTC was able to divert nearly 2,000 lbs. of unsold food from the waste stream and feed nearly 2,000 food insecure people. Tune in and learn how Aneshai uses her expertise and passion for leveraging technology to create a sustainable world!
Boston Public Schools (BPS) has a robust, comprehensive sustainability program that encompasses all aspects of a green, healthy school environment. Our guest today is Katherine Walsh, Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Program Director for BPS. She will discuss BPS’s approach to school sustainability and how other school districts can replicate their methodology.
SB 903 has been introduced to the California legislature and would provide a comprehensive approach to phasing out unnecessary uses of over 14,000 toxic, “forever” chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Today we’ll speak with Andria Ventura, CA Legislative and Policy Director, Clean Water Action, and Dr. Anna Reade, Director, PFAS Advocacy, Environmental Health, Natural Resources Defense Council, about the bill and why it is so important to public health.
Our guest today is Aneshai Smith, the founder and CEO of GO See The City (GSTC), a platform and app dedicated to combatting food waste and food insecurity across the United States. Aneshai's commitment to sustainability, coupled with her unique approach to addressing critical issues like food waste and hunger, have helped GSTC form a partnership with the City of Gainesville, Florida, and has recently cemented a partnership with Levy Restaurant Group, one of the largest concession managers for stadiums and arenas in the U.S. In just the first few weeks of the Levy partnership, GSTC was able to divert nearly 2,000 lbs. of unsold food from the waste stream and feed nearly 2,000 food insecure people. Tune in and learn how Aneshai uses her expertise and passion for leveraging technology to create a sustainable world!
Today we will be speaking with environmental attorney, Dave McCay, about some of the legal questions that are surfacing because of PFAS contamination in water supplies across the U.S. Some of the most pressing questions are: who will pay to remove PFAS from the public water supply - taxpayers?; if the water supply is contaminated and a town supplies bottled water to residents, who pays for that?; and can a resident sue their local government if their illness is connected to PFAS in the drinking water? Tune in and find out what your rights are if PFAS is found in your local water supply.
SB 903 has been introduced to the California legislature and would provide a comprehensive approach to phasing out unnecessary uses of over 14,000 toxic, “forever” chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Today we’ll speak with Andria Ventura, CA Legislative and Policy Director, Clean Water Action, and Dr. Anna Reade, Director, PFAS Advocacy, Environmental Health, Natural Resources Defense Council, about the bill and why it is so important to public health.
On February 3, 2023, five train cars containing 887,400 pounds (115,000 gallons) of vinyl chloride¹ ² ?, the key building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, derailed and were subsequently burned, setting off a major environmental health disaster that sickened area residents and first responders³, killed wildlife4, and contaminated East Palestine, Ohio and surrounding communities.5 A similar disaster struck Paulsboro, New Jersey in 2012. In both cases, the train cars carrying cancer-causing vinyl chloride were on their way to plastics manufacturing plants in New Jersey owned by OxyVinyls (a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum)¹ 6, where factories make PVC plastic for flooring and other building materials sold at major retailers like The Home Depot. OxyVinyls is responsible for the transport of rail cars filled with vinyl chloride across an enormous distance and through a number of major and minor population centers, putting communities across the country at risk.A new report quantifies that risk, and today we will talk with one of the authors, Mike Schade, as well as Jess Conard, a resident of East Palestine turned activist after the disaster near her home.
SB 903 has been introduced to the California legislature and would provide a comprehensive approach to phasing out unnecessary uses of over 14,000 toxic, “forever” chemicals known as per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS). Today we’ll speak with Andria Ventura, CA Legislative and Policy Director, Clean Water Action, and Dr. Anna Reade, Director, PFAS Advocacy, Environmental Health, Natural Resources Defense Council, about the bill and why it is so important to public health.
Today’s guest is Ginny Leary, the Zero Waste and Sustainability Project Manager for Boston Public Schools (BPS). We will discuss how BPS strives to reduce the amount of waste generated by building occupants and reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills or incineration facilities. BPS’s Zero Waste program is comprehensive and can serve as a role model for other school districts across the country. Tune in to learn about their proven, pragmatic approach!
Healthy learning environments and high-quality school buildings are the keys to environmental equity and academic achievement. By leveraging sustainability strategies, these outcomes are possible. By improving indoor air and water quality, reducing solid waste, minimizing non-renewable energy usage, and providing nutritious food, urban schools can ensure environmental equity and close the opportunity gap for students. Today we will talk with the author of a new book, “Environmental Equity: Closing the Opportunity Gap in Urban Schools,” which demonstrates how school districts in even the most financially strapped regions can improve learning environments, lives, and achievement of every member of a school community.
Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.
HALEVAI is a new American boat manufacturer focused on creating and building sustainable and high-performance electric boats. Founded in 2020, their mission is to create safer, cleaner, and more cost-effective boating experiences. At the heart of the company’s mission is the ambition to revolutionize the marine industry by adopting and promoting renewable energy sources. Tune in for our conversation with the founder and CEO, Frank Heidinger!
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
On February 3, 2023, five train cars containing 887,400 pounds (115,000 gallons) of vinyl chloride¹ ² ?, the key building block for polyvinyl chloride (PVC) plastic, derailed and were subsequently burned, setting off a major environmental health disaster that sickened area residents and first responders³, killed wildlife4, and contaminated East Palestine, Ohio and surrounding communities.5 A similar disaster struck Paulsboro, New Jersey in 2012. In both cases, the train cars carrying cancer-causing vinyl chloride were on their way to plastics manufacturing plants in New Jersey owned by OxyVinyls (a subsidiary of Occidental Petroleum)¹ 6, where factories make PVC plastic for flooring and other building materials sold at major retailers like The Home Depot. OxyVinyls is responsible for the transport of rail cars filled with vinyl chloride across an enormous distance and through a number of major and minor population centers, putting communities across the country at risk.A new report quantifies that risk, and today we will talk with one of the authors, Mike Schade, as well as Jess Conard, a resident of East Palestine turned activist after the disaster near her home.
Today we’ll talk to Rodney Williams, Director of Energy and Sustainability for the Newark public school district, a.k.a. Newark Board of Education (NBOE). In recent years, Rodney has led the largest school district in New Jersey to achieve prestigious and rigorous awards in school sustainability. Tune in and listen to his pro tips that can be replicated in school districts across the U.S.!
After receiving praise from President Biden for working to address the indoor air quality crisis in Denver Public Schools, Attune deployed its IAQ monitoring systems in 45 school districts and 369 school buildings across the state of Colorado. This CDC- funded initiative aims to improve IAQ environments in Colorado school districts for students, teachers and administrators. Today we will talk with the Co-Founder and CEO of Attune, Dr. Serene Al-Momen, about her company’s technology and the results they expect to achieve with this groundbreaking partnership between school districts in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), and the University of Colorado Boulder.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
There are grave environmental issues plaguing our world, from pollution to climate change. These global crises can often leave us feeling powerless, questioning: How can one person make a real impact? Drawing from his personal experiences of growing up in a town marred by toxic waste, and his professional journey in the plastic bag manufacturing industry, sustainability expert Trent Romer demystifies the concept of sustainability and how you can make choices that shape our planet’s future. Tune in for our conversation with Trent Romer!
Boston Public Schools (BPS) has a robust, comprehensive sustainability program that encompasses all aspects of a green, healthy school environment. Our guest today is Katherine Walsh, Sustainability, Energy, and Environment Program Director for BPS. She will discuss BPS’s approach to school sustainability and how other school districts can replicate their methodology.
California’s new Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) may be the most consequential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in a generation. By 2032, the law requires a 25% reduction of single-use plastic packaging and foodservice products; all single-use packaging and foodware (including non-plastic items) be recyclable or compostable; and a 65% recycling rate for plastics. Today we’ll talk with one of a handful of people “in the room where it happened” about how plastic producers agreed to come to help enact this legislation. Heidi Sanborn is the founding Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, and she will also discuss how EPR and managing waste are finally being considered important to addressing climate change.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent. The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions. Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
After receiving praise from President Biden for working to address the indoor air quality crisis in Denver Public Schools, Attune deployed its IAQ monitoring systems in 45 school districts and 369 school buildings across the state of Colorado. This CDC- funded initiative aims to improve IAQ environments in Colorado school districts for students, teachers and administrators. Today we will talk with the Co-Founder and CEO of Attune, Dr. Serene Al-Momen, about her company’s technology and the results they expect to achieve with this groundbreaking partnership between school districts in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), and the University of Colorado Boulder.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
David Sedlak’s new book, Water for All, gives a fresh look at the world’s water crises, and the existing and emerging solutions that can be used to solve them. Our twentieth-century systems for providing the water that grows food, sustains cities, and supports healthy ecosystems are failing to meet the demands of growing population and the challenges brought on by climate change. However, communities on the front lines of previous water crises have pioneered approaches that are ready to be applied elsewhere. Tune in as we talk with David about how we can meet the world’s need for water in the 21st Century.
After receiving praise from President Biden for working to address the indoor air quality crisis in Denver Public Schools, Attune deployed its IAQ monitoring systems in 45 school districts and 369 school buildings across the state of Colorado. This CDC- funded initiative aims to improve IAQ environments in Colorado school districts for students, teachers and administrators. Today we will talk with the Co-Founder and CEO of Attune, Dr. Serene Al-Momen, about her company’s technology and the results they expect to achieve with this groundbreaking partnership between school districts in Colorado, the Colorado Department of Health and Environment (CDPHE), and the University of Colorado Boulder.
Today we’ll be joined by the CEO of Cleancult, Ryan Lupberger and the CRO of Boxed Water, Robert Keonen, to discuss their companies’ strategies to eliminate plastic waste from waste stream with sustainable packaging solutions. Cleancult is the first company in the world to successfully package soaps and detergents into 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, prioritizing refilling over landfilling. Consumers using the Cleancult system reduce plastic waste by 90% compared to traditional cleaning brands. Boxed Water’s paper-based cartons are 92% renewable and less destructive to our planet than single-use plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Tune in to learn more about how these companies are tackling one of the most significant environmental issues of our day: plastic pollution.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
Today’s guest is Ginny Leary, the Zero Waste and Sustainability Project Manager for Boston Public Schools (BPS). We will discuss how BPS strives to reduce the amount of waste generated by building occupants and reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills or incineration facilities. BPS’s Zero Waste program is comprehensive and can serve as a role model for other school districts across the country. Tune in to learn about their proven, pragmatic approach!
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025. Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
It was going to be Disneyland at the top of a mountain. A vacation destination where guests could ski, go ice skating, or be entertained by a Disney Imagineer-created band of Audio-Animatronic bears. In the summer, visitors could fish, camp, hike, or take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of a mountain. It was the Mineral King resort in Southern California, and it was Walt Disney’s final passion project. But there was one major obstacle to Walt’s dream: the growing environmentalist movement of the 1960s.Tune in as we talk with Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer about their new book, Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort That Never Was, where they will provide an unprecedented look inside the Mineral King saga, from its origins at the 1960 Winter Olympics to the years-long environmental fight that eventually shut the development down. The fight, which went all the way to the Supreme Court, reshaped the environmental movement and helped to put in place long-reaching laws to protect nature. Although the court battle, coupled with Walt’s death in 1966, meant the end for the Mineral King resort, the ideas and planning behind it have permeated throughout the Walt Disney company and the ski tourism industry in ways that are still seen today.
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors.Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project in Alturas, California recently won the $20,000 Edge Prize — a new prize celebrating exceptional projects from Alaska to California which work towards creating resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Lomakatsi Restoration Project engages youth in learning how to build fire-adapted forests and communities. The model creates meaningful, living-wage work that provides a foundation for the next generation of workers in forest product and ecological restoration industries. Tune in as we talk with the organization’s Founder & Executive Director, Marko Bay, and the Tribal Partnerships Director, Belinda Brown!
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent.
The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions.
Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
Environmental justice (EJ) communities are on the frontlines of the adverse impacts of climate change and are disproportionately exposed to a wide range of polluting industries, including fossil fuel infrastructure like coal plants, natural gas plants, and pipelines. Will the use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) mechanisms and hydrogen co-firing in the power sector will further harm EJ communities that are already overburdened? According to Dr. Nicky Sheats John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University, “EPA’s proposed rule all but recognizes that CCS and hydrogen co-firing will add to toxic air pollution in communities living near power plants, and this is unacceptable when such communities already live with an unfair share of cumulative impacts from pollution.” Tune in as we examine the ramifications of allowing CCS and hydrogen co-firing for America’s most vulnerable populations.
Today we’ll be joined by the CEO of Cleancult, Ryan Lupberger and the CRO of Boxed Water, Robert Keonen, to discuss their companies’ strategies to eliminate plastic waste from waste stream with sustainable packaging solutions. Cleancult is the first company in the world to successfully package soaps and detergents into 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, prioritizing refilling over landfilling. Consumers using the Cleancult system reduce plastic waste by 90% compared to traditional cleaning brands. Boxed Water’s paper-based cartons are 92% renewable and less destructive to our planet than single-use plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Tune in to learn more about how these companies are tackling one of the most significant environmental issues of our day: plastic pollution.
Testicular cancer. Kidney cancer. Liver damage. These are just a few of the effects of PFAS on human health. Today we’re joined by Dr. Scott Bartell, Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health at UC Irvine, to discuss what every person should know about the risks to their health caused by exposure to PFAS chemicals. We will also discuss guidance for medical doctors whose patients have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood. We will also be joined by Andrew Patterson from Eurofins to discuss how you can have your blood tested for a wide range of PFAS chemicals.
California Assemblymember Laura Friedman authored a bill signed into law in 2022 that will prohibit the entire class of PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals,” from cosmetic products sold in the state of CA. We will discuss the expected ramifications of that legislation, as well as the public policy she champions to combat climate change. As Chair for the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the bicameral Environmental Caucus, Assemblywoman Friedman has her finger on the pulse of the most pressing environmental issues facing the Golden State.
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025.
Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent.
The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions.
Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
A new study by a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientist and collaborators shows that nearly all the recent increase in California summer wildfire burned area is attributable to human-caused (anthropogenic) climate change. Anthropogenic simulations yielded burn areas an average of 172% higher than natural variation simulations. The research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Tune in as we talk with one of the co-authors of the article, Dr. Don Lucas.
The Center for Green Schools, in partnership with the Campaign for Environmental Literacy, released a new report highlighting the need for state-level legislation that enhances and broadens climate change education in all K-12 schools. The report, State-Level Legislation Concerning K-12 Climate Change Education, along with an accompanying executive summary, provides detailed talking points with citations for making the case, essential elements of climate change education legislation, a model state bill framework, and profiles examples of legislation that supports climate change education. Tune in as we speak with the authors of the report, Anisa Heming and Dr. James Elder.
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025.
Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project in Alturas, California recently won the $20,000 Edge Prize — a new prize celebrating exceptional projects from Alaska to California which work towards creating resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Lomakatsi Restoration Project engages youth in learning how to build fire-adapted forests and communities. The model creates meaningful, living-wage work that provides a foundation for the next generation of workers in forest product and ecological restoration industries. Tune in as we talk with the organization’s Founder & Executive Director, Marko Bay, and the Tribal Partnerships Director, Belinda Brown!
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
As auto and oil industry companies bet on an EV filled future, many are now directly sourcing raw materials (such as lithium) for EV batteries themselves. And while the future of transportation is definitely going green, will gas-powered cars simply be replaced by electric ones or will the transportation industry experience other changes as well? What might drive those changes and what can we expect to see? Tune in as we talk with Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss, a leader in eMobility transportation solutions. With over two decades of experience in the transportation and automotive industries, Bill can explain what the predicament around sourcing EV materials means from both a business and eMobility advocate perspective, why electric cars might not be so popular in the future, and how the way we think about transportation will change as more eMobility options become mainstream.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025. Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
Lauded by Booklist as “an essential guidebook for anyone who wants to make a difference,” Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact (April 2017, Rowman & Littlefield) walks readers through small, actionable steps anyone can make at home, school, work, and on the road to reduce their environmental footprint. With an emphasis on science, facts and practicality, environmental experts, Rosaly Bird and Lauren DeMates, introduce readers to the concept of sustainability and humanity’s growing impact on the environment, why it’s harmful, what steps the government and other institutions are taking to help, and finally what individuals and families can do to make a difference. Tune in as we talk to Byrd and DeMates about their book, and the small, specific changes we can make in all aspects of our lives.
In April, Wendy’s released its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the progress made across its three key focus areas of Food, People and Footprint. Within the report, Wendy's® shared the outcomes of its recent materiality assessment of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics, along with several new goals relevant to Wendy's Good Done Right platform and strategy. Today we’ll speak with Liliana M. Esposito, Wendy’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, about the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its strategy to meet the highest standards of sustainable, safe and healthy food.
EcoMetrics is a methodology that captures the Full Value of a project’s environmental, social and economic impacts in a format that is fully documented, verified, and ready for audit. Originally developed by Restore the Earth Foundation to document the value created by their restoration initiatives, EcoMetrics, a cloud based technology and methodology, is now a stand-alone offering. It captures the Full Value of a project’s environmental, social and economic impacts, all fully documented, 3rd party verified, and ready for audit. EcoMetrics applied to a variety of project and activity types, and is a reporting framework that companies of all kinds can use. Tune in today as we speak with the President of EcoMetrics LLC, Edwin Piñero, about how today’s visionary corporations and communities understand that there’s a strong business case to be made that investments in nature based solutions as part of sustainability initiatives.
California State Senator Ben Allen chairs the Senate’s Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislature’s Environmental Caucus. As the author of SB 54, Ben continues to pursue ambitious policies that address the plastics pollution crisis. He has also worked to bolster the state’s climate resiliency by proposing a measure to invest in preparation for extreme weather and other climate-related events like wildfires, floods, and mudslides. Among other things, his committee is tasked with overseeing the state’s aggressive climate goals. Tune in as we talk with Senator Allen about his legislative agenda, and how California’s public policy makers are working to address the most pressing environmental issues facing the state.
With summer on the way, it’s time to take steps to make homes and businesses are comfortable without wasting energy—or overheating anyone's wallet—as the temperature rises. The Natural Resources Defense Council is working to make sure that the government’s energy efficiency standards developed or updated over the past year for many types of products that help keep you cool, including ceiling fans and portable air conditioners, take effect on schedule. Updating national efficiency standards on a regular basis means that when it's time to purchase new cooling equipment, you can be assured it meets at least minimum energy-saving performance criteria while saving money and energy. But in the meantime, we've got some tips to keep your cool in the warmer months: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lauren-urbanek/keep-your-cool-summer-energy-efficiency. Join us as we speak with NRDC senior energy policy advocate, Lauren Urbanek.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
2020 has been a painful year in so many ways, but for communities of color, the suffering has been especially severe. Today we’ll be talking to Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., founder of the Hip Hop Caucus, about the ways in which environmental racism and injustice place a disproportionate burden on communities of color, and the many ways his organization is working toward a just, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) released its highly-anticipated K-12 school-focused CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0. The third edition builds upon the CHPS 2014 Core Criteria. It incorporates recent developments in construction and building materials technology and adds additional credits addressing lowering school buildings’ carbon footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resiliency to climate change. The national CHPS Core Criteria, and its state and regional versions, are the first green building rating programs developed especially for school learning environments. Since CHPS’ founding in 1999, these guidelines continue to be the only school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools. Our guests today are Elisabeth Krautscheid, CHPS Managing Director, and Lisa Dunnebacke, CHPS Communications & Membership Director.
If you’ve heard of the plastic-free lifestyle, but think you don’t have time for it in your busy life, prepare to be delightfully wrong. The new book, Say Goodbye to Plastic, shows you how, whether you’re seeking to knock plastic out of your life or just try out a few novel eco-hacks, you’ll learn how to go joyfully plastic-free in the kitchen, bathroom, office, dining room and more. As a plastic pollution activist and founder of ECOlunchbox, Sandra Ann Harris invites us into her book, which is part memoir, part inspirational ode to the ocean and packed with how-to tips to say goodbye to plastic. Tune in as we talk with Sandra about the book today!
Today we’ll be joined by Sydney Evans, Science Analyst with the Environmental Working Group, to discuss PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals”, which has been found in municipal water supplies across the U.S. Join us as we discuss the health effects of this family of toxins and steps you can take to protect your family.
Today we will be speaking with environmental attorney, Dave McCay, about some of the legal questions that are surfacing because of PFAS contamination in water supplies across the U.S. Some of the most pressing questions are: who will pay to remove PFAS from the public water supply - taxpayers?; if the water supply is contaminated and a town supplies bottled water to residents, who pays for that?; and can a resident sue their local government if their illness is connected to PFAS in the drinking water? Tune in and find out what your rights are if PFAS is found in your local water supply.
Sustainability in schools includes school meals! Tune in today as we speak with the Senior Director of School Nutrition for the Camden City School District (CCSD) in NJ, Arlethia Brown, MBA, CPFM. She will discuss the many ways she has incorporated sustainability principles into the healthy, appetizing food she and her staff serve the children in Camden, NJ. We will also discuss CCSD’s sustainability work beyond school nutrition in areas like energy conservation and facilities management.
California Assemblymember Laura Friedman authored a bill signed into law in 2022 that will prohibit the entire class of PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals,” from cosmetic products sold in the state of CA. We will discuss the expected ramifications of that legislation, as well as the public policy she champions to combat climate change. As Chair for the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the bicameral Environmental Caucus, Assemblywoman Friedman has her finger on the pulse of the most pressing environmental issues facing the Golden State.
California State Senator Ben Allen chairs the Senate’s Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislature’s Environmental Caucus. As the author of SB 54, Ben continues to pursue ambitious policies that address the plastics pollution crisis. He has also worked to bolster the state’s climate resiliency by proposing a measure to invest in preparation for extreme weather and other climate-related events like wildfires, floods, and mudslides. Among other things, his committee is tasked with overseeing the state’s aggressive climate goals. Tune in as we talk with Senator Allen about his legislative agenda, and how California’s public policy makers are working to address the most pressing environmental issues facing the state.
Our guest today is Cory Long, founder and Executive Director of the Making a Change Group in Chester, PA, a community just outside Philadelphia. If you look at Chester from the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas (formerly the Food Desert Locator), you will see it is objectively a Food Desert. If you look at Chester from the EPA’s environmental justice screening and mapping tool, you will see it is an Environmental Justice community. So what does an effective, local community organization do to help residents, especially when a crisis like COVID-19 emerges? Tune in and find out because Cory Long’s blueprint is phenomenal!
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Today we will be speaking with environmental attorney, Dave McCay, about some of the legal questions that are surfacing because of PFAS contamination in water supplies across the U.S. Some of the most pressing questions are: who will pay to remove PFAS from the public water supply - taxpayers?; if the water supply is contaminated and a town supplies bottled water to residents, who pays for that?; and can a resident sue their local government if their illness is connected to PFAS in the drinking water? Tune in and find out what your rights are if PFAS is found in your local water supply.
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
California’s new Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) may be the most consequential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in a generation. By 2032, the law requires a 25% reduction of single-use plastic packaging and foodservice products; all single-use packaging and foodware (including non-plastic items) be recyclable or compostable; and a 65% recycling rate for plastics. Today we’ll talk with one of a handful of people “in the room where it happened” about how plastic producers agreed to come to help enact this legislation. Heidi Sanborn is the founding Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, and she will also discuss how EPR and managing waste are finally being considered important to addressing climate change.
California Assemblymember Laura Friedman authored a bill signed into law in 2022 that will prohibit the entire class of PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals,” from cosmetic products sold in the state of CA. We will discuss the expected ramifications of that legislation, as well as the public policy she champions to combat climate change. As Chair for the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the bicameral Environmental Caucus, Assemblywoman Friedman has her finger on the pulse of the most pressing environmental issues facing the Golden State.
Healthy learning environments and high-quality school buildings are the keys to environmental equity and academic achievement. By leveraging sustainability strategies, these outcomes are possible. By improving indoor air and water quality, reducing solid waste, minimizing non-renewable energy usage, and providing nutritious food, urban schools can ensure environmental equity and close the opportunity gap for students. Today we will talk with the author of a new book, “Environmental Equity: Closing the Opportunity Gap in Urban Schools,” which demonstrates how school districts in even the most financially strapped regions can improve learning environments, lives, and achievement of every member of a school community.
Keeping food waste out of landfills is one of the most significant ways to combat climate change, and recovering edible food for human consumption is one of the most significant ways to combat hunger. Therma is a tech startup that aims to combat food waste with an IoT solution to keep food at safe temperatures. Therma technology is currently deployed across 5,000+ restaurants, retailers and manufacturers with leading brands including Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, TGI Fridays, Chick-fil-A, 7-Eleven, Wyndham Hotels and NOW Foods. Tune in as we talk with Manik Suri, the company’s founder and CEO.
California State Senator Ben Allen chairs the Senate’s Environmental Quality Committee and co-chairs the Legislature’s Environmental Caucus. As the author of SB 54, Ben continues to pursue ambitious policies that address the plastics pollution crisis. He has also worked to bolster the state’s climate resiliency by proposing a measure to invest in preparation for extreme weather and other climate-related events like wildfires, floods, and mudslides. Among other things, his committee is tasked with overseeing the state’s aggressive climate goals. Tune in as we talk with Senator Allen about his legislative agenda, and how California’s public policy makers are working to address the most pressing environmental issues facing the state.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Today we’ll talk to Rodney Williams, Director of Energy and Sustainability for the Newark public school district, a.k.a. Newark Board of Education (NBOE). In recent years, Rodney has led the largest school district in New Jersey to achieve prestigious and rigorous awards in school sustainability. Tune in and listen to his pro tips that can be replicated in school districts across the U.S.!
What does it mean to recycle plastic? Where does it go, and what is the process for transforming a recyclable plastic bottle or jug into a new product? The answer may shock you. A Guardian report from 11 countries tracks how US waste makes its way across the world – and overwhelms the poorest nations. Today we will be joined by Erin McCormick, one of the U.S.-based journalists for The Guardian working on a new series of articles entitled, “United States of Plastic.” Tune in as she discusses this groundbreaking investigation.
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
Sustainability in schools includes school meals! Tune in today as we speak with the Senior Director of School Nutrition for the Camden City School District (CCSD) in NJ, Arlethia Brown, MBA, CPFM. She will discuss the many ways she has incorporated sustainability principles into the healthy, appetizing food she and her staff serve the children in Camden, NJ. We will also discuss CCSD’s sustainability work beyond school nutrition in areas like energy conservation and facilities management.
Our guest today is a candidate for Philadelphia City Council and a father of three kids (ages 5, 9 and 10), and he just might change the way you think about sanitation workers. Less than three months after accepting the position as laborer for the Philadelphia Sanitation Department, Terrill Haigler became an essential worker. To bridge the gap between residents and sanitation workers he created the Instagram page @_yafavtrashman to give residents an inside look as to what sanitation workers experience during the pandemic, and became a viral sensation. Tune in as we talk about Terrill’s unique perspective on city sanitation, public policy, and ways to engage urban youth in creating a cleaner, safer community.
California’s new Plastic Pollution Producer Responsibility Act (SB 54) may be the most consequential Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in a generation. By 2032, the law requires a 25% reduction of single-use plastic packaging and foodservice products; all single-use packaging and foodware (including non-plastic items) be recyclable or compostable; and a 65% recycling rate for plastics. Today we’ll talk with one of a handful of people “in the room where it happened” about how plastic producers agreed to come to help enact this legislation. Heidi Sanborn is the founding Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council, and she will also discuss how EPR and managing waste are finally being considered important to addressing climate change.
In November 2022, voters in the Golden State will have a chance to enact legislation to address plastic pollution. Not surprisingly, the ballot measure faces fierce opposition. Today’s guest is the Director of Policy & External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, CA, Jay Ziegler. Tune in as we discuss the provisions of the ballot measure, why CA state lawmakers have failed to take action previously, and what voters need to know before heading to the polls.
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Keeping food waste out of landfills is one of the most significant ways to combat climate change, and recovering edible food for human consumption is one of the most significant ways to combat hunger. Therma is a tech startup that aims to combat food waste with an IoT solution to keep food at safe temperatures. Therma technology is currently deployed across 5,000+ restaurants, retailers and manufacturers with leading brands including Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, TGI Fridays, Chick-fil-A, 7-Eleven, Wyndham Hotels and NOW Foods. Tune in as we talk with Manik Suri, the company’s founder and CEO.
Today we will be speaking with environmental attorney, Dave McCay, about some of the legal questions that are surfacing because of PFAS contamination in water supplies across the U.S. Some of the most pressing questions are: who will pay to remove PFAS from the public water supply - taxpayers?; if the water supply is contaminated and a town supplies bottled water to residents, who pays for that?; and can a resident sue their local government if their illness is connected to PFAS in the drinking water? Tune in and find out what your rights are if PFAS is found in your local water supply.
Today we’ll be joined by Sydney Evans, Science Analyst with the Environmental Working Group, to discuss PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals”, which has been found in municipal water supplies across the U.S. Join us as we discuss the health effects of this family of toxins and steps you can take to protect your family.
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
Most people have heard about Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, start-up food companies working to bring plant-based foods from the fringe to the mainstream to create a more sustainable and healthier world. While these products are thriving in the marketplace, they are still more expensive than the cost of meat and were developed for the retail sector, making them inaccessible to many...until now. Our guest today is Christie Lagally, CEO and founder of Rebellyous Foods. A mechanical engineer who holds five patents, Lagally started the food technology and manufacturing company in an effort to end factory farming by creating delicious, widely available, and affordable plant-based chicken products.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been fighting superbugs for years, but they made a resurgence during the pandemic. Superbugs are resistant to antibiotics, and can cause fatal infections, especially among vulnerable populations like hospitalized patients already weakened by serious illness. To date, many of the “solutions” involved harsher and more dangerous chemical cleaning solutions that were harmful to both patients and custodial staff. Today we’ll speak with co-founder and CEO of Viking Pure Solutions about their revolutionary technology that effectively cleans and disinfects without toxic chemicals.
Keeping food waste out of landfills is one of the most significant ways to combat climate change, and recovering edible food for human consumption is one of the most significant ways to combat hunger. Therma is a tech startup that aims to combat food waste with an IoT solution to keep food at safe temperatures. Therma technology is currently deployed across 5,000+ restaurants, retailers and manufacturers with leading brands including Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, TGI Fridays, Chick-fil-A, 7-Eleven, Wyndham Hotels and NOW Foods. Tune in as we talk with Manik Suri, the company’s founder and CEO.
We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.” Today we’ll take that a step further… “you are what your food ate.” Pesticides and herbicides can impact the plants on which we rely for nutrients, and those same plants coupled with antibiotics fed to livestock can impact the meat in our diet. The plants and animals in our diet imbibe what is in the soil and food that nourishes them, and is passed on to us. How does that impact our health, and what are our alternatives? Tune in today as we discuss these questions and more with the authors of a new book, What Your Food Ate!
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Sustainability in schools includes school meals! Tune in today as we speak with the Senior Director of School Nutrition for the Camden City School District (CCSD) in NJ, Arlethia Brown, MBA, CPFM. She will discuss the many ways she has incorporated sustainability principles into the healthy, appetizing food she and her staff serve the children in Camden, NJ. We will also discuss CCSD’s sustainability work beyond school nutrition in areas like energy conservation and facilities management.
Today we’ll talk to Rodney Williams, Director of Energy and Sustainability for the Newark public school district, a.k.a. Newark Board of Education (NBOE). In recent years, Rodney has led the largest school district in New Jersey to achieve prestigious and rigorous awards in school sustainability. Tune in and listen to his pro tips that can be replicated in school districts across the U.S.!
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by species alive today. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies — new ways of living — that solve our greatest design challenges sustainably. The Biomimicry Institute was founded in 2006 by Janine Benyus and Bryony Schwan to share nature’s design lessons with the people who design and make our world, and empower people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. Today we’ll talk with the Executive Director of the Biomimicry Institute, Beth Rattner.
On today’s episode we’ll be joined by Josh Balk, VP of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. Josh leads high-profile political campaigns to pass farm animal welfare laws, including the historic Prop 12 initiative in California which passed in 2018 with more than 60% of the vote. It became the strongest law for farm animals in the world, banning the confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs and veal calves in cages. He also pressures fast food corporations and grocers to eliminate meat and eggs that come from caged animals in their supply chains, such as getting McDonald’s — which buys two billion eggs a year — to go 100% cage-free. On the side, Josh co-founded JUST, now a billion-dollar company that revolutionized the egg by creating non-egg scrambled “egg.” It was recently named one of CNBC’s Top 50 Disruptors.
Healthy learning environments and high-quality school buildings are the keys to environmental equity and academic achievement. By leveraging sustainability strategies, these outcomes are possible. By improving indoor air and water quality, reducing solid waste, minimizing non-renewable energy usage, and providing nutritious food, urban schools can ensure environmental equity and close the opportunity gap for students. Today we will talk with the author of a new book, “Environmental Equity: Closing the Opportunity Gap in Urban Schools,” which demonstrates how school districts in even the most financially strapped regions can improve learning environments, lives, and achievement of every member of a school community.
In November 2022, voters in the Golden State will have a chance to enact legislation to address plastic pollution. Not surprisingly, the ballot measure faces fierce opposition. Today’s guest is the Director of Policy & External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, CA, Jay Ziegler. Tune in as we discuss the provisions of the ballot measure, why CA state lawmakers have failed to take action previously, and what voters need to know before heading to the polls.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Some of the ingredients found in personal care products in the U.S. are banned in other countries because they are considered unsafe. Today we’ll talk about Beautycounter, a company that is transparent about the ingredients they will and will not use, while educating consumers on why these ingredients are harmful. Beautycounter further embraces sustainability through responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging, and by measuring progress toward their climate goals. Additionally, the company is advocating for cosmetic reform legislation to protect human health from toxins the U.S. currently allows in personal care products.
Tune in as we speak with Dr. Asli Samanci, the CEO of Bee & You, a company that produces 100% natural propolis, royal jelly, raw honey, pollen, healthy spreads, supplements and cosmetics. Dr. Samanci is a renowned food scientist committed to creating natural and healthy products for consumers and is a pioneering advocate for combining science and nature to create safe and effective natural bee products.
Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass are all renewable energy technologies with residential applications. Today we’ll be joined by Anna DeSimone, author of “Live in a Home that Pays You Back,” about what you need to know about these various technologies if you want to power your home in a sustainable way.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Panda Express has announced a global cage-free animal welfare policy, committing to source 100 percent cage-free eggs and egg products for all of its restaurant locations. In addition to Panda Express, more than 2,000 cage-free policies—including 100 global commitments—to end the use of battery cages have been made by some of the largest companies in the world, including Burger King, Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Unilever, Nestlé, Aldi, InterContinental Hotels, Sodexo, Kraft Heinz, Compass Group, Shake Shack, Famous Brands, Costa Coffee, and Barilla. Today we’ll speak with Aaron Ross, VP of Policy and Strategy for the Humane League, about the implications of Panda Express’ commitment and how consumers can influence their favorite companies to follow suit.
Though we live on a planet comprised primarily of water, the amount of freshwater available for human consumption and industrial purposes continues to dwindle due to pollution and freshwater runoff into the ocean. Water is embedded in every product we buy and the energy we use to power our lives. Water agencies in many parts of the United States struggle to find an adequate supply of clean water to meet the needs of the people and businesses they serve. Recycling water is becoming a necessity, and today we will talk with Patrick Sheilds, General Manager of the West Basin Water District in Southern CA, and Stephen Katz, Market Development Manager at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, about the many varieties and applications of recycled water they are deploying to meet the needs of Los Angeles and neighboring communities like Malibu and Beverly Hills.
With social and economic benefits that are plentiful, more efficient homes mean the quality of citizens' lives are improved, reducing costs and bettering both public health and the environment. Today’s homeowners want sustainability—not just for home construction features, but to maintain long-term affordability as well. With an energy-efficient home, the true cost of homeownership is lower due to reduced utility costs, longer-lasting appliances and construction materials, and less maintenance and repairs. Tune in as we talk with Anna DeSimone, author of the new book, “Live in a Home that Pays You Back: A Complete Guide to Net Zero and Energy-Efficient Homes.” We will discuss the health benefits of an energy-efficient home, small steps homeowners can take today on their path to reducing their carbon footprint, to how to roll-in the retrofit costs in a mortgage, and everything one needs to make informed decisions for implementing energy-efficient technologies according to their needs and budget.
Borobabi was founded by Carolyn Butler, a chemical engineer, who recognized an opportunity to save money and protect the planet through supply chain utilization. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, the main source of American textile waste is discarded clothing. On average, parents spend more than $700 each year on kids’ clothes, only to see them grow out of them within months, resulting in 63 million pounds of clothing going into landfill daily. And while donating is important, it is not the solution: The Council for Textile Recycling says that overall, charities sell only 20 percent of the clothing donated to them at their retail outlets. Join us today as we talk with Carolyn Butler, CEO of Borobabi, about her company’s solution to this important issue.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’re going to talk about two very special community garden projects in Los Angeles. These gardens grow so much more than plants and food – they nourish the hearts and minds of the people in the community around them. Tune in as we talk about the USGBC-LA’s 2020 Legacy Project: the West Adams Resiliency Garden project, which centers on the needs of individuals undergoing the process of re-entry, whether returning from incarceration or recovering from other challenges such as homelessness. We will also discuss The Bay Foundation’s Table to Farm program with a mission to implement a local model to divert food waste and alleviate air pollution while educating students and creating nourishing compost.
Grocery store workers are the unofficial thin green line between people and food — thrust into a situation that no one saw coming. In 2020, the burden of facing the masses fell on a select few, and Adam Kaat was one of them. Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic is a powerful, first-hand account drawn from Adam’s “essential” role and his interactions with the best — and the worst — of humanity. Tune in today as we talk with author Adam Kaat about what he witnessed as the thin veil of civility began to unravel when desperation for food supplies came to every neighborhood.
Small farmer organizations in the developing world are historically under-resourced, with limited access to the capital needed to grow their organizations and invest in climate solutions. As a crowdfunding platform, Grow Ahead brings together contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, and grants to fund community-led projects that address the local challenges of climate change. Through raising funds for farmer-led agroforestry projects, Grow Ahead endeavors to invest in climate solutions in a way that is accountable to frontline communities. Tune in today as we talk with Ryan Zinn, Director of Grow Ahead.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
Rob Bilott’s 20-year legal battle with DuPont exposed a dangerous chemical that no one knew existed outside the companies that manufactured it. PFAS is a family of man-made chemicals that are known to cause serious human health impacts, and in recent months much has happened in public policy and litigation to address PFAS. Tune in as we talk with Rob Bilott about his book, Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont, and the latest news on “forever chemicals.”
Today we’ll be joined by Joe Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration Bank, to talk about a new way of personal and commercial banking that allows users to invest in climate-friendly financial transactions. There's a good chance your bank is using your money to fund oil projects that destroy the climate. Aspiration Bank allows you to put your money where your values are. Tune in and learn about all the benefits of transitioning to a bank with a purpose to make the world a better place.
We will also talk with Joe about his important advocacy work on issues like raising the minimum wage, cancelling student debt, and passing a Green New Deal.
Healthy learning environments and high-quality school buildings are the keys to environmental equity and academic achievement. By leveraging sustainability strategies, these outcomes are possible. By improving indoor air and water quality, reducing solid waste, minimizing non-renewable energy usage, and providing nutritious food, urban schools can ensure environmental equity and close the opportunity gap for students. Today we will talk with the author of a new book, “Environmental Equity: Closing the Opportunity Gap in Urban Schools,” which demonstrates how school districts in even the most financially strapped regions can improve learning environments, lives, and achievement of every member of a school community.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Our guest today is Cory Long, founder and Executive Director of the Making a Change Group in Chester, PA, a community just outside Philadelphia. If you look at Chester from the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas (formerly the Food Desert Locator), you will see it is objectively a Food Desert. If you look at Chester from the EPA’s environmental justice screening and mapping tool, you will see it is an Environmental Justice community. So what does an effective, local community organization do to help residents, especially when a crisis like COVID-19 emerges? Tune in and find out because Cory Long’s blueprint is phenomenal!
Small farmer organizations in the developing world are historically under-resourced, with limited access to the capital needed to grow their organizations and invest in climate solutions. As a crowdfunding platform, Grow Ahead brings together contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, and grants to fund community-led projects that address the local challenges of climate change. Through raising funds for farmer-led agroforestry projects, Grow Ahead endeavors to invest in climate solutions in a way that is accountable to frontline communities. Tune in today as we talk with Ryan Zinn, Director of Grow Ahead.
Small farmer organizations in the developing world are historically under-resourced, with limited access to the capital needed to grow their organizations and invest in climate solutions. As a crowdfunding platform, Grow Ahead brings together contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, and grants to fund community-led projects that address the local challenges of climate change. Through raising funds for farmer-led agroforestry projects, Grow Ahead endeavors to invest in climate solutions in a way that is accountable to frontline communities. Tune in today as we talk with Ryan Zinn, Director of Grow Ahead.
EcoMetrics is a methodology that captures the Full Value of a project’s environmental, social and economic impacts in a format that is fully documented, verified, and ready for audit. Originally developed by Restore the Earth Foundation to document the value created by their restoration initiatives, EcoMetrics, a cloud based technology and methodology, is now a stand-alone offering. It captures the Full Value of a project’s environmental, social and economic impacts, all fully documented, 3rd party verified, and ready for audit. EcoMetrics applied to a variety of project and activity types, and is a reporting framework that companies of all kinds can use. Tune in today as we speak with the President of EcoMetrics LLC, Edwin Piñero, about how today’s visionary corporations and communities understand that there’s a strong business case to be made that investments in nature based solutions as part of sustainability initiatives.
Every drug and vaccine certified by the FDA – including COVID vaccines - must be tested using the horseshoe crab derivative known as Limulus lysate. This has spawned a multimillion-dollar industry involving the license to bleed horseshoe crabs and the rights to their breeding grounds. In his book, Crab Wars, William Sargent presents an insider’s guide to the discovery of the lysate test, the exploitation of the horseshoe crab at the hands of multinational pharmaceutical conglomerates, local fishing interests, and the legal and governmental wrangling over the creatures’ ultimate fate.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
Today we’ll talk with Genna Mastellone, the Pipeline Resistance Organizer at MN350, about a pipeline called Line 3. Tune in as we learn about the impact this project has on drinking water, Indigenous lands, wildlife and the entire Mississippi River. Despite years of protest and legal battles, oil is flowing in Line 3, but the fight continues. Join us for an update from the frontlines.
Northern and central coast Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) are joining forces by forming a new Joint Powers Authority (JPA) – California Community Power. The JPA allows the CCAs to combine their buying power to procure new, cost-effective clean energy and reliability resources to continue advancing local and state climate goals. Tune in as we talk with the CEO’s of Peninsula Clean Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, the COO of East Bay Community Energy, and the Director of San Jose Clean Energy.
Rob Bilott’s 20-year legal battle with DuPont exposed a dangerous chemical that no one knew existed outside the companies that manufactured it. PFAS is a family of man-made chemicals that are known to cause serious human health impacts, and in recent months much has happened in public policy and litigation to address PFAS. Tune in as we talk with Rob Bilott about the latest news on “forever chemicals.”
Rob Bilott’s 20-year legal battle with DuPont exposed a dangerous chemical that no one knew existed outside the companies that manufactured it. PFAS is a family of man-made chemicals that are known to cause serious human health impacts, and in recent months much has happened in public policy and litigation to address PFAS. Tune in as we talk with Rob Bilott about his book, Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont, and the latest news on “forever chemicals.”
Every drug and vaccine certified by the FDA – including COVID vaccines - must be tested using the horseshoe crab derivative known as Limulus lysate. This has spawned a multimillion-dollar industry involving the license to bleed horseshoe crabs and the rights to their breeding grounds. In his book, Crab Wars, William Sargent presents an insider’s guide to the discovery of the lysate test, the exploitation of the horseshoe crab at the hands of multinational pharmaceutical conglomerates, local fishing interests, and the legal and governmental wrangling over the creatures’ ultimate fate.
More and more consumers are looking for Fair Trade labeling on products they buy, and earlier this year the first such label for dairy products hit the shelves. However, 30+ labor, human rights, and food justice organizations signed onto a statement opposing the pilot of the standard. Today we will talk to Anna Canning from the Fair World Project about why so many groups oppose the “Fair Trade Dairy” standard. Before you make your next grocery shopping list, be sure to consider whether the dairy products you purchase actually meet your standards for Fair Trade.
Nowadays, people are into the holistic approach of personal skincare. People want everything that is clean, natural, and sustainable. From vegan body lotion to organic shampoo, GlossWire is making its debut in the age of conscious beauty and consumers can now easily find brands from around the world that adhere to humane and eco-conscious standards.
Tune in as we talk with beauty expert and founder, Kimberly Carney, to discuss how the beauty industry is changing and what ingredients you should look for in conscious beauty products.
Northern and central coast Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) are joining forces by forming a new Joint Powers Authority (JPA) – California Community Power. The JPA allows the CCAs to combine their buying power to procure new, cost-effective clean energy and reliability resources to continue advancing local and state climate goals. Tune in as we talk with the CEO’s of Peninsula Clean Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, the COO of East Bay Community Energy, and the Director of San Jose Clean Energy.
Join us as we speak with Michelle Sim, the Director of Sustainability at the Southern California Gas Company, about some of the projects that SoCalGas is undertaking to address climate change, resource conservation, and reducing the company’s environmental footprint. As the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, SoCalGas is in a unique position to innovate 21st century solutions as we transition to the fuels of the future!
Today we will be speaking with environmental attorney, Dave McCay, about some of the legal questions that are surfacing because of PFAS contamination in water supplies across the U.S. Some of the most pressing questions are: who will pay to remove PFAS from the public water supply - taxpayers?; if the water supply is contaminated and a town supplies bottled water to residents, who pays for that?; and can a resident sue their local government if their illness is connected to PFAS in the drinking water? Tune in and find out what your rights are if PFAS is found in your local water supply.
Look at the U.S. Drought Monitor map, and you will see that the Western United States is in extreme drought conditions. During the California drought of 2012-2016, the state’s Climate Change Assessment report indicated that 2014 was the driest year in 1,200 years. Five years later, we are experiencing an even deeper drought that is impacting everything from food production to hydroelectric power. In 2016, we spoke with Jeff Kightlinger, the GM and CEO of the largest water utility in the country, Metropolitan Water District (MWD), and today he will join us to give us an update on the current state of our water supply and the solutions being considered- both in CA and throughout the West.
The Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice (Sept 25-30th) is a virtual, international forum hosted by the Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network (WECAN) International. As climate disasters worsen everyday, climate movements worldwide are increasing the pressure on governments and financial institutions to take immediate climate action. The gender-inclusive sessions are designed for people to come together to discuss what inclusive and equitable climate action looks like and to build momentum for the crucial United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 in November in Glasgow. This assembly takes place in parallel to the UN General Assembly, which is the last time governments will meet in the lead up to COP26. Tune in today as we talk to the Assembly Convener, Osprey Orielle Lake!
Grocery store workers are the unofficial thin green line between people and food — thrust into a situation that no one saw coming. In 2020, the burden of facing the masses fell on a select few, and Adam Kaat was one of them. Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic is a powerful, first-hand account drawn from Adam’s “essential” role and his interactions with the best — and the worst — of humanity. Tune in today as we talk with author Adam Kaat about what he witnessed as the thin veil of civility began to unravel when desperation for food supplies came to every neighborhood.
Grocery store workers are the unofficial thin green line between people and food — thrust into a situation that no one saw coming. In 2020, the burden of facing the masses fell on a select few, and Adam Kaat was one of them. Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic is a powerful, first-hand account drawn from Adam’s “essential” role and his interactions with the best — and the worst — of humanity. Tune in today as we talk with author Adam Kaat about what he witnessed as the thin veil of civility began to unravel when desperation for food supplies came to every neighborhood.
The Global Women’s Assembly for Climate Justice (Sept 25-30th) is a virtual, international forum hosted by the Women’s Earth & Climate Action Network (WECAN) International. As climate disasters worsen everyday, climate movements worldwide are increasing the pressure on governments and financial institutions to take immediate climate action. The gender-inclusive sessions are designed for people to come together to discuss what inclusive and equitable climate action looks like and to build momentum for the crucial United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP26 in November in Glasgow. This assembly takes place in parallel to the UN General Assembly, which is the last time governments will meet in the lead up to COP26. Tune in today as we talk to the Assembly Convener, Osprey Orielle Lake!
Look at the U.S. Drought Monitor map, and you will see that the Western United States is in extreme drought conditions. During the California drought of 2012-2016, the state’s Climate Change Assessment report indicated that 2014 was the driest year in 1,200 years. Five years later, we are experiencing an even deeper drought that is impacting everything from food production to hydroelectric power. In 2016, we spoke with Jeff Kightlinger, the GM and CEO of the largest water utility in the country, Metropolitan Water District (MWD), and today he will join us to give us an update on the current state of our water supply and the solutions being considered- both in CA and throughout the West.
EcoMetrics is a methodology that captures the Full Value of a project’s environmental, social and economic impacts in a format that is fully documented, verified, and ready for audit. Originally developed by Restore the Earth Foundation to document the value created by their restoration initiatives, EcoMetrics, a cloud based technology and methodology, is now a stand-alone offering. It captures the Full Value of a project’s environmental, social and economic impacts, all fully documented, 3rd party verified, and ready for audit. EcoMetrics applied to a variety of project and activity types, and is a reporting framework that companies of all kinds can use. Tune in today as we speak with the President of EcoMetrics LLC, Edwin Piñero, about how today’s visionary corporations and communities understand that there’s a strong business case to be made that investments in nature based solutions as part of sustainability initiatives.
2020 has been a painful year in so many ways, but for communities of color, the suffering has been especially severe. Today we’ll be talking to Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., founder of the Hip Hop Caucus, about the ways in which environmental racism and injustice place a disproportionate burden on communities of color, and the many ways his organization is working toward a just, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’re going to talk about two very special community garden projects in Los Angeles. These gardens grow so much more than plants and food – they nourish the hearts and minds of the people in the community around them. Tune in as we talk about the USGBC-LA’s 2020 Legacy Project: the West Adams Resiliency Garden project, which centers on the needs of individuals undergoing the process of re-entry, whether returning from incarceration or recovering from other challenges such as homelessness. We will also discuss The Bay Foundation’s Table to Farm program with a mission to implement a local model to divert food waste and alleviate air pollution while educating students and creating nourishing compost.
Though we live on a planet comprised primarily of water, the amount of freshwater available for human consumption and industrial purposes continues to dwindle due to pollution and freshwater runoff into the ocean. Water is embedded in every product we buy and the energy we use to power our lives. Water agencies in many parts of the United States struggle to find an adequate supply of clean water to meet the needs of the people and businesses they serve. Recycling water is becoming a necessity, and today we will talk with Patrick Sheilds, General Manager of the West Basin Water District in Southern CA, and Stephen Katz, Market Development Manager at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, about the many varieties and applications of recycled water they are deploying to meet the needs of Los Angeles and neighboring communities like Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Nowadays, people are into the holistic approach of personal skincare. People want everything that is clean, natural, and sustainable. From vegan body lotion to organic shampoo, GlossWire is making its debut in the age of conscious beauty and consumers can now easily find brands from around the world that adhere to humane and eco-conscious standards.
Tune in as we talk with beauty expert and founder, Kimberly Carney, to discuss how the beauty industry is changing and what ingredients you should look for in conscious beauty products.
Schools are vital hubs to their local communities and are uniquely positioned to teach students waste reduction behaviors. Students can learn waste reduction at schools and bring that messaging home to their families, caregivers, and all those with whom they come in contact. Schools and universities generate about 562,442 tons of waste each year in California. Almost half of school waste is comprised of organic materials like paper, cardboard, and uneaten cafeteria food. Much of the waste generated in the California education system is recyclable. Many school districts have been successful in improving their economic and environmental performance through the implementation of waste reduction initiatives. Today we will speak with the leaders of the CalRecycle Schools Team who provide resources to help California schools reduce waste, and help educate students and adults about why this is so important to the state’s future.
Today we will be speaking with environmental attorney, Dave McCay, about some of the legal questions that are surfacing because of PFAS contamination in water supplies across the U.S. Some of the most pressing questions are: who will pay to remove PFAS from the public water supply - taxpayers?; if the water supply is contaminated and a town supplies bottled water to residents, who pays for that?; and can a resident sue their local government if their illness is connected to PFAS in the drinking water? Tune in and find out what your rights are if PFAS is found in your local water supply.
The LA chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council has an innovative program that helps early-stage companies with the technology to support a net positive future. Companies accepted into the Net Zero Accelerator work with industry experts to learn how to find their ideal customers and close deals. Some of the priority areas are building decarbonization, occupant wellness and sustainable infrastructure. Today we’ll talk with the Director of Net Zero Accelerator, Colin Mangham, and representatives from companies who have participated in the program.
Though we live on a planet comprised primarily of water, the amount of freshwater available for human consumption and industrial purposes continues to dwindle due to pollution and freshwater runoff into the ocean. Water is embedded in every product we buy and the energy we use to power our lives. Water agencies in many parts of the United States struggle to find an adequate supply of clean water to meet the needs of the people and businesses they serve. Recycling water is becoming a necessity, and today we will talk with Patrick Sheilds, General Manager of the West Basin Water District in Southern CA, and Stephen Katz, Market Development Manager at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, about the many varieties and applications of recycled water they are deploying to meet the needs of Los Angeles and neighboring communities like Malibu and Beverly Hills.
In April, Wendy’s released its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the progress made across its three key focus areas of Food, People and Footprint. Within the report, Wendy's® shared the outcomes of its recent materiality assessment of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics, along with several new goals relevant to Wendy's Good Done Right platform and strategy. Today we’ll speak with Liliana M. Esposito, Wendy’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, about the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its strategy to meet the highest standards of sustainable, safe and healthy food.
The LA chapter of the U.S. Green Building Council has an innovative program that helps early-stage companies with the technology to support a net positive future. Companies accepted into the Net Zero Accelerator work with industry experts to learn how to find their ideal customers and close deals. Some of the priority areas are building decarbonization, occupant wellness and sustainable infrastructure. Today we’ll talk with the Director of Net Zero Accelerator, Colin Mangham, and representatives from companies who have participated in the program.
He’s been called “the Elon Musk of Boats,” and today we’ll talk with Alex Mongeon about his quest to electrify the world’s waterways. His company, Vision Marine Technologies, Inc., is leading the way in reducing the carbon footprint of the boating world. Tune in as we talk with Alex about his technology, his journey, and his vision for the future of the next generation!
On April 22, 2021 (Earth Day), Camden Mayor Frank Moran, the City of Camden, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, and the Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts will unveil A New View—Camden, an innovative, six-month-long exhibition featuring six, one-of-a-kind and family-friendly public art projects. Funded by a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge grant, these large-scale, outdoor art installations designed by nationally recognized artists will attract visitors of all ages to Camden and call attention to illegal dumping and its impact on the community and environment. The creations were specifically designed to raise awareness about unlawful dumping of bulk waste in Camden, which costs taxpayers over $4 million annually. Tune in as we speak with one of the project leaders and two of the artists!
In April, Wendy’s released its 2020 Corporate Responsibility Report detailing the progress made across its three key focus areas of Food, People and Footprint. Within the report, Wendy's® shared the outcomes of its recent materiality assessment of Environmental, Social and Governance (ESG) topics, along with several new goals relevant to Wendy's Good Done Right platform and strategy. Today we’ll speak with Liliana M. Esposito, Wendy’s Chief Corporate Affairs and Sustainability Officer, about the company’s commitment to the UN Sustainable Development Goals and its strategy to meet the highest standards of sustainable, safe and healthy food.
Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.
Renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from diverted landfill waste is now flowing into SoCalGas’ pipeline system from Anaergia’s Rialto Bioenergy Facility. A new one-mile pipeline connects the facility to an existing SoCalGas pipeline. Using Anaergia’s advanced anaerobic digestion technology and proprietary systems, the Facility will produce up to 985,000 MMBTU/year of RNG each year using up to 300,000 tons of waste diverted from local landfills. Creating this carbon-negative fuel from waste will reduce landfilling and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 220,000 metric tons per year—an amount equal to removing 47,500 passenger cars from the road. Tune in and learn more about the technology that makes this possible!
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Though we live on a planet comprised primarily of water, the amount of freshwater available for human consumption and industrial purposes continues to dwindle due to pollution and freshwater runoff into the ocean. Water is embedded in every product we buy and the energy we use to power our lives. Water agencies in many parts of the United States struggle to find an adequate supply of clean water to meet the needs of the people and businesses they serve. Recycling water is becoming a necessity, and today we will talk with Patrick Sheilds, General Manager of the West Basin Water District in Southern CA, and Stephen Katz, Market Development Manager at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, about the many varieties and applications of recycled water they are deploying to meet the needs of Los Angeles and neighboring communities like Malibu and Beverly Hills.
Join us as we speak with Michelle Sim, the Director of Sustainability at the Southern California Gas Company, about some of the projects that SoCalGas is undertaking to address climate change, resource conservation, and reducing the company’s environmental footprint. As the largest gas distribution utility in the United States, SoCalGas is in a unique position to innovate 21st century solutions as we transition to the fuels of the future!
On April 22, 2021 (Earth Day), Camden Mayor Frank Moran, the City of Camden, Cooper’s Ferry Partnership, and the Rutgers-Camden Center for the Arts will unveil A New View—Camden, an innovative, six-month-long exhibition featuring six, one-of-a-kind and family-friendly public art projects. Funded by a $1 million Bloomberg Philanthropies Public Art Challenge grant, these large-scale, outdoor art installations designed by nationally recognized artists will attract visitors of all ages to Camden and call attention to illegal dumping and its impact on the community and environment. The creations were specifically designed to raise awareness about unlawful dumping of bulk waste in Camden, which costs taxpayers over $4 million annually. Tune in as we speak with one of the project leaders and two of the artists!
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Most people have heard about Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, start-up food companies working to bring plant-based foods from the fringe to the mainstream to create a more sustainable and healthier world. While these products are thriving in the marketplace, they are still more expensive than the cost of meat and were developed for the retail sector, making them inaccessible to many...until now. Our guest today is Christie Lagally, CEO and founder of Rebellyous Foods. A mechanical engineer who holds five patents, Lagally started the food technology and manufacturing company in an effort to end factory farming by creating delicious, widely available, and affordable plant-based chicken products.
Renewable natural gas (RNG) produced from diverted landfill waste is now flowing into SoCalGas’ pipeline system from Anaergia’s Rialto Bioenergy Facility. A new one-mile pipeline connects the facility to an existing SoCalGas pipeline. Using Anaergia’s advanced anaerobic digestion technology and proprietary systems, the Facility will produce up to 985,000 MMBTU/year of RNG each year using up to 300,000 tons of waste diverted from local landfills. Creating this carbon-negative fuel from waste will reduce landfilling and decrease greenhouse gas emissions by up to 220,000 metric tons per year—an amount equal to removing 47,500 passenger cars from the road. Tune in and learn more about the technology that makes this possible!
Farmland dominates the landscape and watersheds in the Midwest. The way that land is used and managed has profound effects on our health through the water we drink and the food we eat. Farming can actually make water cleaner and the environment healthier. Farms doing exactly that are scattered across the Midwest. Tune in to learn how the Environmental Working Group’s Midwest division is using remote-sensing, big data and landscape analysis to build pressure to change policy to heal the damage done by poor farming practices and to build excitement about how much healthier the environment could be through often simple changes in the way we farm.
Join us for a conversation with subject matter experts on what it means to create a healthy building in which to work, live and learn, particularly during a time when indoor air quality is receiving unprecedented attention due to COVID-19. We will discuss best practices, technology and design factors that create optimal health conditions for building occupants. Our guests are Sara Neff, SVP of Sustainability at Kilroy Realty Corporation and Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council, L.A.
Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.
Join us for a conversation with subject matter experts on what it means to create a healthy building in which to work, live and learn, particularly during a time when indoor air quality is receiving unprecedented attention due to COVID-19. We will discuss best practices, technology and design factors that create optimal health conditions for building occupants. Our guests are Sara Neff, SVP of Sustainability at Kilroy Realty Corporation and Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council, L.A.
Northern and central coast Community Choice Aggregators (CCAs) are joining forces by forming a new Joint Powers Authority (JPA) – California Community Power. The JPA allows the CCAs to combine their buying power to procure new, cost-effective clean energy and reliability resources to continue advancing local and state climate goals. Tune in as we talk with the CEO’s of Peninsula Clean Energy and Silicon Valley Clean Energy, the COO of East Bay Community Energy, and the Director of San Jose Clean Energy.
Even before the pandemic, chronic neglect of America’s public schools forced students and educators across the country to learn and work in outdated and hazardous school buildings. Now, the COVID19 pandemic is exacerbating the consequences of our failure to make necessary investments in school infrastructure. The Reopen and Rebuild America’s Schools Act (RRASA) of 2020 would invest $100 billion in grants and $30 billion in bond authority targeted at high-poverty schools with facilities that pose health and safety risks to students and staff. Tune in as we talk with Anisa Heming, Director of the Center for Green Schools at the U.S. Green Building Council, about this important piece of legislation, and learn how you can get involved.
Our guest is Justin Draplin, owner of several Tiny Home Communities in South Carolina. He is developing and manufacturing the first ever NET-POSITIVE tiny home set for national sales and distribution this year. Draplin's tiny home will generate far more energy than it consumes; providing consumers with the ability to live smaller, smarter and more sustainably. Tune in to learn more!
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’re going to talk about two very special community garden projects in Los Angeles. These gardens grow so much more than plants and food – they nourish the hearts and minds of the people in the community around them. Tune in as we talk about the USGBC-LA’s 2020 Legacy Project: the West Adams Resiliency Garden project, which centers on the needs of individuals undergoing the process of re-entry, whether returning from incarceration or recovering from other challenges such as homelessness. We will also discuss The Bay Foundation’s Table to Farm program with a mission to implement a local model to divert food waste and alleviate air pollution while educating students and creating nourishing compost.
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
Most people have heard about Beyond Meat and Impossible Foods, start-up food companies working to bring plant-based foods from the fringe to the mainstream to create a more sustainable and healthier world. While these products are thriving in the marketplace, they are still more expensive than the cost of meat and were developed for the retail sector, making them inaccessible to many...until now. Our guest today is Christie Lagally, CEO and founder of Rebellyous Foods. A mechanical engineer who holds five patents, Lagally started the food technology and manufacturing company in an effort to end factory farming by creating delicious, widely available, and affordable plant-based chicken products.
Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.
If you’ve heard of the plastic-free lifestyle, but think you don’t have time for it in your busy life, prepare to be delightfully wrong. The new book, Say Goodbye to Plastic, shows you how, whether you’re seeking to knock plastic out of your life or just try out a few novel eco-hacks, you’ll learn how to go joyfully plastic-free in the kitchen, bathroom, office, dining room and more. As a plastic pollution activist and founder of ECOlunchbox, Sandra Ann Harris invites us into her book, which is part memoir, part inspirational ode to the ocean and packed with how-to tips to say goodbye to plastic. Tune in as we talk with Sandra about the book today!
Schools are vital hubs to their local communities and are uniquely positioned to teach students waste reduction behaviors. Students can learn waste reduction at schools and bring that messaging home to their families, caregivers, and all those with whom they come in contact. Schools and universities generate about 562,442 tons of waste each year in California. Almost half of school waste is comprised of organic materials like paper, cardboard, and uneaten cafeteria food. Much of the waste generated in the California education system is recyclable. Many school districts have been successful in improving their economic and environmental performance through the implementation of waste reduction initiatives. Today we will speak with the leaders of the CalRecycle Schools Team who provide resources to help California schools reduce waste, and help educate students and adults about why this is so important to the state’s future.
On today’s show we’ll be joined by Mike Van Brunt, Sr. Director of Sustainability for Covanta, a leading waste to energy company. We will discuss the air emissions, water use and greenhouse gas emissions of their operations, and I’ll ask tough questions about their impact on environmental justice (EJ) communities.
Prior to the pandemic (and hopefully soon thereafter), most kids spend the majority of their waking hours at school. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has a significant impact on a student’s ability to learn. Classrooms with polluted air, high CO2 levels, and poor lighting can make it difficult for students to learn even if they have the best teachers, most current technology, and a positive attitude about school. On today’s episode we will talk with Shannon Oliver, MPH about a project his school district undertook to measure the IEQ of their campuses alongside students armed with the knowledge, guidance, and tools they needed to use their school buildings as a teaching tool.
In recent months PFAS contamination has been found in the groundwater in a small suburb of the Bay Area of California. There is no obvious source for the chemical contamination, and currently, the local water agencies must fend for themselves to pay for treatment to keep their drinking water safe. Tune in as we talk with Olivia Sanwong, President of the Board of Directors for the Zone 7 Water Agency. She will discuss the financial and public policy strain this issue is placing on her small community.
On today’s episode we’ll be joined by Josh Balk, VP of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. Josh leads high-profile political campaigns to pass farm animal welfare laws, including the historic Prop 12 initiative in California which passed in 2018 with more than 60% of the vote. It became the strongest law for farm animals in the world, banning the confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs and veal calves in cages. He also pressures fast food corporations and grocers to eliminate meat and eggs that come from caged animals in their supply chains, such as getting McDonald’s — which buys two billion eggs a year — to go 100% cage-free. On the side, Josh co-founded JUST, now a billion-dollar company that revolutionized the egg by creating non-egg scrambled “egg.” It was recently named one of CNBC’s Top 50 Disruptors.
On today’s episode we’ll be joined by Josh Balk, VP of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. Josh leads high-profile political campaigns to pass farm animal welfare laws, including the historic Prop 12 initiative in California which passed in 2018 with more than 60% of the vote. It became the strongest law for farm animals in the world, banning the confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs and veal calves in cages. He also pressures fast food corporations and grocers to eliminate meat and eggs that come from caged animals in their supply chains, such as getting McDonald’s — which buys two billion eggs a year — to go 100% cage-free. On the side, Josh co-founded JUST, now a billion-dollar company that revolutionized the egg by creating non-egg scrambled “egg.” It was recently named one of CNBC’s Top 50 Disruptors.
Schools are vital hubs to their local communities and are uniquely positioned to teach students waste reduction behaviors. Students can learn waste reduction at schools and bring that messaging home to their families, caregivers, and all those with whom they come in contact. Schools and universities generate about 562,442 tons of waste each year in California. Almost half of school waste is comprised of organic materials like paper, cardboard, and uneaten cafeteria food. Much of the waste generated in the California education system is recyclable. Many school districts have been successful in improving their economic and environmental performance through the implementation of waste reduction initiatives. Today we will speak with the leaders of the CalRecycle Schools Team who provide resources to help California schools reduce waste, and help educate students and adults about why this is so important to the state’s future.
Prior to the pandemic (and hopefully soon thereafter), most kids spend the majority of their waking hours at school. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has a significant impact on a student’s ability to learn. Classrooms with polluted air, high CO2 levels, and poor lighting can make it difficult for students to learn even if they have the best teachers, most current technology, and a positive attitude about school. On today’s episode we will talk with Shannon Oliver, MPH about a project his school district undertook to measure the IEQ of their campuses alongside students armed with the knowledge, guidance, and tools they needed to use their school buildings as a teaching tool.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’re going to talk about two very special community garden projects in Los Angeles. These gardens grow so much more than plants and food – they nourish the hearts and minds of the people in the community around them. Tune in as we talk about the USGBC-LA’s 2020 Legacy Project: the West Adams Resiliency Garden project, which centers on the needs of individuals undergoing the process of re-entry, whether returning from incarceration or recovering from other challenges such as homelessness. We will also discuss The Bay Foundation’s Table to Farm program with a mission to implement a local model to divert food waste and alleviate air pollution while educating students and creating nourishing compost.
Join us for a conversation with subject matter experts on what it means to create a healthy building in which to work, live and learn, particularly during a time when indoor air quality is receiving unprecedented attention due to COVID-19. We will discuss best practices, technology and design factors that create optimal health conditions for building occupants. Our guests are Sara Neff, SVP of Sustainability at Kilroy Realty Corporation and Ben Stapleton, Executive Director of the U.S. Green Building Council, L.A.
The Green Bronx Machine is one of the most inspiring organizations in the green schools movement! Stephen Ritz is the founder of the Green Bronx Machine, and today we will talk to him about how urban agriculture is changing children’s lives through better nutrition and new attitudes toward food. At a time when our nation is keenly aware of the disparity between high- and low-income communities, the Green Bronx machine brings action, opportunity and empowerment to students who do not have access to food that will fuel their minds and bodies for optimal health. Tune in and be inspired!
Our guest today is Cory Long, founder and Executive Director of the Making a Change Group in Chester, PA, a community just outside Philadelphia. If you look at Chester from the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas (formerly the Food Desert Locator), you will see it is objectively a Food Desert. If you look at Chester from the EPA’s environmental justice screening and mapping tool, you will see it is an Environmental Justice community. So what does an effective, local community organization do to help residents, especially when a crisis like COVID-19 emerges? Tune in and find out because Cory Long’s blueprint is phenomenal!
If you’ve heard of the plastic-free lifestyle, but think you don’t have time for it in your busy life, prepare to be delightfully wrong. The new book, Say Goodbye to Plastic, shows you how, whether you’re seeking to knock plastic out of your life or just try out a few novel eco-hacks, you’ll learn how to go joyfully plastic-free in the kitchen, bathroom, office, dining room and more. As a plastic pollution activist and founder of ECOlunchbox, Sandra Ann Harris invites us into her book, which is part memoir, part inspirational ode to the ocean and packed with how-to tips to say goodbye to plastic. Tune in as we talk with Sandra about the book today!
Ben Lecomte is a marathon swimmer, ocean advocate, entrepreneur, and speaker. He swam the Atlantic from Cape Cod to France in 1998. In 2018 he attempted to swim the Pacific, but after 165 days of swimming his team had to call it off due to severe storm damage to their mainsail. During each swim, Ben collected data on plastic pollution in the ocean and worked with scientists to create extensive, uncharted information on what types of pollution Ben swam through, where it was in the ocean, and what clues they could find about where the pollution originated. Tune in today as we talk with Ben about what he found and what he is doing to urge people to make informed decisions about what they buy and discard.
In recent months PFAS contamination has been found in the groundwater in a small suburb of the Bay Area of California. There is no obvious source for the chemical contamination, and currently, the local water agencies must fend for themselves to pay for treatment to keep their drinking water safe. Tune in as we talk with Olivia Sanwong, President of the Board of Directors for the Zone 7 Water Agency. She will discuss the financial and public policy strain this issue is placing on her small community.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, about 12% of the state’s total energy consumption is related to moving, treating and heating/cooling water. The sources of energy used to power these water activities is directly tied to the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Southern California’s allotment of water from the State Water Project has a much higher energy intensity than other parts of the state. Today we will talk with two water management experts about California’s water/energy nexus and large proposed projects in southern California that will save energy and water and limit the transport of water across the state. Projects include a greater use of local water supplies and water recycling. Water and energy savings projections will be shared.
2020 has been a painful year in so many ways, but for communities of color, the suffering has been especially severe. Today we’ll be talking to Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr., founder of the Hip Hop Caucus, about the ways in which environmental racism and injustice place a disproportionate burden on communities of color, and the many ways his organization is working toward a just, sustainable, and prosperous world for all.
The Wyland Foundation, a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization, is dedicated to promoting, protecting, and preserving the world’s ocean, waterways, and marine life. The foundation encourages environmental awareness through education programs, public arts projects, and community events. Today our guest is Steve Creech, Executive Director of the Wyland Foundation. Tune in as we talk with him about some of upcoming events and resources offered by the foundation!b
Today we are joined by Miguel Veiga-Pestana, SVP of Corporate Affairs & Sustainability for RB, makers of common household brands like Lysol, Woolite and Clearasil, just to name a few. Under Miguel’s leadership the company has instituted a rigorous set of policies and reporting to create measurable, transparent environmental benefits throughout all their brands.
Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2020 Dirty Dozen™. EWG’s newly released consumer guide outlines the produce items with the most amount of pesticide residue, as well as a list of the fruits and vegetables with the least amount. Tune in as we talk with EWG toxicologists, Dr. Alexis Temkin and Dr. Thomas Galligan about the information you need to make the best choices in the produce section of your grocery store.
The EPA set legal limits on nitrate levels in 1962 to prevent acute cases of methemoglobinemia, which causes an infant to suffer from oxygen deprivation in the blood after ingesting excessive nitrate. More recent studies have found correlations to additional human health risks. An Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigation found that nitrate contamination in drinking water has grown steadily worse. Data obtained under public records laws shows that between 2003 and 2017, tests detected elevated levels of nitrate in the tap water supplies of more than 4,000 community water systems in California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. Those water systems supply tap water for more than 45 million Americans. Tune in as we discuss this new report with EWG Senior Economic Analyst, Anne Weir Schechinger.
Prior to the pandemic (and hopefully soon thereafter), most kids spend the majority of their waking hours at school. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has a significant impact on a student’s ability to learn. Classrooms with polluted air, high CO2 levels, and poor lighting can make it difficult for students to learn even if they have the best teachers, most current technology, and a positive attitude about school. On today’s episode we will talk with Shannon Oliver, MPH about a project his school district undertook to measure the IEQ of their campuses alongside students armed with the knowledge, guidance, and tools they needed to use their school buildings as a teaching tool.
Our guest today is Cory Long, founder and Executive Director of the Making a Change Group in Chester, PA, a community just outside Philadelphia. If you look at Chester from the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas (formerly the Food Desert Locator), you will see it is objectively a Food Desert. If you look at Chester from the EPA’s environmental justice screening and mapping tool, you will see it is an Environmental Justice community. So what does an effective, local community organization do to help residents, especially when a crisis like COVID-19 emerges? Tune in and find out because Cory Long’s blueprint is phenomenal!
On Earth Day, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig sank creating the worst oil spill in history. According to the global media, the story ended when the well was capped – but that’s when the real story began. By exposing the root causes of the oil spill and what really happened after the news cameras left the Gulf states, filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell uncover a vast network of corruption. With help from executive producers, Tim Robbins, Peter Fonda, and Maggie Wachsberger, the film takes the audience into places no other camera crews dared go, and into the lives of everyday Americans whose lives will be forever altered by this disaster. The New Orleans Times Picayune says THE BIG FIX is “a full-on, no-holds-barred bit of investigative journalism” into the dark secrets surrounding one of the largest manmade environmental catastrophes in American history. Tune in as we talk with Josh and Rebecca about their perilous journey to capture the truth on film.
This new book describes how the food you eat can reverse climate change, heal your body, and ultimately, save our world. Throughout this revolutionary book, Tickell teaches how to become an agent in humanity’s single most important and time sensitive mission and how to save the world through the choices you make. He also highlights tangible, real world examples of people and landscapes that are becoming healthier together. KISS THE GROUND, the book, concludes with a point-by-point “how-to” for transforming your grocery list, your kitchen, your diet and ultimately the planet. Tune in as we talk with Josh about this fantastic must-read!
Prior to the pandemic (and hopefully soon thereafter), most kids spend the majority of their waking hours at school. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has a significant impact on a student’s ability to learn. Classrooms with polluted air, high CO2 levels, and poor lighting can make it difficult for students to learn even if they have the best teachers, most current technology, and a positive attitude about school. On today’s episode we will talk with Shannon Oliver, MPH about a project his school district undertook to measure the IEQ of their campuses alongside students armed with the knowledge, guidance, and tools they needed to use their school buildings as a teaching tool.
The EPA set legal limits on nitrate levels in 1962 to prevent acute cases of methemoglobinemia, which causes an infant to suffer from oxygen deprivation in the blood after ingesting excessive nitrate. More recent studies have found correlations to additional human health risks. An Environmental Working Group (EWG) investigation found that nitrate contamination in drinking water has grown steadily worse. Data obtained under public records laws shows that between 2003 and 2017, tests detected elevated levels of nitrate in the tap water supplies of more than 4,000 community water systems in California, Illinois, Iowa, Kansas, Maryland, Nebraska, Oklahoma, Pennsylvania, Texas and Wisconsin. Those water systems supply tap water for more than 45 million Americans. Tune in as we discuss this new report with EWG Senior Economic Analyst, Anne Weir Schechinger.
Tune in as we talk with Janine Benyus about how she has helped some of the world’s top companies design for the future by drawing inspiration from 3.8 billion years of nature’s blueprint. Benyus has worked with companies like Boeing, Colgate-Palmolive, Nike, General Electric, Herman Miller, HOK architects, IDEO, Interface, Natura, Procter and Gamble, Levi’s, Kohler, and General Mills to create sustainable product designs. In 2010, BusinessWeek named Janine one of the World’s Most Influential Designers, and her work in biomimicry has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Newsweek, Esquire, The Economist, Time, Wired, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Nature, and more.
Prior to the pandemic (and hopefully soon thereafter), most kids spend the majority of their waking hours at school. Indoor Environmental Quality (IEQ) has a significant impact on a student’s ability to learn. Classrooms with polluted air, high CO2 levels, and poor lighting can make it difficult for students to learn even if they have the best teachers, most current technology, and a positive attitude about school. On today’s episode we will talk with Shannon Oliver, MPH about a project his school district undertook to measure the IEQ of their campuses alongside students armed with the knowledge, guidance, and tools they needed to use their school buildings as a teaching tool.
Our guest today is Cory Long, founder and Executive Director of the Making a Change Group in Chester, PA, a community just outside Philadelphia. If you look at Chester from the USDA’s Food Access Research Atlas (formerly the Food Desert Locator), you will see it is objectively a Food Desert. If you look at Chester from the EPA’s environmental justice screening and mapping tool, you will see it is an Environmental Justice community. So what does an effective, local community organization do to help residents, especially when a crisis like COVID-19 emerges? Tune in and find out because Cory Long’s blueprint is phenomenal!
Asheville, North Carolina declared the week of June 4-10 as the nation's first city-proclaimed seven-day vegan challenge. Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a proclamation encouraging “all citizens, businesses and institutions to participate in the 7-Day Vegan Challenge to promote good health, Animal Justice, Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Climate Justice.” The challenge was organized by the City of Asheville, regional hospital, Mission Health, and no-kill shelter, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Tune in as we speak with Paul Berry, Executive Director for Brother Wolf about this unique event!
Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2020 Dirty Dozen™. EWG’s newly released consumer guide outlines the produce items with the most amount of pesticide residue, as well as a list of the fruits and vegetables with the least amount. Tune in as we talk with EWG toxicologists, Dr. Alexis Temkin and Dr. Thomas Galligan about the information you need to make the best choices in the produce section of your grocery store.
Author, Paul Wheaton has come out with a wonderful book on making a huge, positive, global difference from your own home! Prioritize comfort over sacrifice while saving thousands of dollars. Explore dozens of solutions and their impacts on carbon footprint, petroleum footprint, toxic footprint, and other environmental issues. Tune in as we talk with Paul about his new book, Building a Better World in Your Backyard!
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization—a powerful and efficient network of 200 food banks across the country. As food insecurity rates hold steady at the highest levels ever, the Feeding America network of food banks has risen to meet the need. They feed 40 million people at risk of hunger, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. But Feeding America also works to alleviate hunger with a focus on sustainability and environmental justice. Today we will discuss their work in America’s Food Deserts, as well as their work to keep edible food from going to waste.
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
The pandemic has put the world in a heightened state of anxiety, but there were already underlying signs of trouble before COVID-19 hit. Suicides are at their highest point in 50 years, record numbers of Americans are taking medication for anxiety and depression, and opioids kill more people in the U.S. than car crashes. Dr. Margaret Klein Salamon’s new book, Facing the Climate Emergency: How to Transform Yourself with Climate Truth, makes the case that climate change inaction is the root cause for the hopelessness that so many people are feeling. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Salamon about her new book.
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization—a powerful and efficient network of 200 food banks across the country. As food insecurity rates hold steady at the highest levels ever, the Feeding America network of food banks has risen to meet the need. They feed 40 million people at risk of hunger, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. But Feeding America also works to alleviate hunger with a focus on sustainability and environmental justice. Today we will discuss their work in America’s Food Deserts, as well as their work to keep edible food from going to waste.
Nearly 70 percent of the fresh produce sold in the U.S. contains residues of potentially harmful chemical pesticides, according to the Environmental Working Group’s (EWG) 2020 Dirty Dozen™. EWG’s newly released consumer guide outlines the produce items with the most amount of pesticide residue, as well as a list of the fruits and vegetables with the least amount. Tune in as we talk with EWG toxicologists, Dr. Alexis Temkin and Dr. Thomas Galligan about the information you need to make the best choices in the produce section of your grocery store.
Tune in as we talk with Janine Benyus about how she has helped some of the world’s top companies design for the future by drawing inspiration from 3.8 billion years of nature’s blueprint. Benyus has worked with companies like Boeing, Colgate-Palmolive, Nike, General Electric, Herman Miller, HOK architects, IDEO, Interface, Natura, Procter and Gamble, Levi’s, Kohler, and General Mills to create sustainable product designs. In 2010, BusinessWeek named Janine one of the World’s Most Influential Designers, and her work in biomimicry has been featured in Fortune, Forbes, Newsweek, Esquire, The Economist, Time, Wired, New York Times, Wall Street Journal, Nature, and more.
Farmland dominates the landscape and watersheds in the Midwest. The way that land is used and managed has profound effects on our health through the water we drink and the food we eat. Farming can actually make water cleaner and the environment healthier. Farms doing exactly that are scattered across the Midwest. Tune in to learn how the Environmental Working Group’s Midwest division is using remote-sensing, big data and landscape analysis to build pressure to change policy to heal the damage done by poor farming practices and to build excitement about how much healthier the environment could be through often simple changes in the way we farm.
Our guest today is Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow-in-Residence at the Post Carbon Institute. We will discuss what our future climate might mean for us and how we can prepare for the coming changes. Richard is an American journalist and educator who has written extensively on energy, economic, and ecological issues, including oil depletion. He is the author of 13 books, and presently serves as the senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute. Richard will draw on the extensive knowledge of the Institute and from his outstanding online video series, Think Resilience.
Globally acclaimed teacher Stephen Ritz shows readers how, in one of the nation’s poorest communities, his students thrive in school and in life by growing, cooking, eating, and sharing the bounty of their green classroom. His innovative program began by accident. When a flower broke up a brawl among burly teenagers at a tough South Bronx high school, Stephen saw a teachable moment to connect students with nature. By using plants as an entry point for all learning, he witnessed nothing short of a transformation. Attendance soared from 40 to 93 percent. Disciplinary issues plummeted. In a school with a 17 percent graduation rate and high crime rate, every one of his students finished school and stayed out of jail. More than 50,000 pounds of vegetables later, he has figured out how to bring the magic of gardening into the heart of the school day for students of all ages.Join us as Stephen shares his practical solutions for growing his favorite crop: organically grown citizens.
On December 21, 2018, we spoke with Dana Geffner, Executive Director of the Fair World Project, about Fair Trade issues for cocoa farmers. On today’s episode, we will focus on: what is happening in the fair trade movement today that is exciting; how fair trade is relevant in today's current political climate and is connected directly to current issues such as immigration; and how to make educated purchasing decisions.
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by species alive today. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies — new ways of living — that solve our greatest design challenges sustainably. The Biomimicry Institute was founded in 2006 by Janine Benyus and Bryony Schwan to share nature’s design lessons with the people who design and make our world, and empower people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. Today we’ll talk with the Executive Director of the Biomimicry Institute, Beth Rattner.
Feeding America is the nation’s largest domestic hunger-relief organization—a powerful and efficient network of 200 food banks across the country. As food insecurity rates hold steady at the highest levels ever, the Feeding America network of food banks has risen to meet the need. They feed 40 million people at risk of hunger, including 12 million children and 7 million seniors. But Feeding America also works to alleviate hunger with a focus on sustainability and environmental justice. Today we will discuss their work in America’s Food Deserts, as well as their work to keep edible food from going to waste.
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
Today we’ll be joined by Sydney Evans, Science Analyst with the Environmental Working Group, to discuss PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals”, which has been found in municipal water supplies across the U.S. Join us as we discuss the health effects of this family of toxins and steps you can take to protect your family.
CR Vasco da Gama (CRVG)—one of Brazil’s top football (soccer) teams—partnered with social impact startup VeganNation to promote sustainability initiatives within the sports industry. In recent months, VeganNation has gathered sports partners across Brazil—including soccer teams Remo, Paysandu, Iranduba, and Nacional Club, which are located near the Amazon rainforest, and legendary soccer player Cafu—to help it bring awareness and solutions to the waste generated by the global sporting industry. Tune in as we speak with Isaac Thomas, co-founder and CEO of VeganNation about his company and how you can join the movement!
California has a compelling need to reduce pollutant emissions to reach health-based ambient air quality goals. The South Coast Air Quality Management District and the San Joaquin Valley Air Pollution Control District are currently in extreme non-attainment of the eight-hour federal ozone standard, and in non-attainment for the 24-hour PM2.5 standard. A recent study found that converting medium and heavy duty transportation vehicles to electricity would not only dramatically reduce air pollution, but would also create more jobs than vehicles that run on other fuels. Tune in as we discuss the study with Eileen Tutt, Executive Director of the California Electric Transportation Coalition and Simon Mui, Senior Scientist, Climate & Clean Energy Program, Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC).
California Governor Gavin Newsom recently released his proposed 2020-21 budget, securing critical ongoing support for schools and farmers to collectively advance local, climate-smart procurement, education, and experiential learning in school gardens. The Governor is advocating for more freshly prepared California-grown meals on students’ plates, more training opportunities for food service staff, and more opportunities to engage and educate students about where their food comes from and how it reaches the table. The Center for Ecoliteracy worked in close partnership with a coalition of allied organizations to advance this level of targeted funding and increased investment in school nutrition, labor, and farms. On today’s episode, we’ll talk with Adam Kesselman, Executive Director of the Center for Ecoliteracy about why this is good news for California students!
In June 2012, Alameda County in California became the first local government body to pass a safe drug disposal ordinance that would hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the safe collection and disposal of unused medications from the public. Now San Francisco and numerous additional local governments are on the cusp of doing the same. Today we’ll talk with former Center for Disease Control physician, Dr. Matt Willis; Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the CA Product Stewardship Council; Guillermo Rodriguez of the San Francisco Department of the Environment; and Conor Johnston, from the office of the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
According to this week’s Go Green Radio guest, more than half of the world’s population currently lives in an urban environment, and that number is expected to rise to 70% by the year 2050. In his most recent article for Fast Company, Trung Le writes, “These urban centers are supported by a diversity of interconnected systems and infrastructure that enhance the human condition (i.e. employment, culture, housing, education, transportation, public safety, healthcare, energy and technology)… But there is always a weak link, and in this instance, the weakest link in many of the leading urban economies is preK-12 education. Education is critical to a thriving urban center, so why are urban education systems in distress? Better yet: What can we do to change this fate? What does an urban preK-12 physical environment look like in the third millennium?” According to Le, creating sustainable schools that follow the International Living Building Institute guidelines is a critical component in answering these questions. Tune in to Go Green Radio this week to learn more about how Trung Le is helping to put this theory into practice at an urban school in Chicago.
If you are concerned with your family’s health and the environment you leave to the next generation, then it’s time to consider the impact that factory farming is having on both. Today’s guest has been hailed “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine. Gene Baur is the President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary, an organization that is on a mission to protect farm animals from cruelty, inspire change in the way society views and treats farm animals, and promote compassionate vegan living. Even if you love steak and cheeseburgers, there are ways you can help minimize the ill effects of factory farms on animals, the environment and your own health. Tune in to learn how to eat in alignment with your values.
Today we’ll be joined by Sydney Evans, Science Analyst with the Environmental Working Group, to discuss PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals”, which has been found in municipal water supplies across the U.S. Join us as we discuss the health effects of this family of toxins and steps you can take to protect your family.
The levels of lead in Newark, New Jersey’s drinking water are some of the highest recently recorded by a large water system in the United States. Experts agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Pregnant women and children are most at risk: Even low lead levels are associated with serious, irreversible damage to developing brains and nervous systems. For years, the city has had the greatest number of lead-poisoned children in New Jersey. This likely stems from a variety of exposures to lead, including from contaminated tap water and other sources. Indeed, 2016 tests revealed 30 public schools with elevated water lead levels. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), together with the Newark Education Workers Caucus, is fighting in court to ensure that the residents of Newark have access to safe, clean drinking water every time they turn on the tap. Tune in as we speak with Mae Wu, Senior Attorney for the NRDC’s Health Program.
Today we’ll be joined by Sydney Evans, Science Analyst with the Environmental Working Group, to discuss PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals”, which has been found in municipal water supplies across the U.S. Join us as we discuss the health effects of this family of toxins and steps you can take to protect your family.
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) released its highly-anticipated K-12 school-focused CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0. The third edition builds upon the CHPS 2014 Core Criteria. It incorporates recent developments in construction and building materials technology and adds additional credits addressing lowering school buildings’ carbon footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resiliency to climate change. The national CHPS Core Criteria, and its state and regional versions, are the first green building rating programs developed especially for school learning environments. Since CHPS’ founding in 1999, these guidelines continue to be the only school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools. Our guests today are Elisabeth Krautscheid, CHPS Managing Director, and Lisa Dunnebacke, CHPS Communications & Membership Director.
Our guest today is Seth Terry, Ph.D, head of Customer Experience at Emporia Energy, and we’ll be talking about their new residential energy monitoring device, Vue. The Vue is a low-cost solution that helps consumers track home energy use at the individual appliance level. The user-friendly app helps you see what appliances are contributing most to your monthly energy bill, and helps you take real-time action to conserve energy with a click on your smart phone. Tune in to learn more about this simple way to save money, time and energy!
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
Our guest today is Gamal Sherif, Program Manager for Texas-based nonprofit, EcoRise. We will discuss a new program to help high school students attain LEED, Green Associate credential through the U.S. Green Building Council. This credential is recognized as an international standard of green building concept knowledge on topics such as indoor air quality, water efficiency, energy efficiency and much more. EcoRise is working with high school teachers and their students to create a workforce that is ready to create 21st century buildings that are healthier for occupants and the environment. Tune in to learn how to bring this fantastic program to a high school near you!
On March 26, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Challenge visited Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)’s Showcase Project Santee Education Complex, to recognize LAUSD for the energy productivity advances made in its schools. Better Buildings Partner LAUSD opened the 338,000-square-foot Santee Education Complex in July 2005 as the first new four-year high school for the Los Angeles Unified School District in more than 35 years. Santee is on schedule to achieve 30% annual energy savings this year. As a result of these upgrades, the school expects to achieve a 23% annual cost savings, equal to more than $195,000 yearly. Tune in as we speak with Maria T. Vargas, Director of the Better Buildings Challenge at the Department of Energy, and Christos Chrysiliou, Director of Architectural & Engineering Services at LAUSD.
Paul Rosolie is a naturalist, explorer, author, and award-winning wildlife filmmaker. For the past decade he has specialized in threatened ecosystems and species in countries like Indonesia, Brazil, India, and Peru.. He has also spent extensive time traveling with poachers documenting the illegal trade in endangered species. Rosolie’s memoir on Amazonian wildlife and exploration, Mother of God, was hailed as “gripping” by Jane Goodall, and the Wall Street Journal applauded Rosolie’s environmental call-to-arms for its “rare immediacy and depth.” His conservation writing has appeared in National Geographic, The Huffington Post and The Guardian. In 2013, Rosolie spoke at the United Nations global Forum on Forests while accepting an award for his Amazonian wildlife short-film An Unseen World. His latest book, “The Girl and the Tiger” is already being hailed as the 21st Century Jungle Book.
Never worry about a power outage again. Panasonic Solar has a new solution for consumers who want an eco-friendly, energy independent home: EverVolt™. This new residential energy storage system can be tailored to a homeowner's individual needs, offering both AC and DC coupled options, as well as options to scale down to as little as 5.7kWh of energy storage or expanded to 34.2kWh. Tune in as we talk with Dan Glaser, senior sales engineer for Panasonic!
In the upcoming motion picture, Dark Waters, actor Mark Ruffalo plays the character inspired by Robert Bilott, a lawyer specializing in helping big corporations stay on the right side of environmental laws and regulations. His life took an unexpected turn when a West Virginia farmer named Earl Tennant called. He was convinced his cattle were being poisoned by runoff from a neighboring DuPont landfill. Rob ultimately gains access to hundreds of thousands of pages of DuPont documents that reveal the company has been holding onto decades of studies proving the harmful effects of a chemical called PFOA, used in making Teflon. More toxic than lead, PFOA is often called a “forever chemical,” because once it gets inside the human body, it remains there, building up faster than the body can excrete it. What starts as the case of one farmer soon spawns a shocking realization that virtually every person on the planet has been exposed to PFOA and carries the chemical in his or her blood.
Energy efficiency is the fastest-growing segment of U.S. energy-sector employment, now employing more than 2.3 million Americans, according to a new analysis from E4TheFuture and the national, nonpartisan business group E2 (Environmental Entrepreneurs). Energy efficiency workers now account for 28% of all U.S. energy jobs. The new report, Energy Efficiency Jobs in America, finds energy efficiency jobs grew 3.4 percent in 2018 –more than double the rate of growth for overall jobs nationwide — with 7.8% growth projected for 2019. Not a single state saw declines in energy efficiency employment in 2018. Tune in as we discuss the report with energy efficiency experts from Lever Energy Capital, Energy Optimizers, E2, and E4TheFuture!
CleanChoice Energy, a renewable energy company that empowers people and businesses to cut emissions and live cleaner lives, has launched a new product to provide solar lanterns to families in need around the world. For every customer that makes the switch to clean energy through the Clean Lights Plan, CleanChoice Energy will send a solar lantern to families in need. An estimated 1.1 billion people – 14% of the global population – do not have access to electricity according to the International Energy Agency.
Tune in as we talk with Kate Colarulli, VP, Retention Marketing and PR for CleanChoice Energy about this program and many more offered by the company.
Paul Rosolie is a naturalist, explorer, author, and award-winning wildlife filmmaker. For the past decade he has specialized in threatened ecosystems and species in countries like Indonesia, Brazil, India, and Peru.. He has also spent extensive time traveling with poachers documenting the illegal trade in endangered species. Rosolie’s memoir on Amazonian wildlife and exploration, Mother of God, was hailed as “gripping” by Jane Goodall, and the Wall Street Journal applauded Rosolie’s environmental call-to-arms for its “rare immediacy and depth.” His conservation writing has appeared in National Geographic, The Huffington Post and The Guardian. In 2013, Rosolie spoke at the United Nations global Forum on Forests while accepting an award for his Amazonian wildlife short-film An Unseen World. His latest book, “The Girl and the Tiger” is already being hailed as the 21st Century Jungle Book.
What does it mean to recycle plastic? Where does it go, and what is the process for transforming a recyclable plastic bottle or jug into a new product? The answer may shock you. A Guardian report from 11 countries tracks how US waste makes its way across the world – and overwhelms the poorest nations. Today we will be joined by Erin McCormick, one of the U.S.-based journalists for The Guardian working on a new series of articles entitled, “United States of Plastic.” Tune in as she discusses this groundbreaking investigation.
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) released its highly-anticipated K-12 school-focused CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0. The third edition builds upon the CHPS 2014 Core Criteria. It incorporates recent developments in construction and building materials technology and adds additional credits addressing lowering school buildings’ carbon footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resiliency to climate change. The national CHPS Core Criteria, and its state and regional versions, are the first green building rating programs developed especially for school learning environments. Since CHPS’ founding in 1999, these guidelines continue to be the only school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools. Our guests today are Elisabeth Krautscheid, CHPS Managing Director, and Lisa Dunnebacke, CHPS Communications & Membership Director.
Our guest today is Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow-in-Residence at the Post Carbon Institute. We will discuss what our future climate might mean for us and how we can prepare for the coming changes. Richard is an American journalist and educator who has written extensively on energy, economic, and ecological issues, including oil depletion. He is the author of 13 books, and presently serves as the senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute. Richard will draw on the extensive knowledge of the Institute and from his outstanding online video series, Think Resilience.
On December 21, 2018, we spoke with Dana Geffner, Executive Director of the Fair World Project, about Fair Trade issues for cocoa farmers. On today’s episode, we will focus on: what is happening in the fair trade movement today that is exciting; how fair trade is relevant in today's current political climate and is connected directly to current issues such as immigration; and how to make educated purchasing decisions.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary wants the world to go vegan. It’s who they are; it’s what they do. It’s why hundreds of rescued farm animals call this place home, and why the Sanctuary opens its gates to thousands of visitors each year. Written with love and authenticity, Compassionate Cuisine tells—through its food—the story of one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal sanctuaries. In the book, Chef Linda Soper-Kolton and Chef Sara Boan, the Sanctuary’s vegan chefs, bring its culinary program, Compassionate Cuisine, to life through an array of recipes intended to inspire and delight. Now, home cooks everywhere can savor and devour the same delicious and compassionate cuisine in their own kitchens. Tune in as we talk with Kathy Stevens, co-founder of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and Linda Soper-Kolton about their new book!
What does it mean to recycle plastic? Where does it go, and what is the process for transforming a recyclable plastic bottle or jug into a new product? The answer may shock you. A Guardian report from 11 countries tracks how US waste makes its way across the world – and overwhelms the poorest nations. Today we will be joined by Erin McCormick, one of the U.S.-based journalists for The Guardian working on a new series of articles entitled, “United States of Plastic.” Tune in as she discusses this groundbreaking investigation.
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) released its highly-anticipated K-12 school-focused CHPS 2019 Core Criteria 3.0. The third edition builds upon the CHPS 2014 Core Criteria. It incorporates recent developments in construction and building materials technology and adds additional credits addressing lowering school buildings’ carbon footprint through the reduction of greenhouse gas emissions and promoting resiliency to climate change. The national CHPS Core Criteria, and its state and regional versions, are the first green building rating programs developed especially for school learning environments. Since CHPS’ founding in 1999, these guidelines continue to be the only school-specific rating system that prioritizes student performance in its monitoring and benchmarking tools. Our guests today are Elisabeth Krautscheid, CHPS Managing Director, and Lisa Dunnebacke, CHPS Communications & Membership Director.
Summer is the season for parties! Graduation parties, Father’s Day, and the 4th of July are just a few of the many dates we’ll be hosting get-togethers with family and friends. Even if you have some strategies for “going green” at your parties, today we promise you’ll learn several more. Our guest today is Andrea Fowler, Entertainment Editor of The Bash, and she will walk us through some of her best ideas to help you throw the greenest bash on the block!
A new PBS documentary, Inventing Tomorrow, follows six young scientists from Indonesia, Hawaii, India and Mexico as they tackle some of the most complex environmental issues facing humanity today—right in their own backyards. Each student is preparing original scientific research that they will defend at ISEF, the Intel International Science and Engineering Fair. Against the backdrop of today’s most pressing environmental threats, we immerse the audience in a global view of the planetary crisis, through the eyes of the generation that will be affected by it most. The film debuts on July 29, and on today’s episode we’ll talk with the film’s director, Laura Nix, and one of the teens featured in the film, Sahithi Pingali.
According to the California Department of Water Resources, about 12% of the state’s total energy consumption is related to moving, treating and heating/cooling water. The sources of energy used to power these water activities is directly tied to the volume of greenhouse gases emitted into the atmosphere. Southern California’s allotment of water from the State Water Project has a much higher energy intensity than other parts of the state. Today we will talk with two water management experts about California’s water/energy nexus and large proposed projects in southern California that will save energy and water and limit the transport of water across the state. Projects include a greater use of local water supplies and water recycling. Water and energy savings projections will be shared.
CleanChoice Energy, a renewable energy company that empowers people and businesses to cut emissions and live cleaner lives, has launched a new product to provide solar lanterns to families in need around the world. For every customer that makes the switch to clean energy through the Clean Lights Plan, CleanChoice Energy will send a solar lantern to families in need. An estimated 1.1 billion people – 14% of the global population – do not have access to electricity according to the International Energy Agency.
Tune in as we talk with Kate Colarulli, VP, Retention Marketing and PR for CleanChoice Energy about this program and many more offered by the company.
As climate change continues to progress, droughts and floods are expected to become increasingly common. In many parts of the country, our nation’s water infrastructure is inadequate and antiquated. Comprehensive solutions are daunting, but rainwater harvesting is an action that many residents can take that will have a substantial impact on their community water systems. Harvesting rainwater has multiple benefits – stormwater management, reduced energy costs, and free water for irrigating gardens and landscaping. On today’s show, we’ll hear expert advice on how to integrate rainwater harvesting projects in a variety of locations, from the backyard to urban public spaces.
Catskill Animal Sanctuary wants the world to go vegan. It’s who they are; it’s what they do. It’s why hundreds of rescued farm animals call this place home, and why the Sanctuary opens its gates to thousands of visitors each year. Written with love and authenticity, Compassionate Cuisine tells—through its food—the story of one of the country’s oldest and most respected animal sanctuaries. In the book, Chef Linda Soper-Kolton and Chef Sara Boan, the Sanctuary’s vegan chefs, bring its culinary program, Compassionate Cuisine, to life through an array of recipes intended to inspire and delight. Now, home cooks everywhere can savor and devour the same delicious and compassionate cuisine in their own kitchens. Tune in as we talk with Kathy Stevens, co-founder of the Catskill Animal Sanctuary, and Linda Soper-Kolton about their new book!
For school districts, every dollar spent on waste hauling is a dollar that could be used in the classroom. In many school districts the rates for garbage, recycling and organics services is going up, and today we will talk about a smart, proven way for schools to save substantial amounts of money on their waste hauling bill. Our guest today is Jodi Taitt, founder and principal of the waste diversion consulting firm, EcoConsilium, and a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor certified by Green Business Certification, Inc. She will discuss the methods she has used to help schools minimize waste and reduce costs.
Natural Habitat Adventures is spearheading the world’s first zero waste trip—a travel-industry first. On the July 6-12, 2019 departure of Safari America: Yellowstone Country, 14 travelers will join this pioneering endeavor in which Nat Hab’s goal is to divert (refuse, recycle, compost, upcycle, or re-use) 99 percent or more of all waste produced as part of Nat Hab-sponsored trip operations. With the World’s First Zero Waste Adventure, Nat Hab aims to fit all waste produced on the trip into a single small container at the end, nearly eliminating the need to send any materials to a landfill or incinerator. Trip leaders will encourage travelers to refuse potential waste whenever possible, such as declining disposable straws or individually packaged condiments, minimizing the waste they produce along the route while in vehicles, lodges and camps throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Tune in as we talk with Nat Hab’s Director of Sustainability, Court Whelan.
Summer is the season for parties! Graduation parties, Father’s Day, and the 4th of July are just a few of the many dates we’ll be hosting get-togethers with family and friends. Even if you have some strategies for “going green” at your parties, today we promise you’ll learn several more. Our guest today is Andrea Fowler, Entertainment Editor of The Bash, and she will walk us through some of her best ideas to help you throw the greenest bash on the block!
Asheville, North Carolina declared the week of June 4-10 as the nation's first city-proclaimed seven-day vegan challenge. Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a proclamation encouraging “all citizens, businesses and institutions to participate in the 7-Day Vegan Challenge to promote good health, Animal Justice, Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Climate Justice.” The challenge was organized by the City of Asheville, regional hospital, Mission Health, and no-kill shelter, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Tune in as we speak with Paul Berry, Executive Director for Brother Wolf about this unique event!
Dr. Jason Bradford, a farmer, biologist and board president of Post Carbon Institute, released a report earlier this spring called, The Future Is Rural: Food System Adaptations to the Great Simplification. In the report Dr. Bradford acknowledges that our modern food system is entirely unsustainable. But, he then takes the argument one step further and considers key, commonly overlooked factors that would logistically prevent simply replacing fossil fuels with renewable energy in order to maintain our food system as it is today. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Bradford about his report and an upcoming event designed to identify and discuss key leverage points where individuals and communities can most effectively shift our food system towards long-term sustainability through greater energy efficiency and localization.
According to John Piotti, president and CEO of the American Farmland Trust (AFT), the U.S. is losing farmland at a rate of three acres a minute – 31 million acres between 1992 and 2012 alone. AFT is the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food® and today we’ll be talking with senior AFT representatives about their view on the 2018 Farm Bill and its effectiveness in protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.
Our guest today is Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow-in-Residence at the Post Carbon Institute. We will discuss what our future climate might mean for us and how we can prepare for the coming changes. Richard is an American journalist and educator who has written extensively on energy, economic, and ecological issues, including oil depletion. He is the author of 13 books, and presently serves as the senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute. Richard will draw on the extensive knowledge of the Institute and from his outstanding online video series, Think Resilience.
On December 21, 2018, we spoke with Dana Geffner, Executive Director of the Fair World Project, about Fair Trade issues for cocoa farmers. On today’s episode, we will focus on: what is happening in the fair trade movement today that is exciting; how fair trade is relevant in today's current political climate and is connected directly to current issues such as immigration; and how to make educated purchasing decisions.
Green America marked a major milestone this month: over 1,000 registered Climate Victory Gardens in the U.S equal 140 football fields of healthy plants that are healing the soil. Green America took note of the occasion to release Climate Victory Gardening 101: A toolkit for growing healthy food for a healthy planet. The Climate Victory Garden 101 Toolkit details step-by-step instructions for planting a Climate Victory Garden and 10 carbon capturing practices. Climate Victory Gardens were inspired by the “Victory Gardens” planted during WWI and WWII. By 1944, nearly 20 million victory gardens produced eight million tons of food to feed Americans at home and for the troops abroad. The Climate Victory Garden campaign seeks to recreate this spirit to empower Americans to take immediate action on climate change, right in their own backyards.
On March 26, the U.S. Department of Energy’s (DOE) Better Buildings Challenge visited Los Angeles Unified School District (LAUSD)’s Showcase Project Santee Education Complex, to recognize LAUSD for the energy productivity advances made in its schools. Better Buildings Partner LAUSD opened the 338,000-square-foot Santee Education Complex in July 2005 as the first new four-year high school for the Los Angeles Unified School District in more than 35 years. Santee is on schedule to achieve 30% annual energy savings this year. As a result of these upgrades, the school expects to achieve a 23% annual cost savings, equal to more than $195,000 yearly. Tune in as we speak with Maria T. Vargas, Director of the Better Buildings Challenge at the Department of Energy, and Christos Chrysiliou, Director of Architectural & Engineering Services at LAUSD.
CleanChoice Energy, a renewable energy company that empowers people and businesses to cut emissions and live cleaner lives, has launched a new product to provide solar lanterns to families in need around the world. For every customer that makes the switch to clean energy through the Clean Lights Plan, CleanChoice Energy will send a solar lantern to families in need. An estimated 1.1 billion people – 14% of the global population – do not have access to electricity according to the International Energy Agency.
Tune in as we talk with Kate Colarulli, VP, Retention Marketing and PR for CleanChoice Energy about this program and many more offered by the company.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a free program available to all public schools in the Garden State that want to “go green” and conserve natural resources. The program offers training, grants and certification opportunities. The program was launched in 2014 and encompasses three vital components of sustainability: people – contribute to a strong civil society that provides opportunity for all; prosperity – support local economies and wise use of community resources; and planet – practice responsible environmental management and conservation. Tune in as we talk with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program Director, Heather McCall; Dr. Michael Salvatore, Superintendent of Long Branch Public Schools; and four educators in the Long Branch School District.
Asheville, North Carolina declared the week of June 4-10 as the nation's first city-proclaimed seven-day vegan challenge. Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a proclamation encouraging “all citizens, businesses and institutions to participate in the 7-Day Vegan Challenge to promote good health, Animal Justice, Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Climate Justice.” The challenge was organized by the City of Asheville, regional hospital, Mission Health, and no-kill shelter, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Tune in as we speak with Paul Berry, Executive Director for Brother Wolf about this unique event!
The challenges facing American fishermen, ranging from declining quotas to disputed science to fleet consolidation, are highlighted in a new Netflix documentary series. Rotten, “travels deep into the heart of the food supply chain to reveal unsavory truths and expose hidden forces that shape what we eat.” The series’ sixth and final episode, “Cod is Dead,” focuses on the domestic seafood industry, and the business and regulatory climate that has made it increasingly difficult for fishermen to make a living. The episode interviews fishermen, scientists, environmentalists, and other stakeholders, with special emphasis placed on industry members in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Tune in as we talk about the issues raised in ‘Cod is Dead’ with Bob Vanasse, Executive Director of Saving Seafood.
Our guest today is Richard Heinberg, Senior Fellow-in-Residence at the Post Carbon Institute. We will discuss what our future climate might mean for us and how we can prepare for the coming changes. Richard is an American journalist and educator who has written extensively on energy, economic, and ecological issues, including oil depletion. He is the author of 13 books, and presently serves as the senior fellow at the Post Carbon Institute. Richard will draw on the extensive knowledge of the Institute and from his outstanding online video series, Think Resilience.
Sustainable Jersey for Schools is a free program available to all public schools in the Garden State that want to “go green” and conserve natural resources. The program offers training, grants and certification opportunities. The program was launched in 2014 and encompasses three vital components of sustainability: people – contribute to a strong civil society that provides opportunity for all; prosperity – support local economies and wise use of community resources; and planet – practice responsible environmental management and conservation. Tune in as we talk with the Sustainable Jersey for Schools Program Director, Heather McCall; Dr. Michael Salvatore, Superintendent of Long Branch Public Schools; and four educators in the Long Branch School District.
10 BILLION - WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?, a new film by Valentin Thurn, and Winner of the Social Justice Award for Documentary at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.
In 2050, the population of the world is set to hit a staggering 10 billion. This is a huge increase on today’s figure of seven billion, and according to a range of experts and the food industry, it will contribute to serious food shortages. In his search for solutions to this acute problem, filmmaker, bestselling author and self-proclaimed “food fighter” Valentin Thurn travels the world in search of ecologically and economically responsible alternatives to the mass means by which most of our food is currently produced. Tune in as we talk with Valentin on this episode!
The levels of lead in Newark, New Jersey’s drinking water are some of the highest recently recorded by a large water system in the United States. Experts agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Pregnant women and children are most at risk: Even low lead levels are associated with serious, irreversible damage to developing brains and nervous systems. For years, the city has had the greatest number of lead-poisoned children in New Jersey. This likely stems from a variety of exposures to lead, including from contaminated tap water and other sources. Indeed, 2016 tests revealed 30 public schools with elevated water lead levels. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), together with the Newark Education Workers Caucus, is fighting in court to ensure that the residents of Newark have access to safe, clean drinking water every time they turn on the tap. Tune in as we speak with Mae Wu, Senior Attorney for the NRDC’s Health Program.
The End of the World, in collaboration with HowStuffWorks, was one of the best new podcasts of 2018! The podcast is hosted by Josh Clark, co-host of the award-winning podcast Stuff You Should Know, and presented by iHeartMedia. On the show, Josh discusses the existential risks humankind faces and how new technology seeks to address them. He is joined by a number of experts across the podcast’s ten episodes, from astrobiologists to philosophers to economists and transhumanists. All ten episodes are available on Audible, iTunes, Spotify, and more. Clark’s compelling and insatiable curiosity will guide listeners through a dark debate around the astoundingly odd and unique nature of human intelligence and how that might either destroy or save the species. Tune in as we talk with Josh about what he has learned and his hopes for the future!
On December 21, 2018, we spoke with Dana Geffner, Executive Director of the Fair World Project, about Fair Trade issues for cocoa farmers. On today’s episode, we will focus on: what is happening in the fair trade movement today that is exciting; how fair trade is relevant in today's current political climate and is connected directly to current issues such as immigration; and how to make educated purchasing decisions.
California’s primary clean water supply, upon which 25 million people depend, is out of date, unreliable and inefficient. California’s largest supply of clean water is dependent on 50-year-old levees. Earthquakes, floods and rising sea levels could cause these levees to fail, putting the fresh water supply at risk from saltwater contamination. The current system is inefficient and cannot adequately capture and store water when it is available. The state is losing fresh water that could be used by farms, businesses and communities. Without an update to the water infrastructure, the environment and the state’s economy are at risk. Tune in today as we talk with Jeffrey Kightlinger, the General Manager of Metropolitan Water District, and Erin Mellon, Communications and Outreach Advisor at the California Natural Resources Agency.
According to John Piotti, president and CEO of the American Farmland Trust (AFT), the U.S. is losing farmland at a rate of three acres a minute – 31 million acres between 1992 and 2012 alone. AFT is the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food® and today we’ll be talking with senior AFT representatives about their view on the 2018 Farm Bill and its effectiveness in protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.
We have a worldwide trash epidemic. The average American disposes of 4.4 pounds of garbage per day, and our landfills hold 254 million tons of waste. What if there were a simple—and fun—way for you to make a difference? What if you could take charge of your own waste, reduce your carbon footprint, and make an individual impact on an already fragile environment?
A zero waste lifestyle is the answer—and Shia Su is living it. Every single piece of unrecyclable garbage Shia has produced in one year fits into a mason jar—and if it seems overwhelming, it isn’t! In her new book, Zero Waste, Shia demystifies and simplifies the zero waste lifestyle for the beginner, sharing practical advice, quick solutions, and tips and tricks that will make trash-free living fun and meaningful. Tune in as we talk with Shia on today’s episode!
Is bringing up a vegan baby unhealthy? The Smart Parent's Guide to Raising Vegan Kids is the ultimate vegan parenting manifesto that takes on this myth and answers all the other questions you’ve always wondered about—the vegan way. Raising ethically vegan children, in fact, lays the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent health for your child, the animals, and the planet. In this practical and tongue-in-cheek guide, Eric C. Lindstrom dishes the real talk and shares the unique challenges vegans face when starting their children from scratch, providing advice, tips, and tricks on how to raise compassionate, vegan children in all areas of life.
Fair World Project (FWP) recently released a new report providing an in-depth analysis of existing fair trade standards, and the group is calling on major retailer, Costco, to evaluate its buying practices for its private label cocoa products. Costco is the nation’s leader in organic product sales and is renowned for its treatment of its domestic workforce, with fair wages and generous benefits. The company has also made significant sustainability and sourcing commitments to reflect its social and environmental values. Given these commitments, FWP is calling on Costco to leverage its powerful supply chain to address the impacts of the climate crisis and a historically volatile market by sourcing cocoa using the certifications recommended in the new report.
According to John Piotti, president and CEO of the American Farmland Trust (AFT), the U.S. is losing farmland at a rate of three acres a minute – 31 million acres between 1992 and 2012 alone. AFT is the organization behind the national movement No Farms No Food® and today we’ll be talking with senior AFT representatives about their view on the 2018 Farm Bill and its effectiveness in protecting farmland, promoting environmentally sound farming practices and keeping farmers on the land.
California is first in the nation to establish a comprehensive, producer-funded take-back program to provide safe and convenient disposal options for both home-generated pharmaceutical drugs and sharps waste. Manufacturers of sharps, prescriptions, and over-the-counter medications will be required to create, fund, and participate in a statewide take-back system. Tune in as we talk with Heidi Sanborn, Senior Advisor and former Executive Director of the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), about new Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation in CA and what this could mean for the rest of the nation.
Recycling programs as we know it are at risk, because China, as one of the world’s biggest recycled goods buyers, has increased their standards for the recycled goods they will import. Standards have gotten so tough that even one dirty pizza box can contaminate tons of recyclable material and send them to the landfill. According to Republic Services, as much as 30% of the materials in the recycling stream are currently contaminated. So, what’s the solution? In the long-term, companies are improving technology to better sort and clean recycling. But for now, it’s more important than ever that people know what to recycle and how. The nation’s recycling model is broken, but it can be fixed. Republic Services has recently launched a new consumer campaign called Recycling Simplified, to discuss the general issues facing the recycling industry. It’s an important issue for every town in America– if people know the guidelines, they won’t risk ruining the recycled goods of others.
Natural Habitat Adventures is spearheading the world’s first zero waste trip—a travel-industry first. On the July 6-12, 2019 departure of Safari America: Yellowstone Country, 14 travelers will join this pioneering endeavor in which Nat Hab’s goal is to divert (refuse, recycle, compost, upcycle, or re-use) 99 percent or more of all waste produced as part of Nat Hab-sponsored trip operations. With the World’s First Zero Waste Adventure, Nat Hab aims to fit all waste produced on the trip into a single small container at the end, nearly eliminating the need to send any materials to a landfill or incinerator. Trip leaders will encourage travelers to refuse potential waste whenever possible, such as declining disposable straws or individually packaged condiments, minimizing the waste they produce along the route while in vehicles, lodges and camps throughout the Greater Yellowstone Ecosystem. Tune in as we talk with Nat Hab’s Director of Sustainability, Court Whelan.
The levels of lead in Newark, New Jersey’s drinking water are some of the highest recently recorded by a large water system in the United States. Experts agree that there is no safe level of lead exposure. Pregnant women and children are most at risk: Even low lead levels are associated with serious, irreversible damage to developing brains and nervous systems. For years, the city has had the greatest number of lead-poisoned children in New Jersey. This likely stems from a variety of exposures to lead, including from contaminated tap water and other sources. Indeed, 2016 tests revealed 30 public schools with elevated water lead levels. Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), together with the Newark Education Workers Caucus, is fighting in court to ensure that the residents of Newark have access to safe, clean drinking water every time they turn on the tap. Tune in as we speak with Mae Wu, Senior Attorney for the NRDC’s Health Program.
The CW has just launched a new Saturday morning show called, Ready, Set, Pet, hosted by Phil Torres. Phil has appeared on shows like Animal Planet and Discovery Channel, and has been published in Wired, BBC, National Geographic, WSJ, MSNBC, and more. Ready, Set, Pet will educate and inform teens and their families about pet adoption, responsible pet ownership, and the importance of a green space for pets. Each episode, Phil will guide a family through the pet adoption process after a careful look at their unique situation to help them make an informed decision in finding the right pet for their lifestyle. While the family visits local shelters and rescues, experts revitalize their outdoor space to make a safe and eco-friendly home for their new pet.. Ready, Set, Pet will teach viewers that thoughtful preparation is key when learning to care for an animal’s needs. Join us as we talk with Phil on today’s episode!
Recycling in the U.S. is highly dependent on the ability to export our recycling overseas. In California alone, 62 percent of the states’ recycling is exported to China. However, in July 2017, China announced a policy called National Sword, which limits the import of contaminated recyclable commodities and increases inspections of recyclable commodity imports.
Tune in as we speak with Zoe Heller, Assistant Director for Policy Development at the California Department of Resources Recycling, about how National Sword is impacting local recycling efforts across the U.S., and what investments would be required to create the domestic recycling infrastructure needed to keep U.S. recycling onshore.
Recycling programs as we know it are at risk, because China, as one of the world’s biggest recycled goods buyers, has increased their standards for the recycled goods they will import. Standards have gotten so tough that even one dirty pizza box can contaminate tons of recyclable material and send them to the landfill. According to Republic Services, as much as 30% of the materials in the recycling stream are currently contaminated. So, what’s the solution? In the long-term, companies are improving technology to better sort and clean recycling. But for now, it’s more important than ever that people know what to recycle and how. The nation’s recycling model is broken, but it can be fixed. Republic Services has recently launched a new consumer campaign called Recycling Simplified, to discuss the general issues facing the recycling industry. It’s an important issue for every town in America– if people know the guidelines, they won’t risk ruining the recycled goods of others.
Disenchanted with the mainstream environmental movement, a new, more radical kind of environmental activist emerged in the 1980s. Radical environmentalists used direct action, from blockades and tree-sits to industrial sabotage, to save a wild nature that they believed to be in a state of crisis. In The Ecocentrists, Keith Makoto Woodhouse offers a nuanced history of radical environmental thought and action in the late-twentieth-century United States. Focusing especially on the group Earth First!, Woodhouse discusses how the organization became increasingly at odds with movements focused on social justice and examines the implications of ecocentrism’s sweeping critique of human society for the future of environmental protection. The Ecocentrists is a groundbreaking intellectual history of environmental politics in the United States. Tune in as we talk with the author!
The area surrounding the Salton Sea is home to more than 650,000 people. As the water levels in the sea recede, the exposed lakebed dries up and the toxic dust blows across the vicinity, which has some of the highest asthma rates in the United States. In addition to the public health implications, shrinking water levels result in a higher salinity, which kills fish that many migratory birds depend on to fuel their migrations along the Pacific Flyway. In June 2018, California voters passed Proposition 68, a $4 billion state bond measure that will provide critical funding for state parks, clean water, climate change resilience, and wildlife habitat – including $200 million in funding to address the deterioration of the Salton Sea. Echoing this mandate from the electorate, the National Audubon Society urges the state of California to accelerate progress on the implementation of projects to reduce dust and stave off environmental degradation.
In his new book, WAGING JUSTICE, Dr. Paul Zeitz pens a searing memoir that takes the reader from his early years in Philadelphia as the son of a hard-working (and belligerent) hoagie-shop owner, through his journey rising up the ranks in government. We learn how he spearheaded a global charge against AIDS and climate change. Zeitz’s journey shows how personal transformation leads to global activism and acts like a much needed blueprint for our times. On today’s episode he’ll discuss his experience serving under the Obama and Trump Administrations as the Director of the Data Revolution for Sustainable Development at the US Department of State 2014-2017; working with global activist movements and advocates leaders like Alicia Keys, Desmond Tutu, Elie Wiesel, Graça Machel, and Bono on the global HIV/AIDS response; and solutions for solving our current global crises, such as the collapse of democracy, the climate crisis and the mass extinction underway.
This September 2018, policymakers from across the U.S. and around the world will gather in San Francisco, California, for the Global Climate Action Summit (GCAS). The Summit's stated goals are to encourage more action to achieve the aims of the Paris Climate Accord. The Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International, will be on the ground in-action and in solidarity with diverse allies from the global movement for climate justice throughout the week leading up to and during the Global Climate Action Summit. On Sept. 11, WECAN will host, ‘Women's Assembly for Climate Justice: Women Leading Solutions on the Frontlines of Climate Change’, which will be an extraordinary gathering of women leaders from across the United States and around the world. Tune in as we talk with the founder and Executive Director of WECAN, Osprey Orielle Lake!
Today we’re joined by Lois Gibbs, environmental health advocate made famous by her leadership during the Love Canal crisis in upstate New York, and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Mark Kitchell (Berkeley in the Sixties) to discuss his new documentary, A Fierce Green Fire, which spans 50 years of grassroots and global activism from the 1960s-2009 and connects the major causes of environmentalism: from the conservation movement and Sierra Club halting dams in the Grand Canyon to battling toxic waste at Love Canal (Niagara, NY); from alternative ecology strands like Greenpeace and its save the whales campaign to the rise of global resource crises like saving the Amazon rainforest; and the ongoing climate change effort. Narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd, Van Jones, Isabel Allende and Meryl Streep. A Fierce Green Fire, premiering nationally on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 9-10 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
Americans have lowered their energy consumption significantly in recent years, largely because of an increase in working from home. Remote work creates more environmentally sustainable workplaces by reducing congestion, lowering fuel consumption, minimizing construction, lessening pollution emissions, reducing the strain on transportation systems, and improving air quality. According to findings from FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics’ State of Telecommuting Report, the collective environmental and community impact from the current telecommuting population of 3.9 million telecommuters in the U.S. saves $1.5 billion a year. Today we will talk with Senior Career Specialist, Brie Reynolds, about the environmental impact of remote work in the U.S.
Food production depends on natural resources that are linked to climate and weather. Understanding the global food system can connect the dots between personal choices about food and climate change; by talking about food, we can demonstrate why climate change matters to all of us. The Center for Ecoliteracy has just launched two new resources that address this issue: • Understanding Food and Climate Change: An Interactive Guide uses video, photography, text, and interactive experiences to help educators, students, and advocates learn how food and climate interact and how personal choices can make a difference. • The companion publication, Understanding Food and Climate Change: A Systems Perspective, explores the links between food systems and our changing climate with an emphasis on systems thinking.
Tune in as we talk with guests from the Center for Ecoliteracy about these fantastic resources!
The area surrounding the Salton Sea is home to more than 650,000 people. As the water levels in the sea recede, the exposed lakebed dries up and the toxic dust blows across the vicinity, which has some of the highest asthma rates in the United States. In addition to the public health implications, shrinking water levels result in a higher salinity, which kills fish that many migratory birds depend on to fuel their migrations along the Pacific Flyway. In June 2018, California voters passed Proposition 68, a $4 billion state bond measure that will provide critical funding for state parks, clean water, climate change resilience, and wildlife habitat – including $200 million in funding to address the deterioration of the Salton Sea. Echoing this mandate from the electorate, the National Audubon Society urges the state of California to accelerate progress on the implementation of projects to reduce dust and stave off environmental degradation.
We have a worldwide trash epidemic. The average American disposes of 4.4 pounds of garbage per day, and our landfills hold 254 million tons of waste. What if there were a simple—and fun—way for you to make a difference? What if you could take charge of your own waste, reduce your carbon footprint, and make an individual impact on an already fragile environment?
A zero waste lifestyle is the answer—and Shia Su is living it. Every single piece of unrecyclable garbage Shia has produced in one year fits into a mason jar—and if it seems overwhelming, it isn’t! In her new book, Zero Waste, Shia demystifies and simplifies the zero waste lifestyle for the beginner, sharing practical advice, quick solutions, and tips and tricks that will make trash-free living fun and meaningful. Tune in as we talk with Shia on today’s episode!
Is bringing up a vegan baby unhealthy? The Smart Parent's Guide to Raising Vegan Kids is the ultimate vegan parenting manifesto that takes on this myth and answers all the other questions you’ve always wondered about—the vegan way. Raising ethically vegan children, in fact, lays the groundwork for a lifetime of excellent health for your child, the animals, and the planet. In this practical and tongue-in-cheek guide, Eric C. Lindstrom dishes the real talk and shares the unique challenges vegans face when starting their children from scratch, providing advice, tips, and tricks on how to raise compassionate, vegan children in all areas of life.
In her new book, Simple Acts to Save Our Planet, Michelle Neff shows us how to be more active in saving our planet every day by performing some “Simple Acts of Kindness”—for the Earth.
Treat the environment with kindness with these easy, manageable activities that range from simple home updates, to gardening basics, to supporting the local community. You’ll learn simple techniques to help protect the planet every day, like starting a compost pile to reduce food waste, utilizing travel mugs and reusable containers, and choosing eco-friendly products. By working to implement these simple strategies into your everyday life, you can take an active stand to protect the environment now— and make a real difference for the future. Tune in as we talk with the book’s author, Michelle Neff!
Virtually every American city and town has an insurmountable backlog of infrastructure maintenance and replacement. In addition, cities from coast to coast are grappling with the worsening effects of climate change, such as stronger storms and greater temperature and precipitation extremes. After the unexpected devastation of Superstorm Sandy in October 2012, the popular notion took hold that cities needed to build their resilience—specifically, to be able to “bounce back” from the future impacts of worsening climate change. Communities are the ideal level of focus for building resilience because the particular powers held at the state and local government levels in the United States make this kind of work possible and because regular people can most effectively be involved at this level. Tune in as we speak with Daniel Lerch of the Post Carbon Institute about their new publication, The Community Resilience Reader.
Asheville, North Carolina declared the week of June 4-10 as the nation's first city-proclaimed seven-day vegan challenge. Mayor Esther Manheimer signed a proclamation encouraging “all citizens, businesses and institutions to participate in the 7-Day Vegan Challenge to promote good health, Animal Justice, Social Justice, Environmental Justice and Climate Justice.” The challenge was organized by the City of Asheville, regional hospital, Mission Health, and no-kill shelter, Brother Wolf Animal Rescue. Tune in as we speak with Paul Berry, Executive Director for Brother Wolf about this unique event!
Sometimes the most heated debates are among people who almost agree. That seems to be the case with the recent Jacobson-Clack controversy, in which two groups of well-intentioned, renewable energy advocates bitterly spar over differing paths to a 100% renewable energy future. But as PCI Senior Fellow Richard Heinberg points out in his latest essay, neither side is considering one of the most crucial aspects to successfully reaching that future. Tune in to hear Richard's take on the controversy and decide for yourself who offers the clearest path forward.
Steve Jurovics’ new book HOSPITABLE PLANET: FAITH, ACTION, AND CLIMATE CHANGE provides a biblically-based case for climate change as a religious/spiritual issue as well as an environmental one; discusses 10 measures to mitigate it, and advocates an environmental rights movement, akin to the civil rights movement, to push for change. Steve holds BS and MS degrees from Columbia University and a PhD in Engineering from the University of Southern California. He has had about 20 technical papers published over the years and given numerous presentations at professional conferences. Aspects of climate change mitigation have been the focus of his engineering work for more than two decades. The increasing severity of environmental problems led him, out of spiritual curiosity, to research the environmental teachings in the Bible. Tune in as with talk with Steve about his new book!
By removing plastic from your home, you can reduce your environmental footprint, minimize threats to wildlife, support local businesses and live a healthier, simpler life. In their new book, Life Without Plastic, Jay Sinha and Chantal Plamondon show readers how to analyze their personal plastic use, find alternatives and create easy replacements. Tune in as we talk with the authors about their step-by-step guide to avoiding plastic to keep your family and the planet healthy.
We have a worldwide trash epidemic. The average American disposes of 4.4 pounds of garbage per day, and our landfills hold 254 million tons of waste. What if there were a simple—and fun—way for you to make a difference? What if you could take charge of your own waste, reduce your carbon footprint, and make an individual impact on an already fragile environment?
A zero waste lifestyle is the answer—and Shia Su is living it. Every single piece of unrecyclable garbage Shia has produced in one year fits into a mason jar—and if it seems overwhelming, it isn’t! In her new book, Zero Waste, Shia demystifies and simplifies the zero waste lifestyle for the beginner, sharing practical advice, quick solutions, and tips and tricks that will make trash-free living fun and meaningful. Tune in as we talk with Shia on today’s episode!
Food production depends on natural resources that are linked to climate and weather. Understanding the global food system can connect the dots between personal choices about food and climate change; by talking about food, we can demonstrate why climate change matters to all of us. The Center for Ecoliteracy has just launched two new resources that address this issue: • Understanding Food and Climate Change: An Interactive Guide uses video, photography, text, and interactive experiences to help educators, students, and advocates learn how food and climate interact and how personal choices can make a difference. • The companion publication, Understanding Food and Climate Change: A Systems Perspective, explores the links between food systems and our changing climate with an emphasis on systems thinking.
Tune in as we talk with guests from the Center for Ecoliteracy about these fantastic resources!
Americans have lowered their energy consumption significantly in recent years, largely because of an increase in working from home. Remote work creates more environmentally sustainable workplaces by reducing congestion, lowering fuel consumption, minimizing construction, lessening pollution emissions, reducing the strain on transportation systems, and improving air quality. According to findings from FlexJobs and Global Workplace Analytics’ State of Telecommuting Report, the collective environmental and community impact from the current telecommuting population of 3.9 million telecommuters in the U.S. saves $1.5 billion a year. Today we will talk with Senior Career Specialist, Brie Reynolds, about the environmental impact of remote work in the U.S.
Today we’ll be talking with an innovative CEO that is looking to change the way glass is recycled in the U.S. George Valiotis is the Founder and CEO of Pace Glass Recycling. They will soon have the largest facility for recycled glass in the world and are making great strides to revise a very outdated business model. Pace Glass has found ways to recycle glass that most others cannot, such as colored or dirty glass, and they have set a goal to recover, process and reuse every shard of glass available and in doing so, create a greener tomorrow.
The 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics (the Guide) was recently released by Greenpeace USA, with rankings of seventeen of the world's leading consumer electronics companies on sustainable manufacturing and design of IT products. Companies were evaluated based on their transparency, commitment, performance and advocacy efforts in three critical areas: reduction of greenhouse gases through renewable energy; use of recycled materials; and elimination of hazardous chemicals. Tune in as we talk with Gary Cook, Senior IT Campaigner at Greenpeace USA, about how the electronics companies you support ranked.
10 BILLION - WHAT’S ON YOUR PLATE?, a new film by Valentin Thurn, and Winner of the Social Justice Award for Documentary at the Santa Barbara Film Festival.
In 2050, the population of the world is set to hit a staggering 10 billion. This is a huge increase on today’s figure of seven billion, and according to a range of experts and the food industry, it will contribute to serious food shortages. In his search for solutions to this acute problem, filmmaker, bestselling author and self-proclaimed “food fighter” Valentin Thurn travels the world in search of ecologically and economically responsible alternatives to the mass means by which most of our food is currently produced. Tune in as we talk with Valentin on this episode!
In her new book, Simple Acts to Save Our Planet, Michelle Neff shows us how to be more active in saving our planet every day by performing some “Simple Acts of Kindness”—for the Earth.
Treat the environment with kindness with these easy, manageable activities that range from simple home updates, to gardening basics, to supporting the local community. You’ll learn simple techniques to help protect the planet every day, like starting a compost pile to reduce food waste, utilizing travel mugs and reusable containers, and choosing eco-friendly products. By working to implement these simple strategies into your everyday life, you can take an active stand to protect the environment now— and make a real difference for the future. Tune in as we talk with the book’s author, Michelle Neff!
On March 20, 2018, the U.S. Green Building Council Northern California community held the annual Water Conservation Showcase to discuss how builders, researchers, business leaders, product manufacturers, scientists and government officials can address California’s most pressing water issues. Today we will be joined by three of the subject matter experts involved in the Water Conservation Showcase: Dr. Joe McBride, Professor Emeritus at UC Berkeley; Erica Ross, of PAE Engineers; and Marc Heisterkamp, Vice President, Strategic Relationships for the U.S. Green Building Council.
We have a worldwide trash epidemic. The average American disposes of 4.4 pounds of garbage per day, and our landfills hold 254 million tons of waste. What if there were a simple—and fun—way for you to make a difference? What if you could take charge of your own waste, reduce your carbon footprint, and make an individual impact on an already fragile environment?
A zero waste lifestyle is the answer—and Shia Su is living it. Every single piece of unrecyclable garbage Shia has produced in one year fits into a mason jar—and if it seems overwhelming, it isn’t! In her new book, Zero Waste, Shia demystifies and simplifies the zero waste lifestyle for the beginner, sharing practical advice, quick solutions, and tips and tricks that will make trash-free living fun and meaningful. Tune in as we talk with Shia on today’s episode!
A one-of-a-kind gathering of leaders in the Green Schools movement is about to take place in Denver. The Green Schools Conference & Expo is the only national event to bring together all the players involved in making green schools a reality: people who lead, operate, build and teach in U.S. schools. In today’s episode we’ll be joined by the hosts of the event, Dr. Jenny Seydel, Executive Director of the Green Schools National Network, and Anisa Heming, Director of the Center for Green Schools. Tune in as we talk about their organizations’ work, the state of the green school movement in America, and why you should not miss the Green Schools Conference & Expo!
Did you know what we put on our plates has a major impact on our planet's health? The kinds of foods we grow, produce, and eat have the biggest environmental impact of any human activity. Tune in today as we talk with Meg Donahue, co-founder of MamaSezz, as we discuss the environmental and human health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Recycling in the U.S. is highly dependent on the ability to export our recycling overseas. In California alone, 62 percent of the states’ recycling is exported to China. However, in July 2017, China announced a policy called National Sword, which limits the import of contaminated recyclable commodities and increases inspections of recyclable commodity imports.
Tune in as we speak with Zoe Heller, Assistant Director for Policy Development at the California Department of Resources Recycling, about how National Sword is impacting local recycling efforts across the U.S., and what investments would be required to create the domestic recycling infrastructure needed to keep U.S. recycling onshore.
On November 13-14, 2017, the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Honda Marine Science Foundation convened and facilitated a forum on “Sato-umi in the Anthropocene.” The forum was designed to explore a number of approaches to “integrated” coastal management, in particular those that cross the land-sea boundary, some of which have been practiced for thousands of years, to see if lessons could be extracted to elevate awareness and stimulate action to reduce vulnerability in the “new normal” of rising sea level. Join us as we talk with forum speakers, Drs. Jerry Schubel, Mike Orbach, and Jim Fawcett, to learn ways humans can manage our coastal areas more sustainably.
The challenges facing American fishermen, ranging from declining quotas to disputed science to fleet consolidation, are highlighted in a new Netflix documentary series. Rotten, “travels deep into the heart of the food supply chain to reveal unsavory truths and expose hidden forces that shape what we eat.” The series’ sixth and final episode, “Cod is Dead,” focuses on the domestic seafood industry, and the business and regulatory climate that has made it increasingly difficult for fishermen to make a living. The episode interviews fishermen, scientists, environmentalists, and other stakeholders, with special emphasis placed on industry members in New Bedford, Massachusetts.
Tune in as we talk about the issues raised in ‘Cod is Dead’ with Bob Vanasse, Executive Director of Saving Seafood.
Post Carbon Institute recently released a report authored by earth scientist J. David Hughes raising critical doubts about the U.S. Energy Information Administration’s (EIA) projections for domestic oil and shale gas production. The report, “Shale Reality Check: Drilling Into the U.S. Government’s Rosy Projections for Shale Gas & Tight Oil Production Through 2050,” takes aim at the veracity of forecasts found in the Annual Energy Outlook 2017 (AEO2017), in advance of the planned release of the EIA’s AEO2018.
Tune in as we speak with the author of this report, J. David Hughes.
Green America has launched the Re(store) It campaign to educate the public and U.S. corporations about the benefits of regenerative agriculture, an approach to farming which uses methods that rejuvenate the soil and trap greenhouse gases. The campaign will educate consumers about the importance of regenerative agriculture and offer ways to support it. Regenerative agriculture harnesses the relationships between plants and soil microbes to pull excess carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in plants and soils where it is a useful nutrient for farmers. Tune in as we talk with Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director for Consumer & Corporate Engagement for Green America.
Recycling in the U.S. is highly dependent on the ability to export our recycling overseas. In California alone, 62 percent of the states’ recycling is exported to China. However, in July 2017, China announced a policy called National Sword, which limits the import of contaminated recyclable commodities and increases inspections of recyclable commodity imports.
Tune in as we speak with Zoe Heller, Assistant Director for Policy Development at the California Department of Resources Recycling, about how National Sword is impacting local recycling efforts across the U.S., and what investments would be required to create the domestic recycling infrastructure needed to keep U.S. recycling onshore.
On November 13-14, 2017, the Aquarium of the Pacific and the Honda Marine Science Foundation convened and facilitated a forum on “Sato-umi in the Anthropocene.” The forum was designed to explore a number of approaches to “integrated” coastal management, in particular those that cross the land-sea boundary, some of which have been practiced for thousands of years, to see if lessons could be extracted to elevate awareness and stimulate action to reduce vulnerability in the “new normal” of rising sea level. Join us as we talk with forum speakers, Drs. Jerry Schubel, Mike Orbach, and Jim Fawcett, to learn ways humans can manage our coastal areas more sustainably.
Lauded by Booklist as “an essential guidebook for anyone who wants to make a difference,” Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact (April 2017, Rowman & Littlefield) walks readers through small, actionable steps anyone can make at home, school, work, and on the road to reduce their environmental footprint. With an emphasis on science, facts and practicality, environmental experts, Rosaly Bird and Lauren DeMates, introduce readers to the concept of sustainability and humanity’s growing impact on the environment, why it’s harmful, what steps the government and other institutions are taking to help, and finally what individuals and families can do to make a difference. Tune in as we talk to Byrd and DeMates about their book, and the small, specific changes we can make in all aspects of our lives.
By removing plastic from your home, you can reduce your environmental footprint, minimize threats to wildlife, support local businesses and live a healthier, simpler life. In their new book, Life Without Plastic, Jay Sinha and Chantal Plamondon show readers how to analyze their personal plastic use, find alternatives and create easy replacements. Tune in as we talk with the authors about their step-by-step guide to avoiding plastic to keep your family and the planet healthy.
The Vegetarian’s Guide to Eating Meat chronicles a young woman’s journey from vegetarian PETA activist to blood-and-guts-eating omnivore.
Marissa Landrigan, journalist, professor and author, discovered that eating ethically was far from simple—and cutting out meat was not the answer. As she criss-crossed the U.S. to get closer to the source of her food, eventually even visiting a slaughterhouse and hunting elk, Landrigan realized that the most ethical way of eating was to know her food—whether meat or vegetable—and prepare it herself, on her own terms, to eat with family and friends.
Herbicides are chemicals used to control weeds. As their primary purpose is to kill plants, their effects on some non-target organisms are not as well studied. New University of Canterbury research confirms that the active ingredients of the commonly used herbicides, RoundUp, Kamba and 2,4-D (glyphosate, dicamba and 2,4-D, respectively), each alone cause antibiotic resistance at concentrations well below label application rates.
“They are among the most common manufactured chemical products to which people, pets and livestock in both rural and urban environments are exposed. There are no controls that prevent children and pets from being exposed in home gardens or parks. Despite their ubiquitous use, this University of Canterbury research is the first in the world to demonstrate that herbicides may be undermining the use of a fundamental medicine-antibiotics.”
Tune in as we talk with senior scientist at Consumers Union, Dr. Michael Hansen, about this important new research.
Cleantech San Diego is a nonprofit member organization that positions the greater San Diego region, including Imperial County, as a global leader in the cleantech economy. Cleantech San Diego’s members include more than 100 local businesses, universities, governments, and nonprofits committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the benefit of the economy and the environment. Today we will be joined by Jason Anderson, President and CEO of Cleantech San Diego, who will discuss how his organization works to create a sustainable, resilient city of the 21st century.
Duke Energy, one of the largest energy companies in the country, has acquired full ownership of California-based REC Solar, a provider of renewable energy solutions for commercial customers throughout the U.S.
Duke Energy first acquired a majority interest in REC Solar in February of 2015. REC Solar will continue to be a part of Duke Energy Renewables, Duke Energy’s commercial renewables organization. Duke Energy Renewables’ experience in offsite solar and wind energy generation, microgrid, battery storage and other emerging technologies, will supplement REC’s onsite solar expertise.
Tune in as we talk with Alan Russo, Senior VP of Sales for REC Solar, about the ramifications of this deal and the opportunities it could provide customers.
Green America has launched the Re(store) It campaign to educate the public and U.S. corporations about the benefits of regenerative agriculture, an approach to farming which uses methods that rejuvenate the soil and trap greenhouse gases. The campaign will educate consumers about the importance of regenerative agriculture and offer ways to support it. Regenerative agriculture harnesses the relationships between plants and soil microbes to pull excess carbon dioxide out of the atmosphere and store it in plants and soils where it is a useful nutrient for farmers. Tune in as we talk with Todd Larsen, Executive Co-Director for Consumer & Corporate Engagement for Green America.
Cleantech San Diego is a nonprofit member organization that positions the greater San Diego region, including Imperial County, as a global leader in the cleantech economy. Cleantech San Diego’s members include more than 100 local businesses, universities, governments, and nonprofits committed to advancing sustainable solutions for the benefit of the economy and the environment. Today we will be joined by Jason Anderson, President and CEO of Cleantech San Diego, who will discuss how his organization works to create a sustainable, resilient city of the 21st century.
Ted Genoways – award-winning author of The Chain (2014) – follows a family through a year in the life of their farm. Genoways catalogs the day-to-day struggles of the Hammond farm in a pivotal time frame: in 2014-2015, mild weather and heavy rainfall led to higher-than-expected yields, depressing crop prices and lowering profits, while encroaching pipelines, groundwater depletion, climate change, and shifting trade policies added to the threats facing the Hammond farm. Genoways demonstrates that family farms are far from an isolated refuge beyond the reach of global events; the family farm is increasingly at the crossroads of emerging technologies and international détente.
Did you know what we put on our plates has a major impact on our planet's health? The kinds of foods we grow, produce, and eat have the biggest environmental impact of any human activity. Tune in today as we talk with Meg Donahue, co-founder of MamaSezz, as we discuss the environmental and human health benefits of a plant-based diet.
The 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics (the Guide) was recently released by Greenpeace USA, with rankings of seventeen of the world's leading consumer electronics companies on sustainable manufacturing and design of IT products. Companies were evaluated based on their transparency, commitment, performance and advocacy efforts in three critical areas: reduction of greenhouse gases through renewable energy; use of recycled materials; and elimination of hazardous chemicals. Tune in as we talk with Gary Cook, Senior IT Campaigner at Greenpeace USA, about how the electronics companies you support ranked.
This new book describes how the food you eat can reverse climate change, heal your body, and ultimately, save our world. Throughout this revolutionary book, Tickell teaches how to become an agent in humanity’s single most important and time sensitive mission and how to save the world through the choices you make. He also highlights tangible, real world examples of people and landscapes that are becoming healthier together. KISS THE GROUND, the book, concludes with a point-by-point “how-to” for transforming your grocery list, your kitchen, your diet and ultimately the planet. Tune in as we talk with Josh about this fantastic must-read!
From National Geographic Documentary Films, From the Ashes captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump Administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate. The film invites audiences to learn more about an industry on the edge and what it means for their lives.
The 2017 Guide to Greener Electronics (the Guide) was recently released by Greenpeace USA, with rankings of seventeen of the world's leading consumer electronics companies on sustainable manufacturing and design of IT products. Companies were evaluated based on their transparency, commitment, performance and advocacy efforts in three critical areas: reduction of greenhouse gases through renewable energy; use of recycled materials; and elimination of hazardous chemicals. Tune in as we talk with Gary Cook, Senior IT Campaigner at Greenpeace USA, about how the electronics companies you support ranked.
Our guest today is Faber Dewar, the CEO of Drink Up, a California-based company that offers a new option in clean, healthy drinking water. Tune in to learn how Drink Up’s proprietary system not only purifies tap water, but can add vitamin boosts at a fraction of the cost of bottled water. Drink Up also partners with water.org, and you will learn why Faber and the whole Drink Up team are committed to pure, affordable drinking water for everyone.
Coral reefs are the nursery for all life in the oceans, a remarkable ecosystem that sustains us. Yet with carbon emissions warming the seas, a phenomenon called “coral bleaching”—a sign of mass coral death—has been accelerating around the world, and the public has no idea of the scale or implication of the catastrophe silently raging underwater.
Directed by Jeff Orlowski, CHASING CORAL taps into the collective will and wisdom of an ad man, a self-proclaimed coral nerd, top-notch camera designers, and renowned marine biologists as they invent the first time-lapse camera to record bleaching events as they happen. The effort is anything but simple, and the team battles technical malfunctions and the force of nature in pursuit of their golden fleece: documenting the indisputable and tragic transformation below the waves. With its breathtaking photography, nail-biting suspense, and startling emotion, CHASING CORAL is a dramatic revelation that won’t have audiences sitting idle for long.
Sometimes the most heated debates are among people who almost agree. That seems to be the case with the recent Jacobson-Clack controversy, in which two groups of well-intentioned, renewable energy advocates bitterly spar over differing paths to a 100% renewable energy future. But as PCI Senior Fellow Richard Heinberg points out in his latest essay, neither side is considering one of the most crucial aspects to successfully reaching that future. Tune in to hear Richard's take on the controversy and decide for yourself who offers the clearest path forward.
Millennials are less likely to recycle than other generations, but more likely to buy from companies making a positive impact on the world, a new survey finds. The reason, according to the new survey and report from The Shelton Group: Millennials believe corporations have more power to solve global problems than individuals. Millennials are pushing companies to make a positive impact on the world because they believe global problems are too big for individuals to solve, said Suzanne Shelton, president and CEO of The Shelton Group, a marketing and research firm focused on energy and the environment. Millennials will reward corporations that take action and address problems for them. Tune in as we talk with Virginia Vowell, Senior Research Analyst at Shelton Group, about this revealing new report!
Ted Genoways – award-winning author of The Chain (2014) – follows a family through a year in the life of their farm. Genoways catalogs the day-to-day struggles of the Hammond farm in a pivotal time frame: in 2014-2015, mild weather and heavy rainfall led to higher-than-expected yields, depressing crop prices and lowering profits, while encroaching pipelines, groundwater depletion, climate change, and shifting trade policies added to the threats facing the Hammond farm. Genoways demonstrates that family farms are far from an isolated refuge beyond the reach of global events; the family farm is increasingly at the crossroads of emerging technologies and international détente.
Did you know what we put on our plates has a major impact on our planet's health? The kinds of foods we grow, produce, and eat have the biggest environmental impact of any human activity. Tune in today as we talk with Meg Donahue, co-founder of MamaSezz, as we discuss the environmental and human health benefits of a plant-based diet.
Oceanside, CA is on the Road to Zero Waste with a goal is of reaching a 75-90% diversion/recycling rate by 2020. The Green Oceanside campaign was established to educate residents, businesses and visitors about how to be better stewards of the earth and to implement programs that protect and conserve natural resources. Through collaboration and partnerships between City departments, local businesses, community groups, schools and residents, the Green Oceanside campaign provides an avenue for the public to learn how to actively protect the environment through community involvement and engagement. The Green Oceanside team strongly supports and encourages educational outreach for youth and believes this is ultimately the best way to reach Oceanside households. On today’s episode, we’ll speak with three Oceanside community leaders about the City of Oceanside's Zero Waste Schools Program and their goal to inspire students, staff, and parents to reduce their waste and recycle more.
With summer on the way, it’s time to take steps to make homes and businesses are comfortable without wasting energy—or overheating anyone's wallet—as the temperature rises. The Natural Resources Defense Council is working to make sure that the government’s energy efficiency standards developed or updated over the past year for many types of products that help keep you cool, including ceiling fans and portable air conditioners, take effect on schedule. Updating national efficiency standards on a regular basis means that when it's time to purchase new cooling equipment, you can be assured it meets at least minimum energy-saving performance criteria while saving money and energy. But in the meantime, we've got some tips to keep your cool in the warmer months: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lauren-urbanek/keep-your-cool-summer-energy-efficiency. Join us as we speak with NRDC senior energy policy advocate, Lauren Urbanek.
From National Geographic Documentary Films, From the Ashes captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump Administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate. The film invites audiences to learn more about an industry on the edge and what it means for their lives.
This summer, two Granite Gear sponsored Minnesotan adventurers, Paul Twedt and Michael Anderson, aim to remove trash from 1200 miles of Minnesota rivers: the Namekagon/St. Croix, Minnesota and Mississippi. Twedt and Anderson founded Adventure Stewardship Alliance and represent the organization’s mission of acting as stewards of our public waterways, inspiring a deeper sense of connection and care for natural environments and public waterways. They believe litter isn’t one person’s problem, it’s everyone’s problem, and they aim to make an impact on that issue. The team is currently paddling the Minnesota River, the second river clean-up of their Three Rivers Expedition. Since beginning on July 3rd near Ortonville, Minnesota at Big Stone Lake, the duo has paddled more than 65 miles and removed over 350 pounds of trash. The expedition will conclude in October as the team paddles and cleans up the Mississippi river along its first 600 miles in Minnesota.
Sometimes the most heated debates are among people who almost agree. That seems to be the case with the recent Jacobson-Clack controversy, in which two groups of well-intentioned, renewable energy advocates bitterly spar over differing paths to a 100% renewable energy future. But as PCI Senior Fellow Richard Heinberg points out in his latest essay, neither side is considering one of the most crucial aspects to successfully reaching that future. Tune in to hear Richard's take on the controversy and decide for yourself who offers the clearest path forward.
Globally acclaimed teacher Stephen Ritz shows readers how, in one of the nation’s poorest communities, his students thrive in school and in life by growing, cooking, eating, and sharing the bounty of their green classroom. His innovative program began by accident. When a flower broke up a brawl among burly teenagers at a tough South Bronx high school, Stephen saw a teachable moment to connect students with nature. By using plants as an entry point for all learning, he witnessed nothing short of a transformation. Attendance soared from 40 to 93 percent. Disciplinary issues plummeted. In a school with a 17 percent graduation rate and high crime rate, every one of his students finished school and stayed out of jail. More than 50,000 pounds of vegetables later, he has figured out how to bring the magic of gardening into the heart of the school day for students of all ages.Join us as Stephen shares his practical solutions for growing his favorite crop: organically grown citizens.
Coral reefs are the nursery for all life in the oceans, a remarkable ecosystem that sustains us. Yet with carbon emissions warming the seas, a phenomenon called “coral bleaching”—a sign of mass coral death—has been accelerating around the world, and the public has no idea of the scale or implication of the catastrophe silently raging underwater.
Directed by Jeff Orlowski, CHASING CORAL taps into the collective will and wisdom of an ad man, a self-proclaimed coral nerd, top-notch camera designers, and renowned marine biologists as they invent the first time-lapse camera to record bleaching events as they happen. The effort is anything but simple, and the team battles technical malfunctions and the force of nature in pursuit of their golden fleece: documenting the indisputable and tragic transformation below the waves. With its breathtaking photography, nail-biting suspense, and startling emotion, CHASING CORAL is a dramatic revelation that won’t have audiences sitting idle for long.
Alan Bell was a star prosecutor for mob trials in Florida in the 80's. When he began getting severely ill many believed he was being poisoned by the mob. It turned out that that it was exposure to hidden toxic chemicals in his office building that made him so sick that he was forced to spend nearly a decade living in a sterile “bubble” in the remote Arizona desert. When his health improved, he teamed up with other lawyers (including those featured in the films Erin Brockovich and A Civil Action) to avenge hundreds of environmental victims in court. Bell discovered that his plight was just the tip of the iceberg. Millions of people get sick and die each year because of toxic chemical exposures—without knowing they're at risk. His new book offers a view of one of the most important global health issues of our time. Robert F Kennedy Jr. called the book: “a riveting memoir with serious health implications for us all”.
Growing your own food, even in a small space, is now much easier thanks to GrowOya. Their porous clay irrigation vessels are an ingenious, modern method of watering your garden borrowed from the ancient wisdom of South America. Tune in to learn how these water-saving devices can be used year after year, and are revolutionizing the access to healthy, local food – even in drought areas. Our guests today are Brant Cheetham, co-founder of GrowOya, and Justin Cutter, with the Compass Green Project, who uses Oyas in school gardens.
From National Geographic Documentary Films, From the Ashes captures Americans in communities across the country as they wrestle with the legacy of the coal industry and what its future should be under the Trump Administration. From Appalachia to the West’s Powder River Basin, the film goes beyond the rhetoric of the “war on coal” to present compelling and often heartbreaking stories about what’s at stake for our economy, health, and climate. The film invites audiences to learn more about an industry on the edge and what it means for their lives.
The Vegetarian’s Guide to Eating Meat chronicles a young woman’s journey from vegetarian PETA activist to blood-and-guts-eating omnivore.
Marissa Landrigan, journalist, professor and author, discovered that eating ethically was far from simple—and cutting out meat was not the answer. As she criss-crossed the U.S. to get closer to the source of her food, eventually even visiting a slaughterhouse and hunting elk, Landrigan realized that the most ethical way of eating was to know her food—whether meat or vegetable—and prepare it herself, on her own terms, to eat with family and friends.
Globally acclaimed teacher Stephen Ritz shows readers how, in one of the nation’s poorest communities, his students thrive in school and in life by growing, cooking, eating, and sharing the bounty of their green classroom. His innovative program began by accident. When a flower broke up a brawl among burly teenagers at a tough South Bronx high school, Stephen saw a teachable moment to connect students with nature. By using plants as an entry point for all learning, he witnessed nothing short of a transformation. Attendance soared from 40 to 93 percent. Disciplinary issues plummeted. In a school with a 17 percent graduation rate and high crime rate, every one of his students finished school and stayed out of jail. More than 50,000 pounds of vegetables later, he has figured out how to bring the magic of gardening into the heart of the school day for students of all ages.Join us as Stephen shares his practical solutions for growing his favorite crop: organically grown citizens.
NATURE's, Yosemite, premieres Wed., March 29 at 8/7c on PBS. Yosemite is a land forged in wildfire and sculpted by water, but with climate change, water is scarcer and fire more common. Shot in 4K by filmmaker Joseph Pontecorvo, the program follows scientists and adventurers as they investigate how these global changes are affecting one of America's greatest wildernesses. Tune in as we talk with Joe and one of the geologists featured in the film, Roger Putnam.
With summer on the way, it’s time to take steps to make homes and businesses are comfortable without wasting energy—or overheating anyone's wallet—as the temperature rises. The Natural Resources Defense Council is working to make sure that the government’s energy efficiency standards developed or updated over the past year for many types of products that help keep you cool, including ceiling fans and portable air conditioners, take effect on schedule. Updating national efficiency standards on a regular basis means that when it's time to purchase new cooling equipment, you can be assured it meets at least minimum energy-saving performance criteria while saving money and energy. But in the meantime, we've got some tips to keep your cool in the warmer months: https://www.nrdc.org/experts/lauren-urbanek/keep-your-cool-summer-energy-efficiency. Join us as we speak with NRDC senior energy policy advocate, Lauren Urbanek.
Can profit and sustainability go hand in hand? A new report by The Conference Board proves they can. Released today, Business Transformation and The Circular Economy details how companies are moving from the linear economy to the circular economy. This increasingly popular model centers on the reuse of materials, to ensure they retain their highest value at all times. The research spotlights seven companies at the forefront of the circular economy: Dell, DuPont, Interface, Kimberly-Clark, Philips, Waste Management, and Hewlett-Packard. The report also features practical recommendations for how other businesses can follow suit. Tune in as we talk with the author of the report, Thomas Singer.
By 2050, $40 trillion will change hands in North America alone. The largest intergenerational wealth transfer in history is underway and the ramifications will remake the world. The dirty money of business as usual is on the brink, wedged between catastrophic climate change and the demographic tidal wave of Millennials pounding the consumer table for real change. These forces are transforming the very nature of capitalism into something different and powerful— towards a clean money revolution. Joel Solomon, pioneering clean money investor and change agent, lays it on the line. The revolution is underway, the opportunities are everywhere, and the challenges and rewards are immense. The Clean Money Revolution explores this massive economic shift, and how you can ride the $40 trillion wave to create the new, ethical, and sustainable businesses that power local economies, restore ecosystems, and build social and financial equity. The Clean Money Revolution is underway. Join it!
Ed Begley, Jr. joins us to discuss an entire day of Earth Day coverage of Hollywood’s efforts to Go Green. Interviews will be covered on www.BiteSize TV.com/live, and will bring together actors, authors, scientists, business innovators and other celebrities who are out front in the green movement, along with the leading experts on a wide range of environmental issues—from climate change and protecting our oceans to green fashion and sustainable farming. Ed will also discuss the Earth Day launch of Our Green House, the network’s newest reality show documenting Begley and his wife, Rachelle, as they build a brand new, ultra-green home.
The Vegetarian’s Guide to Eating Meat chronicles a young woman’s journey from vegetarian PETA activist to blood-and-guts-eating omnivore.
Marissa Landrigan, journalist, professor and author, discovered that eating ethically was far from simple—and cutting out meat was not the answer. As she criss-crossed the U.S. to get closer to the source of her food, eventually even visiting a slaughterhouse and hunting elk, Landrigan realized that the most ethical way of eating was to know her food—whether meat or vegetable—and prepare it herself, on her own terms, to eat with family and friends.
Lauded by Booklist as “an essential guidebook for anyone who wants to make a difference,” Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact (April 2017, Rowman & Littlefield) walks readers through small, actionable steps anyone can make at home, school, work, and on the road to reduce their environmental footprint. With an emphasis on science, facts and practicality, environmental experts, Rosaly Bird and Lauren DeMates, introduce readers to the concept of sustainability and humanity’s growing impact on the environment, why it’s harmful, what steps the government and other institutions are taking to help, and finally what individuals and families can do to make a difference. Tune in as we talk to Byrd and DeMates about their book, and the small, specific changes we can make in all aspects of our lives.
Lauded by Booklist as “an essential guidebook for anyone who wants to make a difference,” Sustainability Made Simple: Small Changes for Big Impact (April 2017, Rowman & Littlefield) walks readers through small, actionable steps anyone can make at home, school, work, and on the road to reduce their environmental footprint. With an emphasis on science, facts and practicality, environmental experts, Rosaly Bird and Lauren DeMates, introduce readers to the concept of sustainability and humanity’s growing impact on the environment, why it’s harmful, what steps the government and other institutions are taking to help, and finally what individuals and families can do to make a difference. Tune in as we talk to Byrd and DeMates about their book, and the small, specific changes we can make in all aspects of our lives.
NATURE's, Yosemite, premieres Wed., March 29 at 8/7c on PBS. Yosemite is a land forged in wildfire and sculpted by water, but with climate change, water is scarcer and fire more common. Shot in 4K by filmmaker Joseph Pontecorvo, the program follows scientists and adventurers as they investigate how these global changes are affecting one of America's greatest wildernesses. Tune in as we talk with Joe and one of the geologists featured in the film, Roger Putnam.
Alan Bell was a star prosecutor for mob trials in Florida in the 80's. When he began getting severely ill many believed he was being poisoned by the mob. It turned out that that it was exposure to hidden toxic chemicals in his office building that made him so sick that he was forced to spend nearly a decade living in a sterile “bubble” in the remote Arizona desert. When his health improved, he teamed up with other lawyers (including those featured in the films Erin Brockovich and A Civil Action) to avenge hundreds of environmental victims in court. Bell discovered that his plight was just the tip of the iceberg. Millions of people get sick and die each year because of toxic chemical exposures—without knowing they're at risk. His new book offers a view of one of the most important global health issues of our time. Robert F Kennedy Jr. called the book: “a riveting memoir with serious health implications for us all”.
Frederic C. Rich – one of the world’s leading corporate lawyers who is at the same time a prominent environmental leader - has written a book which diagnoses why the American environmental movement has stalled. He argues that in order to move forward, Republicans must reclaim their forgotten pro-environment heritage and Green must learn to again appeal to conservatives. Tune in as we talk to Mr. Rich about how his ideas could play out, given the unique Presidential primary season we are experiencing.
The loss of the grid would not have been a threat 100 years ago because the population of the country was only about 76 million people. At that time, the production of food was not yet dependent on electrical power, and few homes were entirely electric. Today the population of the United States is about 325 million people, and we rely on a reliable source of electrical power for food production, clean drinking water, sanitation, medical care, and so much more. Today we will talk with Benjamin Dancer, author of a new book, Patriarch Run, and member of the Colorado EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security. We will discuss some of the vulnerabilities of our modern power grid, and how renewable energy sources and distributed generation could help strengthen the resilience of our grid.
California’s primary clean water supply, upon which 25 million people depend, is out of date, unreliable and inefficient. California’s largest supply of clean water is dependent on 50-year-old levees. Earthquakes, floods and rising sea levels could cause these levees to fail, putting the fresh water supply at risk from saltwater contamination. The current system is inefficient and cannot adequately capture and store water when it is available. The state is losing fresh water that could be used by farms, businesses and communities. Without an update to the water infrastructure, the environment and the state’s economy are at risk. Tune in today as we talk with Jeffrey Kightlinger, the General Manager of Metropolitan Water District, and Erin Mellon, Communications and Outreach Advisor at the California Natural Resources Agency.
As the temperature plummets, homeowners will crank up the heat to keep warm and toasty - quickly burning through money and energy. In fact, home heating uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, typically making up nearly half of your utility bill. So, what is the best way to keep the cold out, the heat in, and your energy bill low? Tune in as we talk with Tom Carney, Fujitsu General America and 30-year HVAC professional, who will educate us on the various home heating options available today and tips on how to choose the one that’s best for you and your family.
Growing your own food, even in a small space, is now much easier thanks to GrowOya. Their porous clay irrigation vessels are an ingenious, modern method of watering your garden borrowed from the ancient wisdom of South America. Tune in to learn how these water-saving devices can be used year after year, and are revolutionizing the access to healthy, local food – even in drought areas. Our guests today are Brant Cheetham, co-founder of GrowOya, and Justin Cutter, with the Compass Green Project, who uses Oyas in school gardens.
In his new book, Paul D. Blanc, M.D., outlines the century-long history of “fake silk,” or cellulose viscose, used to produce such products as rayon textiles and tires, cellophane, and everyday kitchen sponges. He explores the export of hazardous manufacturing to developing countries, and the current “greenwashing” of viscose as an eco-friendly product. He describes the poisonous materials and environmental abuses involved in the manufacturing process, and the grave impact it has on human health. Deeply researched and boldly presented, Dr. Blanc’s book brings to light an industrial hazard whose egregious history ranks with those of asbestos, lead, and mercury.
Just this month, the U.S. Food and Drug Administration and the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency issued advice regarding fish consumption which is geared toward helping women who are pregnant or may become pregnant – as well as breastfeeding mothers and parents of young children – make informed choices when it comes to fish that are healthy and safe to eat. Our guest today is Sean Wittenberg, President and Founder of Safe Catch, Inc. We will discuss the health benefits of eating low-mercury fish, how to ensure the fish you eat is safe, and the unique way that Safe Catch delivers its products to consumers.
October is National Energy Awareness Month! Studies show that seventy-four percent of Americans support efforts to protect the environment: hence, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2016's Greenest Cities in America. To determine which cities promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 100 largest cities across 20 key indicators of sustainability, ranging from 'greenhouse-gas emissions per capita' to 'number of smart-energy policies and initiatives.' Today we will talk with analyst, Jill Gonzalez, who will discuss the criteria and results of the report on America’s Greenest Cities.
SwiftMile is tackling the first and last mile problem in transportation. Fifty percent (50%) of most auto trips are less than three miles, and thirty percent (30%) are less than one mile. This leads to traffic, smog, and congestion in urban environments on a global scale. Swiftmile is creating a network of solar powered eBike hubs for first/last mile commuters. Users can locate and rent an eBike or eScooter with the tap of our Swiftapp at a solar powered Swiftstations, then use to it to get across town or for a quick trip, then return at the same location or another one on the network. Our guest today is SwiftMile founder and CEO, Colin Roche.
As the world’s population continues to grow, the demand for increased amounts of food strains our soil and the ecosystems juxtaposed to agricultural sites. International NGO, Rare, and its partners have just announced the launch of a global competition, Solution Search. The contest is open to any organization that has an innovative solution in sustainable farming, while promoting behaviors that strengthen biodiversity across the agricultural sector. Examples of potential entries include: sustainable land use management that integrates the consideration of biodiversity and ecosystems; alternative pest control practices that reduce toxic run-off into local water sources; organic farming methods that increase soil biodiversity (or other species); livestock control measures that protect local flora and fauna; and innovative approaches that reduce human-animal conflicts in agricultural zones. Tune in as we learn more from Rare CEO, Brett Jenks.
Steve Jurovics’ new book HOSPITABLE PLANET: FAITH, ACTION, AND CLIMATE CHANGE provides a biblically-based case for climate change as a religious/spiritual issue as well as an environmental one; discusses 10 measures to mitigate it, and advocates an environmental rights movement, akin to the civil rights movement, to push for change. Steve holds BS and MS degrees from Columbia University and a PhD in Engineering from the University of Southern California. He has had about 20 technical papers published over the years and given numerous presentations at professional conferences. Aspects of climate change mitigation have been the focus of his engineering work for more than two decades. The increasing severity of environmental problems led him, out of spiritual curiosity, to research the environmental teachings in the Bible. Tune in as with talk with Steve about his new book!
California’s primary clean water supply, upon which 25 million people depend, is out of date, unreliable and inefficient. California’s largest supply of clean water is dependent on 50-year-old levees. Earthquakes, floods and rising sea levels could cause these levees to fail, putting the fresh water supply at risk from saltwater contamination. The current system is inefficient and cannot adequately capture and store water when it is available. The state is losing fresh water that could be used by farms, businesses and communities. Without an update to the water infrastructure, the environment and the state’s economy are at risk. Tune in today as we talk with Jeffrey Kightlinger, the General Manager of Metropolitan Water District, and Erin Mellon, Communications and Outreach Advisor at the California Natural Resources Agency.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we will talk to Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance (www.waterkeeper.org), about how- in 21st century America- a town of 100,000 people in Flint, Michigan was exposed to extremely high levels of lead in their drinking water. We will talk about the public policy failures, the actions taken by policymakers, how individual residents will be affected, and lessons that every community in America should learn from this disaster. Waterkeeper Alliance is the world’s fastest growing environmental movement, with over 270 Waterkeeper Organizations protecting rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on 6 continents. The organization’s President is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Globally, 1.2 billion people do not have access to clean water. Another 2.7 billion lose access to clean water for at least one month a year. The world’s water problems are getting worse, not better. But teams of scientists working to reverse the trends are nearing breakthroughs and raising hope that water borne disease, poisons buried in sediment, deadly floods, erosion, and environmental stress on water sources will be mitigated and/or diminished. On Wednesday, November 2nd UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon awarded eight leading researchers the 7th Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water in recognition of innovations and inventions they have developed to address the world’s urgent water problems. Today we will speak with four of the award winners: Dr. Shafiqul Islam from Tufts University; Dr. Gary Parker of the University of Illinois; Dr. Peter Webster of the Georgia Institute of Technology; and Dr. Dr. Tissa H. Illangasekare of the Colorado School of Mines.
As the temperature plummets, homeowners will crank up the heat to keep warm and toasty - quickly burning through money and energy. In fact, home heating uses more energy and costs more money than any other system in your home, typically making up nearly half of your utility bill. So, what is the best way to keep the cold out, the heat in, and your energy bill low? Tune in as we talk with Tom Carney, Fujitsu General America and 30-year HVAC professional, who will educate us on the various home heating options available today and tips on how to choose the one that’s best for you and your family.
Today we’ll be joined by Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. to discuss his work for climate justice and a new partnership with the 100 percent Campaign to support access to clean, affordable energy for all. Rev. Yearwood is known as one of the most influential people in Hip Hop political life. He works tirelessly to encourage the Hip Hop generation to utilize its political and social voice. A national leader and pacemaker within the green movement, Rev. Yearwood has been successfully bridging the gap between communities of color and environmental issue advocacy for the past four years. With a diverse set of celebrity allies, Rev Yearwood raises awareness and action in communities that are often overlooked by traditional environmental campaigns.
For those who eat animal products, there is a growing demand for assurances that the animals are treated humanely. Packaging for products like eggs, milk, cheese and meat are replete with phrases like, 'free range,' 'cage free,' and 'pasture fed.' But consumers who do their homework soon learn that those phrases may not mean what we envision, and may not ensure that the animals producing our food are well cared for. Today we’ll be joined by Andrew Gunther of the Animal Welfare Approved -AWA- certification program, whose food labeling standards have been named by Consumer Reports as the only 'highly meaningful' food label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability. AWA is an independent, nonprofit farm certification program--and one of the nation's Top 5 fastest growing food label claims. We will also be joined by Sarah Hoffman, founder of Green Dirt Farm, MO who will give us the farmer’s perspective on what it means to enact and maintain the standards of AWA.
Globally, 1.2 billion people do not have access to clean water. Another 2.7 billion lose access to clean water for at least one month a year. The world’s water problems are getting worse, not better. But teams of scientists working to reverse the trends are nearing breakthroughs and raising hope that water borne disease, poisons buried in sediment, deadly floods, erosion, and environmental stress on water sources will be mitigated and/or diminished. On Wednesday, November 2nd UN Secretary General Ban-Ki-moon awarded eight leading researchers the 7th Prince Sultan Bin Abdulaziz International Prize for Water in recognition of innovations and inventions they have developed to address the world’s urgent water problems. Today we will speak with four of the award winners: Dr. Shafiqul Islam from Tufts University; Dr. Gary Parker of the University of Illinois; Dr. Peter Webster of the Georgia Institute of Technology; and Dr. Dr. Tissa H. Illangasekare of the Colorado School of Mines.
The modern day Edisons have done their job. We need not wait any longer. We are poised to wake up to a world running completely on renewable energy. Waiting any longer is like saying we shouldn’t have used the personal computer in 1985 until the smartphone was invented. In their new book, “All-Electric America,” authors S. DAVID FREEMAN, former utility CEO, and LEAH Y PARKS, a journalist in the electricity industry, explain how making the transition to an all-electric, all renewable society by the year 2050 is necessary, practical, and achievable. An energy infrastructure powered by the sun and wind and running on electricity, for all our energy needs, will be reliable, cleaner, safer, and CHEAPER. It will be superior to the system we have today and will lead to a better future.
Sustainable Minds® has just launched a catalog of products that meet the most rigorous environmental and material health reporting standards in the building industry. The catalog is free to building professionals – architects, engineers, and construction – who would otherwise spend hundreds of hours searching for products that qualify for LEED v4, Green Globes, the Well Building Standard and the Living Building Challenge. For manufacturers who have made the commitment to product transparency, the Transparency Catalog™ provides a way to market their products, and presents their information in a simple, standardized and consistent way. Tune in as we talk with Sustainable Minds® CEO, Terry Swack, about how this new catalog will transform the green, healthy building movement, and how it could affect everyday people in their offices, homes and schools.
October is National Energy Awareness Month! Studies show that seventy-four percent of Americans support efforts to protect the environment: hence, the personal-finance website WalletHub conducted an in-depth analysis of 2016's Greenest Cities in America. To determine which cities promote an environmentally friendly lifestyle, WalletHub’s analysts compared the 100 largest cities across 20 key indicators of sustainability, ranging from 'greenhouse-gas emissions per capita' to 'number of smart-energy policies and initiatives.' Today we will talk with analyst, Jill Gonzalez, who will discuss the criteria and results of the report on America’s Greenest Cities.
The loss of the grid would not have been a threat 100 years ago because the population of the country was only about 76 million people. At that time, the production of food was not yet dependent on electrical power, and few homes were entirely electric. Today the population of the United States is about 325 million people, and we rely on a reliable source of electrical power for food production, clean drinking water, sanitation, medical care, and so much more. Today we will talk with Benjamin Dancer, author of a new book, Patriarch Run, and member of the Colorado EMP Task Force on National and Homeland Security. We will discuss some of the vulnerabilities of our modern power grid, and how renewable energy sources and distributed generation could help strengthen the resilience of our grid.
In her recent article for Newsweek, “The Big Melt: The Last Antarctic Explorers Are Seeking Answers Inside The Continent's Ice” (http://bit.ly/1RcuVpp), Nina Burleigh writes: “The history of the planet is held in frozen suspension in the Antarctic. Vertical miles of ice encase air bubbles that hold bits of atmosphere… some dating as far back as a million years ago. Fossil records show the place was once green, teeming with life,…[but now holds] 90% of the planet’s ice…and those 7.2 million cubic miles of ice are now melting at unprecedented rates… Scientists have predicted that even partial melting of the Antarctic ice will raise sea levels enough to force the 150 million people around the world—including parts of New York City, Miami and Mumbai, India—to abandon their homes.” Tune in as Nina shares her first-hand experience exploring Antarctica, and how vital scientific research being conducted there may provide answers to some of the most dangerous unknowns about climate change.
Ohio’s coal workers are hanging up their hard hats and learning new trades as layoffs pile up in Appalachia’s coal mines. International Business Times Energy and Environment Reporter, Maria Gallucci, examines the human side of our nation’s shift away from coal. She joins us on Go Green Radio today to discuss how coal miners and their families are coping with job loss, and what the future holds for fossil fuel industry workers. You can read her article here: http://www.ibtimes.com/ohios-miners-seek-life-after-coal-industry-loses-steam-appalachia-2327365.
The modern day Edisons have done their job. We need not wait any longer. We are poised to wake up to a world running completely on renewable energy. Waiting any longer is like saying we shouldn’t have used the personal computer in 1985 until the smartphone was invented. In their new book, “All-Electric America,” authors S. DAVID FREEMAN, former utility CEO, and LEAH Y PARKS, a journalist in the electricity industry, explain how making the transition to an all-electric, all renewable society by the year 2050 is necessary, practical, and achievable. An energy infrastructure powered by the sun and wind and running on electricity, for all our energy needs, will be reliable, cleaner, safer, and CHEAPER. It will be superior to the system we have today and will lead to a better future.
Bad food laws are handcuffing America’s most sustainable farmers, producers, sellers, and consumers, while rewarding those whose practices are contributing to the food industry’s biggest problems, according to food lawyer and scholar Baylen J. Linnekin, author of Biting the Hands that Feed Us: How Fewer, Smarter Laws Would Make Our Food System More Sustainable. Linnekin acknowledges the importance of laws that keep people—and the environment—safe. He offers policy recommendations for some well-intentioned but misguided food laws—like the Healthy, Hunger-Free Kids Act. Others—like farm subsidies and rigid standards of identity—he proposes eliminating altogether. Tune in as we talk to Linnekin about sensible public policy that will improve food safety, eliminate waste, and address hunger.
According to the U.S. Department of Energy, commercial buildings have high energy needs and can put great strain on the nation's power grids during peak periods. Developing more efficient buildings helps ensure a steady supply of affordable power and significantly lowers operating costs for businesses, schools, hospitals, and more. Creating an energy efficient building begins with monitoring and managing the building’s energy consumption. Today we will talk with the CEO of InTech Energy, Ashish Goel, and his team about their new cloud-based affordable energy management system.
Oceanside, CA is on the Road to Zero Waste with a goal is of reaching a 75-90% diversion/recycling rate by 2020. The Green Oceanside campaign was established to educate residents, businesses and visitors about how to be better stewards of the earth and to implement programs that protect and conserve natural resources. Through collaboration and partnerships between City departments, local businesses, community groups, schools and residents, the Green Oceanside campaign provides an avenue for the public to learn how to actively protect the environment through community involvement and engagement. The Green Oceanside team strongly supports and encourages educational outreach for youth and believes this is ultimately the best way to reach Oceanside households. On today’s episode, we’ll speak with three Oceanside community leaders about the City of Oceanside's Zero Waste Schools Program and their goal to inspire students, staff, and parents to reduce their waste and recycle more.
Offering insights and guidance from prominent academics and journalists, The Good Crisis: How Population Stabilization Can Foster a Healthy U.S. Economy -Population Connection: 2016- takes on one of today’s most pressing challenges: keeping our aging population healthy, productive, and prepared for today’s technologically-focused jobs. At the same time, today’s youth must be prepared for productive futures through education, skills training, and delayed parenthood. Dispelling anxieties about the impact of slowing population growth on Social Security, commerce, and society, this collection of essays presents innovative and practical solutions to issues from labor shortages to fossil fuel dependence. Backed by extensive research and real-world examples, The Good Crisis presents a path to a more productive, sustainable world. Tune in as we talk with John Seager, one of the book’s authors and President and CEO of Population Connection.
The modern day Edisons have done their job. We need not wait any longer. We are poised to wake up to a world running completely on renewable energy. Waiting any longer is like saying we shouldn’t have used the personal computer in 1985 until the smartphone was invented. In their new book, “All-Electric America,” authors S. DAVID FREEMAN, former utility CEO, and LEAH Y PARKS, a journalist in the electricity industry, explain how making the transition to an all-electric, all renewable society by the year 2050 is necessary, practical, and achievable. An energy infrastructure powered by the sun and wind and running on electricity, for all our energy needs, will be reliable, cleaner, safer, and CHEAPER. It will be superior to the system we have today and will lead to a better future.
Zika virus, a pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes, has seemingly established itself in South America and the Caribbean and is now threatening the U.S. Cases have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Texas and Hawaii in patients having traveled to Central and South America, where they acquired the virus through mosquito bites. Our guest today, Joseph Conlon, technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, will discuss how the virus could spread and what we can do to minimize our risks. We’ll also discuss what effect, if any, climate change has on mosquito-borne illnesses.
For those who eat animal products, there is a growing demand for assurances that the animals are treated humanely. Packaging for products like eggs, milk, cheese and meat are replete with phrases like, 'free range,' 'cage free,' and 'pasture fed.' But consumers who do their homework soon learn that those phrases may not mean what we envision, and may not ensure that the animals producing our food are well cared for. Today we’ll be joined by Andrew Gunther of the Animal Welfare Approved -AWA- certification program, whose food labeling standards have been named by Consumer Reports as the only 'highly meaningful' food label for farm animal welfare, outdoor access and sustainability. AWA is an independent, nonprofit farm certification program--and one of the nation's Top 5 fastest growing food label claims. We will also be joined by Sarah Hoffman, founder of Green Dirt Farm, MO who will give us the farmer’s perspective on what it means to enact and maintain the standards of AWA.
Today we’ll be joined by Hip Hop Caucus President and CEO Rev. Lennox Yearwood Jr. to discuss his work for climate justice and a new partnership with the 100 percent Campaign to support access to clean, affordable energy for all. Rev. Yearwood is known as one of the most influential people in Hip Hop political life. He works tirelessly to encourage the Hip Hop generation to utilize its political and social voice. A national leader and pacemaker within the green movement, Rev. Yearwood has been successfully bridging the gap between communities of color and environmental issue advocacy for the past four years. With a diverse set of celebrity allies, Rev Yearwood raises awareness and action in communities that are often overlooked by traditional environmental campaigns.
Can we build a green economy and fight pollution at the same time? Is energy policy also social policy? Through the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. and China, Catching the Sun explores the global race to lead the clean energy future. Over the course of a solar jobs training program, Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry. With countries like China investing in innovative technologies and capitalizing on this trillion-dollar opportunity, Catching the Sun tells the story of the global energy transition from the perspective of workers and entrepreneurs building solutions to income inequality and climate change with their own hands. Their successes and failures speak to one of the biggest questions of our time: will the U.S. actually be able to build a clean energy economy? Tune in as we talk with the film’s director, Shalini Kantayya.
Steve Jurovics’ new book HOSPITABLE PLANET: FAITH, ACTION, AND CLIMATE CHANGE provides a biblically-based case for climate change as a religious/spiritual issue as well as an environmental one; discusses 10 measures to mitigate it, and advocates an environmental rights movement, akin to the civil rights movement, to push for change. Steve holds BS and MS degrees from Columbia University and a PhD in Engineering from the University of Southern California. He has had about 20 technical papers published over the years and given numerous presentations at professional conferences. Aspects of climate change mitigation have been the focus of his engineering work for more than two decades. The increasing severity of environmental problems led him, out of spiritual curiosity, to research the environmental teachings in the Bible. Tune in as with talk with Steve about his new book!
Crumbling flood control infrastructure, rising sea levels and lack of natural barriers leave the Bay Area open to devastating flood events. Many critical elements of the Bay Area’s infrastructure, including airports, hospitals, water treatment plants, and the headquarters of major employers are built at or below sea level. That means a severe storm or major flood could knock out huge parts of the regional economy, causing long-term damage to the Bay Area’s economic health. Failure to act presents potentially devastating consequences to the businesses and individuals that call the Bay Area home, as well as to California’s economy. Today we’ll talk about solutions to these problems with Jeremy Lowe, a coastal geomorphologist with 30 years of experience in tidal wetland restoration and sea-level-rise adaptation planning, and John Bourgeois, Executive Project Manager, CA Coastal Conservancy. Both gentlemen are feature in a new mini-documentary, The Water At Bay.
Recently, the CDC released new guidelines in the fight to prevent Legionnaires' disease. With recent outbreaks of Legionnaire's throughout the country in Flint, Michigan and Bronx, NY, the maintenance of a building's water system is more important than ever. The guidelines are a huge step forward to help building owners control Legionella bacteria once it has entered their buildings from the public water supply and help prevent uncontrollable deaths from the disease. Today we will speak with Tonya Winders, President and CEO of the Allergy & Asthma Network, the leading nonprofit patient education and advocacy organization for people with asthma, allergies and related conditions. We will discuss what Legionnaires' disease is; why the Allergy & Asthma Network supports the new guidelines; how Legionnaires' disease can cause asthma and respiratory problems; and the importance of being aware of the disease to prevent hundreds of deaths each year.
GreenerBuilder 2016 gathered hundreds of Northern California trade professionals to learn about key trends in the green building market; to hear what owners and developers are looking for; and to make important connections with fellow industry leaders. The daylong conference trained attendees to be at the forefront of greening the built environment. The event was held in the Net Zero Energy Center in San Leandro, CA where the IBEW, Local Union 595 and the National Electrical Contractors Association (NECA) create a world-class learning environment for apprentices to gain hands-on experience with cutting-edge technology and electrical systems. On today’s episode we will talk with Peter Rumsey, internationally renowned leader in Net Zero Energy building design; Bob Wallace, President of Energy ETC, whose company designed the energy management systems for the event venue; Byron Benton, training director at the Net Zero Energy Center; and Brenden McEneaney, Director of USGBC Nor Cal.
Ted Koppel’s new book, “Lights Out,” he asserts that a major cyberattack on America’s power grid is not only possible but likely, that it would be devastating, and that the United States is shockingly unprepared. Koppel warns that a well-designed attack on just one of the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure, and the federal government, while well prepared for natural disasters, has no plan for the aftermath of an attack on the power grid. On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with Scott Aaronson, the Managing Director for Cyber and Physical Security for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and discuss what the electric power industry is doing to protect the nation’s power grid.
The world is alive with animals that we virtually never glimpse with our own eyes. Many of the most fascinating and significant wildlife discoveries in recent years have been made thanks to the explosion of non-invasive, motion-sensitive cameras, known as camera traps. Not only do camera traps provide stunning images of endangered species, they've revolutionized the field of wildlife science, and elevated our understanding of the animals in our own backyards. Candid Creatures: How Camera Traps Reveal the Mysteries of is a new book by zoologist Roland Kays that tells the stories of the scientific discoveries that camera traps have enabled, such as the discovery of new species, and living proof of species thought to be extinct. With more than 600 remarkable photographs from researchers all over the globe, Candid Creatures is the first major book to reveal the secret lives of animals through this new technology. Tune in as we talk with Roland about his new book!
Oceanside, CA is on the Road to Zero Waste with a goal is of reaching a 75-90% diversion/recycling rate by 2020. The Green Oceanside campaign was established to educate residents, businesses and visitors about how to be better stewards of the earth and to implement programs that protect and conserve natural resources. Through collaboration and partnerships between City departments, local businesses, community groups, schools and residents, the Green Oceanside campaign provides an avenue for the public to learn how to actively protect the environment through community involvement and engagement. The Green Oceanside team strongly supports and encourages educational outreach for youth and believes this is ultimately the best way to reach Oceanside households. On today’s episode, we’ll speak with three Oceanside community leaders about the City of Oceanside's Zero Waste Schools Program and their goal to inspire students, staff, and parents to reduce their waste and recycle more.
Zika virus, a pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes, has seemingly established itself in South America and the Caribbean and is now threatening the U.S. Cases have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Texas and Hawaii in patients having traveled to Central and South America, where they acquired the virus through mosquito bites. Our guest today, Joseph Conlon, technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, will discuss how the virus could spread and what we can do to minimize our risks. We’ll also discuss what effect, if any, climate change has on mosquito-borne illnesses.
Ted Koppel’s new book, “Lights Out,” he asserts that a major cyberattack on America’s power grid is not only possible but likely, that it would be devastating, and that the United States is shockingly unprepared. Koppel warns that a well-designed attack on just one of the nation’s three electric power grids could cripple much of our infrastructure, and the federal government, while well prepared for natural disasters, has no plan for the aftermath of an attack on the power grid. On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with Scott Aaronson, the Managing Director for Cyber and Physical Security for the Edison Electric Institute (EEI), and discuss what the electric power industry is doing to protect the nation’s power grid.
Imagine your business making a big impact solving problems like hunger, poverty, war, violence, and catastrophic climate change while making a healthy profit. A new book by Shel Horowitz and Jay Conrad Levinson, Guerrilla Marketing to Heal the World, shows dozens of practical examples of successful companies doing well by doing good---from solopreneurs to Fortune 100 global corporations. Learn how to: create projects (and products) that accomplish social change, profitability, and cost reduction all at once; green your company in ways that save money and make money; gain enormous positive reputation as a visionary company worth supporting; expand successfully into totally new markets through strategic thinking, powerful partnerships, and commitment to core principles; turn marketing from a cost to a revenue stream; and embrace abundance and transformation---and stop worrying about market share.
Can we build a green economy and fight pollution at the same time? Is energy policy also social policy? Through the stories of workers and entrepreneurs in the U.S. and China, Catching the Sun explores the global race to lead the clean energy future. Over the course of a solar jobs training program, Catching the Sun follows the hope and heartbreak of unemployed American workers seeking jobs in the solar industry. With countries like China investing in innovative technologies and capitalizing on this trillion-dollar opportunity, Catching the Sun tells the story of the global energy transition from the perspective of workers and entrepreneurs building solutions to income inequality and climate change with their own hands. Their successes and failures speak to one of the biggest questions of our time: will the U.S. actually be able to build a clean energy economy? Tune in as we talk with the film’s director, Shalini Kantayya.
Frederic C. Rich – one of the world’s leading corporate lawyers who is at the same time a prominent environmental leader - has written a book which diagnoses why the American environmental movement has stalled. He argues that in order to move forward, Republicans must reclaim their forgotten pro-environment heritage and Green must learn to again appeal to conservatives. Tune in as we talk to Mr. Rich about how his ideas could play out, given the unique Presidential primary season we are experiencing.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we will talk to Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance (www.waterkeeper.org), about how- in 21st century America- a town of 100,000 people in Flint, Michigan was exposed to extremely high levels of lead in their drinking water. We will talk about the public policy failures, the actions taken by policymakers, how individual residents will be affected, and lessons that every community in America should learn from this disaster. Waterkeeper Alliance is the world’s fastest growing environmental movement, with over 270 Waterkeeper Organizations protecting rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on 6 continents. The organization’s President is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
Andrew Nikiforuk’s new book, Slick Water: Fracking and One Insider’s Stand Against the World’s Most Powerful Industry, is the shocking story of an oil and gas industry insider’s determined stand to hold government and industry legally accountable for the tremendous damage caused by fracking. When Jessica Ernst’s well water turned into a flammable broth that even her dogs refused to drink, the biologist and long-time oil patch consultant discovered that energy giant Encana had secretly fracked hundreds of gas wells around her home, piercing her community’s drinking water aquifer. Since then, her ongoing lawsuit against Encana, Alberta Environment, and the Energy Resources Conservation Board has made her a folk hero in many places worldwide where fracking is underway or is being contemplated. Slick Water raises dramatic questions about the role of Big Oil in government, society’s obsession with rapidly depleting supplies of unconventional oil and gas, and the future of civil society.
On March 3, activists led by Rainforest Action Network (RAN) held simultaneous protests in front of Citigroup’s New York City and San Francisco offices on to demand the company stop funding coal mining. According to RAN, Citigroup is looking to finance the purchase of coal mines in New Mexico and Colorado, despite having a policy on its books to sunset these harmful investments. On today’s episode, we’ll be joined by Ben Collins, Senior Research and Policy Campaigner for RAN, to discuss the outcome of the protests and why this issue is so critical.
Ohio’s coal workers are hanging up their hard hats and learning new trades as layoffs pile up in Appalachia’s coal mines. International Business Times Energy and Environment Reporter, Maria Gallucci, examines the human side of our nation’s shift away from coal. She joins us on Go Green Radio today to discuss how coal miners and their families are coping with job loss, and what the future holds for fossil fuel industry workers. You can read her article here: http://www.ibtimes.com/ohios-miners-seek-life-after-coal-industry-loses-steam-appalachia-2327365.
Zika virus, a pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes, has seemingly established itself in South America and the Caribbean and is now threatening the U.S. Cases have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Texas and Hawaii in patients having traveled to Central and South America, where they acquired the virus through mosquito bites. Our guest today, Joseph Conlon, technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, will discuss how the virus could spread and what we can do to minimize our risks. We’ll also discuss what effect, if any, climate change has on mosquito-borne illnesses.
On Feb. 11, 2016, 350.org Co-Founder Bill McKibben and grassroots leaders joined Congressman Jared Huffman (D-CA) and 16 other members of Congress to introduce the “Keep It In the Ground Bill,” in the U.S. House of Representatives. This legislation would prohibit new leases for coal, oil, and gas on all federal lands and waters, halting new leases for offshore drilling in the Pacific and the Gulf of Mexico, and permanently protecting the Arctic and Atlantic coasts. Today we’ll be joined by Bill McKibben and Tara Houska, the National Campaigns Director of Honor the Earth and a Native American advisor to the Bernie Sanders campaign.
In his Jan. 2015 State of the City address, Long Beach Mayor Robert Garcia announced that he wanted to make Long Beach a model of a climate resilient city. He asked the Aquarium of the Pacific to take a lead in assessing the primary threats that climate change poses to the city, to identify the most vulnerable neighborhoods and segments of the population, and to provide a preliminary assessment of options to reduce those vulnerabilities. The Aquarium has released a report detailing assessments of the five main threats of climate change to our community (drought, extreme heat, sea level rise and coastal flooding, deteriorating air quality, and public health and social vulnerability), and providing recommendations on actions and steps the city can take to make Long Beach a model of a climate resilient city. Given the City’s size, population demographics, infrastructure, geographical location, and regional economic impact, it has the opportunity to become a model of resiliency.
Executive Producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer have partnered with National Geographic Channel and GE to present BREAKTHROUGH, a revolutionary new series about scientific explorers from leading universities and institutions and how their cutting-edge innovations and advancements will change our lives in the immediate future and beyond. On today’s episode we will discuss Angela Bassett’s contribution to the series, “Water Apocalypse,” which will air on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The film makes clear that California faces a future of drought that will cost billions in lost farm revenue and thousands of jobs. The challenges facing the state are not unique: All over the world, governments are struggling with bigger populations and a diminishing supply of freshwater. Bassett focuses on inspiring stories of people working to change the world, and one of her featured guests, Sandra Postel, joins us on Go Green Radio.
Today we’re joined by Osprey Orielle Lake, Co-Founder and Executive Director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), who held events and conducted advocacy work in Paris during COP21. She will share her perspective on the climate agreement, and describe the events surrounding this historic event. You can learn more about WECAN at: http://wecaninternational.org/ or follow them on Twitter: @WECAN_INTL
Zika virus, a pathogen transmitted by mosquitoes, has seemingly established itself in South America and the Caribbean and is now threatening the U.S. Cases have been reported in Florida, Illinois, Texas and Hawaii in patients having traveled to Central and South America, where they acquired the virus through mosquito bites. Our guest today, Joseph Conlon, technical advisor for the American Mosquito Control Association, will discuss how the virus could spread and what we can do to minimize our risks. We’ll also discuss what effect, if any, climate change has on mosquito-borne illnesses.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we will talk to Marc Yaggi, Executive Director of Waterkeeper Alliance (www.waterkeeper.org), about how- in 21st century America- a town of 100,000 people in Flint, Michigan was exposed to extremely high levels of lead in their drinking water. We will talk about the public policy failures, the actions taken by policymakers, how individual residents will be affected, and lessons that every community in America should learn from this disaster. Waterkeeper Alliance is the world’s fastest growing environmental movement, with over 270 Waterkeeper Organizations protecting rivers, lakes and coastal waterways on 6 continents. The organization’s President is Robert F. Kennedy, Jr.
In her recent article for Newsweek, “The Big Melt: The Last Antarctic Explorers Are Seeking Answers Inside The Continent's Ice” (http://bit.ly/1RcuVpp), Nina Burleigh writes: “The history of the planet is held in frozen suspension in the Antarctic. Vertical miles of ice encase air bubbles that hold bits of atmosphere… some dating as far back as a million years ago. Fossil records show the place was once green, teeming with life,…[but now holds] 90% of the planet’s ice…and those 7.2 million cubic miles of ice are now melting at unprecedented rates… Scientists have predicted that even partial melting of the Antarctic ice will raise sea levels enough to force the 150 million people around the world—including parts of New York City, Miami and Mumbai, India—to abandon their homes.” Tune in as Nina shares her first-hand experience exploring Antarctica, and how vital scientific research being conducted there may provide answers to some of the most dangerous unknowns about climate change.
What do major fashion retailers and designers like HM, Target, Gap and Levi have in common? They are all working with the Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC to create clothing that uses less water and energy to produce, transport, and care for. Through implementation of the NRDC’s Clean By Design program, these corporate partners utilize their tremendous buying power as a lever to reduce the environmental impacts of their suppliers abroad. Clean by Design focuses on improving process efficiency to reduce waste and emissions and improve the environment. Tune in to hear Dr. Linda Greer discuss the program in detail, and learn how consumers can influence the growing sustainable apparel movement.
Transitioning our nation’s transportation infrastructure to support electric vehicles won’t happen overnight, but it may happen quite rapidly thanks to a new not-for-profit trade association, the Electric Vehicle Charging Association. Leaders from the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, technology and services industry have joined forces to advocate for policies to advance clean transportation, and focus on creating an environment that maintains the highest levels of innovation and maximum value for electric vehicle drivers. Today we’ll be joined by the President & CEO of Envision Solar, Desmond Wheatley; President of EV Connect, Jordan Ramer; the Vice President of Government Market Development for Volta, Dr. Abdellah Cherkaoui; and the Vice President, West Region for NRG EVgo, Terry O’Day.
El Niño produces extreme consequences for weather around the globe. The National Weather Service (NWS) has forecast a strong El Niño for the winter of 2015-16. As a result, the NOAA Winter Outlook shows probabilities for above normal precipitation over much of CA, AZ, and southern NV, bringing substantial risk for levee failures, landslides, and flooding. The FEMA Region 9 office, in Oakland, CA has established an El Niño task force, consisting of subject matter experts from federal, state, local, tribal and community partners, who recently participated in a Rehearsal of Concept (ROC) exercise to practice the newly released Disaster Response Plan for California, Arizona, Nevada and its flood decision support tools. Today these experts will join us to discuss practical ways families and businesses can be ready for the hazards that a strong El Nino will produce.
Executive Producers Ron Howard and Brian Grazer have partnered with National Geographic Channel and GE to present BREAKTHROUGH, a revolutionary new series about scientific explorers from leading universities and institutions and how their cutting-edge innovations and advancements will change our lives in the immediate future and beyond. On today’s episode we will discuss Angela Bassett’s contribution to the series, “Water Apocalypse,” which will air on Dec. 13 at 9 p.m. ET/8 p.m. CT. The film makes clear that California faces a future of drought that will cost billions in lost farm revenue and thousands of jobs. The challenges facing the state are not unique: All over the world, governments are struggling with bigger populations and a diminishing supply of freshwater. Bassett focuses on inspiring stories of people working to change the world, and one of her featured guests, Sandra Postel, joins us on Go Green Radio.
Transitioning our nation’s transportation infrastructure to support electric vehicles won’t happen overnight, but it may happen quite rapidly thanks to a new not-for-profit trade association, the Electric Vehicle Charging Association. Leaders from the electric vehicle (EV) charging infrastructure, technology and services industry have joined forces to advocate for policies to advance clean transportation, and focus on creating an environment that maintains the highest levels of innovation and maximum value for electric vehicle drivers. Today we’ll be joined by the President & CEO of Envision Solar, Desmond Wheatley; President of EV Connect, Jordan Ramer; the Vice President of Government Market Development for Volta, Dr. Abdellah Cherkaoui; and the Vice President, West Region for NRG EVgo, Terry O’Day.
The American Cleaning Institute’s ® (ACI) 2015 Sustainability Report showcases the cleaning products industry’s progress toward sustainable development and unveils ACI’s first-ever industry “materiality assessment,” which maps the critical risks and opportunities facing its value chain. br The ACI is the Home of the U.S. Cleaning Products Industry™, representing producers of household, industrial, and institutional cleaning products, their ingredients and finished packaging; oleochemical producers; and chemical distributors to the cleaning product industry. Among the many well-known member companies are: Amway, BASF, Clorox, Colgate-Palmolive, Ecolab, Proctor and Gamble, SC Johnson, and Seventh Generation. Today we’ll be joined by ACI’s VP of Sustainability Initiatives, Brian Sansoni, and Alec Lager, Director of Strategic Services for Framework LLC.
“This is the story of the race to feed the world without wrecking it,” writes Joel K. Bourne, Jr. in his new book, The End of Plenty. “Producing food for more than 9 billion people without destroying the soil, water, oceans, and climate will be by far the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced.” Today we’ll talk with Bourne about a new generation of farmers and scientists on the frontlines of the next green revolution. Joel Bourne is an award-winning journalist and former Senior Editor for the Environment at National Geographic. He’s covered major environmental issues for the magazine, including the global food crisis of 2008, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and California’s recurrent water woes. With a degree in agronomy, he is uniquely qualified to report on not just what experts tell him, but also on the efficacy of their expertise. @joel_bourne
Andrew Nikiforuk’s new book, Slick Water: Fracking and One Insider’s Stand Against the World’s Most Powerful Industry, is the shocking story of an oil and gas industry insider’s determined stand to hold government and industry legally accountable for the tremendous damage caused by fracking. When Jessica Ernst’s well water turned into a flammable broth that even her dogs refused to drink, the biologist and long-time oil patch consultant discovered that energy giant Encana had secretly fracked hundreds of gas wells around her home, piercing her community’s drinking water aquifer. Since then, her ongoing lawsuit against Encana, Alberta Environment, and the Energy Resources Conservation Board has made her a folk hero in many places worldwide where fracking is underway or is being contemplated. Slick Water raises dramatic questions about the role of Big Oil in government, society’s obsession with rapidly depleting supplies of unconventional oil and gas, and the future of civil society.
For California, 2013 was the driest calendar year ever recorded across virtually the entire state. On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed the drought to be a State of Emergency, directed state officials to take all necessary actions to assist the hardest hit communities, and called for all Californians to pitch in to reduce water use by 20 percent. While CA agencies and experts have clearly identified those actions best suited to provide relief, some observers wonder whether the long-term answer to California’s drought lies in the ocean through the promotion of seawater desalination. On today’s episode, we’ll explore an overview of the science and policy related to seawater desalination and demonstrates why this option is generally the least promising option for drought relief.
What better way to appreciate the environment than to walk 2,160 miles through some of the most beautiful vistas in North America? That is precisely what Jeff Alt did in 1998, and has gone on to hike the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and carry his 21-month old daughter along the coast of Ireland on a family hike. Jeff is the award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, Four Boots One Journey, and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun. His new book, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through the Great Smoky Mountains, has a curriculum guide and discussion guide for each chapter, making it perfect for the classroom. @jeffalt
Our guest today is to Chloe Demrovsky, Executive Director of DRI International. She’s widely regarded as one of the foremost authorities on disaster recovery and preparedness, and has been featured in USA Today, and Bloomberg. According to Chloe, the extreme climate changes we have seen over the years are only getting worse, to the point that they are now the new “normal.” Chloe believes that businesses should focus on disaster recovery and prepare for these severe weather situations, as there are serious business implications that would result from a single event of severe magnitude. Chloe will discuss: how damages from disasters can be prevented with a better risk management plan; climate resilience and how to build a roadmap for the next crisis; the lessons from disaster examples; what to do to maintain a level of stability should a similar event actually happen; and tips and tricks for preparing for disasters (from minor to the extreme). @ChloeDemrovsky
Crumbling flood control infrastructure, rising sea levels and lack of natural barriers leave the Bay Area open to devastating flood events. Many critical elements of the Bay Area’s infrastructure, including airports, hospitals, water treatment plants, and the headquarters of major employers are built at or below sea level. That means a severe storm or major flood could knock out huge parts of the regional economy, causing long-term damage to the Bay Area’s economic health. Failure to act presents potentially devastating consequences to the businesses and individuals that call the Bay Area home, as well as to California’s economy. Today we’ll talk about solutions to these problems with Jeremy Lowe, a coastal geomorphologist with 30 years of experience in tidal wetland restoration and sea-level-rise adaptation planning, and John Bourgeois, Executive Project Manager, CA Coastal Conservancy. Both gentlemen are feature in a new mini-documentary, The Water At Bay.
New farmland-mapping research published this week shows that up to 90 percent of Americans could be fed entirely by food grown or raised within 100 miles of their homes. Professor Elliott Campbell, with the University of California, Merced, School of Engineering, discusses the possibilities in a study entitled “The Large Potential of Local Croplands to Meet Food Demand in the United States.” The research results are the cover story of the newest edition of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, the flagship journal for the Ecological Society of America, which boasts a membership of 10,000 scientists. Tune in as we discuss the implications of his research with Professor Campbell.
Much of the commentary on the Pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si, has centered on who is on his side, and who should feel chastised, e.g. environmentalists vs. big oil; Northern hemisphere vs. Southern; developed countries vs. developing countries. But on today’s episode of Go Green Radio we will focus on ways the Pope encourages readers to be on the same side, “We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.” Our guest today is Fr. James Martin, Editor-at-Large at America, The National Catholic Review. Father Martin is a Jesuit priest, author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, and has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, The History Channel, the BBC, National Geographic TV, Fox News, NPR, and many more. @JamesMartinSJ
What better way to appreciate the environment than to walk 2,160 miles through some of the most beautiful vistas in North America? That is precisely what Jeff Alt did in 1998, and has gone on to hike the 218-mile John Muir Trail with his wife, and carry his 21-month old daughter along the coast of Ireland on a family hike. Jeff is the award-winning author of A Walk for Sunshine, Four Boots One Journey, and Get Your Kids Hiking: How to Start Them Young and Keep it Fun. His new book, The Adventures of Bubba Jones: Time Traveling Through the Great Smoky Mountains, has a curriculum guide and discussion guide for each chapter, making it perfect for the classroom. @jeffalt
The Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN) International is calling for a Global Women's Climate Justice Day of Action on September 29th, 2015, in light of the December 2015 United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change (UNFCCC) COP21, where world governments will work towards finalizing a climate agreement that will have profound impacts on our global trajectory. There are a number of ways to participate in the day of action, and we will discuss them with Osprey Orielle Lake, co-Founder and Executive Director of WECAN International. @OspreyOLake @WECAN_INTL #ClimateWomenSpeak
What do major fashion retailers and designers like HM, Target, Gap and Levi have in common? They are all working with the Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC to create clothing that uses less water and energy to produce, transport, and care for. Through implementation of the NRDC’s Clean By Design program, these corporate partners utilize their tremendous buying power as a lever to reduce the environmental impacts of their suppliers abroad. Clean by Design focuses on improving process efficiency to reduce waste and emissions and improve the environment. Tune in to hear Dr. Linda Greer discuss the program in detail, and learn how consumers can influence the growing sustainable apparel movement.
“This is the story of the race to feed the world without wrecking it,” writes Joel K. Bourne, Jr. in his new book, The End of Plenty. “Producing food for more than 9 billion people without destroying the soil, water, oceans, and climate will be by far the greatest challenge humanity has ever faced.” Today we’ll talk with Bourne about a new generation of farmers and scientists on the frontlines of the next green revolution. Joel Bourne is an award-winning journalist and former Senior Editor for the Environment at National Geographic. He’s covered major environmental issues for the magazine, including the global food crisis of 2008, the Deepwater Horizon oil spill, and California’s recurrent water woes. With a degree in agronomy, he is uniquely qualified to report on not just what experts tell him, but also on the efficacy of their expertise. @joel_bourne
In 1938, the Los Angeles River overflowed its banks causing such loss of life and property damage that the Red Cross called it the fifth largest flood in history. The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers was brought in to create flood control and protect the city, which resulted in the pouring of 3 million barrels of concrete to tame the river. Environmental degradation and loss of biodiversity were upshots of the project, but 77 years later, the US Army Corps Civil Works Review Board unanimously adopted Alternative 20 – a $1.35 billion plan to break up the concrete and restore 11 miles of LA River habitat. Today we’ll be joined by Lewis MacAdams, founder and President of FoLAR (Friends of the Los Angeles River) and Shelly Backlar, Vice President of Programs for FoLAR, to discuss how the L.A. community is working with the federal government to restore the river and its natural beauty. @FoLARtweets
Plastic beverage containers are a problem. According to the most recent report available from the Association of Postconsumer Plastic Recyclers, of the 9,131 million pounds of plastic bottles generated in 2012, less than 1/3 were recovered for recycling. The remainder ends up in a landfill where it could take hundreds of years to break down, or as litter where it flows into stormwater drains and ultimately into the ocean. In either instance, the energy and petroleum used to manufacture and ship the plastic beverage containers is lost. A new company, called Paper Water Bottle, seeks to upend that wasteful model. They have created an alternative beverage container made from Non-GMO verified fiber products that are BPI certified to be compostable. Today we’ll talk with the company’s co-founder and president, Dan Doster.
Leading professional sports venues that serve all major leagues are now promoting more sustainable food options to fans, according to a new report by the Green Sports Alliance (GSA) and the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC). “Champions of Game Day Food” features 20 venues spanning North America that are serving healthier food choices and adopting more sustainable food practices behind the scenes to help advance smarter environmental practices throughout our food system. Today our guests will be Dr. Allen Hershkowitz, co-founder and president of the Green Sports Alliance, and Gabriel Krenza, NRDC Strategic Food Advisor and report co-author. @SportsAlliance @NRDC @Gabriel_Krenza
Be Green Packaging is the only food and beverage packaging company with Cradle to Cradle™ certified products. Their clients include Whole Foods, Gillette, P&G, 7 Eleven, Wolfgang Puck and many more. In addition to designing, manufacturing, and distributing compostable packaging that is certified by BPI, the company is a champion of social responsibility. Be Green Packaging has been certified by Intertek for the ethical treatment of workers and social conditions at their plants. Their facility in Richland, SC is one of the first factories in the United States to be based upon Cradle to Cradle™ manufacturing protocols. Features of the facility include: Water Recycling System, Composting System, Recycling System, and Zero-Waste-Manufacturing. Our guest today is Ron Blitzer, Co-Founder of Be Green Packaging. @BeGreenPkg
McDonald’s new CEO recently announced that the company is committing to serve chicken raised without antibiotics used in human medicines in all of their U.S. restaurants within two years. As McDonald’s grooms its supply chain to deliver on this promise, this could signal a significant uptick in the supply of affordable, antibiotic-free chicken available to the general public in America. Today we’ll be joined by Sasha Stashwick, a Senior Advocate with the Natural Resource Defense Council’s Energy & Transportation and Food & Agriculture programs. She will discuss the rationale behind the move to antibiotic-free meats, and what other leaders in the food industry are doing to address this issue.
In June 2012, Alameda County in California became the first local government body to pass a safe drug disposal ordinance that would hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the safe collection and disposal of unused medications from the public. Now San Francisco and numerous additional local governments are on the cusp of doing the same. Today we’ll talk with former Center for Disease Control physician, Dr. Matt Willis; Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the CA Product Stewardship Council; Guillermo Rodriguez of the San Francisco Department of the Environment; and Conor Johnston, from the office of the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
Much of the commentary on the Pope’s encyclical, Laudato Si, has centered on who is on his side, and who should feel chastised, e.g. environmentalists vs. big oil; Northern hemisphere vs. Southern; developed countries vs. developing countries. But on today’s episode of Go Green Radio we will focus on ways the Pope encourages readers to be on the same side, “We need to strengthen the conviction that we are one single human family.” Our guest today is Fr. James Martin, Editor-at-Large at America, The National Catholic Review. Father Martin is a Jesuit priest, author of multiple New York Times bestsellers, and has appeared on ABC, NBC, CBS, CNN, MSNBC, PBS, The History Channel, the BBC, National Geographic TV, Fox News, NPR, and many more. @JamesMartinSJ
Today we’re joined by actor/producer, Raphael Sbarge to discuss Green Wish, a grassroots, non-profit organization that funds local, green organizations through customers’ small donations at local retailers. Green Wish was founded in 2009 by Sbarge, after the birth of his first child, “I was struck by how alive I suddenly felt as a father,” he explained. “Conversely, I also felt remarkably vulnerable and defenseless to protect this little person’s journey in a world as vast and complex as ours. I had to ask, ‘What can we do to contribute in any small way to leave the world a better place than when we found it?’” The answer: Green Wish. When you donate to Green Wish, you’re actually helping numerous environmental groups, right in your own community. On today’s episode, we’ll also discuss Raphael’s documentary, Is There Hope For Planet Earth?
In March of this year, Rolling Stone magazine reported that Bonnie Raitt, Indigo Girls, Kristen Graves, John Butler Trio and Michael Franti are among two dozen musicians who have contributed songs to Buy This Fracking Album, a two-disc compilation LP intended to educate listeners about hydro-fracking, a controversial method of extracting natural gas from the earth's shale. In a statement, Raitt said, One of the most critical environmental issues of our time is banning fracking everywhere because it destroys our water, our communities and our planet. The 24-track set, produced by Jason Samel, features a mix of original recordings, previously released tracks and live versions of older songs – all of which share the theme of environmental awareness. Proceeds will benefit various anti-fracking organizations, including Food and Water Watch and Marcellus Protest. Today we’ll be joined by the album’s producer, @jasonsamel, and one of the featured artists, @kristengraves. @frackingalbum
The Urban School Food Alliance (Alliance), a coalition of the largest school districts in the United States that includes New York City, Los Angeles, Chicago, Miami-Dade, Dallas and Orlando, announced that it will start rolling out the use of compostable round plates at cafeterias this month, saying good-bye to polystyrene trays. The districts in the Alliance serve 2.5 million meals a day, and the six districts project to remove 225 million polystyrene trays from landfills every year. Tune in as we speak with the Chairman of the Alliance, Eric Goldstein, and the director of Natural Resource Defense Council's New York urban program and senior attorney, Mark Izeman.
New farmland-mapping research published this week shows that up to 90 percent of Americans could be fed entirely by food grown or raised within 100 miles of their homes. Professor Elliott Campbell, with the University of California, Merced, School of Engineering, discusses the possibilities in a study entitled “The Large Potential of Local Croplands to Meet Food Demand in the United States.” The research results are the cover story of the newest edition of Frontiers in Ecology and the Environment, the flagship journal for the Ecological Society of America, which boasts a membership of 10,000 scientists. Tune in as we discuss the implications of his research with Professor Campbell.
In her new book, Driving the Future, Margo Oge (Former Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, United States Environmental Protection Agency) portrays a future where clean, intelligent vehicles with lighter frames and alternative power trains will produce zero emissions and run at 100+ mpg. With electronic architectures more like that of airplanes, cars will be smarter and safer, will park themselves, and will network with other vehicles on the road to drive themselves. Offering an insider account of the partnership between Federal agencies, states, environmental groups, and car manufacturers that led to the historic deal, she discusses the science of climate change, the politics of addressing it and the lessons learned for policymakers.
Opening a new era for cooperation on the world’s most critical water issues, mayors from across Great Lakes and the Middle East will sign a pioneering agreement this month that links their cities through game-changing “Sister Waters” partnerships. The treaty-signing will take place at Water after Borders: Global Stakes, Local Politics, a historic two-day summit at the University of Illinois at Chicago, April 23rd-24th, 2015. Water After Borders will focus on strategies for sharing water across political, geographical, and cultural boundaries. The partnerships will be facilitated by EcoPeace Middle East – an Israeli/Jordanian/Palestinian trilateral organization dedicated to environmental peacebuilding – and the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - a coalition aimed at protecting and restoring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Tune in to hear the mayors themselves discuss this historic partnership!
In her new book, Driving the Future, Margo Oge (Former Director, Office of Transportation and Air Quality, United States Environmental Protection Agency) portrays a future where clean, intelligent vehicles with lighter frames and alternative power trains will produce zero emissions and run at 100+ mpg. With electronic architectures more like that of airplanes, cars will be smarter and safer, will park themselves, and will network with other vehicles on the road to drive themselves. Offering an insider account of the partnership between Federal agencies, states, environmental groups, and car manufacturers that led to the historic deal, she discusses the science of climate change, the politics of addressing it and the lessons learned for policymakers.
Leaders in the culinary arts, business, public health, and environmental sciences are working together to develop business-friendly solutions to today’s most pressing social and environmental concerns, such as: • Obesity, diabetes, and healthcare costs • The sourcing and production of our food • The challenge of feeding an additional two billion people by 2050, as global resources decline Menus of Change: The Business of Healthy, Sustainable, Delicious Food Choices is a ground-breaking initiative from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that examines these key issues. Today we’ll be joined by William Rosenzweig, Executive Director and Dean of the Food Business School (FBS), the new center for executive and graduate education at The Culinary Institute of America; and Sophie Egan, director of programs and culinary nutrition for the strategic initiatives group at The Culinary Institute of America.
Overdevelopment, Overpopulation, Overshoot (OVER) crystallizes the ecological and social tragedies of humanity’s ballooning numbers and consumption. It’s time to make millions of people acutely, immediately, and viscerally aware of the dangers and deprivations facing people and the planet. Our guest today is Bill Ryerson, founder and president of Population Media Center; he also serves as Chair and CEO of The Population Institute in Washington, DC. We will discuss ways to proceed into a sustainable, collaborative, and hopeful future using global communication systems.
Opening a new era for cooperation on the world’s most critical water issues, mayors from across Great Lakes and the Middle East will sign a pioneering agreement this month that links their cities through game-changing “Sister Waters” partnerships. The treaty-signing will take place at Water after Borders: Global Stakes, Local Politics, a historic two-day summit at the University of Illinois at Chicago, April 23rd-24th, 2015. Water After Borders will focus on strategies for sharing water across political, geographical, and cultural boundaries. The partnerships will be facilitated by EcoPeace Middle East – an Israeli/Jordanian/Palestinian trilateral organization dedicated to environmental peacebuilding – and the Great Lakes & St. Lawrence Cities Initiative - a coalition aimed at protecting and restoring the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. Tune in to hear the mayors themselves discuss this historic partnership!
In June 2012, Alameda County in California became the first local government body to pass a safe drug disposal ordinance that would hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the safe collection and disposal of unused medications from the public. Now San Francisco and numerous additional local governments are on the cusp of doing the same. Today we’ll talk with former Center for Disease Control physician, Dr. Matt Willis; Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the CA Product Stewardship Council; Guillermo Rodriguez of the San Francisco Department of the Environment; and Conor Johnston, from the office of the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
What do major fashion retailers and designers like HM, Target, Gap and Levi have in common? They are all working with the Natural Resources Defense Council NRDC to create clothing that uses less water and energy to produce, transport, and care for. Through implementation of the NRDC’s Clean By Design program, these corporate partners utilize their tremendous buying power as a lever to reduce the environmental impacts of their suppliers abroad. Clean by Design focuses on improving process efficiency to reduce waste and emissions and improve the environment. Tune in to hear Dr. Linda Greer discuss the program in detail, and learn how consumers can influence the growing sustainable apparel movement.
The African elephant was originally listed as “threatened” by the U.S. Government in 1978. Since then, the species’ population has declined by about 60 percent, primarily due to poaching for the ivory trade. Habitat destruction and unsustainable trophy hunting also contributed to the decline. Today we’re joined by Peter LaFontaine, Campaign Officer, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Masha Kalinina, International Trade Policy Specialist, Humane Society International, who will discuss a recent petition filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to uplist African elephants from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
McDonald’s new CEO recently announced that the company is committing to serve chicken raised without antibiotics used in human medicines in all of their U.S. restaurants within two years. As McDonald’s grooms its supply chain to deliver on this promise, this could signal a significant uptick in the supply of affordable, antibiotic-free chicken available to the general public in America. Today we’ll be joined by Sasha Stashwick, a Senior Advocate with the Natural Resource Defense Council’s Energy & Transportation and Food & Agriculture programs. She will discuss the rationale behind the move to antibiotic-free meats, and what other leaders in the food industry are doing to address this issue.
Leaders in the culinary arts, business, public health, and environmental sciences are working together to develop business-friendly solutions to today’s most pressing social and environmental concerns, such as: • Obesity, diabetes, and healthcare costs • The sourcing and production of our food • The challenge of feeding an additional two billion people by 2050, as global resources decline Menus of Change: The Business of Healthy, Sustainable, Delicious Food Choices is a ground-breaking initiative from The Culinary Institute of America (CIA) and Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health that examines these key issues. Today we’ll be joined by William Rosenzweig, Executive Director and Dean of the Food Business School (FBS), the new center for executive and graduate education at The Culinary Institute of America; and Sophie Egan, director of programs and culinary nutrition for the strategic initiatives group at The Culinary Institute of America.
For California, 2013 was the driest calendar year ever recorded across virtually the entire state. On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed the drought to be a State of Emergency, directed state officials to take all necessary actions to assist the hardest hit communities, and called for all Californians to pitch in to reduce water use by 20 percent. While CA agencies and experts have clearly identified those actions best suited to provide relief, some observers wonder whether the long-term answer to California’s drought lies in the ocean through the promotion of seawater desalination. On today’s episode, we’ll explore an overview of the science and policy related to seawater desalination and demonstrates why this option is generally the least promising option for drought relief.
In June 2012, Alameda County in California became the first local government body to pass a safe drug disposal ordinance that would hold pharmaceutical companies responsible for the safe collection and disposal of unused medications from the public. Now San Francisco and numerous additional local governments are on the cusp of doing the same. Today we’ll talk with former Center for Disease Control physician, Dr. Matt Willis; Heidi Sanborn, executive director of the CA Product Stewardship Council; Guillermo Rodriguez of the San Francisco Department of the Environment; and Conor Johnston, from the office of the President of the San Francisco Board of Supervisors.
If you think President Obama’s veto of the bill that would allow the construction of the Keystone XL pipeline has put the issue to rest, think again. Congressional leaders have publicly announced that they are just getting started, and plan to attach Keystone XL language to future bills in an effort to make subsequent vetoes more difficult for the President. Plans for the pipeline have been in the works since 2008, so it is entirely possible that the issue will bleed into the next President’s term. Today we’re joined by attorney, Anthony Swift, of the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) who will help us understand what every American should know about the Keystone XL pipeline.
The African elephant was originally listed as “threatened” by the U.S. Government in 1978. Since then, the species’ population has declined by about 60 percent, primarily due to poaching for the ivory trade. Habitat destruction and unsustainable trophy hunting also contributed to the decline. Today we’re joined by Peter LaFontaine, Campaign Officer, International Fund for Animal Welfare (IFAW) and Masha Kalinina, International Trade Policy Specialist, Humane Society International, who will discuss a recent petition filed with the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service to uplist African elephants from threatened to endangered under the Endangered Species Act.
CONFESSIONS OF AN ECO-TERRORIST is the true, no holds barred story of 30 years of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) campaigns leading up to the hit show Whale Wars. It’s a feature documentary that reveals the true odyssey of the most wanted environmentalist today, Captain Paul Watson. Filmmaker and longest-serving SSCS crew member Peter Jay Brown documented the mythic deeds of the organization while acting as the cinematographer, first mate, deckhand, quartermaster, Zodiac driver and officer/captain in Watson’s absence starting in 1980.
Peter Brown, a Sea Shepherd insider expertly exercises aikido with his camera by turning a negative accusation into a positive confession of influential activism. He gives us an intimate and honest look at what really goes on behind the scenes on some of the most infamous environmental campaigns ever.
Ed Begley, Jr. joins us to discuss an entire day of Earth Day coverage of Hollywood’s efforts to Go Green. Interviews will be covered on www.BiteSize TV.com/live, and will bring together actors, authors, scientists, business innovators and other celebrities who are out front in the green movement, along with the leading experts on a wide range of environmental issues—from climate change and protecting our oceans to green fashion and sustainable farming. Ed will also discuss the Earth Day launch of Our Green House, the network’s newest reality show documenting Begley and his wife, Rachelle, as they build a brand new, ultra-green home.
Part autobiography, part treatise, in Creating Climate Wealth, Jigar Shah demonstrates how all of us can participate in the largest wealth creation opportunity of our time. Shah explains that proven, scalable climate solutions, using an infrastructure-as-a-service model, will create the next economy. The book draws lessons from what Shah learned in the creation and success of SunEdison and as CEO of The Carbon War Room. The key message is that climate wealth is at our fingertips – accessible to entrepreneurs, investors, governments, NGO’s, and corporations, and will create thousands of jobs.
In her new book, SUPERSTORM: Nine Days Inside Hurricane Sandy (Dutton), investigative journalist and graduate professor of environmental studies Kathryn Miles discusses how mounting inadequacies of our national weather service infrastructure may compound the danger to public safety posed by extreme weather events. The Washington Post said the book is “what you might expect from Stephen King if he wrote nonfiction: a gripping plot with flashes of pure terror. Most astonishing, everything Miles describes actually happened.”
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. beekeepers lost 1 in 3 honeybees during the winter of 2012, and this is cause for alarm. Declining bee populations have been making news recently, and this is much more than an endangered species story. Certain crops we take for granted are dependent upon bee pollination to grow. Among these are: apples, almonds, blueberries, watermelon, cherries, peaches, avocados, cucumbers, cranberries, onions, blackberries, grapefruit, oranges, raspberries, cantaloupe, pumpkins, pears, and plums. If you want to help ensure these crops remain bountiful (and, hence, affordable), tune in today as Ted Dennard, CEO of Savannah Bee Company, joins us to discuss this crucial topic.
Just a few weeks ago, 17 foundations with assets of about $2 billion agreed to divest their portfolios of coal, oil and gas, and reinvest in the clean energy economy. This adds a major tailwind to the movement that is up and running on 400 college campuses nationwide. Major institutions in San Francisco, including the city itself, have agreed to divest completely. Some of these big names include The Compton Foundation, The Sierra Club Foundation, The San Francisco State University Foundation and more. Four of the leaders of this movement will join us on Go Green Radio to discuss the fossil fuel divestment movement, and its economic implications.
Today we’re joined by Zoë Carpenter, reporter for The Nation, who will discuss her recent article on the impact of oil contributions in the Louisiana Senate Race between Mary Landrieu and Bill Cassidy, The Invisible Oil in Louisiana's Senate Race. (http://www.thenation.com/article/181832/well-oiled-race). We’ll also talk with Harriet Rowan, staff reporter for the Richmond Confidential, an online news service produced by the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, about Chevron’s multi-million dollar influence on local elections in Richmond, California.
Go Green Radio listeners know that some of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century will require innovations in engineering that will continue to supply energy, water, food and joy to the world’s burgeoning population. Today’s guests, David Goldberg and Mark Somerville, are pioneers helping to create the educational framework that will produce the engineers we need for a thriving society. How can we “humanize” engineering education and create the kind of culture that produces creative problem solvers capable of envisioning and building a better tomorrow? Tune in and find out! For more information on their book, visit www.bigbeacon.org.
Go Green Radio listeners know that some of the greatest challenges facing humanity in the 21st century will require innovations in engineering that will continue to supply energy, water, food and joy to the world’s burgeoning population. Today’s guests, David Goldberg and Mark Somerville, are pioneers helping to create the educational framework that will produce the engineers we need for a thriving society. How can we “humanize” engineering education and create the kind of culture that produces creative problem solvers capable of envisioning and building a better tomorrow? Tune in and find out! For more information on their book, visit www.bigbeacon.org.
Today we’re joined by Zoë Carpenter, reporter for The Nation, who will discuss her recent article on the impact of oil contributions in the Louisiana Senate Race between Mary Landrieu and Bill Cassidy, The Invisible Oil in Louisiana's Senate Race. (http://www.thenation.com/article/181832/well-oiled-race). We’ll also talk with Harriet Rowan, staff reporter for the Richmond Confidential, an online news service produced by the Graduate School of Journalism at UC Berkeley, about Chevron’s multi-million dollar influence on local elections in Richmond, California.
In 1968, Paul Ehrlich and his wife, Anne, published the book, The Population Bomb, which shook the world as it discussed the connection between environmental degradation and exponential human population growth. Though critics abound, many subsequent scholars and activists have continued the push for humane, science-based public policy to address the quandary of providing a good standard of living for all while faced with the constraints of earth’s finite resources. Today, Dr. Ehrlich and his co-author, Michael Charles Tobias – CEO of the Dancing Star Foundation www.dancingstarfoundation.org, will join us to discuss his newest book, Hope on Earth, which covers some of the most pressing environmental concerns of the moment.
Today’s guest is Karl Gawell, Executive Director of the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). “California has ambitious climate goals. Fortunately, it also has the geothermal resources and potential to access those goals,” says Gawell. California has about 2,720 MW of geothermal power on-line and produced 13,230 GWh in 2012. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there are an additional 2,500 MW of discovered geothermal power resources in California and 11,000 MW of undiscovered resources. Tune in to learn more about what it will take to bring all this renewable energy to the grid.
For California, 2013 was the driest calendar year ever recorded across virtually the entire state. On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed the drought to be a State of Emergency, directed state officials to take all necessary actions to assist the hardest hit communities, and called for all Californians to pitch in to reduce water use by 20 percent. While CA agencies and experts have clearly identified those actions best suited to provide relief, some observers wonder whether the long-term answer to California’s drought lies in the ocean through the promotion of seawater desalination. On today’s episode, we’ll explore an overview of the science and policy related to seawater desalination and demonstrates why this option is generally the least promising option for drought relief.
It comes as news to no one that the energy industry is the most profitable on Earth. Based on their rise to prominence in the 20th Century, the annual earnings of the top five oil companies alone (ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Conoco Philips, and Chevron) are now measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars. In his new book, Following the Money, Craig Shields presents a set of interviews with subject matter experts who discuss the effects that economics and financial power have on the course of the world’s energy policy. If it is true that we need a radical change in our approach to transportation and energy so that we can forge a sustainable path to consumption of resources here on Earth, it will only happen with action by a large, informed electorate of people who understand and honestly care what’s going on around them. Tune in, and become part of the informed electorate!
Ed Begley, Jr. joins us to discuss an entire day of Earth Day coverage of Hollywood’s efforts to Go Green. Interviews will be covered on www.BiteSize TV.com/live, and will bring together actors, authors, scientists, business innovators and other celebrities who are out front in the green movement, along with the leading experts on a wide range of environmental issues—from climate change and protecting our oceans to green fashion and sustainable farming. Ed will also discuss the Earth Day launch of Our Green House, the network’s newest reality show documenting Begley and his wife, Rachelle, as they build a brand new, ultra-green home.
In 1968, Paul Ehrlich and his wife, Anne, published the book, The Population Bomb, which shook the world as it discussed the connection between environmental degradation and exponential human population growth. Though critics abound, many subsequent scholars and activists have continued the push for humane, science-based public policy to address the quandary of providing a good standard of living for all while faced with the constraints of earth’s finite resources. Today, Dr. Ehrlich and his co-author, Michael Charles Tobias – CEO of the Dancing Star Foundation www.dancingstarfoundation.org, will join us to discuss his newest book, Hope on Earth, which covers some of the most pressing environmental concerns of the moment.
For California, 2013 was the driest calendar year ever recorded across virtually the entire state. On January 17, 2014, Governor Jerry Brown proclaimed the drought to be a State of Emergency, directed state officials to take all necessary actions to assist the hardest hit communities, and called for all Californians to pitch in to reduce water use by 20 percent. While CA agencies and experts have clearly identified those actions best suited to provide relief, some observers wonder whether the long-term answer to California’s drought lies in the ocean through the promotion of seawater desalination. On today’s episode, we’ll explore an overview of the science and policy related to seawater desalination and demonstrates why this option is generally the least promising option for drought relief.
Today’s guest is Karl Gawell, Executive Director of the Geothermal Energy Association (GEA). “California has ambitious climate goals. Fortunately, it also has the geothermal resources and potential to access those goals,” says Gawell. California has about 2,720 MW of geothermal power on-line and produced 13,230 GWh in 2012. The U.S. Geological Survey estimates that there are an additional 2,500 MW of discovered geothermal power resources in California and 11,000 MW of undiscovered resources. Tune in to learn more about what it will take to bring all this renewable energy to the grid.
Yearly plug-in vehicle sales increased 198 percent in 2012, and the number of available models in the U.S. market is expected to triple by model year 2015. Since entering the market just more than two years ago, more than 70,000 plug-in vehicles have hit American roads. Today we’ll be joined by Brian Wynne, President of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), to discuss both performance and public policy issues that impact the electrification of light transportation in the U.S.
The Collaborative for High Performance Schools (CHPS) is leading a national movement to improve student performance and the entire educational experience by building the best possible schools. Today we’ll be joined by the CHPS Executive Director, Bill Orr, who will explain the mission, vision and services of the organization. Learn how your school and your child can be positively impacted by creating a healthy, green, sustainable learning environment.
Do America’s poor, working-class, and persons of color bear a disproportionate share of the country’s environmental problems? Are environmental hazards to human health more likely to be located near the neighborhoods of those who are the most vulnerable and least powerful in our society? Has the mainstream environmental movement helped –or hurt- the underrepresented segments of our population with NIMBY-ism? Today we’ll explore these sensitive, but essential topics with the “father of Environmental Justice”, Dr. Robert Bullard. Professor Bullard was featured in the July 2007 CNN People You Should Know, in 2008, Newsweek named him one of 13 Environmental Leaders of the Century, and in 2013, he was honored with the Sierra Club John Muir Award, the first African American to win the award.
How do we remove toxic chemicals from our bodies and homes? Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith, two of Canada’s environmental leaders, have been asked this question on an almost daily basis since the publication of their runaway international bestseller, Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health. Rick joins us today to discuss his practical and often surprising advice. He will also share the truth behind organic foods, which detox methods actually work, if indoor air quality is improving, how we dispose of waste (where do those chemicals go?), and the ins and outs of a greener economy.
With a million more of us every 4½ days on a planet that's not getting any bigger, prospects for a sustainable human future seem ever more in doubt. Alan Weisman traveled to more than 20 countries to ask what experts agreed were the probably the most important questions on Earth-and also the hardest: How many humans can the planet hold without capsizing? How robust must the Earth's ecosystem be to assure our continued existence? Can we know which other species are essential to our survival? And, how might we actually arrive at a stable, optimum population, and design an economy to allow genuine prosperity without endless growth? Tune in as we talk with Alan about what he encountered on his global search for answers.
What will it take to teach the next generation to live sustainably? Can environmental education enhance academic achievement in math, science and social studies? These are among the many important questions that the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) addresses by connecting education professionals from across the U.S. Today we’ll be joined by GSNN CEO, Jim McGrath, and COO, Dr. Jenny Seydel, to discuss the latest trends in the green schools movement, and some best practices for communities that want to provide kids with green, healthy and sustainable schools.
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton made protecting wild African elephants the centerpiece of the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative, in part because the elephants are facing extinction in a decade given current poaching rates, but also because their tusks are financing terrorism. Today we are joined by bestselling author and war correspondent, Mike Bond, to discuss the real world threat that is the subject of his new fiction novel, The Last Savanna. The book is based on his participation in military operations with Kenyan rangers against elephant poachers.
Education is a dynamic institution. Every few years classrooms are introduced to new technologies and reforms that alter the learning experience in many ways. Throughout all these changes, however, two things have remained the same: first, human beings are completely dependent on natural systems, and second, human beings are capable of rendering natural systems incapable of supporting life. To what extent are we teaching students the necessary skills to preserve the natural systems on which they rely? Our guest today is Dr. Jerry Lieberman, who will discuss practical ways to use the environment around any school to create standards-based environmental education programs.
Green labels are popping up on products from clothing to electronics, and it isn’t easy to tell which ones are credible and which ones are misleading. Our guest today is Scot Case, Director, Market Development at UL Environment. UL Environment is the sustainability arm of UL – the independent safety certification company with a 120 year history. As a third-party entity that tests, validates and certifies, UL Environment helps consumers find sustainable products they can trust. This is especially true for technology products as increased consumer demand has driven UL Environment to develop and manufacturers to adopt new sustainability standards for technologies like mobile devices, computers, entertainment electronics and home appliances.
How do we remove toxic chemicals from our bodies and homes? Bruce Lourie and Rick Smith, two of Canada’s environmental leaders, have been asked this question on an almost daily basis since the publication of their runaway international bestseller, Slow Death by Rubber Duck: How the Toxic Chemistry of Everyday Life Affects Our Health. Rick joins us today to discuss his practical and often surprising advice. He will also share the truth behind organic foods, which detox methods actually work, if indoor air quality is improving, how we dispose of waste (where do those chemicals go?), and the ins and outs of a greener economy.
Do America’s poor, working-class, and persons of color bear a disproportionate share of the country’s environmental problems? Are environmental hazards to human health more likely to be located near the neighborhoods of those who are the most vulnerable and least powerful in our society? Has the mainstream environmental movement helped –or hurt- the underrepresented segments of our population with NIMBY-ism? Today we’ll explore these sensitive, but essential topics with the “father of Environmental Justice”, Dr. Robert Bullard. Professor Bullard was featured in the July 2007 CNN People You Should Know, in 2008, Newsweek named him one of 13 Environmental Leaders of the Century, and in 2013, he was honored with the Sierra Club John Muir Award, the first African American to win the award.
With a million more of us every 4½ days on a planet that's not getting any bigger, prospects for a sustainable human future seem ever more in doubt. Alan Weisman traveled to more than 20 countries to ask what experts agreed were the probably the most important questions on Earth-and also the hardest: How many humans can the planet hold without capsizing? How robust must the Earth's ecosystem be to assure our continued existence? Can we know which other species are essential to our survival? And, how might we actually arrive at a stable, optimum population, and design an economy to allow genuine prosperity without endless growth? Tune in as we talk with Alan about what he encountered on his global search for answers.
Ed Begley, Jr. joins us to discuss an entire day of Earth Day coverage of Hollywood’s efforts to Go Green. Interviews will be covered on www.BiteSize TV.com/live, and will bring together actors, authors, scientists, business innovators and other celebrities who are out front in the green movement, along with the leading experts on a wide range of environmental issues—from climate change and protecting our oceans to green fashion and sustainable farming. Ed will also discuss the Earth Day launch of Our Green House, the network’s newest reality show documenting Begley and his wife, Rachelle, as they build a brand new, ultra-green home.
Today we’re joined by Lois Gibbs, environmental health advocate made famous by her leadership during the Love Canal crisis in upstate New York, and Academy Award-nominated filmmaker Mark Kitchell (Berkeley in the Sixties) to discuss his new documentary, A Fierce Green Fire, which spans 50 years of grassroots and global activism from the 1960s-2009 and connects the major causes of environmentalism: from the conservation movement and Sierra Club halting dams in the Grand Canyon to battling toxic waste at Love Canal (Niagara, NY); from alternative ecology strands like Greenpeace and its save the whales campaign to the rise of global resource crises like saving the Amazon rainforest; and the ongoing climate change effort. Narrated by Robert Redford, Ashley Judd, Van Jones, Isabel Allende and Meryl Streep. A Fierce Green Fire, premiering nationally on Earth Day, Tuesday, April 22, 2014, 9-10 p.m. on PBS (check local listings).
The Green Schools National Network held its annual conference in Sacramento, CA in late March 2014, and I had the chance to interview some of the leaders on the GSNN Advisory Board. On todays’ episode, you’ll hear from Stephen Ritz, the teacher behind the Green Bronx Machine (http://greenbronxmachine.org) who gained national notoriety after his TED talk (http://youtu.be/RF6qTlgtHU0). Michael Ferraro, CEO of Growums (http://growums.com/), was one of the conference sponsors. You’ll hear from Bill Orr, Executive Director of the Collaborative for High Performance Schools (http://www.chps.net/); Jaimie Cloud, founder of the Cloud Institute (http://cloudinstitute.org/); and Rachel Gutter, Director of the U.S. Green Building Council’s Center for Green Schools (http://www.centerforgreenschools.org).
What will it take to teach the next generation to live sustainably? Can environmental education enhance academic achievement in math, science and social studies? These are among the many important questions that the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) addresses by connecting education professionals from across the U.S. Today we’ll be joined by GSNN CEO, Jim McGrath, and COO, Dr. Jenny Seydel, to discuss the latest trends in the green schools movement, and some best practices for communities that want to provide kids with green, healthy and sustainable schools.
With a million more of us every 4½ days on a planet that's not getting any bigger, prospects for a sustainable human future seem ever more in doubt. Alan Weisman traveled to more than 20 countries to ask what experts agreed were the probably the most important questions on Earth-and also the hardest: How many humans can the planet hold without capsizing? How robust must the Earth's ecosystem be to assure our continued existence? Can we know which other species are essential to our survival? And, how might we actually arrive at a stable, optimum population, and design an economy to allow genuine prosperity without endless growth? Tune in as we talk with Alan about what he encountered on his global search for answers.
Climate change isn’t bad news for everyone. As Arctic ice melts at historically rapid rates, some people brace for rising sea levels, and some brace for new opportunities to drill for oil in waters that were once too icy for rigs. Recently, several Greenpeace activists were captured by Russian forces and charged with piracy after protesting one such drill site in the Arctic. Today, Phil Radford, Greenpeace USA’s executive director, joins Go Green Radio to discuss his organization’s concerns about oil exploration in the Arctic Circle, and the plight of the “Artic 30” activists imprisoned in Russia.
Just a few weeks ago, 17 foundations with assets of about $2 billion agreed to divest their portfolios of coal, oil and gas, and reinvest in the clean energy economy. This adds a major tailwind to the movement that is up and running on 400 college campuses nationwide. Major institutions in San Francisco, including the city itself, have agreed to divest completely. Some of these big names include The Compton Foundation, The Sierra Club Foundation, The San Francisco State University Foundation and more. Four of the leaders of this movement will join us on Go Green Radio to discuss the fossil fuel divestment movement, and its economic implications.
“Western man has been using the sun’s rays for useful purposes since the days of ancient China, as this comprehensive, carefully researched, clearly written history of solar architecture and technology makes abundantly clear,” says The New York Times about John Perlin’s book, Let it Shine: The 6000-Year Story of Solar Energy. Let it Shine presents the step-by-step development of solar architecture and technology and pertinent energy policies. By providing the background for today’s vibrant solar industry, a deeper understanding emerges of how solar energy applications have evolved and performed and their promise for today’s world
Toxic chemicals used to wash coal were stored on the banks of a river less than 2 miles from where water entered the public water system for 300,000 people in nine counties of West Virginia. When 7,500 gallons of the chemicals spilled into the river, people not only got sick, but they could not use their water for anything but flushing toilets for several days. No drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, washing hands, no public water for a week. We need to stop and think about the chemicals used to bring us coal, oil and natural gas, and what impact these chemicals could have on our water supply.
What will it take to teach the next generation to live sustainably? Can environmental education enhance academic achievement in math, science and social studies? These are among the many important questions that the Green Schools National Network (GSNN) addresses by connecting education professionals from across the U.S. Today we’ll be joined by GSNN CEO, Jim McGrath, and COO, Dr. Jenny Seydel, to discuss the latest trends in the green schools movement, and some best practices for communities that want to provide kids with green, healthy and sustainable schools.
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton made protecting wild African elephants the centerpiece of the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative, in part because the elephants are facing extinction in a decade given current poaching rates, but also because their tusks are financing terrorism. Today we are joined by bestselling author and war correspondent, Mike Bond, to discuss the real world threat that is the subject of his new fiction novel, The Last Savanna. The book is based on his participation in military operations with Kenyan rangers against elephant poachers.
Greenpeace Senior Scientist, Dr. David Santillo, joins us to discuss geoengineering – what it is and why it is gaining attention in the U.S. Congress, the U.N. and countries around the world. With 15 years’ experience in organic analytical chemistry and development of policies for environmental protection, Dr. Santillo will share his insights on climate intervention technologies.
Toxic chemicals used to wash coal were stored on the banks of a river less than 2 miles from where water entered the public water system for 300,000 people in nine counties of West Virginia. When 7,500 gallons of the chemicals spilled into the river, people not only got sick, but they could not use their water for anything but flushing toilets for several days. No drinking, cooking, bathing, washing clothes, washing hands, no public water for a week. We need to stop and think about the chemicals used to bring us coal, oil and natural gas, and what impact these chemicals could have on our water supply.
Hillary and Chelsea Clinton made protecting wild African elephants the centerpiece of the 2013 Clinton Global Initiative, in part because the elephants are facing extinction in a decade given current poaching rates, but also because their tusks are financing terrorism. Today we are joined by bestselling author and war correspondent, Mike Bond, to discuss the real world threat that is the subject of his new fiction novel, The Last Savanna. The book is based on his participation in military operations with Kenyan rangers against elephant poachers.
Education is a dynamic institution. Every few years classrooms are introduced to new technologies and reforms that alter the learning experience in many ways. Throughout all these changes, however, two things have remained the same: first, human beings are completely dependent on natural systems, and second, human beings are capable of rendering natural systems incapable of supporting life. To what extent are we teaching students the necessary skills to preserve the natural systems on which they rely? Our guest today is Dr. Jerry Lieberman, who will discuss practical ways to use the environment around any school to create standards-based environmental education programs.
When a large environmental disaster occurs – like the BP oil spill in the Gulf – we take notice of the impact that energy extraction has on wildlife. But we tend to think of this impact only when a catastrophic event causes egregious pollution. The fact is that wildlife and wilderness areas are under constant pressure due to the expanding footprint of energy exploration, which is taking up more and more acreage every day. In this episode we’ll talk with Tom Butler, Editorial Projects Director for the Foundation for Deep Ecology, and board president of the Northeast Wilderness Trust. We’ll discuss the mounting conflict between those who seek to extract economic value from wild lands, and those who believe their value is greatest when they are left untouched.
“How much economic risk does the United States face from the impacts of climate change?” The Risky Business initiative will help us find out. Risky Business is a joint initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Office of former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, and Next Generation. The Risky Business Initiative includes two core components: • An independent risk assessment to reveal the likely financial risk the United States faces from unmitigated climate change. • An engagement effort - led by top national and regional leaders from across the American economic and political spectrum – to help leaders from the economic sectors most at risk from a changing climate prepare a measured response to the risks they face. Tune in as we talk with Kate Gordon, Executive Director of the Risky Business Initiative!
Are there upsides to fracking? Are consumer fears warranted? What are oil and gas companies doing to manage the risks involved? At the top of the hour, we’ll explore this topic with Karen Moreau, Executive Director of the New York State Petroleum Council, who will discuss hydraulic fracturing from an industry perspective. Later in the episode, we’ll be joined by Richard Heinberg, author of Snake Oil: How Fracking’s False Promise of Plenty Imperils Our Future.
It comes as news to no one that the energy industry is the most profitable on Earth. Based on their rise to prominence in the 20th Century, the annual earnings of the top five oil companies alone (ExxonMobil, BP, Shell, Conoco Philips, and Chevron) are now measured in the hundreds of billions of dollars. In his new book, Following the Money, Craig Shields presents a set of interviews with subject matter experts who discuss the effects that economics and financial power have on the course of the world’s energy policy. If it is true that we need a radical change in our approach to transportation and energy so that we can forge a sustainable path to consumption of resources here on Earth, it will only happen with action by a large, informed electorate of people who understand and honestly care what’s going on around them. Tune in, and become part of the informed electorate!
Geoengineering is a generic term for a multitude of technologies and theories aimed at changing the Earth’s climate. There are two basic categories into which all geoengineering concepts fall: solar radiation management and CO2 removal. Numerous governments around the world are looking to scientists who study geoengineering for possible “quick fix” solutions to global warming, which include spraying chemicals into the clouds above us and changing the chemical composition of the ocean. While the official line is that geoengineering is under consideration, some believe it is already happening. Today we will examine what geoengineering is, the risks involved, and what each of can do to be part of the decision-making process to deploy or not to deploy geoengineering technology on the planet.
When a large environmental disaster occurs – like the BP oil spill in the Gulf – we take notice of the impact that energy extraction has on wildlife. But we tend to think of this impact only when a catastrophic event causes egregious pollution. The fact is that wildlife and wilderness areas are under constant pressure due to the expanding footprint of energy exploration, which is taking up more and more acreage every day. In this episode we’ll talk with Tom Butler, Editorial Projects Director for the Foundation for Deep Ecology, and board president of the Northeast Wilderness Trust. We’ll discuss the mounting conflict between those who seek to extract economic value from wild lands, and those who believe their value is greatest when they are left untouched.
“How much economic risk does the United States face from the impacts of climate change?” The Risky Business initiative will help us find out. Risky Business is a joint initiative of Bloomberg Philanthropies, the Office of former Treasury Secretary Hank Paulson, and Next Generation. The Risky Business Initiative includes two core components: • An independent risk assessment to reveal the likely financial risk the United States faces from unmitigated climate change. • An engagement effort - led by top national and regional leaders from across the American economic and political spectrum – to help leaders from the economic sectors most at risk from a changing climate prepare a measured response to the risks they face. Tune in as we talk with Kate Gordon, Executive Director of the Risky Business Initiative!
In 2007, coal-fired power plants generated 50% of all the electricity in the U.S.; it’s now down to 37% thanks to cheap natural gas prices. About two-thirds of the coal used in America comes from surface mining, including mountaintop removal (MTR). But because the communities around these operations are small, rural, and less likely to receive media attention, most Americans have no idea about the human health problems caused by this form of mining, all in the name of cheap energy. Teri Blanton has been fighting mountaintop removal (MTR) mining and toxic pollution in her home state of Kentucky for 20 years. Some people call her the Erin Brockovich of the social justice movement within the Appalachian coalfields for her tireless efforts to protect our headwater streams, and to ultimately move eastern Kentucky towards a more sustainable future beyond coal. Tune in to hear her firsthand account of the truth about how MTR affects the people who live nearby.
The rapid spread of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has temporarily boosted US natural gas and oil production . . . and sparked a massive environmental backlash in communities across the country. The fossil fuel industry is trying to sell fracking as the biggest energy development of the century, with slick promises of American energy independence and benefits to local economies. Richard Heinberg, one of the world’s foremost energy educators, casts a critical eye on the oil-industry hype that has hijacked America’s energy conversation. This is the first book to look at fracking from both economic and environmental perspectives, informed by the most thorough analysis of shale gas and oil drilling data ever undertaken. Is fracking the miracle cure-all to our energy ills, or a costly distraction from the necessary work of reducing our fossil fuel dependence?
Linda Marsa is an investigative journalist and contributing editor at Discover who has covered medicine, health and science for more than two decades. A former Los Angeles Times reporter and author, she has just released her new book, Fevered: Why a Hotter Planet Will Hurt Our Health, and How We Can Save Ourselves. The book includes interviews with the world’s leading climate scientists and healthcare experts. Tune in as we discuss the human health implications of climate change, and what we can do to create a more resilient public health system in advance of the crisis.
Part autobiography, part treatise, in Creating Climate Wealth, Jigar Shah demonstrates how all of us can participate in the largest wealth creation opportunity of our time. Shah explains that proven, scalable climate solutions, using an infrastructure-as-a-service model, will create the next economy. The book draws lessons from what Shah learned in the creation and success of SunEdison and as CEO of The Carbon War Room. The key message is that climate wealth is at our fingertips – accessible to entrepreneurs, investors, governments, NGO’s, and corporations, and will create thousands of jobs.
Climate change isn’t bad news for everyone. As Arctic ice melts at historically rapid rates, some people brace for rising sea levels, and some brace for new opportunities to drill for oil in waters that were once too icy for rigs. Recently, several Greenpeace activists were captured by Russian forces and charged with piracy after protesting one such drill site in the Arctic. Today, Phil Radford, Greenpeace USA’s executive director, joins Go Green Radio to discuss his organization’s concerns about oil exploration in the Arctic Circle, and the plight of the “Artic 30” activists imprisoned in Russia.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has just released its annual report on water quality at U.S. beaches, and found that the number of beach closing and advisory days exceeded 20,000 for the 8th time in the past 9 years. On today’s show, we’ll talk with Jon Devine, NRDC’s Senior Attorney for their water program, who will help us understand the sources of pollution that impact our beaches, and what can be done to mitigate or eliminate the pollution altogether. For anyone who loves a great day at the beach, this show will empower you to advocate for measures to keep our beach free from toxins that pose a serious threat to human health.
Women bear a heavy burden from the impacts of climate change, particularly in low-income and developing countries where drought, flooding and unpredictable temperatures present difficult challenges for women that are responsible for providing food, water and firewood for their families. Until now, their voices were under-represented in global discussions about climate change.
From September 20th-23rd, 2013, a powerful cohort of women leaders from 35+ countries came together in New York to take bold action on climate change and craft a Women’s Climate Action Agenda at the first International Women’s Earth and Climate Summit. Tune in to hear from the Founder and Co-Director of the International Women’s Earth and Climate Initiative, Osprey Orielle Lake, as she discusses the outcome of this unprecedented gathering of women leaders.
In 2007, coal-fired power plants generated 50% of all the electricity in the U.S.; it’s now down to 37% thanks to cheap natural gas prices. About two-thirds of the coal used in America comes from surface mining, including mountaintop removal (MTR). But because the communities around these operations are small, rural, and less likely to receive media attention, most Americans have no idea about the human health problems caused by this form of mining, all in the name of cheap energy. Teri Blanton has been fighting mountaintop removal (MTR) mining and toxic pollution in her home state of Kentucky for 20 years. Some people call her the Erin Brockovich of the social justice movement within the Appalachian coalfields for her tireless efforts to protect our headwater streams, and to ultimately move eastern Kentucky towards a more sustainable future beyond coal. Tune in to hear her firsthand account of the truth about how MTR affects the people who live nearby.
Marion Nestle, one of the nation’s most prominent voices on the political forces that drive our food choices, has authored a new book, Eat Drink Vote – An Illustrated Guide to Food Politics. She teamed up with The Cartoonist Group (more than 50 leading cartoonist, including 9 Pultizer Prize winners) to illustrate and explain the most pressing issues of our food system today. In the book, she discusses Big Ag, GMO’s, food safety, labeling, obesity, school lunches, wasted food, and much more. Tune in as we discuss the role that government – and politics – plays in determining what ends up on your plate.
The Natural Resources Defense Council has just released its annual report on water quality at U.S. beaches, and found that the number of beach closing and advisory days exceeded 20,000 for the 8th time in the past 9 years. On today’s show, we’ll talk with Jon Devine, NRDC’s Senior Attorney for their water program, who will help us understand the sources of pollution that impact our beaches, and what can be done to mitigate or eliminate the pollution altogether. For anyone who loves a great day at the beach, this show will empower you to advocate for measures to keep our beach free from toxins that pose a serious threat to human health.
With over 30 yoga videos produced, and gushing endorsements from followers like Oprah Winfrey and Donna Karan, today’s guest has helped some of the busiest people on the planet learn how to bring their minds and bodies into alignment with their health goals. But much more than simply being a fitness instructor, Rodney Yee works in conjunction with Gaiam, Inc. to produce products and tools that respect natural resources, and help people tread more lightly on the Earth. Tune in to learn more about Rodney’s philosophy of sustainable living, and to participate in guided meditations you can do in the office, at home or in transit!
The rapid spread of hydraulic fracturing (“fracking”) has temporarily boosted US natural gas and oil production . . . and sparked a massive environmental backlash in communities across the country. The fossil fuel industry is trying to sell fracking as the biggest energy development of the century, with slick promises of American energy independence and benefits to local economies. Richard Heinberg, one of the world’s foremost energy educators, casts a critical eye on the oil-industry hype that has hijacked America’s energy conversation. This is the first book to look at fracking from both economic and environmental perspectives, informed by the most thorough analysis of shale gas and oil drilling data ever undertaken. Is fracking the miracle cure-all to our energy ills, or a costly distraction from the necessary work of reducing our fossil fuel dependence?
In our culture, pregnancy, birth, and childrearing are deeply connected to consumption and resource use. From the baby shower to the minivan and the larger apartment or first house, the baby-raising years are the most hyper-consumptive of our lives, and can set a family on an unsustainable track for years to come. The Zero Footprint Baby: How to Save the Planet While Raising a Healthy Baby shows how to raise a child with little to no carbon footprint. This timely book covers every issue new parents face, including pregnancy (what kind of birth has the lowest impact?); what to feed your baby (breastfeed, formula, or both?); childcare (who should take care of the baby, and how?); and of course, diapering. Using a mix of personal anecdotes, summarized research, and clear guidance on how to pursue the most sustainable baby-rearing options, environmental expert and new mom Keya Chatterjee has authored the ultimate resource for all new parents with green inclinations.
Linda Marsa is an investigative journalist and contributing editor at Discover who has covered medicine, health and science for more than two decades. A former Los Angeles Times reporter and author, she has just released her new book, Fevered: Why a Hotter Planet Will Hurt Our Health, and How We Can Save Ourselves. The book includes interviews with the world’s leading climate scientists and healthcare experts. Tune in as we discuss the human health implications of climate change, and what we can do to create a more resilient public health system in advance of the crisis.
The Wall Street Journal reports that U.S. beekeepers lost 1 in 3 honeybees during the winter of 2012, and this is cause for alarm. Declining bee populations have been making news recently, and this is much more than an endangered species story. Certain crops we take for granted are dependent upon bee pollination to grow. Among these are: apples, almonds, blueberries, watermelon, cherries, peaches, avocados, cucumbers, cranberries, onions, blackberries, grapefruit, oranges, raspberries, cantaloupe, pumpkins, pears, and plums. If you want to help ensure these crops remain bountiful (and, hence, affordable), tune in today as Ted Dennard, CEO of Savannah Bee Company, joins us to discuss this crucial topic.
Concerned citizens of the UK are pressuring their supermarkets to revert to requiring use of non-GMO feed, not just for poultry and eggs, but for ALL their livestock products. In April 2013 Tesco, Co-Op, Marks & Spencer, and Sainsbury’s announced that they would switch their egg and poultry production to genetically modified (GMO) feed, reportedly to save consumers a few pennies on animal products. But many shoppers are concerned about the human health implications of consuming animal products that were nourished with genetically modified food, and also the health effects for people living near the GM crops. Tune in and learn more about the campaign to stop GM livestock feed from entering the supply chain of UK supermarkets.
These days, consumers have a lot of choices when buying a car, and “green” options have never been more plentiful. Today’s show will help us understand the difference between EVs, Hybrids, and Eco-friendly vehicles and which option best suits our lifestyle. James Bell, auto expert and Head of Consumer Affairs for General Motors will join us to discuss the “Do’s and Don’ts of Green Car Shopping.” Prior to joining GM, James was Vice President of Corporate Communications and Executive Market Analyst for Kelley Blue Book. With almost 15 years of experience, James Bell is a nationally recognized and authoritative resource within the automotive industry.
Defining environmental finance is tricky as there's no widely agreed upon definition. Instead, there are a variety of certifications, standards and attributes that can be used to help identify greener businesses. Wells Fargo set a goal of providing $30 billion in environmental finance by 2020, and is asking for public feedback on the categories they have established for environmental financing. Today we will talk about the environmental impact of the projects Wells Fargo is currently funding, and what may be on the horizon. Our guests are Wells Fargo’s VP of Environmental Affairs, Stephanie Rico, and VP, Environmental Finance, Dustin Kahler. To give your input, visit: Wells Fargo Environmental Forum
With over 30 yoga videos produced, and gushing endorsements from followers like Oprah Winfrey and Donna Karan, today’s guest has helped some of the busiest people on the planet learn how to bring their minds and bodies into alignment with their health goals. But much more than simply being a fitness instructor, Rodney Yee works in conjunction with Gaiam, Inc. to produce products and tools that respect natural resources, and help people tread more lightly on the Earth. Tune in to learn more about Rodney’s philosophy of sustainable living, and to participate in guided meditations you can do in the office, at home or in transit!
The Natural Resources Defense Council has just released its annual report on water quality at U.S. beaches, and found that the number of beach closing and advisory days exceeded 20,000 for the 8th time in the past 9 years. On today’s show, we’ll talk with Jon Devine, NRDC’s Senior Attorney for their water program, who will help us understand the sources of pollution that impact our beaches, and what can be done to mitigate or eliminate the pollution altogether. For anyone who loves a great day at the beach, this show will empower you to advocate for measures to keep our beach free from toxins that pose a serious threat to human health.
Yearly plug-in vehicle sales increased 198 percent in 2012, and the number of available models in the U.S. market is expected to triple by model year 2015. Since entering the market just more than two years ago, more than 70,000 plug-in vehicles have hit American roads. Today we’ll be joined by Brian Wynne, President of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), to discuss both performance and public policy issues that impact the electrification of light transportation in the U.S.
Defining environmental finance is tricky as there's no widely agreed upon definition. Instead, there are a variety of certifications, standards and attributes that can be used to help identify greener businesses. Wells Fargo set a goal of providing $30 billion in environmental finance by 2020, and is asking for public feedback on the categories they have established for environmental financing. Today we will talk about the environmental impact of the projects Wells Fargo is currently funding, and what may be on the horizon. Our guests are Wells Fargo’s VP of Environmental Affairs, Stephanie Rico, and VP, Environmental Finance, Dustin Kahler. To give your input, visit: Wells Fargo Environmental Forum
One of the drawbacks of solar and wind energy is the intermittency of power generation, and the inability of our current electricity grid to handle an inconsistent flow of electrons. If solar and wind power were coupled with large-scale energy storage capacity, this could create the steady flow of electricity that is optimal for our grid. One of the promising technologies for mass energy storage is vanadium flow batteries (VFB’s). Today we’re joined by the CEO of American Vanadium, a Canadian mining company preparing to launch operations to extract vanadium in Nevada. Currently, there is no other source of vanadium in the U.S. Tune in to learn more about vanadium, and why having a domestic supply of this critical element could impact national security.
As Terry Walters writes in the introduction to her book, CLEAN FOOD, “In this country, the topic of food is charged with emotion and controversy…Our produce departments and grocery shelves are lined with…pesticides, herbicides, growth hormones, chemical additives…stripping our food of its inherent nutritional value. Behind each glass of milk or piece of meat is an agenda, a lobbyist, a Fortune 500 company, a distribution chain, a processing plant…The further we remove ourselves from the source of our food, the less we are able to maintain physical and emotional balance…The cleaner we eat, the clearer we think, and the better we can embrace good health and nutrition.” Tune in to learn more about how to convert your kitchen into a place where your family is truly nourished.
Today’s guest is Dr. Sarah Janssen, senior scientist for the Natural Resources Defense Council's health and environment program. Her work has included research on flame retardants, cosmetics, plastics and plasticizers, breast cancer and threats to adult reproductive health and child development. She is an assistant clinical professor at the University of California, San Francisco where she is conducting clinical research. She completed her M.D. and Ph.D. in molecular and integrative physiology at the University of Illinois, a Masters in Public Health at UC-Berkeley in 2005 and residency training at the University of California, San Francisco.
If you are concerned with your family’s health and the environment you leave to the next generation, then it’s time to consider the impact that factory farming is having on both. Today’s guest has been hailed “the conscience of the food movement” by Time magazine. Gene Baur is the President and Co-Founder of Farm Sanctuary, an organization that is on a mission to protect farm animals from cruelty, inspire change in the way society views and treats farm animals, and promote compassionate vegan living. Even if you love steak and cheeseburgers, there are ways you can help minimize the ill effects of factory farms on animals, the environment and your own health. Tune in to learn how to eat in alignment with your values.
Military veterans know what it means to work hard. They have leadership skills, an ability to adapt, team-oriented values, and a desire to continue serving their country. That’s why they expect to find good employment opportunities after leaving the service. They want a job that is well-suited to their skills and interests, and allows them to take care of themselves and their family. But when it comes to finding those jobs, veterans may not know where to start. Veterans Green Jobs can help.
Veterans Green Jobs’ employment program matches veterans’ military experience to the skills needed by green sector employers, links them to training programs to provide them with skills in key subject areas, and connects them with available jobs. Tune in to learn more about VGJ’s work to connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities that serve our communities and environment.
Traffic in National Parks during peak season is significant. Americans have long enjoyed packing in to bring their families to visit our national treasurers, and the fondest memories of many generations happen in our National Parks each year. Adding to the long lines of traffic are trucks bringing in something for sale that is already in the park for free – water. In addition, there are trucks heading out of the parks carrying tons of plastic water bottles. Does this make sense? We’ll discuss this issue today with Grace Morris, who is a spokesperson for a campaign to remove plastic water bottles from our National Parks.
Are industrial meat operations to blame for the rise in drug-resistant illnesses and superbugs? How can consumers protect themselves, and what role should the government play in safeguarding our food supply from unhealthy farming practices? Today we are joined by Russ Kremer, a.k.a. the “Pope of Pork”, a recipient of the Natural Resources Defense Council’s 2013 Growing Green Award, and Dr. Jason Newland, Medical Director of Patient Safety and Systems Reliability Director, Antimicrobial Stewardship Program Children's Mercy Hospitals & Clinics Kansas City, MO. We will discuss the current state of meat production in America, and what farmers like Russ are doing to create healthier options for consumers.
Traffic in National Parks during peak season is significant. Americans have long enjoyed packing in to bring their families to visit our national treasurers, and the fondest memories of many generations happen in our National Parks each year. Adding to the long lines of traffic are trucks bringing in something for sale that is already in the park for free – water. In addition, there are trucks heading out of the parks carrying tons of plastic water bottles. Does this make sense? We’ll discuss this issue today with Grace Morris, who is a spokesperson for a campaign to remove plastic water bottles from our National Parks.
Currently, the world derives 86 percent of its energy from finite fuels: oil, coal, and natural gas. If we have not already reached peak oil production, we are close to it, meaning that half of planet’s oil supply is already gone. At some point, we will reach peak coal and natural gas production, as well. Renewable energy delivers less than one percent (1%) of the world’s energy supply, and is not being deployed on a scale to replace even a small percentage of the world’s current and projected energy needs for the future. As global population reaches an all-time high, the energy supply needed to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide work for all those individuals is in decline. How does a smart, forward-looking society plan for the inevitable changes inherent in this energy dilemma? Our guest, Richard Heinberg, senior fellow-in-residence at the Post Carbon Institute, will share his views on the matter as we discuss the book, ENERGY: Overdevelopment & the Delusion of Endless Growth.
Yearly plug-in vehicle sales increased 198 percent in 2012, and the number of available models in the U.S. market is expected to triple by model year 2015. Since entering the market just more than two years ago, more than 70,000 plug-in vehicles have hit American roads. Today we’ll be joined by Brian Wynne, President of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), to discuss both performance and public policy issues that impact the electrification of light transportation in the U.S.
According to my guests today, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new industrial revolution. But instead of raw ingredients like coal, steel, and lumber, this century’s boom is likely to be fueled by lithium, tantalum, vanadium, and a host of other rare earth minerals and metals. These are the elements that will make possible infinite vs. finite energy technologies, medical device advances, and communication capabilities that will touch all people around the globe. Because these elements are only feasible to mine from a few places on earth, there is the distinct possibility that supply of rare earth materials could become inequitable – if not contentious, and hence, the opportunities for countries to be part of the new global economic boom could be severely limited.
My guests today are Ron MacDonald, former member of the Canadian Parliament, and Executive Chairman of Critical Elements Corporation; and Jean-Sébastien Lavallée,
Today’s guest is Karl Gawell, Executive Director of the Geothermal Energy Association. We will discuss how geothermal energy works, how it differs from other energy sources in cost and cleanliness, and how U.S. energy policy (or the lack thereof) impacts our nation’s capacity to fully utilize geothermal energy. Currently, geothermal plants generate less than 1% of total U.S. electricity, but according to a report released in 2006 from the Department of Energy, our domestic reserves of geothermal could supply our current rate of electricity consumption for 30,000 years! What are we waiting for?? Tune in and find out the latest news in geothermal energy development.
Military veterans know what it means to work hard. They have leadership skills, an ability to adapt, team-oriented values, and a desire to continue serving their country. That’s why they expect to find good employment opportunities after leaving the service. They want a job that is well-suited to their skills and interests, and allows them to take care of themselves and their family. But when it comes to finding those jobs, veterans may not know where to start. Veterans Green Jobs can help.
Veterans Green Jobs’ employment program matches veterans’ military experience to the skills needed by green sector employers, links them to training programs to provide them with skills in key subject areas, and connects them with available jobs. Tune in to learn more about VGJ’s work to connect military veterans with meaningful employment opportunities that serve our communities and environment.
The global clean energy marketplace is expanding rapidly, but the competitive position of American industry is at risk because of increased competition abroad and uncertain policies at home, according to a report to be released Jan. 17 by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The study, Innovate, Manufacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan, states that revenue in the clean energy sector worldwide could total $1.9 trillion from 2012 to 2018. Yet roundtable discussions with more than 100 U.S. industry leaders reveal that the country is at a crossroads: Private investment, manufacturing, and deployment of renewable power have been constrained because of the lack of a long-term, consistent energy policy. To strengthen America’s global competitiveness in this growing economic sector, the report outlines several policy actions recommended by industry participants for the 113th Congress. Tune in as we discuss the findings and recommendations for federal policy makers.
Some of the leading voices in the American environmental movement restate the case that population growth is a major force behind many of our most serious ecological problems, including climate change, habitat loss, air and water pollution, and food and water scarcity. The new book, Life on the Brink, is a compellation of essays contributed by leaders in a range of disciplines, offering varied perspectives on hard issues regarding contraception, abortion, immigration, and limits to growth. Today we’ll be joined by one of the book’s contributors, Philip Cafaro, professor of philosophy at Colorado State University.
What do coal plants, volcanoes, and your breath have in common? Carbon emissions. Of course, there are countless examples of additional sources of carbon emissions – some natural, some man-made – but our planet’s ability to absorb all that carbon is strained, to say the least. Wetlands, forests and oceans are the systems that bear the greatest capacity to extract carbon from the atmosphere, but as Earth’s CO2 levels continue to rise, and forests and wetlands increasingly succumb to development, the ocean is left to do more of the heavy lifting when it comes to carbon sequestration. As a result, the ocean is becoming more acidic and more hostile to marine life. Even if you don’t eat seafood, the increased acidity of the ocean is having a negative impact on human life.
Yearly plug-in vehicle sales increased 198 percent in 2012, and the number of available models in the U.S. market is expected to triple by model year 2015. Since entering the market just more than two years ago, more than 70,000 plug-in vehicles have hit American roads. Today we’ll be joined by Brian Wynne, President of the Electric Drive Transportation Association (EDTA), to discuss both performance and public policy issues that impact the electrification of light transportation in the U.S.
Currently, the world derives eighty-six percent (86%) of its energy from finite fuels: oil, coal, and natural gas. If we have not already reached peak oil production, we are close to it, meaning that half of planet’s oil supply is already gone. At some point, we will reach peak coal and natural gas production, as well. Renewable energy delivers less than one percent (1%) of the world’s energy supply, and is not being deployed on a scale to replace even a small percentage of the world’s current and projected energy needs for the future. As global population reaches an all-time high, the energy supply needed to feed, clothe, shelter, and provide work for all those individuals is in decline. How does a smart, forward-looking society plan for the inevitable changes inherent in this energy dilemma? Our guest, Richard Heinberg, senior fellow-in-residence at the Post Carbon Institute, will share his views on the matter as we discuss the book, ENERGY: Overdevelopment & the Delusion of Endless Growth.
We’re running low on clean water in the U.S., and that has a tremendous impact on our economy. Water-intensive industries like manufacturing and agriculture are feeling the pinch, but so is the energy industry. Permits for new coal plants in Texas are being protested by farmers whose crops are already parched with drought, because the farmers don’t want to compete for clean water with the energy plant. Downstream states are taking upstream states to court across the U.S. over water rights, and Las Vegas has offered to build San Diego a plant to desalinate the Pacific Ocean in exchange for a portion of its allocation of the Colorado River. Climate change is only exacerbating the problem, yet most Americans have no idea how fragile their water supply is. Tune in to hear Dr. Robert Glennon, professor of law and public policy at the University of Arizona, discuss this crisis and what each of us can do about it.
The global clean energy marketplace is expanding rapidly, but the competitive position of American industry is at risk because of increased competition abroad and uncertain policies at home, according to a report to be released Jan. 17 by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The study, Innovate, Manufacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan, states that revenue in the clean energy sector worldwide could total $1.9 trillion from 2012 to 2018. Yet roundtable discussions with more than 100 U.S. industry leaders reveal that the country is at a crossroads: Private investment, manufacturing, and deployment of renewable power have been constrained because of the lack of a long-term, consistent energy policy. To strengthen America’s global competitiveness in this growing economic sector, the report outlines several policy actions recommended by industry participants for the 113th Congress. Tune in as we discuss the findings and recommendations for federal policy makers.
The global clean energy marketplace is expanding rapidly, but the competitive position of American industry is at risk because of increased competition abroad and uncertain policies at home, according to a report to be released Jan. 17 by The Pew Charitable Trusts. The study, Innovate, Manufacture, Compete: A Clean Energy Action Plan, states that revenue in the clean energy sector worldwide could total $1.9 trillion from 2012 to 2018. Yet roundtable discussions with more than 100 U.S. industry leaders reveal that the country is at a crossroads: Private investment, manufacturing, and deployment of renewable power have been constrained because of the lack of a long-term, consistent energy policy. To strengthen America’s global competitiveness in this growing economic sector, the report outlines several policy actions recommended by industry participants for the 113th Congress. Tune in as we discuss the findings and recommendations for federal policy makers.
One of the drawbacks of solar and wind energy is the intermittency of power generation, and the inability of our current electricity grid to handle an inconsistent flow of electrons. If solar and wind power were coupled with large-scale energy storage capacity, this could create the steady flow of electricity that is optimal for our grid. One of the promising technologies for mass energy storage is vanadium flow batteries (VFB’s). Today we’re joined by the CEO of American Vanadium, a Canadian mining company preparing to launch operations to extract vanadium in Nevada. Currently, there is no other source of vanadium in the U.S. Tune in to learn more about vanadium, and why having a domestic supply of this critical element could impact national security.
For as long as anyone can remember, waste management in U.S. neighborhoods has been paid for by residents and commercial ratepayers. What would happen if we turned that system upside down, and required the companies that produce things that end up in our waste stream to deal with it? What do you think would happen to products and packaging if the producers had to take it back, disassemble it, recycle it, turn it into something new, or as a last resort, pay for it to be landfilled? It might result in less packaging, fewer disposable goods, more sustainable products. This concept is called “Extended Producer Responsibility,” and there are state and local governments already passing laws requiring EPR for certain industries. Tune in today as we talk with the Executive Director of the California Product Stewardship Council, Heidi Sanborn.
Today we’re joined by Marisa Miller Wolfson, director of the award-winning documentary, Veducated. Part sociological experiment and part adventure comedy, the documentary, Veducated, follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. Lured by tales of weight lost and health regained, they begin to uncover the hidden sides of animal agriculture that make them wonder whether solutions offered in films like Food, Inc. go far enough. This entertaining documentary showcases the rapid and at times comedic evolution of three people who discover they can change the world one bite at a time.
According to my guests today, we may be witnessing the dawn of a new industrial revolution. But instead of raw ingredients like coal, steel, and lumber, this century’s boom is likely to be fueled by lithium, tantalum, vanadium, and a host of other rare earth minerals and metals. These are the elements that will make possible infinite vs. finite energy technologies, medical device advances, and communication capabilities that will touch all people around the globe. Because these elements are only feasible to mine from a few places on earth, there is the distinct possibility that supply of rare earth materials could become inequitable – if not contentious, and hence, the opportunities for countries to be part of the new global economic boom could be severely limited.
My guests today are Ron MacDonald, former member of the Canadian Parliament, and Executive Chairman of Critical Elements Corporation; and Jean-Sébastien Lavallée, President & CEO of Critical Elements Corporation. We will discuss breakthroughs in North American supplies of rare earth materials, and why it is so important to secure a domestic supply of these vital resources.
Can solar energy compete with cheap natural gas? Will the U.S. solar industry suffer without a reliable, domestic source of raw materials to manufacture solar panels? Will there be sufficient public and private funding for solar installations after the “fiscal cliff” plays out in Washington?
Today we’re joined by Gary Gerber, founder & CEO of Sun Light & Power, to discuss the latest trends in solar technology and policy. Gary also serves as President of the board of the California Solar Energy Industry Association, a state wide non-profit organization working to support the solar energy industry, and is a co-founder of Build it Green, a statewide green building non-profit. Tune in to learn about solar’s future from one of the industry’s most respected veterans.
CONFESSIONS OF AN ECO-TERRORIST is the true, no holds barred story of 30 years of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) campaigns leading up to the hit show Whale Wars. It’s a feature documentary that reveals the true odyssey of the most wanted environmentalist today, Captain Paul Watson. Filmmaker and longest-serving SSCS crew member Peter Jay Brown documented the mythic deeds of the organization while acting as the cinematographer, first mate, deckhand, quartermaster, Zodiac driver and officer/captain in Watson’s absence starting in 1980.
Peter Brown, a Sea Shepherd insider expertly exercises aikido with his camera by turning a negative accusation into a positive confession of influential activism. He gives us an intimate and honest look at what really goes on behind the scenes on some of the most infamous environmental campaigns ever.
In this episode we’ll take a look at what causes drought, how climate change may impact the intensity and frequency of droughts in the U.S., and what we can do to make our communities more resilient during extremely dry periods. We are joined by Steve Fleischli, Director of Water & Climate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, who will discuss a new report that rate each of the 50 U.S. states according to their disaster preparedness plans as they relate to water issues that are expected to be exacerbated by climate change. We’ll discuss strategies that drought-likely states can employ to optimally manage water resources under a variety of extreme weather scenarios.
Forty percent of the greenhouse gas emissions in the state of California come from transportation. In an effort to both reduce emissions and air pollution, the California Energy Commission (CEC) has developed the Alternative and Renewable Fuel & Vehicle Technology Program. This program funds a variety of fuel technologies and the infrastructure needed to make those fuels available to California drivers. The program also funds manufacturing capacity, enabling the state to create more jobs in the alternative energy sector. Tune in as we talk with CEC Commissioner Carla Peterman about this landmark investment in 21st century transportation in the Golden State
Power failure on the scale we recently saw with Super Storm Sandy does NOT have to happen.
But it will happen, over and over again, unless antiquated energy infrastructure is updated. Today we are joined by Dr. Massoud Amin, a senior member of the Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (IEEE) and member of the IEEE Computer Society's Task Force on Security and Privacy. In the aftermath of the tragic events of 9/11, he directed all security-related research and development at the Electric Power Research Institute (EPRI) in Palo Alto, California, including the Infrastructure Security Initiative (ISI) and the Enterprise Information Security (EIS). We will discuss the implications of the power outages along the East Coast; what U.S. utilities need to do to improve their power grid infrastructure; and how green energy alternatives or the smart grid help to prevent/limit future outages.
For as long as anyone can remember, waste management in U.S. neighborhoods has been paid for by residents and commercial ratepayers. What would happen if we turned that system upside down, and required the companies that produce things that end up in our waste stream to deal with it? What do you think would happen to products and packaging if the producers had to take it back, disassemble it, recycle it, turn it into something new, or as a last resort, pay for it to be landfilled? It might result in less packaging, fewer disposable goods, more sustainable products. This concept is called “Extended Producer Responsibility,” and there are state and local governments already passing laws requiring EPR for certain industries. Tune in today as we talk with the Executive Director of the California Product Stewardship Council, Heidi Sanborn.
Food is one of the most basic things that all human beings have in common. We don’t all eat the same types of food, but we are all linked to one another in our need for nourishment. Modern agriculture has increased the amount of food that is produced, yet even in America, there are hungry, malnourished children. Additionally, the environmental footprint of modern agriculture places it in direct competition with other industries and consumers for limited resources like oil, water, and minerals. On top of that, the way we as consumers handle our food compounds the environmental impact of our food supply. What we purchase and what we waste can have very negative effects on our air, water and soil quality. Tune in today as we talk with Jonathan Kaplan, the Director of Food and Agriculture and Senior Policy Specialist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Andrea Northup
Today we’ll be joined by Major General Anthony Jackson, USMC (ret.), Lt. General John Castellaw, USMC (ret.), and retired Republican Senator John Warner, who also served in the Marine Corps and as the Secretary of the Navy from 1972-74. Each will discuss his views on America’s energy future and the need for advanced biofuels in the military. Tune in to hear what our armed forces are doing to conserve energy in every facet of their operations, and how military bases are generating impressive amounts of clean, green energy. Most importantly, listen in to learn why today’s military leaders are so driven to help our nation become self-sufficient in meeting our energy needs, and in the words of Maj. General Jackson, why we need to decide as a nation that we will no longer be content to shed American blood for oil.
Our nation, and our world, is transitioning to a green economy. But what about those people whose livelihoods are intertwined with carbon emissions: coal miners, oil rig operators, etc.? What happens to their families as the economy transitions to one that is less carbon intense? If they are retrained for a “green” job, will it pay as well, or will their family have to relocate? AFL-CIO, the umbrella federation for U.S. unions, with 56 unions representing more than 12 million working men and women, is working on these issues. Today we’re joined by Bob Baugh, Director of the AFL-CIO Working for America Institute (WAI). The institute is a union think tank/technical assistance organization for worker training/education, technology and economic development and is home to the Center for Green Jobs
Today we’re joined by Marisa Miller Wolfson, director of the award-winning documentary, Veducated. Part sociological experiment and part adventure comedy, the documentary, Veducated, follows three meat- and cheese-loving New Yorkers who agree to adopt a vegan diet for six weeks. Lured by tales of weight lost and health regained, they begin to uncover the hidden sides of animal agriculture that make them wonder whether solutions offered in films like Food, Inc. go far enough. This entertaining documentary showcases the rapid and at times comedic evolution of three people who discover they can change the world one bite at a time.
Imagine a world where nothing is discarded into the land, air or water that could harm humans, animals or the planet. That is the goal of a “zero waste” philosophy. Today we are joined by Leslie Lukacs, who has presented at the Zero Waste International Association (www.zwia.org) conference for the past 3 years, and is a founder and principal of L2 Environmental (www.L2environmental.com). Leslie will help us understand how businesses, communities, and venues can implement zero waste principles, and what everyday people can do to make strides toward a zero waste lifestyle.
In this episode we’ll take a look at what causes drought, how climate change may impact the intensity and frequency of droughts in the U.S., and what we can do to make our communities more resilient during extremely dry periods. We are joined by Steve Fleischli, Director of Water & Climate for the Natural Resources Defense Council, who will discuss a new report that rate each of the 50 U.S. states according to their disaster preparedness plans as they relate to water issues that are expected to be exacerbated by climate change. We’ll discuss strategies that drought-likely states can employ to optimally manage water resources under a variety of extreme weather scenarios.
Suppose someone told you your entire country would likely be submerged in a few short decades. How would you plan for future generations of your family? These are some of the many issues facing millions of people from Fiji, Grenada, the Marshall Islands, the Maldives and hundreds of islands off Panama. As the Arctic rapidly melts, rising sea levels are forcing entire countries to consider relocation and other drastic measures. One of the greatest uncertainties is their legal status if their countries disappear. Will they be able to have a sovereign government if they are displaced, and will other countries make space for the island peoples to form new boundaries on the mainlands? Tune in as we discuss these issues with young attorney and activist, Brook Meakins, www.drowningislands.com
“We are not helpless,” was the message from Ken Alex, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Brown and Director of the Office of Planning and Research, at the recent press conference announcing the release of California’s historic body of research assessing the state’s vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change. Over 120 scientists organized into 26 research teams have completed over 30 studies that demonstrate the likelihood of certain climate changes in California over the next several decades; what regions, systems, and communities are most vulnerable to the changes; and steps that communities and individuals can take to increase their resilience and ability to adapt to these changes. Our guests today are Dr. Robert Weisenmiller, Chairperson of the California Energy Commission, which is the organization that commissioned the studies; and Dr. Susanne Moser, one of the leading scientists involved in the research.
Studies show that more than 90% of Americans support mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods. Yet for twenty years we have been denied that right. While our reasons for wanting to know what’s in our food may vary, what unifies us is the belief that it’s our right. Without labeling of GE foods, we cannot make informed choices about our food. The Just Label It campaign was created to advocate for the labeling of GE foods (www.justlabelit.org). Today our guest is Robyn O’Brien, founder of Allergy Kids Foundation and author of The Unhealthy Truth. A former food industry analyst, Fulbright grant recipient, author and mother of four, Robyn O’Brien brings insight and detailed analysis to her research into the impact that the global food system is having on our health. She is regarded as an expert on children’s health policy, hailed as “food’s Erin Brockovich” by The New York Times and has been named by SHAPE Magazine as a “Women To Shape the World”
“We are not helpless,” was the message from Ken Alex, Senior Policy Advisor to Governor Brown and Director of the Office of Planning and Research, at the recent press conference announcing the release of California’s historic body of research assessing the state’s vulnerabilities to the effects of climate change. Over 120 scientists organized into 26 research teams have completed over 30 studies that demonstrate the likelihood of certain climate changes in California over the next several decades; what regions, systems, and communities are most vulnerable to the changes; and steps that communities and individuals can take to increase their resilience and ability to adapt to these changes. Our guests today are Dr. Robert Weisenmiller, Chairperson of the California Energy Commission, which is the organization that commissioned the studies; and Dr. Susanne Moser, one of the leading scientists involved in the research. We will discuss the findings of the research teams, and ways that other states can replicate the process of defining region-specific opportunities to adapt and thrive under changing climate conditions.
My guest is author and leading green architect, David Bergman. An architect, ecodesigner and LEED Accredited Professional with more than 25 years of experience, Bergman has recently completed his first book, Sustainable Design: A Critical Guide, to rave reviews. Written for students and professionals as well as anyone looking to get an overall understanding of the general concepts of sustainable design, this book presents a concise and well-illustrated text of not just actionable advice for design implementation, but also a discourse on the discipline’s ethical responsibility in the field. Each chapter takes on specific considerations such as rainwater harvesting, gray-water recycling, passive heating techniques, green roofs, wind energy, day-lighting, indoor air quality, material evaluation, and green building certification programs. During this show, David will discuss how we can come out the other side of our concurrent ECOlogical and ECOnomic crises in a better place than we started.
Today we’ll be joined by Major General Anthony Jackson, USMC (ret.), Lt. General John Castellaw, USMC (ret.), and retired Republican Senator John Warner, who also served in the Marine Corps and as the Secretary of the Navy from 1972-74. Each will discuss his views on America’s energy future and the need for advanced biofuels in the military. Tune in to hear what our armed forces are doing to conserve energy in every facet of their operations, and how military bases are generating impressive amounts of clean, green energy. Most importantly, listen in to learn why today’s military leaders are so driven to help our nation become self-sufficient in meeting our energy needs, and in the words of Maj. General Jackson, why we need to decide as a nation that we will no longer be content to shed American blood for oil.
On Earth Day, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig sank creating the worst oil spill in history. According to the global media, the story ended when the well was capped – but that’s when the real story began. By exposing the root causes of the oil spill and what really happened after the news cameras left the Gulf states, filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell uncover a vast network of corruption. With help from executive producers, Tim Robbins, Peter Fonda, and Maggie Wachsberger, the film takes the audience into places no other camera crews dared go, and into the lives of everyday Americans whose lives will be forever altered by this disaster. The New Orleans Times Picayune says THE BIG FIX is “a full-on, no-holds-barred bit of investigative journalism” into the dark secrets surrounding one of the largest manmade environmental catastrophes in American history. Tune in as we talk with Josh and Rebecca about their perilous journey to capture the truth on film.
Since the 1950s, it has become routine practice in many countries to add low levels of antibiotics to the feed or water of healthy poultry, cattle, and swine to promote faster growth and prevent infections that tend to occur when animals are housed in crowded, unsanitary conditions. The unnecessary use of antibiotics on farms is a key culprit in the rise of drug-resistant bacteria that pose a growing public health risk. By overusing antibiotics on farms and feeding them to healthy animals we’re making the drugs doctors rely on to treat illnesses like pneumonia, strep throat, and childhood ear infections less effective. Tune in to learn how drug-resistant bacteria are released into the environment, how they impact human health, and what you can do to protect your family.
On Earth Day, 2010, the Deepwater Horizon offshore drilling rig sank creating the worst oil spill in history. According to the global media, the story ended when the well was capped – but that’s when the real story began. By exposing the root causes of the oil spill and what really happened after the news cameras left the Gulf states, filmmakers Josh and Rebecca Tickell uncover a vast network of corruption. With help from executive producers, Tim Robbins, Peter Fonda, and Maggie Wachsberger, the film takes the audience into places no other camera crews dared go, and into the lives of everyday Americans whose lives will be forever altered by this disaster. The New Orleans Times Picayune says THE BIG FIX is “a full-on, no-holds-barred bit of investigative journalism” into the dark secrets surrounding one of the largest manmade environmental catastrophes in American history. Tune in as we talk with Josh and Rebecca about their perilous journey to capture the truth on film.
A foreign oil company wants to build a tar sand oil pipeline that will cut through Montana, South Dakota, Nebraska, Kansas, Oklahoma, and Texas. The tar sands would flow across an aquifer that provides drinking water and crop irrigation to eight states. Is this good for America? Tune in as we discuss this issue with Chicago-based, Josh Mogerman, deputy director of the NRDC’s national media program.
It would be hard to overestimate David Brower's influence on the environmental movement. As its first director, Brower built the Sierra Club into the flagship conservation organization that it remains today. He went on to found the League of Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, and Earth Island Institute, all of which have been instrumental in saving countless natural wonders. An outspoken and tireless defender of the environment long before it was a popular to be so, Brower fought to protect iconic places like the Grand Canyon and the California redwood forests. His passion, eloquence, and conviction roused the conscience and spirit of young activists and shifted environmental concerns into public awareness and on to the popular agenda. Now, David Brower's son Kenneth, an acclaimed nature writer, has brought together the testimonials of twenty environmental leaders whose lives and careers were transformed by his father.
What do coal plants, volcanoes, and your breath have in common? Carbon emissions. Of course, there are countless examples of additional sources of carbon emissions – some natural, some man-made – but our planet’s ability to absorb all that carbon is strained, to say the least. Wetlands, forests and oceans are the systems that bear the greatest capacity to extract carbon from the atmosphere, but as Earth’s CO2 levels continue to rise, and forests and wetlands increasingly succumb to development, the ocean is left to do more of the heavy lifting when it comes to carbon sequestration. As a result, the ocean is becoming more acidic and more hostile to marine life. Even if you don’t eat seafood, the increased acidity of the ocean is having a negative impact on human life. Tune in today as we talk with Brita Belli, editor-in-chief of E-The Environmental Magazine, as she discusses her cover story in this month’s edition: “Oceans on Acid – Rising carbon emissions are changing the chemistry of our seas, threatening shellfish, coral and the entire ocean food web.”
Food is one of the most basic things that all human beings have in common. We don’t all eat the same types of food, but we are all linked to one another in our need for nourishment. Modern agriculture has increased the amount of food that is produced, yet even in America, there are hungry, malnourished children. Additionally, the environmental footprint of modern agriculture places it in direct competition with other industries and consumers for limited resources like oil, water, and minerals. On top of that, the way we as consumers handle our food compounds the environmental impact of our food supply. What we purchase and what we waste can have very negative effects on our air, water and soil quality. Tune in today as we talk with Jonathan Kaplan, the Director of Food and Agriculture and Senior Policy Specialist at the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC), and Andrea Northup, , Founder and Director of D.C. Farm to School Network, and NRDC’s 2012 Growing Green Award Winner in the Young Food Leader category. We will learn how to align our food habits with our “green” values, and how to teach those values to our children
“The United States is still almost completely reliant on finite fossil fuels, which are rapidly being depleted,” says R. Paul Williamson, author of Winning the Energy Wars: A Sustainable Energy Plan for America’s Future (www.usa-sep.com). “We should be following a plan now that transitions us to sustainable energy sources but, believe or not, there is no plan.” Dr. Williamson has a plan. Tune in as he shares insights into three innovative features of his proposal: Abolish the U.S. Department of Energy. The Department of Energy has done nothing to create a sustainable energy plan in its 35 years of existence. Such a strategic plan isn’t even a goal. Create a Governors National Sustainable Energy Council. Thirty of our 50 states have adopted goals for sustainable energy, and some have already achieved them Funding from the decommissioned Department of Energy (currently, $25 to $35 billion a year) would be diverted to the council. Enact legislation to establish funding. Williamson proposes a National Alternative Energy Bond Fund to provide low-interest loans to new and redirected companies; entrepreneurs and other businesses focused on domestic energy development.
It would be hard to overestimate David Brower's influence on the environmental movement. As its first director, Brower built the Sierra Club into the flagship conservation organization that it remains today. He went on to found the League of Conservation Voters, Friends of the Earth, and Earth Island Institute, all of which have been instrumental in saving countless natural wonders. An outspoken and tireless defender of the environment long before it was a popular to be so, Brower fought to protect iconic places like the Grand Canyon and the California redwood forests. His passion, eloquence, and conviction roused the conscience and spirit of young activists and shifted environmental concerns into public awareness and on to the popular agenda. Now, David Brower's son Kenneth, an acclaimed nature writer, has brought together the testimonials of twenty environmental leaders whose lives and careers were transformed by his father. Tune in as Kenneth shares his insights on one of the pioneers of modern environmentalism.
Chris Martenson may know more about The Three E’s (economy, energy and environment) than just about anybody else. Once a vice-president of an international Fortune 300 company, he was definitely part of the 1%.
Now, the dynamic, articulate and entertaining Martenson is regularly invited to speak at the United Nations, major corporations, municipalities, the U.K. House of Parliament and various U.S. state legislatures – but not because his message is one the 1% want to hear. In fact, it’s just the opposite. Dr. Martenson has devoted himself to dissecting and explaining “The Three E’s” in a way which helps the 99% understand what is going on. His book, The Crash Course, discusses unsustainable trends in the economy, energy and the environment with solid facts presented in a calm, nonpartisan manner. Tune in to hear Chris discuss his positive vision for how our lives can become more balanced, resilient, and sustainable.
Studies show that more than 90% of Americans support mandatory labeling of genetically engineered (GE) foods. Yet for twenty years we have been denied that right. While our reasons for wanting to know what’s in our food may vary, what unifies us is the belief that it’s our right. Without labeling of GE foods, we cannot make informed choices about our food. The Just Label It campaign was created to advocate for the labeling of GE foods (www.justlabelit.org). Today our guest is Robyn O’Brien, founder of Allergy Kids Foundation and author of The Unhealthy Truth. A former food industry analyst, Fulbright grant recipient, author and mother of four, Robyn O’Brien brings insight and detailed analysis to her research into the impact that the global food system is having on our health. She is regarded as an expert on children’s health policy, hailed as “food’s Erin Brockovich” by The New York Times and has been named by SHAPE Magazine as a “Women To Shape the World”
Are genetically modified seeds and crops safe for human consumption? Are they already in our food supply? Should genetically modified food be labeled as such, so consumers can decide for themselves if they wish to purchase it? Today we’re joined by Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non GMO Project (www.nongmoproject.org). Megan will discuss GMO’s from the perspective of consumers, farmers, and the future of our global food supply.
At 8:30 p.m. on March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their commitment to saving energy and saving the Earth. What started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia has now become a worldwide movement. Some will celebrate by candlelight in a public gathering, while others will do so in the privacy of their homes. In either case, millions of people will unite in one common cause: to take personal action to help stop climate change. Today’s guest is John McDonald, Director, Technical Strategy and Policy Development for GE Energy’s Digital Energy business. He will discuss the impact of Earth Hour, the latest technological breakthroughs shaping our energy future, and what each of us can do to positively impact the way energy is distributed around the world.
Will it be up to women to save the planet? Perhaps, according to a new award-winning documentary, Mother: Caring for 7 Billion.
Grounded largely in the theories of acclaimed social scientist and best-selling author Riane Eisler, the film strives not to pass on blame for our environmental and social challenges, but to rather to educate, highlighting a different path for humanity. The film highlights encouraging evidence of what’s starting to happen around the world. Women, who have been primarily responsible for the work of care all these years, are now stepping into new roles of public leadership all over the planet. A child’s rights activist in Mother believes this could create a tidal wave of change, that’s not only going to ease our population problem, but also bring about policies that will sustain a new attitude towards our planet. Eisler’s research documents what Mother shows: that environmental health, population stabilization, and raising the status of women worldwide are inextricably intertwined.
The pipes that make up our nation’s water systems were not built to last forever. They need maintenance, and in many cases, they need replacement, but government investment to keep our water flowing has dried up. Without significant investment in our clean water delivery systems and our wastewater treatment facilities, we will no longer be able to take clean water for granted. Clean water isn’t just needed for drinking, it’s needed to water our crops and to operate our nation’s energy plants. Obviously, this is not a problem that we can fix by purchasing bottled water. Today’s guest is the national campaign manager for Public Water Works, an effort to bring government investment in our water infrastructure back up to the levels it was in the 1940’s and ‘50’s, when our nation was committed to ensuring that safe and reliable water was a priority from coast to coast. Tune in to learn more about what you can do to get involved.
At 8:30 p.m. on March 31, people around the world will turn off their lights for one hour to show their commitment to saving energy and saving the Earth. What started in 2007 in Sydney, Australia has now become a worldwide movement. Some will celebrate by candlelight in a public gathering, while others will do so in the privacy of their homes. In either case, millions of people will unite in one common cause: to take personal action to help stop climate change. Today’s guest is John McDonald, Director, Technical Strategy and Policy Development for GE Energy’s Digital Energy business. He will discuss the impact of Earth Hour, the latest technological breakthroughs shaping our energy future, and what each of us can do to positively impact the way energy is distributed around the world.
In Asphalt to Ecosystems: Design Ideas for Schoolyard Transformation (New Village Press), author Sharon Danks broadens our notion of what a well-designed schoolyard should be, taking readers on a journey from traditional, ordinary grassy fields and asphalt, to explore what's being created in the growing movement toward green schoolgrounds in the United States and around the world. This book documents exciting examples from more than 150 schools in 11 countries, illustrating a vast range of possibilities in outdoor classrooms for learning and play. Easily the most practical how-to book of its kind, Asphalt to Ecosystems walks readers through the process of designing, funding, and creating an outdoor environment that stimulates learning and imagination for all children, regardless of their learning style. For more information, visit http://www.asphalt2ecosystems.org/home
While we fight about short-term environmental obstacles and debate symptoms and solutions, societies fail to offer positive incentives for change. We need a positive vision for humanity’s future to harness the full power of human imagination and community initiative. This is where Mother Earth News publisher, Bryan Welch, and his new book, Beautiful and Abundant, come in. Learn how to make your lifestyle more sustainable, and learn how to look beyond immediate obstacles toward humanity's destination: a world that is aesthetically beautiful, economically abundant, ethically fair and irresistibly contagious. For more information on his book, visit http://beautifulandabundant.com/. Tune in as Bryan teaches us the value of clearly envisioning the world the way we want it to be, then setting out to do our part to bring our vision to fruition.
Consumers have looked to Good Housekeeping for trusted advice for more than 125 years. The magazine has crusaded for food and toy safety, warned readers about flammability risks in Halloween costumes, children’s sleepwear, and kids’ rain coats, and called out manufacturer deceptions on a variety of product claims. In 2009, the magazine introduced the Green Good Housekeeping Seal (GGHS), an environmental extension of the brand’s primary Seal, the most recognized consumer icon in America, to offer consumers guidance in a marketplace saturated with green claims. For more than three years, the scientists and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, the magazine's state-of-the-art product testing laboratory, have worked with Brown & Wilmanns Environmental, one of the nation’s leading green consultants, as well as an Environmental Advisory Board, to establish criteria for the Green Good Housekeeping Seal.
As sustainability practices continue to mature, recent events and trends have set the stage for significant shifts in 2012. Brighter Planet, a leading sustainability technology company, forecasts five big transformations in how leading organizations will address sustainability in the coming year. From shareholder demands to employee engagement, big companies are no longer able to simply “green wash” their way to being considered a good, green enterprise. Data on carbon emissions is now merely a baseline measurement, and sustainability leaders are looking to water impacts and adaptation strategies as climate change is embraced as our inevitable future. Tune in on Friday, March 2, from 9-10a.m. Pacific/Noon-1p.m. Eastern to hear Brighter Planet CEO, Patti Prairie, discuss the top five corporate sustainability trends to watch in 2012 on www.VoiceAmerica.com
Many veterans who fought an oil war overseas are now coming back home with a renewed sense of duty – this time, to the environment, energy security, and their communities. They’re looking for meaningful jobs defending our country’s natural resources, as a continuation of their military service. Veterans Green Jobs launched a new initiative that matches veterans with green sector jobs in energy efficiency, outdoor conservation, green construction and other areas. The program’s goal is to place 300 veterans into green sector jobs by mid-2013 by partnering with green sector employers. To lead this strategic initiative, Veterans Green Jobs has hired Lieutenant Colonel (Retired, U.S. Army) John Toth as senior director of Veterans Programs. A decorated airborne-ranger infantry officer and combat veteran of Operation Iraqi Freedom, Toth recently completed his military career as professor of military science at the University of Colorado-Boulder. He brings a wealth of experience working with post 9/11 soldiers and cadets. Tune in to hear Col. Toth discuss the challenges and rewards of leading soldiers on the frontlines of sustainability.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The Alliance has embarked on seven key tasks to support and enhance water conservation efforts: • Stand as a clear and authoritative national voice for water efficiency. • Provide comprehensive information about water-efficient products, practices, and programs--what works and what doesn’t. • Represent the interest of water efficiency in the development of codes and standards. • Transform the market for fixtures and appliances. • Coordinate with green building initiatives to institutionalize water efficiency. • Train water conservation professionals. • Educate water users. Tune in as we talk with Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO of AWE. For more information, check out their website at: www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org
Authors David Hanson and Edwin Marty, and photographer Michael Hanson, took a short bus than ran on biofuels (sometimes) across America, and came back with a story of urban farming projects happening in the most incredible circumstances. Their new book, Breaking Through Concrete, chronicles the beauty and determination of people in twelve cities who participate in their food system in ways of their own choosing. From raising livestock in Detroit to rehabilitating contaminated soil in Philadelphia, readers will see city dwellers of all ages and ethnicities bringing life and health to urban centers that were once paved over. Tune in as we ask David and Edwin some of the lessons they learned on their journey and where they believe the urban farm revival is headed in the coming years.
Are genetically modified seeds and crops safe for human consumption? Are they already in our food supply? Should genetically modified food be labeled as such, so consumers can decide for themselves if they wish to purchase it? Today we’re joined by Megan Westgate, Executive Director of the Non GMO Project (www.nongmoproject.org). Megan will discuss GMO’s from the perspective of consumers, farmers, and the future of our global food supply.
CONFESSIONS OF AN ECO-TERRORIST is the true, no holds barred story of 30 years of Sea Shepherd Conservation Society (SSCS) campaigns leading up to the hit show Whale Wars. It’s a feature documentary that reveals the true odyssey of the most wanted environmentalist today, Captain Paul Watson. Filmmaker and longest-serving SSCS crew member Peter Jay Brown documented the mythic deeds of the organization while acting as the cinematographer, first mate, deckhand, quartermaster, Zodiac driver and officer/captain in Watson’s absence starting in 1980.
Peter Brown, a Sea Shepherd insider expertly exercises aikido with his camera by turning a negative accusation into a positive confession of influential activism. He gives us an intimate and honest look at what really goes on behind the scenes on some of the most infamous environmental campaigns ever.
It doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that the U.S. desperately needs clean, affordable energy. But maybe it takes a nuclear physicist who founded an investment banking firm to help the government make better choices about where to invest public dollars to help speed the development of renewable energy. Today’s guest on Go Green Radio is Dr. Michael Gamble, a formerly on staff in the physics division of the Los Alamos National Laboratory, where he researched devices such as terawatt laser systems, and is now a founding partner of a California investment banking and corporate advisory firm. He’ll talk with us about promising new technologies and companies that are poised to bring massive amounts of clean energy to the grid at prices that are competitive with current market rates.
When natural gas is used as a fuel, it is cleaner burning than oil and coal, so you might say it’s a more eco-friendly fuel. However, the process for extracting natural gas from the earth has people from New York to Wyoming wondering if more environmental damage is being done than good. The process of hydraulically fracturing shale rocks with chemicals, water and sand has come under fire recently. Blamed for recent earthquakes in Ohio and Oklahoma, “fracking” has also been blamed for contaminated drinking water in other regions. Today’s guest is John Armbruster, a seismologist affiliated with Columbia University’s Lamont-Doherty Earth Observatory, who is studying the seismic implications of fracking
During Earth Week 2011, I visited the OSU campus, and toured the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) where the world’s fastest electric vehicle (top speed 320 mph) is housed. The only thing more impressive than getting to see the “Buckeye Bullet” in person was meeting the Director of CAR, Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni. While the Buckeye Bullet is fueled by lithium ion batteries, the world class research facility run by Dr. Rizzoni is fueled by his unparalleled brilliance and enthusiasm for advanced electric propulsion and energy storage systems for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Dr. Rizzoni and his team are focused on advanced engines and alternative fuels that will shape transportation in the 21st century. Whether you’re into cars or into green, this interview will leave you thrilled that Dr. Rizzoni is in the driver’s seat of one of the world’s premiere transportation transformation incubators!
Think there’s no connection between the food on your plate and water pollution and ocean dead zones? Think again. Philippe Cousteau, grandson of the legendary Captain Jacques-Yves Cousteau, joins us to discuss his new education program for middle and high school students, which is designed to help them make informed decisions about what they eat, based both nutritional value AND environmental impact. The program references the award-winning documentary, Food, Inc., and includes free teacher’s guides and student worksheets intended to help kids understand how modern food production works, and how their food choices can influence the industry. On today’s episode, we will also be joined by the co-author of Philippe’s new guide: What’s on Your Fork? A Campaign for Meatless Choices, Cathryn Berger Kaye, who is a renowned service learning expert, author and speaker.
What’s on your grocery list this week? Milk, bread, eggs…how about sustainability? Today on Go Green Radio, we’re joined by the VP of Strategic Sourcing, and the Director of Supply Chain Sustainability for Safeway, Inc. They will give us some insights on how their grocery chain is “going green,” and how they are working with their suppliers to bring eco-friendly products and services to a market near you.
The Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) is dedicated to the efficient and sustainable use of water. The Alliance has embarked on seven key tasks to support and enhance water conservation efforts: • Stand as a clear and authoritative national voice for water efficiency. • Provide comprehensive information about water-efficient products, practices, and programs--what works and what doesn’t. • Represent the interest of water efficiency in the development of codes and standards. • Transform the market for fixtures and appliances. • Coordinate with green building initiatives to institutionalize water efficiency. • Train water conservation professionals. • Educate water users. Tune in as we talk with Mary Ann Dickinson, President and CEO of AWE. For more information, check out their website at: www.allianceforwaterefficiency.org
Consumers have looked to Good Housekeeping for trusted advice for more than 125 years. The magazine has crusaded for food and toy safety, warned readers about flammability risks in Halloween costumes, children’s sleepwear, and kids’ rain coats, and called out manufacturer deceptions on a variety of product claims. In 2009, the magazine introduced the Green Good Housekeeping Seal (GGHS), an environmental extension of the brand’s primary Seal, the most recognized consumer icon in America, to offer consumers guidance in a marketplace saturated with green claims. For more than three years, the scientists and engineers at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute, the magazine's state-of-the-art product testing laboratory, have worked with Brown & Wilmanns Environmental, one of the nation’s leading green consultants, as well as an Environmental Advisory Board, to establish criteria for the Green Good Housekeeping Seal. Today we’ll speak with Stacy Genoves, Technical and Engineering Director at the Good Housekeeping Research Institute; and representatives from Proctor & Gamble and Miele about their products that have earned the Seal.
Climate change endangers human health, and costs us money in both lost and interrupted lives and increased health care. In a study published in the journal Health Affairs, a team of scientists from the Natural Resources Defense Council (NRDC) partnered with university economists to investigate the health costs of six climate change-related events, and found the estimated costs totaled more than $14 billion (in 2008 U.S. dollars). The study team selected six types of events that will worsen with climate change in ways likely to harm human health—ozone smog pollution, heat waves, hurricanes, mosquito-borne infectious disease, river flooding, and wildfires. The health effects and related costs of these events offer an indication of the threats we will increasingly face under a warming climate. Tune in to Go Green Radio to hear from the authors of this groundbreaking study, Drs. Kim Knowlton and Wendy Max.
We’re running low on clean water in the U.S., and that has a tremendous impact on our economy. Water-intensive industries like manufacturing and agriculture are feeling the pinch, but so is the energy industry. Permits for new coal plants in Texas are being protested by farmers whose crops are already parched with drought, because the farmers don’t want to compete for clean water with the energy plant. Downstream states are taking upstream states to court across the U.S. over water rights, and Las Vegas has offered to build San Diego a plant to desalinate the Pacific Ocean in exchange for a portion of its allocation of the Colorado River. Climate change is only exacerbating the problem, yet most Americans have no idea how fragile their water supply is. Tune in to hear Dr. Robert Glennon, professor of law and public policy at the University of Arizona, discuss this crisis and what each of us can do about it.
Our guest this week is New York Times auto writer Jim Motavalli's with his new book HIGH VOLTAGE: The Fast Track to Plug in the Auto Industry, published by Rodale Books on Nov. 8, 2011. HIGH VOLTAGE is a behind-the-scenes look at the robustly competitive race to dominate the market for electric cars, the larger-than-life moguls behind them, and the changes that are transforming the auto industry.
Jay Leno says of the book, “Electricity has always been the best way to power an automobile. At the dawn of the last century, electric cars were the future, and 100 years later they’re the future again. For that reason, I’m sure you’ll find this book fascinating.”
Tune in to Go Green Radio this week as we give you access to inside information on one of the most pivotal moments in automotive history! For more about Jim Motavalli, visit www.jimmotavalli.com.
On this episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll be joined by the filmmakers of the award winning Sundance documentary “Fuel,” husband and wife directing team Josh and Rebecca Tickell. They will discuss Freedom, a powerful new documentary film that examines the destructive relationship between foreign oil, national security and our economy, and focuses on clean energy solutions to America’s oil addiction. Freedom showcases the potential of home-grown energy for our economy and features interviews with former Speaker of the House Newt Gingrich and former NATO Commander Wesley Clark, singer/songwriter Jason Mraz, international author Deepak Chopra and such “green” actors as Ed Begley, Jr., Amy Smart and Michelle Rodriguez. The film covers issues spanning from the Keystone XL Pipeline and Canadian tar sands to last year’s Deepwater Horizon explosion, to the economic issues resulting from oil use - and contrasts them with sound, long-term energy plans to reduce America’s dependence on foreign oil sources. For more information, check out their website: http://thefreedomfilm.com/
A lot of people believe that no matter what humans do to the environment, the Earth has the capability to restore its equilibrium. After all, we know that the planet has survived through many previous ice ages, periods of global warming, and eras of intense CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. We assume that just because the Earth has recovered from these naturally occurring events, it will do so again, even as humans contribute to the environmental changes we currently observe. However, Professor Peter Sale of the United Nations University, and author of the new book Our Dying Planet…An Ecologist’s View of the Crisis We Face, has a different theory. On today’s episode he will reveal how the combination of overfishing, deforestation, pollution, and intense use of fossil fuels may cripple the Earth ability to rejuvenate itself, hence making the planet much less inhabitable.
What can a bank do to create a more sustainable economy? How can a bank help reduce a community’s carbon footprint? Are green jobs created by lending practices that reward eco-sensitive enterprises? Today’s guest is Stephanie Rico, Vice President of Environmental Affairs for Wells Fargo. She will discuss some new concepts in sustainable financial lending, as well as internal measures to “green” the bank’s business operations. Ms. Rico will discuss the evolution of “green” banking practices across the industry, and some of the goals Wells Fargo is setting to help ensure their corporate customers do business in an environmentally responsible way.
Founded in 2009 by Brooklyn-based CEO David Luks after a battle with cancer lead him to learn about living a natural lifestyle, David discovered the extraordinary health benefits of honey and built his company based on the simple idea of offering consumers a flavorful and healthful drink that is derived from the land, not the lab. Honeydrop Beverages is proud to officially announce their “Buy a Bottle – Save a Bee” campaign. This initiative, established to help fight Colony Collapse Disorder (CCD), an epidemic threatening the global bee population, is at the heart of the brand, with Honeydrop donating a percentage of profits from each bottle sold to carefully selected local beekeepers across the U.S. Tune in as founder & CEO, David Luks, discusses the human health benefits of honey, and why it is so important to our food supply to protect honey bees.
What’s on your grocery list this week? Milk, bread, eggs…how about sustainability? Today on Go Green Radio, we’re joined by the VP of Strategic Sourcing, and the Director of Supply Chain Sustainability for Safeway, Inc. They will give us some insights on how their grocery chain is “going green,” and how they are working with their suppliers to bring eco-friendly products and services to a market near you.
According to Richard Heinberg, author of the new book The End of Growth – Adapting to Our New Economic Reality, the answer is no. He makes the case that the world’s economic growth is inextricably tied to cheap energy, namely oil, and that as we enter a phase of more expensive extraction – like deep water, offshore drilling – our economy will level out…at best. He says that, “The human economy exists within and entirely depends upon Nature, and many natural resources have no realistic substitutes…societies have to operate within the planet’s budget of sustainably extractable resources.” Tune in to learn what Heinberg has to say about how everyday individuals and communities can do to prepare for what he calls a post-hydrocarbon economy and way of life.
Jill Krysinski and Betsie Weisse both hold Masters Degrees in Education, and firmly believe that all kids should be educated on environmental issues, starting in pre-school. Jill is a high school science teacher who has won awards from the Earth Day Network and the National Environmental Education Foundation. Her science club has established a bus tour – run on biodiesel the kids help create – in which high school students travel to various elementary and middle schools to teach younger kids about environmental issues. Betsie is a second grade teacher, and has been Jill’s best friend from college. They have recently teamed up to create a series of books aimed at kids from pre-school through third grade on topics like recycling and energy conservation. Tune in to learn more about their books, their mission, and how you can get involved
A lot of people believe that no matter what humans do to the environment, the Earth has the capability to restore its equilibrium. After all, we know that the planet has survived through many previous ice ages, periods of global warming, and eras of intense CO2 concentrations in the atmosphere. We assume that just because the Earth has recovered from these naturally occurring events, it will do so again, even as humans contribute to the environmental changes we currently observe. However, Professor Peter Sale of the United Nations University, and author of the new book Our Dying Planet…An Ecologist’s View of the Crisis We Face, has a different theory. On today’s episode he will reveal how the combination of overfishing, deforestation, pollution, and intense use of fossil fuels may cripple the Earth ability to rejuvenate itself, hence making the planet much less inhabitable. Tune in as Professor Sale discusses a reasonable course of action that humans can take to help restore balance to the Earth’s many ecosystems.
BPA seems to be the scapegoat for hundreds of other harmful chemicals found in plastic food and beverage containers. While plastic manufacturers are scrambling to produce materials that can be marketed to consumers as BPA and phthalates-free, a recent study shows that many of these products are still full of chemicals with estrogenic activity (EA), which disrupt the natural function of human hormones. Chemicals with EA have been linked to cancer, reproductive disorders, and a variety of behavioral abnormalities.
According to Richard Heinberg, author of the new book The End of Growth – Adapting to Our New Economic Reality, the answer is no. He makes the case that the world’s economic growth is inextricably tied to cheap energy, namely oil, and that as we enter a phase of more expensive extraction – like deep water, offshore drilling – our economy will level out…at best. He says that, “The human economy exists within and entirely depends upon Nature, and many natural resources have no realistic substitutes…societies have to operate within the planet’s budget of sustainably extractable resources.” Tune in to learn what Heinberg has to say about how everyday individuals and communities can do to prepare for what he calls a post-hydrocarbon economy and way of life
You know where babies come from, but do you know how to feed, clothe and provide a job for 7 billion of them? If not, you’re in good company. Some of the sharpest minds in the world are working on these solutions. The United Nations predicts that by Oct. 31, 2011, population will hit the 7 billion mark, and as famines rage, food prices rise, and droughts damage crops around the world, we must pause to consider our options. As a new generation reaches child bearing age, the choices they make in the next few years will be pivotal, to say the least. Today’s guest is Bill Ryerson, founder and President of the Population Media Center, Chairman of Population Institute (Washington DC), fellow at the Post Carbon Institute and recipient of the 2006 Nafis Sadik Prize for Courage, is one of the world’s foremost experts on human population, having been in the field for 40 years.
There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.
Jacquelyn Ottman is not just another face in the “green” crowd. She has been a pioneer in green marketing since 1989, and her new book, The New Rules of Green Marketing, has been named a top 40 Sustainability book by the University of Cambridge. Her clients include some of the biggest names in Fortune 500 companies, like: 3M, Bissell, Clairol, Johnson & Johnson, Kraft General Foods, and Nike. During this episode of Go Green Radio, Jacquelyn will discuss how important it is for companies to have an in-depth understanding of how today’s mainstream green consumers differ markedly from yesterday’s fringe activists in attitudes, behaviors, lifestyle and corporate expectations. She will discuss the full range of issues that concern today’s consumers, along with their green purchasing motivations and behavior. Tune in, and learn from the Green Marketing Guru, Jacquelyn Ottman.
Are you snacking “sustainably”? Do you know how much water and electricity it takes to produce your favorite beverages, or if the corn in your favorite bag of chips was grown with the highest standards of sustainable farming? Does your favorite healthy snack travel to your local grocer in an emissions-free vehicle? There is a company working to ensure that their customers can answer all those questions with confidence – PepsiCo. In 2009, PepsiCo made a promise to deliver sustainable growth by investing in a healthier future for their consumers, our planet, and our communities. They are working throughout their supply chain to become more efficient with their consumption of water and energy, and to dramatically decrease the amount of solid waste and greenhouse gas emissions they produce. Tune in to Go Green Radio this week to learn more about the Promise of PepsiCo, and check out their website at http://www.pepsico.com/annual10/performance/promise-of-pepsico.html.
The National Community Pharmacists Association (NCPA) has launched a program that will allow consumers to return their unwanted medications to their local pharmacist vs. flushing them down the toilet or putting them in the trash. According to the NCPA website, “a vast array of pharmaceuticals — including antibiotics, anti-convulsants, mood stabilizers and sex hormones — have been found in the drinking water supplies of at least 41 million Americans.” This is the result of improper disposal of these medications, but now there is a solution. Tune in as Dr. Lisa Faast, owner of her own local pharmacy, describes how the program works in her store. Brad Arthur owns two pharmacies, and sits on the Executive Committee of the NCPA – he will discuss the costs and details of the take back program. Finally, Dr. Carolyn Ha, the Association Director of Professional Affairs for NCPA, will discuss the legal aspects of the take back program. You can learn more at www.disposemymeds.org.
BPA seems to be the scapegoat for hundreds of other harmful chemicals found in plastic food and beverage containers. While plastic manufacturers are scrambling to produce materials that can be marketed to consumers as BPA and phthalates-free, a recent study shows that many of these products are still full of chemicals with estrogenic activity (EA), which disrupt the natural function of human hormones. Chemicals with EA have been linked to cancer, reproductive disorders, and a variety of behavioral abnormalities.
The new book, Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Our Health and What We Can Do about It, by Harvard health and disease expert Paul R. Epstein, MD, and award-winning science journalist Dan Ferber, reveals the complex links between global warming and cholera, malaria, Lyme disease, asthma, and other threats such as crumbling ecosystems and lost services. They also examine abrupt climate change, which could cause catastrophic droughts, crop failures, large-scale migration, and war, according to a Pentagon projection. Dr. Epstein, associate director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHGE) at Harvard Medical School, has been documenting the links between global warming and declining human and environmental health since the early 1990s. Co-author Dan Ferber, a contributing correspondent to Science, traveled to rural Kenya, Honduras, Harlem and other places to talk with doctors, patients, scientists and others who are wrestling with
During Earth Week 2011, I visited the OSU campus, and toured the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) where the world’s fastest electric vehicle (top speed 320 mph) is housed. The only thing more impressive than getting to see the “Buckeye Bullet” in person was meeting the Director of CAR, Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni. While the Buckeye Bullet is fueled by lithium ion batteries, the world class research facility run by Dr. Rizzoni is fueled by his unparalleled brilliance and enthusiasm for advanced electric propulsion and energy storage systems for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Dr. Rizzoni and his team are focused on advanced engines and alternative fuels that will shape transportation in the 21st century. Whether you’re into cars or into green, this interview will leave you thrilled that Dr. Rizzoni is in the driver’s seat of one of the world’s premiere transportation transformation incubators!
You don’t have control over your electricity service, and yet almost everything you do requires electricity. Even people whose homes or workplaces are run by self-generated wind or solar power are vulnerable, because every other system we rely upon runs on electricity: water, information technology, transportation, fuel delivery, manufacturing, telecom, banking, etc. Thirty years ago, people said that the U.S. had a “gold plated” electrical grid, now many of those same experts say it is “third world.” On today’s episode we’ll talk about where our electricity comes from, why our electric system is vulnerable, potential solutions to this vulnerability, and most importantly, what you can do to influence public policy makers to help ensure our nation’s electricity supply is secure.
Electronic waste (e-waste) is a human health disaster in the making. According to www.greencitizen.com, e-waste affects nearly every system in the human body because they contain a plethora of toxic components including Mercury, Lead, Cadmium, Polybrominated Flame Retardants, Barium and Lithium. Even the plastic casings of electronics products contain Polyvinyl Chloride. The health effects of these toxins on humans include birth defects, brain, heart, liver, kidney and skeletal system damage. They will also significantly affect the nervous and reproductive systems of the human body. Electronic waste currently constitutes 2 to 5 percent of the US municipal solid waste stream and is rising by 3 to 5 percent per year. Carnegie Mellon University has predicted that there are already 70 million computers in our landfills. The average computer screen has five to eight pounds or more of lead representing 40 percent of all the lead in US landfills. Today’s guest on Go Green Radio, James Kao, is the founder & CEO of Greencitizen, a company dedicated to properly handling e-waste and protecting human health.
For anyone wondering what it takes to “go green” on a University campus, this episode of Go Green Radio is the definitive answer. Today we’re joined by John Dilliott, the Manager, Energy & Utilities at the University of California San Diego. He is responsible for campus utilities operations, including the 30MW Cogeneration and District Heating & Cooling Plant, commodity energy procurement, carbon management and has secured financing for three year, $73M in energy efficiency program. John also led UC San Diego in carbon management, helping UC San Diego to be the first university to certify all six green house gases and active participant in the Chicago Climate Exchange. Tune in to learn how John envisions working toward a carbon neutral, zero waste campus!
For anyone wondering what it takes to “go green” on a University campus, this episode of Go Green Radio is the definitive answer. Today we’re joined by John Dilliott, the Manager, Energy & Utilities at the University of California San Diego. He is responsible for campus utilities operations, including the 30MW Cogeneration and District Heating & Cooling Plant, commodity energy procurement, carbon management and has secured financing for three year, $73M in energy efficiency program. John also led UC San Diego in carbon management, helping UC San Diego to be the first university to certify all six green house gases and active participant in the Chicago Climate Exchange. Tune in to learn how John envisions working toward a carbon neutral, zero waste campus!
You don’t have control over your electricity service, and yet almost everything you do requires electricity. Even people whose homes or workplaces are run by self-generated wind or solar power are vulnerable, because every other system we rely upon runs on electricity: water, information technology, transportation, fuel delivery, manufacturing, telecom, banking, etc. Thirty years ago, people said that the U.S. had a “gold plated” electrical grid, now many of those same experts say it is “third world.” On today’s episode we’ll talk about where our electricity comes from, why our electric system is vulnerable, potential solutions to this vulnerability, and most importantly, what you can do to influence public policy makers to help ensure our nation’s electricity supply is secure.
When we think about tracking the carbon footprint of a company or a region, we typically take into consideration things like energy use, transportation and manufacturing. But today’s guest, Adam Smargon, is a doctoral candidate at the University of Delaware’s Center for Energy and Environmental Policy, and his dissertation addresses another source of carbon emissions –artificially carbonated beverages. In April 2011, Mr. Smargon had the opportunity to speak with Dr. Rajendra Pachauri, the chairperson of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC), who said that he had no knowledge of any studies on this topic, and encouraged Adam to pursue this project. On today’s episode, Adam will discuss the scope of the carbon emissions of the beverage industry, and possible solutions to offset the emissions.
Oil was undoubtedly the fuel of the 20th century economy, but by all accounts, clean technology will be the fuel of the 21st century economy. Thanks to the leadership of a new nonprofit organization, CleanTECH San Diego (www.cleantechsandiego.org), ‘America’s Finest City’ is poised to be a global economic leader by institutionalizing collaboration between business, government and research facilities. CleanTECH San Diego is streamlining the process by which clean tech companies grow, hire, and invest in the community. As a result, they are saving precious resources, including taxpayer dollars. Tune in as we discuss this landmark organization with its President and CEO, Lisa Bicker, and Jason Anderson, Vice President and Executive Director of CleanTECH San Diego Education Foundation.
During Earth Week 2011, I visited the OSU campus, and toured the Center for Automotive Research (CAR) where the world’s fastest electric vehicle (top speed 320 mph) is housed. The only thing more impressive than getting to see the “Buckeye Bullet” in person was meeting the Director of CAR, Dr. Giorgio Rizzoni. While the Buckeye Bullet is fueled by lithium ion batteries, the world class research facility run by Dr. Rizzoni is fueled by his unparalleled brilliance and enthusiasm for advanced electric propulsion and energy storage systems for reduced fuel consumption and emissions. Dr. Rizzoni and his team are focused on advanced engines and alternative fuels that will shape transportation in the 21st century. Whether you’re into cars or into green, this interview will leave you thrilled that Dr. Rizzoni is in the driver’s seat of one of the world’s premiere transportation transformation incubators!
Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature delves into a new kinship with nature while acknowledging the treasures of urban life and the unique stake each person has in resolving critical and timely challenges. Whether you are an agent for social, environmental or political change, newly awakened to environmental threats, or a lover of natural history and literature, consider this book required reading for its inspiration, innovation and hope for the Earth and future generations. Tune in as we discuss the book with Ms. Lake, as well as her work with the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus, which recognizes that women leaders have unique and essential ideas to offer at this turning point in history when humanity is making decisions about our very existence and how we are treating our Earth--and each other.
Eric Herm’s new book examines commercial agriculture’s strain on our natural resources, delicate ecosystems, and the farmer. As a fourth-generation farmer, Eric Herm deals with the harsh economic realities and complicated legislation facing farmers, as well as the undeniable health impact of GMO crops and excessive chemicals on all living creatures. “Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth” provides ample resources of natural, healthy alternatives that will inspire the transformation of farmers from corporate-motivated producers back to the flesh and bone guardian angels of the Earth.
In light of the tragedy unfolding in Japan, it is absolutely prudent to take a good, hard look at existing and future nuclear power plants in the United States. The Obama administration is still committed to backing loans for construction of nuclear facilities in the U.S., even as everyday Americans wonder if the facilities are safe. Today we’ll be joined by Angie Howard is president of Howard – Johnson Associates, a consulting practice specializing in strategic energy and utility issues, and 2009 recipient of Women in Nuclear Global leadership award. Ms. Howard retired in May 2009 as vice president, Office of the President and Executive Advisor to the President for the Nuclear Energy Institute. We will talk about radioactive waste disposal, nuclear proliferation concerns, and terrorist threats to nuclear facilities. Tune in to learn about the facts regarding nuclear energy in America, and what safety measures are in place to avoid a crisis.
Generation X and Y parents are environmentally conscious, and want to put their money where their values are when they make consumer purchases. Today, we’ll be joined by the CEO’s of three toy manufacturers who produce top quality toys that tread lightly on the Earth’s resources. Robert von Goeben, CEO of Green Toys, Inc. will discuss his toy line made from recycled milk jugs. Serah Chae, President of Hosung NY, maker of miYim and My Natural eco-plush toys and accessories for infants and toddlers, will talk about why her organic cotton collection is so unique. And Barbera Aimes, President of ImagiPLAY, will share her passion for helping children gain a true sense of the world's beauty and diversity of species through toys and games.
A lot of us want to live a greener lifestyle, but we’re not sure where to start. By taking a simple quiz on PracticallyGreen.com, you can find out exactly how green you are living today, and receive personalized advice about ways to become even more eco-friendly. PracticallyGreen.com was founded by Susan Hunt Stevens after she discovered that her son was suffering from severe food and environmental allergies. She researched solutions for her own family, and even got a graduate degree in sustainable design, so that she could learn what it takes to protect children’s health from environmental toxins. Susan developed a system that helps everyday people gauge their environmental impact, and make smart, affordable choices from her database of over 400 green action items.
The new book, Changing Planet, Changing Health: How the Climate Crisis Threatens Our Health and What We Can Do about It, by Harvard health and disease expert Paul R. Epstein, MD, and award-winning science journalist Dan Ferber, reveals the complex links between global warming and cholera, malaria, Lyme disease, asthma, and other threats such as crumbling ecosystems and lost services. They also examine abrupt climate change, which could cause catastrophic droughts, crop failures, large-scale migration, and war, according to a Pentagon projection.
Dr. Epstein, associate director of the Center for Health and the Global Environment (CHGE) at Harvard Medical School, has been documenting the links between global warming and declining human and environmental health since the early 1990s. Co-author Dan Ferber, a contributing correspondent to Science, traveled to rural Kenya, Honduras, Harlem and other places to talk with doctors, patients, scientists and others who are wrestling with these changes.
In light of the tragedy unfolding in Japan, it is absolutely prudent to take a good, hard look at existing and future nuclear power plants in the United States. The Obama administration is still committed to backing loans for construction of nuclear facilities in the U.S., even as everyday Americans wonder if the facilities are safe. Today we’ll be joined by Angie Howard is president of Howard – Johnson Associates, a consulting practice specializing in strategic energy and utility issues, and 2009 recipient of Women in Nuclear Global leadership award. Ms. Howard retired in May 2009 as vice president, Office of the President and Executive Advisor to the President for the Nuclear Energy Institute. We will talk about radioactive waste disposal, nuclear proliferation concerns, and terrorist threats to nuclear facilities. Tune in to learn about the facts regarding nuclear energy in America, and what safety measures are in place to avoid a crisis.
Today we’ll be joined by Deborah Eden Tull, author of The Natural Kitchen: Your Guide to the Sustainable Food Revolution. In our convenience-obsessed, oil-addicted world, Deborah Eden Tull shows how greening our kitchens can empower each of us to create a personal, healthy, sustainable world. An acknowledged expert and well-known sustainability coach in Los Angeles, Tull, 36, is the real deal who draws from years of insight as an organic farmer and cook, including seven years at a Zen monastery in Northern California, where she lived literally off the land and where sustainable living was the focus. Her travels around the globe to places like India and Nepal informed her writing through close-up observation of village life. Tull learned to share and save seeds and understand how the world food crisis is connected to consumers, and to believe that people should know what really goes into food production.
Social media has opened up new ways to engage kids in environmental education. Today we'll talk about how the best organizations are using new media to take going green to new levels in American schools.
Today’s guest is Lisa Hymas, senior editor at Grist.org, the nation’s leading environmental news site. She coined the acronym GINK, which stands for green inclinations, no kids, to describe a small but growing group of people who are both environmentally conscious and childfree by choice. The childfree choice often raises disapproving eyebrows in our society, even among environmentalists, but the green benefits are clear. According to a 2009 study by statisticians at Oregon State University, having one less child can reduce greenhouse gas emissions almost 20 times more than other eco-practices like driving a high-mileage car or using energy-efficient appliances and light bulbs. Are we seeing the makings of a new cultural revolution – childfree, proud and green?
Uprisings for the Earth: Reconnecting Culture with Nature delves into a new kinship with nature while acknowledging the treasures of urban life and the unique stake each person has in resolving critical and timely challenges. Whether you are an agent for social, environmental or political change, newly awakened to environmental threats, or a lover of natural history and literature, consider this book required reading for its inspiration, innovation and hope for the Earth and future generations. Tune in as we discuss the book with Ms. Lake, as well as her work with the Women’s Earth and Climate Caucus, which recognizes that women leaders have unique and essential ideas to offer at this turning point in history when humanity is making decisions about our very existence and how we are treating our Earth--and each other.
There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.
There are only a handful of environmentalists who are household names, and Captain Jacques Cousteau ranks among the top. His groundbreaking work to bring the mysteries of the ocean to the television screen made millions of people around the world more thoughtful about their impact on the delicate balance of marine life. However, it was the man behind the camera who may ultimately be responsible for the greatest ripple effect of Jacques’ work – his son, Philippe Cousteau JR. In honor of their father’s work, passion and legacy, Alexandra and Philippe Jr. have founded EarthEcho International with a powerful mission to empower youth to take action that restores and protects our water planet. Join us as we talk with Philippe Cousteau, Jr. about continuing his father’s work, and the many ways you can interact with EarthEcho International to share your stories of environmental action with the Cousteau family. Be sure to visit his website: www.earthecho.org.
Charles Orgbon is one of those kids who makes you think, “I should probably get his autograph now. He’s going to be famous someday.” At 15 years old, Charles is the President and CEO of Greening Forward (www.greeningforward.org), and not only is his organization growing their membership, they are hiring! Greening Forward has entered the Pepsi Refresh Project contest to win $50,000 so they can host environmental leadership conferences in multiple cities across the U.S., with the goal of training youth to be environmental leaders. [You can vote for the project by visiting www.refresheverything.com/recyclingeducation, or texting 104604 to Pepsi (73774) by Dec. 31, 2010.] Tune in to hear about all the great projects Charles and his board of directors for Greening Forward have initiated – you will be inspired!
In the fall of 2010, Groundwork Denver (www.groundworkdenver.org) initiated Take Charge: Student Energy Education and Action, through which high school and college students around the state will become Student Energy Ambassadors to educate their own communities about energy efficiency, renewable energy and green jobs. Over the next two years, twenty-four communities throughout the entire State of Colorado will institute the Take Charge! If you are interested in bringing a similar program to your area, tune in as Stephanie Fry and Julie Connor discuss what it takes to get it up and running!
Eric Herm’s new book examines commercial agriculture’s strain on our natural resources, delicate ecosystems, and the farmer. As a fourth-generation farmer, Eric Herm deals with the harsh economic realities and complicated legislation facing farmers, as well as the undeniable health impact of GMO crops and excessive chemicals on all living creatures. “Son of a Farmer, Child of the Earth” provides ample resources of natural, healthy alternatives that will inspire the transformation of farmers from corporate-motivated producers back to the flesh and bone guardian angels of the Earth.
The National Environmental Education Foundation (NEEF) provides knowledge to trusted professionals who, with their credibility, amplify messages to national audiences to solve everyday environmental problems. NEEF has a program for students called Planet Connect (www.planet-connect.org), which is giving out grants to high school students to perform local projects to protect wildlife. They are also sponsoring a video contest called, “Show Us Your Ocean Connection,” and the prizes are amazing! In addition, NEEF’s program for teachers, called “Classroom Earth”, is giving grants to middle and high school teachers who want to integrate wildlife protection into existing curriculum in all subject matters. The deadlines are fast approaching, so tune in to learn more!
Otis Rolley has already made history. At 29, Rolley was the youngest director of a large city-planning department in America. He shepherded the city’s first Comprehensive Master Plan ever adopted by both the Baltimore Planning Commission and City Council. And now, he’s attempting a new historical first – to become the Mayor of Baltimore in his initial run for political office. With a background in city planning and transit, Mr. Rolley may be poised to enact the plans he crafted if he is elected. Rolley’s views on “New Urban Renewal” have environmentalists hoping that Baltimore may become a template for sustainable communities within easy driving distance for DC lawmakers to visit, then replicate elsewhere. Rolley’s campaign kick-off takes place January 11 with a dinner and show by comedian, Bill Cosby. This is definitely a campaign to watch.
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is not messing around when they ask people not to litter in the Lone Star state! In 2010, more than 840 litter cleanup events were held across the state, featuring more than 74,100 volunteers. All told, 6,219 miles of highway were cleared of litter and debris, totaling a little more than eight million pounds of trash! But that’s only one of many outstanding programs run by KTB, and today, we’ll talk with their Executive Director, Cathie Gail. We’ll discuss their education and training opportunities; their impressive affiliate network; and even their clay shoot fundraiser with the Texas Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus.
The generation of Americans that will soon be called upon to address some of humanity’s greatest environmental challenges—those currently in our schools—have a limited understanding of environmental issues, our civic system and/or how to develop and implement balanced solutions to natural resource challenges. The problem is not a shortage of environmental information. There is plenty of information with media saturation of environmental stories at an all time high. The problem is that we have not fostered young people’s ability to critically assess that information and use it to make sound choices. Now is the time to foster a scientifically capable and civically engaged populace. Through Earth Force young people get hands-on, real-world opportunities to practice civic skills, acquire and understand environmental knowledge, and develop the skills and motivation to become life-long leaders in addressing environmental issues.
Charles Orgbon is one of those kids who makes you think, “I should probably get his autograph now. He’s going to be famous someday.” At 15 years old, Charles is the President and CEO of Greening Forward (www.greeningforward.org), and not only is his organization growing their membership, they are hiring! Greening Forward has entered the Pepsi Refresh Project contest to win $50,000 so they can host environmental leadership conferences in multiple cities across the U.S., with the goal of training youth to be environmental leaders. [You can vote for the project by visiting www.refresheverything.com/recyclingeducation, or texting 104604 to Pepsi (73774) by Dec. 31, 2010.] Tune in to hear about all the great projects Charles and his board of directors for Greening Forward have initiated – you will be inspired!
Keith Weitz, manager of the Sustainability and Environmental Assessment program at RTI International, will join us for a follow-on discussion regarding technologies that convert waste to clean, renewable energy. The technology has been around for decades, but in recent years, it has been improved and highly regulated by the EPA and regional air emissions agencies. Countries around the world have begun using waste to energy technology, not only for the energy, but also to reduce or eliminate the need for taking up valuable land with landfills. Wondering why your community is “wasting your waste” by not converting it to energy? Tune in and find out what you can do to change that!
A lot of products we use everyday come in containers made of #5 plastic – margarine, sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. The problem is that many communities don’t collect #5 plastic for recycling, because they lack a purchaser who will buy that material for another use. Too many of these containers are ending up in landfills, but there IS a solution! A company called Preserve makes products out of #5 plastics, and they have partnered with Stonyfield Farms to create a nationwide recycling program that anyone, anywhere can participate in. You never have to send your yogurt cups to your local landfill again! Tune in as we talk with Eric Hudson, CEO of Preserve, to learn how you can get involved in the “Gimme 5” program.
A lot of ideologues in the environmental activist community would like to see the U.S. become a “zero waste” society, where nothing is thrown away. It’s a great goal, but realistically, it is unlikely to come to fruition anytime soon. Even in cities with high recycling rates like San Francisco, there is so much waste that they have to truck it to rural communities in California, leaving a carbon footprint along hundreds of miles of freeways that the garbage travels from the Golden Gate to someone else’s backyard. Our society has a growing need to properly manage our solid waste stream. Are landfills the best solution? Should we burn trash to create energy? Are public policy makers well-educated enough to make these decisions? This week’s guest on Go Green Radio is Keith Weitz, manager of the Sustainability and Environmental Assessment program at RTI International. He specializes in solid waste management, energy technology assessment, global climate change research, and life cycle assessment.
Most people know that when they throw things away, it doesn’t really go “away.” The trash goes somewhere, and a good deal of it doesn’t biodegrade. In fact, some of what goes into the trash could poison our drinking water, air, and the soil in which we grow food for many generations. Mercury and other heavy metals are found in a number of products readily available to consumers in supermarkets all over the country, and if those items aren’t carefully disposed of, they are known to be extremely hazardous to humans, especially children. Discarded medicines have already polluted fresh water sources in all 50 U.S. states, yet a nationwide solution to this problem is not even being discussed. Who can rectify these issues? Consumers? Retailers? Manufacturers? Government? Likely, a combination of all four stakeholder groups. Tune into Go Green Radio this week to hear Scott Cassel, Founder and Executive Director of the Product Stewardship Institute (http://www.productstewardship.us ), discuss how his organization is leading the way to bring these groups together to protect human health through product stewardship.
What do you do with expired medicine in your medicine cabinet? How do you dispose of pharmaceuticals you no longer need? If you’re like most Americans, you’ve been told to flush them, wash them down the sink, or throw them in the trash. But recent studies show that our unwanted drugs are ending up in our fresh water supplies, and it doesn’t take a doctor or scientist to know that it isn’t healthy for us to ingest medicine that isn’t meant for us. It’s a health risk and an environmental hazard to wildlife. Today we will talk with the Vice President of Environmental Science and Community Affairs for Covanta Energy about his company’s solution to this problem, and Paul Ritter, a high school science teacher who lead his students to create a model community program for safely disposing of unwanted pharmaceuticals that is gaining national attention. If your community does not have a drug take-back program, listen to Go Green Radio to learn how to change that!
Trees for the Future (TFTF) –www.treesforthefuture.org- is a nonprofit organization that was around long before “going green” was cool. Since their inception in 1988, they have planted 65 million trees in strategic locations around the world. They train local farmers to plant, care for, and sustainably utilize trees. Among their many success stories, TFTF was responsible for the reforestation of an area in the Philippines that had been stripped by illegally logging and left barren for over 100 years…incredible! On this episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with Gorav Seth, who heads up all the international programs for Trees for the Future. Gorav has been on the front lines, combating climate change through sustainable agroforestry in Africa, Honduras, India, Costa Rica, and (mega-tough duty station) the Bahamas!
Everywhere we turn, there is another news story about carbon emissions and efforts to reduce them. But for the average town, small business, school, home or individual, reducing carbon emissions is a bit of a mystery. How do we know how much carbon we are emitting? Where can we cut carbon from our operations? Is there a way to offset the carbon that we cannot reduce? Until recently, answering these questions was imprecise at best. But now there is a company with reliable and easy-to-use tools that can take the guesswork out of carbon reduction and offsetting. Our guest on Go Green Radio this week is Dr. Ron Dembo, founder of Zerofootprint and the Zerofootprint Foundation. His organization can provide any sized enterprise with carbon calculators that are tailor designed for everything from large-scale corporate applications to calculators that even elementary school children can use. For more information on his remarkable set of tools and services, visit his website at: http://www.zerofootprint.net/
Keep Texas Beautiful (KTB) is not messing around when they ask people not to litter in the Lone Star state! In 2010, more than 840 litter cleanup events were held across the state, featuring more than 74,100 volunteers. All told, 6,219 miles of highway were cleared of litter and debris, totaling a little more than eight million pounds of trash! But that’s only one of many outstanding programs run by KTB, and today, we’ll talk with their Executive Director, Cathie Gail. We’ll discuss their education and training opportunities; their impressive affiliate network; and even their clay shoot fundraiser with the Texas Legislative Sportsman’s Caucus.
A lot of products we use everyday come in containers made of #5 plastic – margarine, sour cream, yogurt, cottage cheese, etc. The problem is that many communities don’t collect #5 plastic for recycling, because they lack a purchaser who will buy that material for another use. Too many of these containers are ending up in landfills, but there IS a solution! A company called Preserve makes products out of #5 plastics, and they have partnered with Stonyfield Farms to create a nationwide recycling program that anyone, anywhere can participate in. You never have to send your yogurt cups to your local landfill again! Tune in as we talk with Eric Hudson, CEO of Preserve, to learn how you can get involved in the “Gimme 5” program.
Today we are joined by New York City’s “Guru” of urban gardening, Gerard Lordahl, who serves as the Director of the Open Space Greening Program for GrowNYC (www.grownyc.org). GrowNYC is a nonprofit organization that has existed in partnership with the Mayor’s office for four decades, and improves New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. For 40 years, GrowNYC has been rolling up its sleeves alongside NYC residents to: • Provide access to healthy, fresh, local food for all New Yorkers • Grow and maintain vibrant green spaces and community gardens. • Help New Yorkers recycle more and reduce waste. • Create the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on education programs. Tune in to learn more about how urban gardening is reshaping the urban landscape in an unprecedented time of urban growth.
The generation of Americans that will soon be called upon to address some of humanity’s greatest environmental challenges—those currently in our schools—have a limited understanding of environmental issues, our civic system and/or how to develop and implement balanced solutions to natural resource challenges. The problem is not a shortage of environmental information. There is plenty of information with media saturation of environmental stories at an all time high. The problem is that we have not fostered young people’s ability to critically assess that information and use it to make sound choices. Now is the time to foster a scientifically capable and civically engaged populace. Through Earth Force young people get hands-on, real-world opportunities to practice civic skills, acquire and understand environmental knowledge, and develop the skills and motivation to become life-long leaders in addressing environmental issues.
You can call California a bellwether state for environmental policies, or you can be accurate… and call it the rock star state for bold environmental movements. In 2006, Republican Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger signed AB32 into law, which aimed to curb greenhouse gas emissions and move toward a clean energy economy. It gained worldwide attention as one of the first large economic forces in the world putting “green” on the front burner. But as he prepares to term out of office, an initiative backed by big oil companies from outside the state will appear on the November ballot. Today, we are joined by Steve Maviglio, who had a front row seat to the inner dealings around the original piece of legislation, and who currently heads the campaign going up against the crude industry in order to preserve California’s landmark climate change bill.
Though tap water in the United States is much cleaner than in many other countries, it is not perfectly healthy. Recent studies have shown that rivers throughout the U.S. are contaminated with pharmaceuticals, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that our children shouldn’t be drinking water with medicine in it. Many families have turned to bottled water, assuming it is safe, but in fact only one person at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the responsibility to oversee the safety of our entire nation’s bottled water supply. On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with the CEO of DrinkUp (www.drinkupwater.com) , Faber Dewar, about the risky choices we have when picking our water source, and the technology his company has developed to address consumer concerns. The public policy issues involved in our nation’s water supply are daunting, but unless we demand clean drinking water from our local, state and federal officials, our children and our planet will suff
Recon Recycling is a disabled veteran owned small business located in the Barrio Logan community of San Diego. Recon believes in applying the principles of sustainability, economic development, and social equity to their business practices. Richard McCaskill started the company three years ago with no capital, learning the basics of recycling from the homeless and utilizing guerrilla military tactics learned in the Marine Corps special forces. Currently the company provides waste reduction and recycling services for clients throughout San Diego County. In 2009, Recon collected and diverted more than one million pounds of materials. In 2010, Recon became an Environmental Consultant for the Unified Port of San Diego.
Everywhere we turn, there is another news story about carbon emissions and efforts to reduce them. But for the average town, small business, school, home or individual, reducing carbon emissions is a bit of a mystery. How do we know how much carbon we are emitting? Where can we cut carbon from our operations? Is there a way to offset the carbon that we cannot reduce? Until recently, answering these questions was imprecise at best. But now there is a company with reliable and easy-to-use tools that can take the guesswork out of carbon reduction and offsetting. Our guest on Go Green Radio this week is Dr. Ron Dembo, founder of Zerofootprint and the Zerofootprint Foundation. His organization can provide any sized enterprise with carbon calculators that are tailor designed for everything from large-scale corporate applications to calculators that even elementary school children can use. For more information on his remarkable set of tools and services, visit his website at: http://www.zerofootprint.net/
Though tap water in the United States is much cleaner than in many other countries, it is not perfectly healthy. Recent studies have shown that rivers throughout the U.S. are contaminated with pharmaceuticals, and it doesn’t take a rocket scientist to know that our children shouldn’t be drinking water with medicine in it. Many families have turned to bottled water, assuming it is safe, but in fact only one person at the U.S. Food and Drug Administration has the responsibility to oversee the safety of our entire nation’s bottled water supply. On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with the CEO of DrinkUp (www.drinkupwater.com) , Faber Dewar, about the risky choices we have when picking our water source, and the technology his company has developed to address consumer concerns. The public policy issues involved in our nation’s water supply are daunting, but unless we demand clean drinking water from our local, state and federal officials, our children and our planet will suffer. Tune in to learn more about your water choices, and how you can protect your access to clean drinking water.
Give them the tools, the training, and a mission – these Veterans have what it takes to help America transition to a green, clean economy. On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with Garrett Reppenhagen, former sniper in the Army’s 1st Infantry Division stationed in Iraq, and now the head of the Veterans Green Corps, overseeing teams of Veterans who are working outdoors to clean up wetlands, conducting forest fire mitigation projects, building woodland trails, and preserving our national parks. The Veterans Green Jobs (http://veteransgreenjobs.org) is a national 501©3 organization that is training Veterans to work in the solar and wind energy fields, to conduct energy efficiency retrofits in low income housing, and to help lower the urban heat island effect by planting trees in densely populated areas. The Veterans involved in these green jobs are deeply committed to serving their country, and understand that preserving our natural resources and becoming energy independent are two critical undertakings for the U.S. in the 21st century. I urge all Go Green Radio listeners to visit their website and support them in any way you can.
On this week’s Go Green Radio, Michael Kraft, Professor of Environmental Studies at the University of Wisconsin, will discuss his recent OpEd entitled, “Republicans must embrace clean energy for their future.” During the midterm elections, most political observers expect unemployment rates and the war to dominate the airwaves, but how is the electrification of American light transportation related to those topics? We will discuss the effects that federal subsidies for electric cars could have on our national security and global competitive edge for the technologies that will fuel the economy of the 21st century. What is at stake if the U.S. continues to trail China, Japan and Korea in developing lithium ion battery technology? If Republicans take control of Congress in the fall, what are the ramifications if they move to repeal subsidies for electric vehicles? Tune in to this week’s Go Green Radio to learn more!
Ever tasted an apple grown in the Big Apple? If not, talk to this week’s guest, Marcel Van Ooyen, the Executive Director of GrowNYC – formerly the Council on the Environment of New York City. The NYC Greenmarket is the largest and most successful open-air farmers markets program in the country. Since 1970, this organization has been improving New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. GrowNYC rolls up its sleeves alongside NYC residents to provide access to healthy, fresh, local food for all New Yorkers; grow and maintain vibrant green spaces and community gardens; help New Yorkers recycle more and reduce waste; and create the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on education programs. If a city of 10 million people can make a community garden and farmers market program work, so can yours! Check out their website at http://www.cenyc.org.
Trees for the Future (TFTF) –www.treesforthefuture.org- is a nonprofit organization that was around long before “going green” was cool. Since their inception in 1988, they have planted 65 million trees in strategic locations around the world. They train local farmers to plant, care for, and sustainably utilize trees. Among their many success stories, TFTF was responsible for the reforestation of an area in the Philippines that had been stripped by illegally logging and left barren for over 100 years…incredible! On this episode of Go Green Radio, we’ll talk with Gorav Seth, who heads up all the international programs for Trees for the Future. Gorav has been on the front lines, combating climate change through sustainable agroforestry in Africa, Honduras, India, Costa Rica, and (mega-tough duty station) the Bahamas!
According to this week’s Go Green Radio guest, more than half of the world’s population currently lives in an urban environment, and that number is expected to rise to 70% by the year 2050. In his most recent article for Fast Company, Trung Le writes, “These urban centers are supported by a diversity of interconnected systems and infrastructure that enhance the human condition (i.e. employment, culture, housing, education, transportation, public safety, healthcare, energy and technology)… But there is always a weak link, and in this instance, the weakest link in many of the leading urban economies is preK-12 education. Education is critical to a thriving urban center, so why are urban education systems in distress? Better yet: What can we do to change this fate? What does an urban preK-12 physical environment look like in the third millennium?” According to Le, creating sustainable schools that follow the International Living Building Institute guidelines is a critical component in answering these questions. Tune in to Go Green Radio this week to learn more about how Trung Le is helping to put this theory into practice at an urban school in Chicago.
Healthy Child Healthy World exists because more than 125 million Americans, especially children, now face an historically unprecedented rise in chronic disease and illness such as cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD / ADHD, and learning and developmental disabilities. Credible scientific evidence increasingly points to environmental hazards and household chemicals as causing and contributing to many of these diseases. For the past two decades Healthy Child Healthy World has been the nation's leading organization of its kind. We help millions of parents, educators, health professionals, and the general public take action to create healthy environments and embrace green, non-toxic steps. Healthy Child Healthy World is leading a movement that educates parents, supports protective policies, and engages communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish.
The National Environmental Education Foundation, in partnership with The Weather Channel, has launched Classroom Earth, a program designed to enhance and strengthen environmental education in high school classrooms nationwide. Planet Connect, a program of Classroom Earth, targets high school youth in an effort to increase student engagement in environmental learning, stimulate interest in environmental careers, and learn how to protect the environment. Planet Connect was developed with input from a diverse group of students from around the country who have helped to design the Planet Connect Web site, www.planetconnect.org and the Planet Connect High School Grants. This week on Go Green Radio, we’ll be talking with David Lanham who just finished a highly successful student video contest for Planet Connect. The winning videos can be found on the Go Green Initiative YouTube Channel: http://tinyurl.com/2fhtq2h.
Everywhere we turn, there is another news story about carbon emissions and efforts to reduce them. But for the average town, small business, school, home or individual, reducing carbon emissions is a bit of a mystery. How do we know how much carbon we are emitting? Where can we cut carbon from our operations? Is there a way to offset the carbon that we cannot reduce? Until recently, answering these questions was imprecise at best. But now there is a company with reliable and easy-to-use tools that can take the guesswork out of carbon reduction and offsetting. Our guest on Go Green Radio this week is Dr. Ron Dembo, founder of Zerofootprint and the Zerofootprint Foundation. His organization can provide any sized enterprise with carbon calculators that are tailor designed for everything from large-scale corporate applications to calculators that even elementary school children can use. For more information on his remarkable set of tools and services, visit his website at: http://www.zerofootprint.net/
Every generation needs leaders, and not all of them will come from affluent, private schools. Many of the next generation’s leaders will come from public schools, and one woman and her colleagues are on a mission to ensure that their public school delivers citizen-leaders who are prepared for the challenges they will face in the 21st century. This week on Go Green Radio, we will talk with Sarah Elizabeth Ippel, who is the founder of the Academy of Global Citizenship. This brand new public school is located on the south side of Chicago, and most of its students are from low income households. Listen in to learn how Sarah Elizabeth has been able to engage parents, community leaders and generous donors to create a new template for public education that integrates multicultural awareness and environmental stewardship. For more information, check out the website at: http://www.agcchicago.org/.
We’ve all used battery powered devices, so the concept of storing energy isn’t new. But what IS new is the concept of storing energy in amounts that could power cars, homes, and entire communities. While wind and solar plants soak up the headlines on today’s energy news front, just below the surface of that news is a technology that makes wind and solar viable: energy storage capacity. On today’s show, we’ll talk with the Chief Operating Officer of Ioxus, Chad Hall, who will explain the function and advantage of the ultracapacitor technology that his company utilizes. For those of you who may concerned that this episode will be a bit too “techy” for you…don’t worry, I’ll be bringing the discussion back to the same point we always do at Go Green Radio – how does this technology impact the daily lives of every American? We’ll talk about how energy storage will affect our environment, our economy and our national security. For more information on Ioxus, visit http://www.ioxus.com/.
According to our guest, Jason Makansi, Executive Director of the Energy Storage Council, the reason storage is so essential to renewables is the renewables are intermittent -- the sun doesn't always shine and the wind doesn't always blow, and they are often located in areas far from population centers. Because the price of wholesale electricity varies throughout the day, when electricity is sold is just as important as how much electricity is sold. But if you can store the energy generated on a sunny or windy day and then inject that energy into the grid at periods of high demand ... well, then you've got yourself a market. You've got both physical and economic control over your resource and the leverage with which to build increasing demand for your product.
We can't see the smog of electro-pollution – but it is affecting us – according to the scientific evidence in the award-winning book Wireless Radiation Rescue – safeguarding your family from the risks of electro-pollution by Kerry Crofton, Ph.D. (Global Wellbeing Books, Revised Edition, July 2010). The issue of cell phone radiation is making national headlines, yet consumers remain uncertain about the risks involved and how to protect themselves.
Dr. Crofton, a health educator, collaborated with the world’s most respected scientists, physicians, and environmental health experts, and compiled data from the latest research studies. In Wireless Radiation Rescue she presents an overview of the evidence along with recommendations for safer solutions.
Wireless Radiation Rescue is the first consumer guide to reducing levels of electro-magnetic radiation in our homes, offices and schools. Aimed at the general public including parents, teachers and health care professionals, the book is divided into four sections: Know the Evidence; Know Your Risks; Safer Solutions; and Your Action Plan. Visit Dr. Crofton’s website for more information at: http://www.radiationrescue.org/
Global Broadcasting for Kids (GB4K) is the brain child of actor/director/producer Scott McGinnis, and it just might change the world. While politicians and environmental activists work to clean up the mess left by older generations, GB4K reaches out to the ones who will inherit the mess – today’s teenagers. The message couldn’t be more perfectly on point; it’s “Green News…from One Kid to Another.” Each week, teen journalists, Marley and her brother Elijah, report on environmental issues, and finish each story with a “so what?” segment that helps explain the story in a way that makes sense to kids. McGinnis has a long track record of producing great quality shows that kids love, like “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” the TV show, “Angel”, and more. Under his direction, Marley and Elijah are a refreshingly optimistic and entertaining pair, destined to engage a worldwide audience of kids that are looking for eco-information that matters to them. Scott’s teen reporters will be covering the red carpet for the Earth Day premier of Disney’s new movie, “Oceans.” Be sure to check out their broadcast at: http://www.globalbroadcast4kids.com
Healthy Child Healthy World exists because more than 125 million Americans, especially children, now face an historically unprecedented rise in chronic disease and illness such as cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD / ADHD, and learning and developmental disabilities. Credible scientific evidence increasingly points to environmental hazards and household chemicals as causing and contributing to many of these diseases. For the past two decades Healthy Child Healthy World has been the nation's leading organization of its kind. We help millions of parents, educators, health professionals, and the general public take action to create healthy environments and embrace green, non-toxic steps. Healthy Child Healthy World is leading a movement that educates parents, supports protective policies, and engages communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish.
Nestled in the Rockies near the Big Sky Ski Resort, the student body at Montana State University has one of the most breathtaking vistas of any college campus I’ve ever seen. The daily reminder of the beauty and majesty of nature inspired students to take matters into their own hands to protect the environment in January 2009 when they voted to create a student-financed sustainability center. One year later, the sustainability center is responsible for diverting over 109 tons of recyclable materials from the campus waste stream, and they are only getting warmed up. Beth Schiesing is a sophomore in architecture at MSU, and serves as the President of the Network of Environmentally Conscious Organizations (NECO). She joins us on Go Green Radio to discuss the process by which students at MSU have started a green revolution on campus, and how they plan to shape the future even beyond their college experience. You can check out their Facebook page at http://www.facebook.com/?ref=home#!/pages/Bozeman-MT/ASMSU-Sustainability-Center/154317763884, and their website at http://www.montana.edu/greenasmsu.
According to Laurie Mazur’s new book, “A Pivotal Moment”… “3 billion people -- nearly half the world’s population – are under the age of 25. The reproductive choices made by these 3 billion young women and men will effectively decide whether total world population is 8 billion or 10.5 billion in the year 2050. The difference of 2.5 billion people is profound for many reasons. Population growth rates remain high where poverty and gender inequality are most intractable. Where women are denied education, secure livelihoods, property ownership and the full legal and social rights of citizenship, they are forced to rely on childbearing for survival, status, and security. Our planet is already signaling human-induced ecological impoverishment and collapse, and while slowing population growth down sufficiently to achieve the lower number of people (8 billion) by 2050 is not a complete panacea for easing pressure on the environment, it will make the challenge easier.”
Global Broadcasting for Kids (GB4K) is the brain child of actor/director/producer Scott McGinnis, and it just might change the world.
While politicians and environmental activists work to clean up the mess left by older generations, GB4K reaches out to the ones who will inherit the mess – today’s teenagers. The message couldn’t be more perfectly on point; it’s “Green News…from One Kid to Another.” Each week, teen journalists, Marley and her brother Elijah, report on environmental issues, and finish each story with a “so what?” segment that helps explain the story in a way that makes sense to kids.
McGinnis has a long track record of producing great quality shows that kids love, like “Honey, I Shrunk the Kids” the TV show, “Angel”, and more. Under his direction, Marley and Elijah are a refreshingly optimistic and entertaining pair, destined to engage a worldwide audience of kids that are looking for eco-information that matters to them.
Scott’s teen reporters will be covering the red carpet for the Earth Day premier of Disney’s new movie, “Oceans.” Be sure to check out their broadcast at: http://www.globalbroadcast4kids.com
Everyone is talking about climate change. In LIFE IN THE HOTHOUSE, Melanie Lenart, PhD, award-winning journalist and climate researcher, offers an alternative view of the issues at hand— explaining in fascinating, user-friendly terms how the Earth’s natural systems help deal with climate change and what we can do to support that process. Lenart explains how our planet responds to different climates, past and present. Stronger hurricanes, rising seas, bigger floods – warming temperatures spur these on. Do these imply a planet taking revenge for human-caused greenhouse gas heating? No, Lenart argues, they merely demonstrate some survival techniques of a living system doing what it takes to stay alive.
Does that mean humans can leave it to the planet to take care of the extra heat-trapping greenhouse gases filling the air? No. The planet can survive with ice-free poles, higher sea levels, and intense hurricanes that would potentially be off the charts by today’s standards. But clearly under such conditions our society would face many challenges. In modern times, scientists are not projecting the total meltdown of the poles in the foreseeable future. Yet examples from hothouse times and ice ages illustrate the extremes to which the planet can go. What’s more, learning more about what the Earth does naturally during times of excessive warming can help society plan better for modern ways of handling the heat.
What happens when a landfill become land “full”? Answer…taxpayers foot the bill to build a new one. It’s expensive, and it’s a waste of land and other resources that could be used for better things that burying trash. What if I told you that your trash could be converted to clean energy? In fact, that may already be the case in your town. Communities across the U.S. have been using energy-from-waste (EFW) technology for decades. In fact, many states – including Florida and California – have included EFW under the legal definition of renewable energy. Covanta Energy is one of the world’s leading EFW companies, and today on Go Green Radio, we’ll hear from Meg Morris, a senior Covanta official and the former President of the National Recycling Coalition. Meg will help us understand how EFW works, and what the future may hold if less of our “waste” goes to waste!
Ever tasted an apple grown in the Big Apple? If not, talk to this week’s guest, Marcel Van Ooyen, the Executive Director of GrowNYC – formerly the Council on the Environment of New York City. The NYC Greenmarket is the largest and most successful open-air farmers markets program in the country. Since 1970, this organization has been improving New York City’s quality of life through environmental programs that transform communities block by block and empower all New Yorkers to secure a clean and healthy environment for future generations. GrowNYC rolls up its sleeves alongside NYC residents to provide access to healthy, fresh, local food for all New Yorkers; grow and maintain vibrant green spaces and community gardens; help New Yorkers recycle more and reduce waste; and create the next generation of environmental leaders through hands-on education programs. If a city of 10 million people can make a community garden and farmers market program work, so can yours! Check out their website at http://www.cenyc.org.
Confused about all the conflicting reports about whether or not to use hand sanitizer this flu season? Wondering how effective non-toxic, “green” cleaners are against the H1N1 virus? Worried about the kinds of cleansers your family and pets are exposed to? Me, too!!! As a mother of three kids in public schools, I am very concerned about making sure my children remain healthy, despite the fact that we haven’t had access to H1N1 vaccines yet. Fortunately, Mike Krall, CEO of PURE Bioscience, has the information we’re all looking for. Tune in to Go Green Radio this week, when I will ask Mike how his patented product, SDC, may very well be the most significant and environmentally safe answer to many of the public health threats of the 21st century…and most importantly…where we, the consumers, can get it! Helpful links: FDA information on fraudulent H1N1 Product Claims
Good parents advocate for their children, and try to keep them safe from harm. Suppose your children were being harmed by the air they breathe, by chemicals sprayed on their schoolyard, or by vaccinations recommended by your most trusted ally in keeping your child healthy – your pediatrician. If that were the case, you’d likely do all that you could to protect your child, but you’d soon find that as a lone parent it is very difficult to sway the large organizations and companies that control the environmental hazards around your child. And then…you’d do what this week’s Go Green Radio guests did…you’d band together with other concerned parents to make a difference. This week we are joined by the Executive Director of the National Autism Association, Rita Shreffler, and the editor-at-large for the Age of Autism, Mark Blaxill. Rita and Mark will discuss their experiences as parents of autistic children, and help us understand the environmental toxins that may be responsible for rising rates of autism in America.
Most people know that when they throw things away, it doesn’t really go “away.” The trash goes somewhere, and a good deal of it doesn’t biodegrade. In fact, some of what goes into the trash could poison our drinking water, air, and the soil in which we grow food for many generations. Mercury and other heavy metals are found in a number of products readily available to consumers in supermarkets all over the country, and if those items aren’t carefully disposed of, they are known to be extremely hazardous to humans, especially children. Discarded medicines have already polluted fresh water sources in all 50 U.S. states, yet a nationwide solution to this problem is not even being discussed. Who can rectify these issues? Consumers? Retailers? Manufacturers? Government? Likely, a combination of all four stakeholder groups. Tune into Go Green Radio this week to hear Scott Cassel, Founder and Executive Director of the Product Stewardship Institute (http://www.productstewardship.us ), discuss how his organization is leading the way to bring these groups together to protect human health through product stewardship.
According to EHDD Architecture’s website (www.ehdd.com), ‘our world is at a critical point in its evolution. With global population climbing towards seven billion and with rapidly increasing development, carbon emissions and degradation of ecosystems, our planet is being stressed beyond its capacity. Our challenge is to develop a new model for living and building within the earth’s capacity, while also creating a better life for all people.’ EHDD sees this challenge as their inspiration for design: for creating innovative, healthy, and pleasant environments that people enjoy living and working in, and to do so with the least impact on the earth’s ecosystems. EHDD is a national leader in the research and design of sustainable buildings, ready to meet the very real challenge that global climate change requires very real results: not just a few model projects but a fundamental change in how we design and build buildings. Tune in to Go Green Radio to hear EHDD principal, Scott Shell, discuss his unique work in ‘green’ architecture.
What happens when a landfill become land “full”? Answer…taxpayers foot the bill to build a new one. It’s expensive, and it’s a waste of land and other resources that could be used for better things that burying trash. What if I told you that your trash could be converted to clean energy? In fact, that may already be the case in your town. Communities across the U.S. have been using energy-from-waste (EFW) technology for decades. In fact, many states – including Florida and California – have included EFW under the legal definition of renewable energy. Covanta Energy is one of the world’s leading EFW companies, and today on Go Green Radio, we’ll hear from Meg Morris, a senior Covanta official and the former President of the National Recycling Coalition. Meg will help us understand how EFW works, and what the future may hold if less of our “waste” goes to waste!
Brita Belli, editor of E / The Environmental Magazine- the largest independent magazine dedicated to green issues- joins us on Go Green Radio to discuss her recent piece called, “The Search for Autism’s Missing Piece…Autism Research Slowly Turns Its Focus to Environmental Toxicity.” The debate over the connection between vaccinations—particularly those preserved with mercury-containing thimerosal—and autism has been widely publicized, and is still the subject of controversy. But the large majority of autism research is focused on genetics, despite the fact that there are known environmental factors that impact the likelihood of the disorder. Sudhir Gupta, M.D., Ph.D., Chief of the Division of Basic and Clinical Immunology at the University of California, Irvine, once famously remarked in regards to autism: “Genes load the gun and environment pulls the trigger.” Tune in to Go Green Radio to learn more, and visit http://www.emagazine.com/view/?4984 to read Brita’s groundbreaking article.
‘Green is gorgeous’, and no one would know that better than Tamara Henry, nationally recognized eco TV host, and designer of the Miss America Pageant’s first environmental component to the competition. Tamara, a.k.a. “Green T”, has interviewed all 53 contestants about what “being green” means to them. Tamara will share some of their answers, and give us the inside scoop on the pageant, eco-fashion, and her fabulous expert perspective on what she has branded ‘Eco Conscious Entertainment.’ Check out Tamara’s website (www.GreenTwithTamara.TV), where you can watch each Miss America contestant’s video interview, and cast your vote for the one that you believe best embodies the theme, “Green is Gorgeous.” More than 20,000 people have already voted online! If you live in the L.A. area, you can also vote in person at the Go-Green Expo Jan. 22-24.
Can you imagine spending your entire adult life as a United States Marine or Sailor, protecting the shipping lanes for foreign oil that Americans crave? Or how about trying to run a company like FedEx with ever-fluctuating gasoline prices? What if these people came together to ensure that future American military members would never have to fight for the energy we need to fuel our economy, and American businesses would forever have clean, reliable, affordable, domestic energy with which to run their companies? Good news…they have come together, and Robbie Diamond joins us on Go Green Radio to explain. Robbie is the President & CEO of Securing America’s Future Energy (SAFE) – www.secureenergy.org - , and the Electrification Coalition – www.electrificationcoalition.org -, both nonpartisan, not-for-profit groups of business and four star military leaders committed to promoting policies and actions that facilitate the deployment of electric vehicles on a mass scale in order to combat the economic, environmental, and national security dangers caused by our nation’s dependence on petroleum.
According to Laurie Mazur’s new book, “A Pivotal Moment”… “3 billion people -- nearly half the world’s population – are under the age of 25. The reproductive choices made by these 3 billion young women and men will effectively decide whether total world population is 8 billion or 10.5 billion in the year 2050. The difference of 2.5 billion people is profound for many reasons. Population growth rates remain high where poverty and gender inequality are most intractable. Where women are denied education, secure livelihoods, property ownership and the full legal and social rights of citizenship, they are forced to rely on childbearing for survival, status, and security. Our planet is already signaling human-induced ecological impoverishment and collapse, and while slowing population growth down sufficiently to achieve the lower number of people (8 billion) by 2050 is not a complete panacea for easing pressure on the environment, it will make the challenge easier.”
Confused about all the conflicting reports about whether or not to use hand sanitizer this flu season? Wondering how effective non-toxic, “green” cleaners are against the H1N1 virus? Worried about the kinds of cleansers your family and pets are exposed to? Me, too!!! As a mother of three kids in public schools, I am very concerned about making sure my children remain healthy, despite the fact that we haven’t had access to H1N1 vaccines yet. Fortunately, Mike Krall, CEO of PURE Bioscience, has the information we’re all looking for. Tune in to Go Green Radio this week, when I will ask Mike how his patented product, SDC, may very well be the most significant and environmentally safe answer to many of the public health threats of the 21st century…and most importantly…where we, the consumers, can get it!
Helpful links: FDA information on fraudulent H1N1 Product Claims (includes a widget for your blog): http://www.fda.gov/NewsEvents/PublicHealthFocus/ucm150305.htm#protection CDC information on Swine Flu: http://www.cdc.gov/h1n1flu/ PURE Bioscience: http://www.purebio.com/
Julie Nauman has the kind of initiative I would love to see in every government agency and business in America! She is the Executive Director of the California Victim Compensation & Government Claims Board, the California State agency that administers the missing child reward program, compensation to victims of violent crime, such as domestic violence, child abuse, sexual assault, and much more. Ms. Nauman’s work is leading an effort to ensure that her agency and its 300 employees operate in a green and sustainable manner. She recognizes that regardless of the work product, every workplace can, and should, be environmentally responsible.
Leah Lamb is the online producer for the Green Channel for Current TV (www.current.com/green/). Founded by former Vice President Al Gore, Current is the only 24/7 cable and satellite television network and Internet site produced and programmed in collaboration with its audience. Current connects young adults with what is going on in their world, from their perspective, in their own voices. Current’s Green Channel features compelling, innovative, inspiring, and breaking news about the sustainability green scene. Leah’s latest features on the Copenhagen Climate talks are truly cutting edge, particularly among U.S. media outlets. Tune in as we talk with Leah about the future of the sustainability, and green media.
Leah Lamb is the online producer for the Green Channel for Current TV (www.current.com/green/). Founded by former Vice President Al Gore, Current is the only 24/7 cable and satellite television network and Internet site produced and programmed in collaboration with its audience. Current connects young adults with what is going on in their world, from their perspective, in their own voices. Current’s Green Channel features compelling, innovative, inspiring, and breaking news about the sustainability green scene. Leah’s latest features on the Copenhagen Climate talks are truly cutting edge, particularly among U.S. media outlets. Tune in as we talk with Leah about the future of the sustainability, and green media.
Even in this economy, there are perfectly legitimate reasons to buy a new cell phone (like awesome new apps!!!), and you don’t need to feel guilty about it if you “re-purpose” your old phone with Flipswap. This innovative company has all the right answers for an eco-friendly cell phone exchange. And the best part? You can make money while doing the right thing with your old phone! Tune into today’s episode of Go Green Radio, and find out how you can “Flipswap” your cell experience! www.flipswap.com
Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t have it all! If you want to be your own boss, work when you feel like it, and own a green business with health care benefits…you can! Thanks to Shop To Earth, anyone can have a green job! Today’s episode of Go Green Radio explores one of the most innovative private sector initiatives in the ‘greening’ of consumer goods. Shop To Earth lets consumers put their money where their mouth is, and buy green products at a discount. Their motto is, “Live Green. Earn Green. Save Green.” Join us on Go Green Radio as we talk with Hilary Martin, a true eco-enthusiast, as she walks us through the steps of becoming a successful green business owner!
Throughout the United States, a movement of educators, parents and students is remaking K-12 education to prepare students for the future environmental challenges. What would a green school or an eco-schooling curriculum look like? Smart by Nature: Schooling for Sustainability offers firsthand accounts and strategies for greening campuses, rethinking school food, and transforming schools into model sustainable communities. On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we are joined by Michael Stone, author of Smart by Nature, and we’ll explore this movement through inspiring success stories from public and independent schools across the country.
Americans spend nearly $50 billion (yes, Billion) per year on pet products, and not all of them are good for our pets…or the environment. Dominique De Vito, author of “Green Dog, Good Dog,” joins us to discuss everything from ‘greening’ your dog’s diet, to eco-friendly dog supplies, how to travel ‘green’ with your dog, and much more! This episode is not only for Sierra Club members with dogs…this show is for all dog lovers who want to create a healthy, safe, and clean lifestyle for their furry friends.
Small and medium sized businesses have borne the brunt of the economic downturn, and according to the U.S. Chamber of Commerce, about 80% of American jobs come from small/medium companies. In order to lower the current unemployment rate, small businesses need to be able to put as much of their money into salaries as possible, and put Americans back to work. Today’s guest on Go Green Radio is Pratik Roychoudhury, and his company www.MyLatch.com has created an innovative hiring solution for small businesses that is both cost-effective AND “green!” Tune in to find out how MyLatch.com is the 21st century matchmaker for smart small businesses and eco-friendly job seekers!
Even in this economy, there are perfectly legitimate reasons to buy a new cell phone (like awesome new apps!!!), and you don’t need to feel guilty about it if you “re-purpose” your old phone with Flipswap. This innovative company has all the right answers for an eco-friendly cell phone exchange. And the best part? You can make money while doing the right thing with your old phone! Tune into today’s episode of Go Green Radio, and find out how you can “Flipswap” your cell experience! www.flipswap.com
Regardless of where our kids live or what career they choose as adults, they are going to need clean air, clean water, and ample clean energy in order to have a great standard of living in the future. The Go Green Initiative is the world’s largest and fastest growing environmental education program, and its motto is: “All schools prepare our children for the future, but Go Green Initiative schools prepare the future for our children. Tune into Go Green Radio this week to learn more! www.gogreeninitiative.org
Long before “going green” was cool, a bunch of PTA moms banded together to start the Go Green Initiative (www.gogreeninitiative.org). The organization began with no staff, no budget, and no idea that it would soon become the world’s largest environmental education program. What began on a kitchen table in California has now spread to schools and communities in all 50 U.S. States, 36 countries and 5 continents…and we’re just getting warmed up! Tune into Go Green Radio this week to learn more about what makes the Go Green Initiative special, and follow along with a slideshow found on the Blog at www.gogreeninitiative.org.
Don’t let anybody tell you that you can’t have it all! If you want to be your own boss, work when you feel like it, and own a green business with health care benefits…you can! Thanks to Shop To Earth, anyone can have a green job! Today’s episode of Go Green Radio explores one of the most innovative private sector initiatives in the ‘greening’ of consumer goods. Shop To Earth lets consumers put their money where their mouth is, and buy green products at a discount. Their motto is, “Live Green. Earn Green. Save Green.” Join us on Go Green Radio as we talk with Hilary Martin, a true eco-enthusiast, as she walks us through the steps of becoming a successful green business owner!
Bob Anderson is not just the father of two teenagers, he is the father of a brand new national TV show called Eco Company, set to air across the U.S. this fall. The show’s website http://www.eco-company.tv has videos that Bob has produced, as well as an opportunity for teens to submit videos they shoot with their friends. The show aims to “create awareness, break down the issues in plain English, and profile teens leading the way to be green. Teens have joined the green revolution and this show is all about what they are doing!”
Two primary concerns have inhibited the success of the electric car: the cost of the vehicles are higher than comparably-sized gasoline cars; and the mileage range of a typical car battery is much shorter than the range of a gasoline tank. For lengthy trips, that would mean having to stop every 150 miles or so, finding a place to plug the car in, and waiting several hours for it to power up. A new company called Better Place has the solution to both of these problems, and may be the “enabler” that finally brings electric vehicles into the mainstream!
Everything is BIG in Texas, including big ideas for 21st Century Urban Planning and Green job creation! Dallas,TX recently offered up one city block, inviting architects and urban planners from around the world to compete to re-design the space into the United State’s first fully sustainable, “off the grid” inner-city block. Today we have John Greenan of the Central Dallas Community Development Corporation, and representatives from two of the winning architectural firms: Little Architects, and David Banker and Partners with their respective entries, Entangled Bank and Greenways Xero Energy. We’ll be talking to them about this exciting and innovative green project involving the transformation of urban landscape into an energy efficient, sustainable community.
Landscaping is an important part of any structure or space. Whether we’re at home, at school, at work, or commuting, a well-designed landscape provides beauty and enjoyment, and in some cases, a habitat for birds and other wildlife. However, some landscape designs are much too reliant on copious amounts of water. Landscape architect, Josiah Cain, was featured in the June 2009 edition of Sunset magazine (link to the article: http://tinyurl.com/ldsjj5 ), and he joins us on Go Green Radio to discuss ways to create appealing gardens without wasting water. More and more areas of the U.S. are instituting water restrictions, so tune in to learn how to maintain your landscape while minimizing your impact on our precious natural resources. To learn more about Josiah and his firm, Design Ecology, visit www.designecology.com).
I’m a big fan of companies that ‘go green’ on site. I’m an even BIGGER fan of companies that work with their suppliers, customers and every business in between to ensure that their whole supply chain is going green. Today, we’ll have two women in business who are in very different industries, but share one important thing in common: a desire to make sure that the products they buy, sell and discard are handled in an environmentally responsible way. We’ll talk with up and comer, Celeste Ayers, of Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Amy Chan, owner of A&M Printing. Each will share her unique experience in striving for sustainability.
“The child starting kindergarten this fall will graduate in the third decade of the 21st century. All we can know about the world she will step into is that it will have challenges and opportunities beyond what we can imagine today, problems and possibilities that will de¬mand creativity and ingenuity, responsibility and compassion. Whether this year’s kindergarten student will merely survive or positively thrive in the decades to come depends in large measure on the experiences she has in school.” That’s the opening salvo in an exciting new book called, “The Third Teacher” (www.thethirdteacher.com). Listen to Trung Le explain how schools can, and should, be ecologically designed to prepare our children for the future.
‘Locally grown’…’organic’…’free range’…we’re beginning to see a lot of “buzz words” that are being used to distinguish food choices. We have some sense that these words mean food is healthy, humanely produced, or environmentally preferable, but how can we be sure? Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Carolie Sly of the Center for Ecoliteracy who served as the project leader for a book called, “Big Ideas,” which provides a foundation for understanding – and teaching children – about food and food production. The book is designed to help people use this knowledge to understand the ecology of the natural world and humans’ connections to it. Dr. Sly will discuss how food, culture, health and the environment are intricately woven together; and how all of us can make the best possible food choices.
Two primary concerns have inhibited the success of the electric car: the cost of the vehicles are higher than comparably-sized gasoline cars; and the mileage range of a typical car battery is much shorter than the range of a gasoline tank. For lengthy trips, that would mean having to stop every 150 miles or so, finding a place to plug the car in, and waiting several hours for it to power up. A new company called Better Place has the solution to both of these problems, and may be the “enabler” that finally brings electric vehicles into the mainstream!
Landscaping is an important part of any structure or space. Whether we’re at home, at school, at work, or commuting, a well-designed landscape provides beauty and enjoyment, and in some cases, a habitat for birds and other wildlife. However, some landscape designs are much too reliant on copious amounts of water. Landscape architect, Josiah Cain, was featured in the June 2009 edition of Sunset magazine (link to the article: http://tinyurl.com/ldsjj5 ), and he joins us on Go Green Radio to discuss ways to create appealing gardens without wasting water. More and more areas of the U.S. are instituting water restrictions, so tune in to learn how to maintain your landscape while minimizing your impact on our precious natural resources. To learn more about Josiah and his firm, Design Ecology, visit www.designecology.com).
We hear a lot about ‘sustainable living’ these days, but too often it’s in the midst of a sales pitch to buy certain products that will help us “go green.” Fortunately, there are organizations out there that are teaching kids and schools the real lessons of a sustainable lifestyle. On today’s show, I’m pleased to be joined by Lisa Bennett, the communications director for the Center for Ecoliteracy, www.ecoliteracy.org. Her esteemed colleagues are working to create resources and hands-on services that teach kids, parents and educators the building blocks of creating communities that will thrive as they find balance between human needs and the environment’s ability to meet those needs.
When they signed up to be interns for the world’s largest environmental education program, they probably didn’t think it would land them in jail, but that is exactly what happened! On today’s Go Green Radio, we’ll talk to two interns for the Go Green Initiative (ww.gogreeninitiative.org) who got to see how the Alameda County jail in Dublin, CA has taken tremendous strides to “green” its operations, all at incredible savings to local taxpayers. Lauren Ivey, an undergraduate in architecture at Princeton, and Katie Buck, a senior at Amador Valley High School, will tell us about their field trip behind bars!
Are pizza boxes and microwave popcorn poisoning my kids???The answers can be found in Jennifer Taggart’s new book, “Smart Mama’s Green Guide”, a candid and credible resource for child advocates who want to reduce children’s exposure to toxic chemicals. You may be surprised to learn that products you use everyday in your home contain chemicals capable of causing health problems for your kids. Jennifer’s background as an environmental engineer and lawyer, coupled with her passionate devotion to her own – and all – kids, provide the perfect background for her expert advice. You can learn more about the Smart Mama at www.thesmartmama.com !
Get ready to dance! When you hear the song, “Stand Up,” you won’t be able to sit still! Benjamin Winn has created a ‘green groove’ with lyrics every parent will support…and every kid will dig. Go Green Radio host, Jill Buck, met Benjamin at Harrah’s in Las Vegas recently, and on today’s episode you’ll hear why she supports the song, the artist, and the positive message he’s bringing to the world.
Everything is BIG in Texas, including big ideas for 21st Century Urban Planning and Green job creation! Dallas,TX recently offered up one city block, inviting architects and urban planners from around the world to compete to re-design the space into the United State’s first fully sustainable, “off the grid” inner-city block. Today we have John Greenan of the Central Dallas Community Development Corporation, and representatives from two of the winning architectural firms: Little Architects, and David Banker and Partners with their respective entries, Entangled Bank and Greenways Xero Energy. We’ll be talking to them about this exciting and innovative green project involving the transformation of urban landscape into an energy efficient, sustainable community.
I’m a big fan of companies that ‘go green’ on site. I’m an even BIGGER fan of companies that work with their suppliers, customers and every business in between to ensure that their whole supply chain is going green. Today, we’ll have two women in business who are in very different industries, but share one important thing in common: a desire to make sure that the products they buy, sell and discard are handled in an environmentally responsible way. We’ll talk with up and comer, Celeste Ayers, of Parker Hannifin Corporation, and Amy Chan, owner of A&M Printing. Each will share her unique experience in striving for sustainability.
The Chairman of the California Integrated Waste Management Board, Margo Reid Brown, joins us this week on Go Green Radio! She leads the CIWMB towards statewide goals that will improve waste diversion and the environment. As a member of Governor Schwarzenegger’s Climate Action Team, Chairman Brown has been at the vortex of some of the most aggressive and accomplished environmental public policy making in history. Just this week, President Obama signed off on legislation to increase fuel efficiency standards in the U.S. That legislation began with Governor Schwarzenegger and his team. Listen to Go Green Radio to hear about exciting, cutting-edge environmental action plans coming out of California!
Bob Anderson is not just the father of two teenagers, he is the father of a brand new national TV show called Eco Company, set to air across the U.S. this fall. The show’s website http://www.eco-company.tv has videos that Bob has produced, as well as an opportunity for teens to submit videos they shoot with their friends. The show aims to “create awareness, break down the issues in plain English, and profile teens leading the way to be green. Teens have joined the green revolution and this show is all about what they are doing!”
“The child starting kindergarten this fall will graduate in the third decade of the 21st century. All we can know about the world she will step into is that it will have challenges and opportunities beyond what we can imagine today, problems and possibilities that will de¬mand creativity and ingenuity, responsibility and compassion. Whether this year’s kindergarten student will merely survive or positively thrive in the decades to come depends in large measure on the experiences she has in school.” That’s the opening salvo in an exciting new book called, “The Third Teacher” (www.thethirdteacher.com). Listen to Trung Le explain how schools can, and should, be ecologically designed to prepare our children for the future.
Today’s episode is another Twitter success story for Go Green Radio. Derek Gordon is an intern for a super cool project called Urban Re:Vision. Derek found me on Twitter, and yada, yada, yada…I’m interviewing one of the premiere green architects in the biz, Eric Corey Freed. Eric is based in San Francisco, and has founded more entities than I’ve got fingers to count them. His company, organicARCHITECT, creates sustainable structures, from large developments to single family dwellings. With more than 15 years in green design, Eric can tell us what it was like to be green even before there was a Nobel Peace Prize in the mix! Don’t miss this interview with award-winning architect, Eric Corey Freed!
The U.S. Green Building Council has recently launched a new program that sets standards for certifying a residential unit as “green,” and today we’ll be talking with one of the industry leaders who developed those standards: Peter Yost. Peter serves as an instructor for the Boston Architectural College's Sustainable Design Certificate program and an adjunct faculty member of the University of Massachusetts Department of Building Materials and Wood Technology program in Amherst. He has been building, researching, teaching, writing, and consulting on high performance homes for more than twenty years, and will share his insight with Go Green Radio listeners!
On today’s episode we’ll be joined by Emmy award-winning producer, Virginia Carter, who is known for her work on the immensely popular American situation comedies All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, The Facts of Life, and Diff’rent Strokes. She began her career as an aerospace physicist, became a showbiz icon, and is now doing pro bono work with the Population Media Center (PMC) www.populationmedia.org. Virginia joins Go Green Radio to explain the important success of PMC, and how their efforts will improve environmental conditions around the globe.
Assemblyman Chuck Devore from Irvine, California has become one of the nation’s leading advocates for lifting the moratorium on building new nuclear power plants. He’s been featured on numerous TV and radio shows, and has been quoted in the Wall Street Journal, the San Francisco Chronicle and many more publications. As America moves to limit our carbon emissions to the greatest extent possible, can we do so without nuclear energy? Or is nuclear our only viable, domestic energy option for a clean, green future?
Think about your favorite ABC Afterschool special, and chances are, today’s guest on Go Green Radio either wrote it or produced it. Virginia Carter began her career as a physicist in the aerospace industry and in the Air Force. But thanks to a serendipitous friendship with the wife of Norman Lear, Virginia has become an incredible force for good and social change through media. She was awarded an Emmy and two Peabody Awards for her work on the immensely popular American situation comedies All in the Family, Maude, Good Times, The Jeffersons, One Day at a Time, The Facts of Life, and Diff’rent Strokes. She assisted in the production of the top five most highly rated television shows in the United States during the 1980s. Virginia now does pro bono work for Population Media Center, which aims to improve the health and well-being of people around the world.
This week’s episode will feature up-to-the-minute Green News with your “Dean of Green” – Jill Buck! We’ll be talking about my interview with Alexandra Cousteau while she was in Istanbul for U.N. World Water Day, and much more. We’ll also talk with John Davies of www.GreenerBuildings.com and Nammy Patel of www.ToothHugger.com.
Many in the U.S. are trying very hard to ‘go green’, and they are using less gasoline, changing their light bulbs to CFL’s, and recycling. Even with all of these efforts, if we multiply the amount of energy used per person in the U.S. by the world’s total population…we’d have a problem…not enough energy to go around. We live well in the U.S., so it’s understandable that people in other countries would want to live as well, but is there enough energy in the world for everyone to live like Americans? Do we have a shortage of energy, or an energy management problem? My guest, Susan Meredith, author of “Beyond Light Bulbs: Lighting the Way to Smarter Energy Management” will help us uncover the truth.
Today’s episode is another Twitter success story for Go Green Radio. Derek Gordon is an intern for a super cool project called Urban Re:Vision. Derek found me on Twitter, and yada, yada, yada…I’m interviewing one of the premiere green architects in the biz, Eric Corey Freed. Eric is based in San Francisco, and has founded more entities than I’ve got fingers to count them. His company, organicARCHITECT, creates sustainable structures, from large developments to single family dwellings. With more than 15 years in green design, Eric can tell us what it was like to be green even before there was a Nobel Peace Prize in the mix! Don’t miss this interview with award-winning architect, Eric Corey Freed!
America’s favorite pastime is now America’s favorite environmental steward. Leaders in baseball are “greening” their stadiums by recycling, becoming more energy efficient, and encouraging fans to “swing for the fence” when it comes to living an eco-friendly lifestyle. We’ll be talking with Justin Sellers, Asst. Commissioner of the Coastal Plain League, who is planning the nation’s first baseball “Green Week” which will involve his 14-team collegiate summer baseball league with clubs located in NC, SC, and VA. Buy me some peanuts and Cracker Jack…baseball is going green!!!
Pacific Gas and Electric Company is a national leader in efforts to deliver affordable, “green” energy to their utility customers. On today’s episode, we’ll talk about their community enrichment and education programs, like “Solar in Schools,” and how they are involved in creating “Green Jobs.” We’ll also talk with REC Solar, a national solar installation company that is growing extremely fast, and we’ll talk about their residential program, as well as new opportunities for schools!
The U.S. Green Building Council has recently launched a new program that sets standards for certifying a residential unit as “green,” and today we’ll be talking with one of the industry leaders who developed those standards: Peter Yost. Peter serves as an instructor for the Boston Architectural College's Sustainable Design Certificate program and an adjunct faculty member of the University of Massachusetts Department of Building Materials and Wood Technology program in Amherst. He has been building, researching, teaching, writing, and consulting on high performance homes for more than twenty years, and will share his insight with Go Green Radio listeners!
Every generation of Americans has had to deal with many of the problems we face today: war, poverty, political feuds, etc. But we are the first generation of Americans to face the kind of ecological challenges that threaten, not just nature, but also the foundation of our economy and way of life. Clearly, we cannot proceed with a ‘business as usual’ approach. Wally Baker, Chairman of the Green Tech Foundation (www.tgtf.org), joins us to discuss how his organization is bringing together progressive minds, fostering research-implementation, and promoting and communicating technological solutions as we move into the “Green Economy.”
Recycling is economically possible because there is a market for recyclable goods. However, a good deal of that market demand comes from Asia, and with the recent global economic downturn, recycling markets have become incredibly volatile and unpredictable, causing instability in our domestic recycling efforts. Recyclers are stockpiling recyclable materials in hopes of an upturn in the market, but if that doesn’t occur, how long before our recyclables end up in landfills? Listen in to find out what professionals in the recycling industry in America are doing to maintain our commitment to recycling.
Searching on Google will always be fun, but sometimes instead of having ALL the information, wouldn’t you love to just see the BEST information? For those of you looking for the best information on green living, you’ll love today’s guest! Luke Fretwell, creator of the innovative new end-all-be-all resource to ‘going green’, “How You Eco”, joins us to discuss his evolving project and how it will help YOU play, work and live in an eco-friendly way. Check out www.howyoueco.com
Many in the U.S. are trying very hard to ‘go green’, and they are using less gasoline, changing their light bulbs to CFL’s, and recycling. Even with all of these efforts, if we multiply the amount of energy used per person in the U.S. by the world’s total population…we’d have a problem…not enough energy to go around. We live well in the U.S., so it’s understandable that people in other countries would want to live as well, but is there enough energy in the world for everyone to live like Americans? Do we have a shortage of energy, or an energy management problem? My guest, Susan Meredith, author of “Beyond Light Bulbs: Lighting the Way to Smarter Energy Management” will help us uncover the truth.
Tracy Hollis wears many hats, and they are all 10 gallon Texas sized! She is the recent Past President of the Texas Association for Environmental Education, the EE coordinator for the entire school district of Grand Prairie ISD, an active member of Keep Texas Beautiful and was recently awarded a lifetime achievement award as KTB's Environmental Educator of the Year. She is a Board member of the Go Green Initiative, and has helped numerous school communities ‘go green’ and win national recognition for superior stewardship. Tune in to learn from one of the nation’s top-notch environmental education experts, Tracy Hollis!
In November, 60 minutes did a long overdue piece on the underworld of electronics recycling. Most Americans have no idea what happens to their cell phone, television or old computer monitor when they drop it off at an e-waste collection event, but suffice it to say…it’s not something we can be proud of in many cases. To see the video 60 minutes aired, you’ll find it on the Go Green Face Space on Facebook http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=628931199&ref=profile#/group.php?gid=6566461086. Listen to today’s show to learn the facts, and what you can do to make sure your e-waste is handled properly.
This week we’ll talk to Charles Linn, a leader in the launch of McGraw-Hill Construction’s new GreenSource magazine and website, as well as Schools of the 21st Century, Record’s annual publication, website, and symposium for the K-12 school market. As your host for Go Green Radio, I maintain my “Dean of Green” status by choosing only the top resources for the latest information in the environmental world, and GreenSource is one of my personnel favorites. We will also be joined by the Editor and Founder of Green Talk, Anna Hackman. Her website and blog is truly exceptional, both in the information presented and the user-friendly format. Gree-Talk.com is also one of my favorite resources.
On December 10th, the California Integrated Waste Management Board (CIWMB) held an emergency workshop in Sacramento to address growing concerns that the recycling industry may grind to a halt if recyclers cannot find markets for the material they are keeping out of our landfills. With the world economy in tumult, the typical buyers who keep the recycling market alive have arrested purchasing, causing a stockpile of recyclable material that brokers must warehouse. If they cannot find a place to sell those materials, will they end up glutting our nation’s landfills? We’ll talk with Margo Reid Brown, Chairman of the CIWMB, to learn more.
Recycling is economically possible because there is a market for recyclable goods. However, a good deal of that market demand comes from Asia, and with the recent global economic downturn, recycling markets have become incredibly volatile and unpredictable, causing instability in our domestic recycling efforts. Recyclers are stockpiling recyclable materials in hopes of an upturn in the market, but if that doesn’t occur, how long before our recyclables end up in landfills? Listen in to find out what professionals in the recycling industry in America are doing to maintain our commitment to recycling.
He’s not just a pretty face and TV celebrity, he’s a business man with a passion for the environment. Faber Dewar has developed products in keeping with the latest scientific research on sustainability, and he’s here to share that information with our listeners. Faber also speaks all over the country about protecting human health from environmental hazards, and in fact, was a keynote speaker at the 2007 International Go Green Earth Summit. Faber is a dad on a mission to help parents around the world know how to protect their children and the Earth.
Go Green Radio host, Jill Buck, and her 17 yr. old daughter joined legions of teenage girls and their moms last night at the midnight showing of ‘Twilight’ on its opening day. While you will find movie reviews from film critics across the nation today, only Go Green Radio brings you the ‘green thumbs up’ rating system. Just how eco-friendly was ‘Twilight’? And is our host on “Team Edward” or “Team Jacob”…listen in to find out, or call in at 866-472-5787 to give your critique of the movie!
Episode #21
Air Date: November 14, 2008
Episode Title:
History in the Making: Governor Schwarzenegger’s Global Climate Change Summit, and Green Building with high tech solutions.
Episode Description: Hasta la vista, global warming! California Governor Arnold Schwarzenegger is gathering an all-star cast of world leaders at his Global Climate Summit in Beverley Hills on Nov. 18-19, and YOU CAN ATTEND via webcast at uctv.tv/climate. Deputy Secretary of the California EPA, BreAnda Northcutt, will give us the inside scoop on who will be there, topics on the agenda, and the Governor’s vision for this historic event! Also joining us this week is David Fay, technology manager of Cianbro Corporation – a world leader in cutting-edge green building, building the largest green resort destination in the world…DestiNY USA. See www.cianbro.com for more information.
Jennifer Taggart, founder of www.TheSmartMama.com joins us to discuss a new movement in the world of child advocacy: The Green Moms Carnival. The mission of the Green Moms Carnival is “to unite bloggy voices around one environmentally-conscious theme per month, knowing that if we repeat the same green messages at the same time, it increases the likelihood that our eco-conscious messages will be heard, understood and adopted by more people.” One of the leading voices of the Green Mom Carnival, Jennifer Taggart, will discuss the objectives and effects of this exciting, innovative, 21st century movement!
The New York State PTA was one of the first in the nation to adopt the Go Green Initiative. When New York won the “Go Green State of the Year” award in 2006, the State PTA was recognized along with NYSAR3 as being a pivotal organization in helping schools across the state ‘go green’. Listen in today as Maria DeWald, President of the New York State PTA, talks about the correlation between the mission of PTA to protect the well-being of children and the mission of the Go Green Initiative, which is to protect children’s health through environmental stewardship.
Christopher Gavigan, author of “Healthy Child Healthy World”, joins us to explain how to create a cleaner, greener and safer home. Christopher serves as the CEO of the nonprofit organization that bears the same name as his book. The organization’s mission is to protect the health and well being of children from harmful environmental exposures. They educate parents, support protective policies, and engage communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish. Healthy Child Healthy World exists because more than 125 million Americans, especially children, now face an historically unprecedented rise in cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD / ADHD, and learning and developmental disabilities. Credible scientific evidence increasingly points to environmental hazards and household chemicals as causing and contributing to many of these diseases.
This year’s International Go Green Earth Summit will be held in New York’s “Emerald City”, Syracuse, NY on Oct. 17-18! The conference will be THE place for business leaders, teachers, government officials, parents, facilities managers, professional recyclers, community leaders, and anyone who wants to learn how to help their community “Go Green”! The Summit will host 500 people from around the globe, and will cover topics that matter to all of us, like… how to save the earth and money at the same time; how to set up a community culture of conservation; how to teach the next generation to conserve natural resources while still enjoying a high standard of living. Syracuse, NY is a role model community when it comes to “going green”. Listen in, and find out how your city can replicate their success!
He’s not just a pretty face and TV celebrity, he’s a business man with a passion for the environment. Faber Dewar has developed products in keeping with the latest scientific research on sustainability, and he’s here to share that information with our listeners. Faber also speaks all over the country about protecting human health from environmental hazards, and in fact, was a keynote speaker at the 2007 International Go Green Earth Summit. Faber is a dad on a mission to help parents around the world know how to protect their children and the Earth.
What's your favorite pick-up line? Mine comes from a '70's Firefall song...You are the woman that I've always dreamed of; I knew it from the start. I saw your face and that's the last I've seen of my heart. Who can resist that?!
The band responsible for that awesome line has created a new one, but this time the theme is 'going green.' Jock Bartley, the leader of the Platinum-hit band, Firefall, has written Walk More Softly, and it has become the global anthem for the world's largest environmental education program, the Go Green Initiative. Tune in to hear the song, and the artist, with a message you'll never forget!
Get ready to dance! When you hear the song, “Stand Up,” you won’t be able to sit still! Benjamin Winn has created a ‘green groove’ with lyrics every parent will support…and every kid will dig. Go Green Radio host, Jill Buck, met Benjamin at Harrah’s in Las Vegas recently, and on today’s episode you’ll hear why she supports the song, the artist, and the positive message he’s bringing to the world.
What happens when an entire county 'goes green'? On today's show, we'll find out! We’ll talk to the Tompkins County Solid Waste Management Division of New York state about how they’ve taken the platform of the Go Green Initiative (www.gogreeninitiative.org), and turned it into a county-wide environmental education and action plan. Tompkins County will be named the first-ever Go Green County of the Year at the 2008 Go Green Earth Summit in Syracuse, NY on Oct. 18. For more information about the 2008 Go Green Earth Summit, visit: https://www.gogreeninitiative.org/earthsummit2008/index.php. We’ll also talk to Georgina James, owner of the Good Bag Company, about her involvement with the Go Green Initiative, and why we love her bags soooo much!
During today's episode, we'll talk with Go Green Initiative Veteran, Kate Jupina, about the upcoming International Go Green Earth Summit, and get the inside scoop on how this busy mom incorporates 'green living' in her household. We'll also talk to Paul Gilman of Covanta Energy about the role his company is playing in the Summit, and Covanta's unique way of creating clean, renewable energy...from garbage! Finally, we'll talk to Steve Halas, a brother of the Theta Chi fraternity at Ohio Northern University, who is working with his alums and the brothers to create an all Green Frat House! Are you wondering if their toga parties will include organic cotton??? Listen in and find out!
If you'd like your kids' school to 'go green', don't reinvent the wheel! Today we’ll chat with some trail blazers who will serve as your Deans of Green in sharing tips that really work. First up is the Go Green Initiative’s Teacher of the Year, Ryan Finley, better known as the “Lorax” of Grace Hill Elementary in Roger, Arkansas. We’ll also talk to the pioneer of the Go Green Initiative in Texas and the GGI’s Parent of the Year, Casey Magnuson about how she inspired Texas State PTA to ‘go green.’ Finally, we’ll talk to Elizabeth Eagan-Cox, a former school librarian who has recently published a new book “A Ghost of a Chance” as an eco-friendly eBook – more information at www.ElizabethEaganCox.com. She will share her insights on the advantages of eBooks, both in the school setting and for personal enjoyment.
Christopher Gavigan, author of “Healthy Child Healthy World”, joins us to explain how to create a cleaner, greener and safer home. Christopher serves as the CEO of the nonprofit organization that bears the same name as his book. The organization’s mission is to protect the health and well being of children from harmful environmental exposures. They educate parents, support protective policies, and engage communities to make responsible decisions, simple everyday choices, and well-informed lifestyle improvements to create healthy environments where children and families can flourish. Healthy Child Healthy World exists because more than 125 million Americans, especially children, now face an historically unprecedented rise in cancer, autism, asthma, birth defects, ADD / ADHD, and learning and developmental disabilities. Credible scientific evidence increasingly points to environmental hazards and household chemicals as causing and contributing to many of these diseases.
Go Green Radio will talk with Joshua Wickerham, President of Roots and Shoots at UCSD. The Roots & Shoots program is about making positive change happen—for our communities, for animals and for the environment. With tens of thousands of young people in almost 100 countries, the Roots & Shoots network branches out across the globe, connecting youth of all ages who share a common desire to help make our world a better place. Roots & Shoots is guided by the founding principles and extraordinary vision of Dr. Jane Goodall, renowned primatologist, environmentalist and humanitarian. Her firm belief that young people, when informed and empowered, can indeed change the world, is at the very heart of our program. This powerful message of hope inspires us all. Our program—dedicated to inspiring tomorrow's leaders today—not only motivates young people to learn about pertinent issues facing our local and global communities, but helps them actually design, lead and implement their own projects as a
In this episode, Go Green Radio will explore the green initiatives of a large and influential U.S. company, Time, Inc., and of a smaller company in Shanghai. These two very different companies share many of the same goals, and though separated geographically by thousands of miles, they remind us that it's a small world after all and it's the place we all call home. Listen in as the Director of Sustainability for Time, Inc. and the Founder of Greennovate discuss their vision and plans for a greener, healthier tomorrow.
This year’s International Go Green Earth Summit will be held in New York’s “Emerald City”, Syracuse, NY on Oct. 17-18! The conference will be THE place for business leaders, teachers, government officials, parents, facilities managers, professional recyclers, community leaders, and anyone who wants to learn how to help their community “Go Green”! The Summit will host 500 people from around the globe, and will cover topics that matter to all of us, like… how to save the earth and money at the same time; how to set up a community culture of conservation; how to teach the next generation to conserve natural resources while still enjoying a high standard of living. Syracuse, NY is a role model community when it comes to “going green”. Listen in, and find out how your city can replicate their success!
Have you ever been to Las Vegas, looked down at your watch to see 2 a.m., and felt surprised that you weren't the least bit sleepy? Do you know why that happens? Some casinos pump oxygen into the air, which helps people feel more energetic, more alert, and more willing to part with their money...just kidding, otherwise malls would do the same. But more oxygen DOES make us feel better, and this week's show will explain how plants and organic gardens, both indoors and out, can improve our health and wellness by emitting oxygen. Julie Bawden Davis, author of Indoor Gardening the Organic Way and creator of www.healthyhouseplants.com, will discuss how houseplants and outdoor urban gardens can create a healthier, greener environment for all of us to enjoy!
You can't pick up a magazine or a newspaper these days without seeing green advertisements for every product and company under the sun. Let's talk about why companies are marketing themselves as green, what is good and bad about that trend and how consumers can evaluate the marketing schemes to make purchases that are truly eco-friendly.
We'll also debunk the myth that buying green costs more green. The fact is, many environmentally preferable consumer goods are not more costly than their more toxic counterparts in the marketplace. Listen in to Go Green Radio this week, and learn to be a savvy Green Consumer!
Our guests this week are particularly concerned about the positive health benefits of going green. Jennifer Taggart is a former environmental engineer, currently an environmental attorney specializing in consumer product labeling, and the author of the forthcoming, “The Smart Mama's Green Guide: Simple Steps to Non Toxic Babies.” She is a mother of 2, and runs the website: www.thesmartmama.com.
Hilary Martin is the director of sales and marketing for the company, Grow Kids (www.growkids.org). Grow Kids is an eco-conscious, fundraising company dedicated to promoting earth-friendly products. When you want to raise money for your school or church, check out Grow Kids for a healthy, earth-friendly fundraising option.
Doug Cassaro is running the Chicago Marathon to benefit the Go Green Initiative. He trains outdoors everyday, and sees first hand how a lack of eco-consciousness is damaging to humans, as well as the earth. Join us to learn more about Going Green for Good Health!
We'll be talking with three parents who are Going Green on behalf of children. These child advocates are working to protect children, and preserve natural resources for future generations.
Jill Buck, the host of Go Green Radio, wrote the “Go Green Initiative” on her kitchen table in 2002. it is now the largest environmental education program in the world.
Scott McGinnis is an actor/director living in Hollywood. He is also a proud father. His current project –Global Broadcast for Kids (www.globalbroadcast4kids.com)helps kids learn about going green through his team of jr. journalists.
Stefani Newman started teensygreen (www.teensygreen.com) in July of 2007 while living in Panama. With teensygreen, Stefani hopes to help modern, like-minded parents make economical, educational, and safe eco-choices for their families without feeling they need to turn their homes upside down!