Mastering Sustainability

In this episode of Mastering Sustainability , we’re joined by Ebenezer Wikina—a sustainability entrepreneur, policy advocate, and founder of Policy Shapers—to explore how waste can be reimagined as a driver of economic opportunity and environmental restoration. From building community-led recycling systems to advancing his Vision 2050 for the river , Ebenezer shares how local action can unlock glo...

In this episode of Mastering Sustainability, Madeline & Ray sit down with Shawn Wilborne to explore how artificial intelligence is transforming the recycling industry; from improving material sorting and reducing contamination to enabling data-driven systems that boost efficiency and accountability.  Shawn shares insights on the opportunities and challenges of integrating AI into existing infr...

In this episode of Mastering Sustainability , we're turning to an expert of our own. Estefania Xuclà, Government Affairs Director at Okeanos®, breaks down the rapidly evolving world of EPR and PCR legislation, the ongoing challenges of securing high-quality recyclate, and why upstream material reduction is becoming essential for brands worldwide. She also unpacks the crucial difference betwee...

In this episode of Mastering Sustainability , Madeline & Ray sit down with UN photographer and visual storyteller Kiara Worth , whose lens has captured some of the most defining moments in global climate negotiations. From COP conferences to communities on the frontlines of environmental change, Kiara shares what it means to bear witness to both the urgency and the humanity behind sustainabili...

On this episode of Mastering Sustainability , we sit down with Kelvin Okamoto, Ph. D., CEO of Green Bottom Line, Inc., to unpack the complex and often misunderstood world of biodegradability. Kelvin takes us inside the role of ASTM standards in separating science from marketing claims—sharing why rigorous testing is essential to cut through greenwashing and ensure real environmental impact. From c...

On this episode of Mastering Sustainability , we sit down with Caroline DeLoach, Director of Sustainability at Atlantic Packaging , to explore how a legacy packaging company is rethinking its role in the fight against plastic pollution. Caroline takes us inside her journey of driving change from within a 75-year-old family-owned business—sharing what it means to push for bold innovation in an indu...

On the Season Finale of Mastering Sustainability, we’re thrilled to welcome Nathalie Flores - a powerhouse voice for climate action from the Dominican Republic. In this episode, Nathalie shares her inspiring career journey from public service to the private sector, highlighting what it means to lead with purpose and create lasting environmental impact across borders. From shaping sustainability po...

In this episode of Mastering Sustainability, Maddie & Ray sit down with Martin Wolf, founder of Wolf Sustainability and former Director of Sustainability & Authenticity for Seventh Generation . With over three decades of experience challenging the status quo, Martin shares insights on what it really means to embed sustainability into every business layer, from product formulation to policy...

In Episode 8 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Todd Pooser, founder of the Virtual Commonwealth, a sustainability and social equity investment platform where members agree to self-tax on their sustainable purchases. That money is then used to crowdfund companies with strong sustainability and social equity profiles in which all members become equity partners. In this episode, Todd discusses...

In Episode 7 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Margarita Quihuis , a behavioral psychologist and Executive Director of the Peace Innovation Lab at Stanford University. Throughout a fascinating hour, Margarita dissects the psychology behind how we react to the world around us, how your favorite brands motivate you to make unconscious decisions, and the best way to prompt action.  Margarita&ap...

In Episode 6 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Neil Shackleton, founder of Medoola. This sustainability consultancy aims to transform packaging supply chains and material efficiency to protect brand equity and triple bottom lines. In this episode, Neil takes us through the evolution of LCA’s over time, how businesses can use them to refine their supply chain while increasing their bottom lin...

In Episode 5 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome John Duncan, who leads the No Plastic In Nature Initiative for World Wildlife Fund   International (WWF). Fresh off INC-5, John takes us to the negotiating table to break down the latest draft of the Global Plastics Treaty and where WWF and the other members of the Business Coalition for the Global Plastics Treaty hope we’re headed. John’s Links...

On Episode 4 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Alyson Fick, Standards Manager for ASTM International. In this episode, Alyson explains why having a common set of standards is important, how they are established, how they embrace new technologies, and a surprising new Santa Claus standard just in time for the holidays. Alyson's Links: ASTM Website Connect with ASTM and Alyson on Linkedin...

On Episode 3 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Ruben Nance, Program Director for the Design Recognition Pathway for the Association of Plastic Recyclers (APR) . In this episode, Ruben guides us through the sea of acronyms found throughout recycling, talks about how AI is changing the industry, and imagines what the future of recycling could look like. Ruben's Links: Association of Plast...

On Episode 2 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Ed Shepherd, Senior Global Sustainability Manager for a Circular Economy, at Unilever. In this episode, Ed discusses why businesses need global rules, the importance of public/private sector collaboration, and what must be included in a Global Plastics Treaty to drive real change. Learn more about Unilever’s Sustainability Commitments Ed’s Resou...

We’re Back! On Episode 1 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Brandi Parker of Parker Brands . In this episode, Brandi breaks down the evolving role of designers and producers in sustainable packaging, learning about why we must avoid green hushing, and how she’s working with the Sustainable Packaging Coalition (SPC) to advance How2Recycle’s iconic chasing arrows symbol. Brandi’s Links: Connect...

On Episode 11 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Monir Bou Ghanem, Policy Advisor at the Abu Dhabi Environment Agency . In this episode, Monir explains how environmental advocates are at a crossroads for policy, what drives environmental protection in the UAE, and how Abu Dhabi enacted the world’s most successful single-use bag ban.  Resources: Abu Dhabi Environment Agency Follow along on Ins...

On Episode 10 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Shelby Thomas, CEO of the Ocean Rescue Alliance , a marine conservation and restoration nonprofit organization that uses artificial structures to enhance marine environments, build marine habitats, conduct restoration, protect coastlines, and connect communities through art. In this episode, Shelby dives into reef restoration using calcium carb...

On Episode 9 of Mastering Sustainability , we welcome Brad Vogel from the Green Sports Alliance , an organization that inspires professional sports leagues and their governing bodies, colleges, teams, venues, partners, and millions of fans to embrace sustainable practices. In this episode, Brad takes us onto the sidelines to understand the environmental impact of live sporting events, discusses th...

On Episode 8 of Mastering Sustainability, we’re sitting down with Jeremy Lang, founder of Lomi, the world's first Smart Waste™ kitchen composter to talk about all things composting. In this conversation, we dig into the dirty side of waste management infrastructure, new technologies that are changing the game, and the opportunity to decentralize a decades-long industry. Reference Links:  http...

On Episode 7 of Mastering Sustainability, we're wading into the nuances of global climate meetings including COP28 with Mike Green, leader of the Climate & Energy Working group at the American Sustainable Business Network and Director of Carbon Markets at Native, A Public Benefit Corporation. Together, we’re breaking these giant conferences and the topics they’ll tackle into bitesized pie...

On Episode 6 of Mastering Sustainability, we're diving into sustainable supply chains with Jamie Mudrick and Sarah Moasser from EcoVadis, an ESG consultancy that helps companies to evaluate and improve the Environmental, Social and Governance aspects of their business. Together, we'll break down these three pivotal metrics, understand what drives corporations to be better, and though the...

On Episode 5 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Matt Wampler, CEO of Clear Cogs, an AI solution helping restaurants tackle food waste. With years of experience in Food & Beverage, Matt asks us to take a look at the intersection of food waste and sustainability, the pivotal role line-level operators play in believing in and pushing for new technologies, and the need for innovation to be si...

On Episode 4 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome our very own Martina Hauser, Chief Government Affairs Officer at Okeanos. Martina brings a myriad of life experiences to the pod from her extensive career crisscrossing public affairs as Chief Climate Negotiator for the Italian government to her time with the United Nations, and now driving change from within the private sector. In this episode,...

On Episode 3 of Mastering Sustainability, we welcome Heidi Sanborn, founding director of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC) and the California Product Stewardship Council (CPSC), two organizations that advocate for equitable circular economy. Heidi joins us for a fiery, candid chat about about the evolution of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation, California’s new SB54 la...