Flanigan's Eco-Logic

​Bernadette Del Chiaro has a new job. She has left her longstanding and most effective role as the Executive Director of the California Solar and Storage Association, and joined the Environmental Working Group (EWG) as a senior vice president. She makes clear that she is not leaving the fight for distributed solar and storage. The attack on net energy metering, and the downturn in the California S...

In this episode, Ted interviews Joel Cesare, a longstanding friend,colleague, and sustainability champion, who has just begun a new job at Cambio, a firm that has an AI platform designed for portfolios of real estate. Joel explains how Cambio's platform supports all manner of data-intensive property management functions, including building decarbonization. Joel discusses his years at Google where...

Flanigan's Eco-Logic features Steve Lewis for the third time... this time delving into his own deeply disturbing experience, as his neighborhood was ravaged by the Eaton Fire in early January. It wiped out much of his home town of Alta Dena, California... killing 17 people and destroying some 9,000 homes and business properties. There were heavy winds that day and he saw the fire coming, working i...

Paul Mann is the founder of Water Champions, an engineering and design firm specializing in the efficient and smart use of water. He joins Ted Flanigan to discuss how this came about, and what each of us can do to be water smart. During Covid, Paul and his wife experienced California drought and fires, and began to realize the enormous importance of water at home and worldwide. Fully half of the E...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Josh Dorfman, CEO at Supercool, a media company covering climate solutions that raise profits and quality of life. Josh is also the host of the Supercool Podcast, and co-founder of Plantd, a company that  manufactures carbon-negative building materials. He is best known as creator and host of The Lazy Environmentalist, an award-winning reality...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Drew Slater, Executive Director Energize Delaware. The Delaware Sustainable Energy Utility is a non-profit that gives energy-efficiency grants and low-interest loans to qualified borrowers, helping them install solar energy systems or make energy efficiency upgrades. Energize Delaware programs aid residents, businesses, nonprofits, government...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Jim Gromer, Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) at Thermal Banc/TESS Energy Solutions, a collaborative effort of companies building thermal energy storage solutions - turning waste heat into clean energy. Thermal Banc makes up the sales wing, TESS Energy Solutions the engineering wing, Smart Phases the manufacturing wing, and Novacab comprises the b...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Yin Chen, CEO and Chairman at Greenworks, a supplier of battery-powered outdoor power equipment (OPE) since 2003. With over 20 years at the forefront of home, yard, and do-it-yourself electric tools, Greenworks is redefining durability and eco-friendliness in the face of climate challenges, delivering high performance equipment focused on redu...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Mark Swanson, newly appointed as the CEO of Aeromine Technologies, the innovative rooftop wind energy system that converts a building’s wind flow into renewable energy. Swanson brings 30 years of leadership experience to Aeromine. For the last 12 years, he has held leadership positions in the rooftop solar industry, with a proven track record...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Martin Mayorga, Founder and CEO of Mayorga Organics, a coffee company with the purpose of leading a revolutionary organic food movement that empowers farmers and consumers, protects the environment, and celebrates Latin American heritage. Martin's journey has been fueled by a passion for social justice, sustainable business practices, and maki...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Kate Reimann, Founder and CEO of Rogue Wave Toys and Rogue Wave Materials. Rogue Wave Toys are made of compostable plastic based on biopolymers and plant based materials. She is making waves as an entrepreneur and sustainability champion, bringing eight years of industry experience, and a lifetime of advocacy for the planet to her decisions bo...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Joel Peterson, Vice Chancellor and Executive Operations Officer for the San Diego Community College District, overseeing one of California's largest community college systems. Prior to his career in higher education, he served in various roles in the private sector with major corporations where he was responsible for operations, including...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Jennifer Bousselot, Assistant Professor at Colorado State University (CSU) in the Department of Horticulture and Landscape Architecture. Jennifer is exploring new and innovative ways to improve the productivity and aesthetics of modern urban spaces by harnessing the twin powers of the sun and plantlife. She specializes and is a leading exp...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Michael Ware, Senior Solar Specialist at EcoMotion Inc. Michael provides expertise in solar system site inspection. He is adept at measuring roof potential and modeling the cost-effectiveness of solar investments. His financial analyses include particular attention to electricity load profiles and rates and rate changes as a result of solar. A...

In this episode of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, father-daughter duo, Ted and Sierra Flanigan host the clean energy crash course focusing on energy resilience, specifically on  electricity, highlighting the importance of durability and reliability in the face of changing climate conditions and extreme weather events. Resilience is simply keeping the lights on during utility emergencies, and more accuratel...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Bill Wyatt, CEO and Founder of Red Mountain Biochar, a company dedicated to revolutionizing the use of sustainable materials in the concrete, steel, and agricultural industries. Bill Wyatt is a third-generation lumberman turned eco-entrepreneur with a deep commitment to environmental stewardship. His work spans continents and industries, makin...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Dr. Missy Stults, Sustainability and Innovations Director at City of Ann Arbor, working with all city operations, residents, businesses, the University of Michigan, nonprofits, and others to make Ann Arbor one of the most sustainable and equitable cities in America.  Dr. Stults has dedicated 20 years of focus and national level expertise on ur...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Janet Irizarry, Founder of My Mindful Kitchen, an innovative course designed to reduce food waste, connect families, and foster sustainability. As a mindful foodie, a seasoned restaurateur and entrepreneur, and influencer, Janet combines all of her passions: food, education and course design, raising children, and protecting the environment, t...

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #12, Ted wraps and reminisces on the past 40 years of publishing his monthly newsletter in this final issue. In his farewell Net Positive, he shares and encourages his optimism in regards to the future, and his clear perspective on society – as a collective intelligence and vision – having all the solutions needed to address current environmental issues. He thanks...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Matthew Halteman, Professor of Philosophy at Calvin University in Grand Rapids, Michigan, and fellow in the Oxford Centre for Animal Ethics, UK. He is the author of the just-released Hungry Beautiful Animals: The Joyful Case for Going Vegan , as well as Compassionate Eating as Care of Creation , and the co-editor of Philosophy Comes to Dinner:...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Charles Hua, Founder and Executive Director of PowerLines , a new nonprofit organization aiming to modernize utility regulation to accelerate affordable, reliable, and clean energy for American consumers. He is also an energy analyst who has worked at Rewiring America, DOE's Loan Programs Office, and now at the Lawrence Berkeley National Labor...

In EcoNet News, Volume 26, Issue #11, Ted highlights his birthday trip to Vegas to see the Eagles play at the Sphere and shares his EV road tripping travelogue, hitting Zion National Park, Bryce, and Death Valley on his longest battery electric trip yet. He also highlights Ann Arbor, Michigan creating a Sustainable Energy Utility (SEU), Swiss roadways, railroads, and rooftop solar, BYD topping Tes...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Kameale Terry, co-founder and CEO of ChargerHelp!, a cutting-edge tech company launched in 2020 that tackles the issue of inoperable electric vehicle charging stations. Under her leadership, ChargerHelp! has raised over $21 million, amassed the nation’s largest dataset of EV service work orders, and services stations across 17 states.  Ted and...

In Part 3 of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic - Climate Resolve Series, Ted speaks with Jonathan Parfrey, Founder and Executive Director at Climate Resolve, LA's leading climate advocacy organization, committed to local climate solutions to reduce greenhouse gases and improve the lives of Angelenos.  Just back from New York Climate Week, he jumps right into his highlights from all the events, sharing that it...

In this Convo of Flanigan’s Eco-Logic, Ted speaks with Curt Johansen, a pioneer in conservation communities. He is the Development Director for Triad Communities, President of Council of Infill Builders, and has dedicated years to blending economic growth with environmental preservation. In his own words, he is advancing the art of finding balance between environmental protection, social responsib...