Sustainably Geeky

Girls! In honor of Women's History Month, Vanessa Conroy from Feminist Communities for Climate Justice joins us to discuss their work to achieve climate justice informed by feminist and community development principles. Their organization recognizes the intersectional relationship between climate change and social justice, and that climate must be considered in every policy decision we make....

Where does our food come from, and how is that changing? This month we're speaking with Andy Johnston from Willy Street Co-op about the evolution of food production in the United States. He shares insights from his experience working in the food industry, and discusses the increasing popularity of local and 'alternative' food systems among consumers. Resources discussed in this episode:  Will...

This month we're turning up the heat! Spencer Wilson, Resource Advisor with the U.S. Forest Service, joins us to talk about wildfires and the important role they play in nature. He also discusses how attitudes towards fire have shifted over time, and shares observations from his time as a firefighter. Resources discussed in this episode:  Spencer Wilson 's Instag...

This month we're flying high! Don Hartsell, Commissioner and Managing Director of the World Air League, joins to talk about airships and the need for more sustainable air travel options. He discusses advancements in airship technology and how this mode of travel can help address the climate crisis. Don also explains how the World Air League is increasing awareness of the indust...

The environmental challenges facing our planet will require a skilled and dedicated workforce. Leonard Adler, CEO of Green Jobs Network, joins us to discuss the growing employment opportunities in sustainability and social impact. He offers insights for students, current and future job seekers, and aspiring entrepreneurs. Leonard also analyzes industry trends and shares his predicti...

The benefits of travel and exploration are many, but these activities can have a profound impact on the environment. Oliver Winter, CEO & Founder of a&o Hostels, shares tips for how to travel more responsibly and discusses how a&o Hostels is helping travellers reduce their environmental impact. He also shares insights into how climate-conscious travellers are shaping the travel industr...

Businesses can have a big effect on the environment, so it's imperative they adopt practices that minimize their impact. Chris Gassman from the University of Pittsburgh's Center for Sustainable Business shares insights about the motivations and best practices for businesses looking to operate more sustainably. He also discusses Doughnut Economics, ESG and governmental incentive prog...

Humans have drastically altered the planet, and often not for the better. Miriam Kate McDonald, author of Emergent, joins to talk about how humans can help nature recover, the importance of biodiversity and the need for a more holistic approach to farming. Miriam also shares lessons she's learned from years of working in alternative agriculture and observing nature. Resources discussed in this epi...

In this episode Jennifer talks with Clara AgborTabi, Alumni and Partnerships Co-Coordinator for Soul Fire Farm, about their experience working with the land and helping others develop a deeper relationship with nature. They discuss how Soul Fire Farm is uprooting racism and revolutionizing the food system, as well as their experience as Research Assistant for the book  Black Earth Wisdom: Sou...

Single-use plastic has only been around for a short time, but it has had a profound impact on our health and the environment. Lauren Gropper, Founder and CEO of Repurpose, joins us to discuss the plastic problem and how Repurpose is using plant waste to make alternatives to disposables. She also explains what PFAS (aka forever chemicals) are, and why we should avoid them. Resources discu...

Repairability not only has profound environmental impacts, it also helps save consumers money and encourages self-reliance. Elizabeth Chamberlain from iFixit joins us to discuss their work in helping empower people to fix their stuff. She also discusses the Right to Repair movement and the benefits of repair for individuals and society as a whole. Resources discussed in this episode...

Trees are being cut down at an alarming rate to make a variety of items, including paper, furniture, flooring and clothing. This overconsumption of wood products has had severe consequences on our planet's climate and biodiversity. Jennifer discusses these issues with Tim Keating, Chief Sustainability Officer for Symmetry Wood, a company using bacterial waste to produce a wood substitute...

We're bombarded with messages about all the ways we should go green, but it's not always as easy as it seems. Jennifer is joined by fellow sustainable geeks Kris and Rachel to talk about their frustrating and sometimes disappointing experiences with implementing sustainable practices into their daily lives. They discuss why many of the expectations placed on the average person are often...

We are joined by Architect and Lecturer Donal Lally to discuss the impact of technology on the environment. His work explores the unintended consequences of human activity around the world, with particular emphasis on the social and environmental implications  of data storage facilities in Ireland. Donal shares how this relationship is creatively demonstrated through Entanglement, a visu...

Activist and researcher V'cenza Cirefice joins us to discuss the environmental and social consequences of natural resource extraction. She explains why extractive activities are so detrimental to nearby communities and offers examples of anti-extraction movements around the world. V'cenza also shares her own personal experiences as an activist researcher, including best practices for those interes...

This month we talk with Viktória Pikovská from Victory Art about the importance of art as a means of creativity as well as a tool for activism. Viktória shares suggestions for ways both artists and consumers can produce and consume art more sustainably, and gives examples of eco-conscious practices in the art industry. Resources discussed in this episode: Victory Art Website Victory Art Facebook V...

Have you heard? This month's show is all about birds! We talk with Anna Matthews from the American Bird Conservancy about the important role birds play in the environment, the threats they face, and ways we can all help protect them. Anna also shares best practices for current and aspiring birdwatchers. Resources discussed in this episode: American Bird Conservancy American Bird Conservancy Twitte...

Dr. Leslie Solomonian, naturopathic doctor and host of the podcast 'Raising Kids, Naturally,' explains what naturopathy is and how the practice can help improve the health of both humans and the planet. She challenges us to shift how we think about modern medicine and our consumption practices. We also discuss the ethical implications of sustainability, activism, and having kids during the climate...

Raising kids can be a challenge, and doing it in a way that is eco and morally conscious even more so. Manda Aufochs Gillespie, host of the podcast Raising Greener Teens and author of Green Mama & Green Mama-to-be , joins us to discuss how she came to be known as the 'Green Mama,' and how to address some of the unique experiences associated with raising teenagers. Resources discussed in this s...

Eco-Friendly Novelty Music sensation Oli Frost joins us for a very special 50th episode! Oli is best known for his unique form of activism, including turning climate action into an aerobics routine, predicting how his followers will die, and generating a million plant-based recipes. He discusses the inspiration behind his projects and shares his thoughts on how to be an effective activist. Resourc...

We hear a lot about the research scientists produce, but how do they perform that research? In this episode, Jennifer sits down with a real live scientist, Wendy Anderson, to talk about her job as a landscape ecologist with Texas Parks and Wildlife! Wendy offers tips for those interested in working as a scientist, discusses the importance of science, and shares free user-friendly tools available f...

It's time to slow down and talk about fast fashion! Garik Himebaugh, Founder of Eco-Stylist, helps us understand how the fashion industry has evolved to where it is today. He discusses the work Eco-Stylist is doing to make ethical fashion accessible to everyone, and the importance of avoiding the trap of eco-perfectionism. Resources discussed in this show: Eco-Stylist Brand Directory Eco-Stylist H...

Human activity has severely changed the natural world, and not always for the better. Doug Smith, EDSA Principal, joins us to discuss how landscape architecture can be used to not only lessen this impact, but also help address the climate crisis. We also discuss ecotourism and how it is helping connect people with nature like never before. Resources discussed in this episode: EDSA EDSA Facebook ED...

Plastic...it's not so fantastic! While it has been praised as a "miracle" substance, plastic production and pollution has caused far-reaching environmental and health problems. In this episode, we're joined by Christian Shaw, Executive Director of Plastic Tides, to discuss how plastic is made, why it's harmful to the environment, and ways we can reduce our reliance on this problematic substance. R...

Humans have made a mess of the planet, and it's time to clean it up! Susan Sherrod, PhD, CSE, CERP, PWS, Senior Ecologist with Biohabitats, joins us to discuss ecological restoration and the importance of maintaining healthy ecosystems. Resources discussed in this episode: Green Building Council (LEED) Wildlands Restoration Society for Ecological Restoration The Urban Farm Biohabitats UN Decade on...