Sustainability Defined

In this episode of Hot Commodities, we're diving into the sweet, and often bitter world of sugar.

From sprawling sugarcane fields to the products lining our grocery store shelves, sugar is one of the most globally traded commodities, deeply embedded in our food systems and daily lives. But behind its ubiquity lies a complex supply ...

In this episode, Nethra and Cecilia break down the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, the foundation of federal climate regulation in the United States. 

As repeal efforts gain attention, this episode explores what the Endagerment Finding is, why it matters, and the legal challenges that could impact the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases. 

From the courts to future climate policy, this episode unpacks what's at s...

Terrorism, corporate pay-offs, open-fire raids, rebranding and scandal....yes, we are talking about bananas. In this episode of our Hot Commodities series, we're peeling back the layers on the world's most popular fruit to reveal a history of corporate empires, political coups, and systematic exploitation that shaped entire nations. From the United Fruit Company's control over "banana republics" to Chiquita's 2007 guilty plea for f...

We cut through the noise and jargon to define what ESG actually is and what it isn't. ESG feels like a sea of acyromns and alphabet soup, we help you understand the state of the current landscape and different reporting frameworks. Whether you're new to sustainability reporting or a seasoned professional, join us as Marcy Twete of Veerless helps ...

In this festive year-end episode, Cecilia and Nethra are mixing it all together, personal updates, podcast reflections, and the sustainability success stories that made us smile this year. From quirky innovations to feel-good climate wins, we're spotlighting the moments that brought a little extra hope to 2025.

We also share our favorite tips for sustainable gift-giving, low-waste holiday traditions, and simple ways to keep the sea...

This week on Sustainability Defined, Cecilia and Nethra are bringing the conversation to the Thanksgiving table. 

We're breaking down how to talk about the climate crisis with the people we love, tackling eco-guilt and burnout, and navigating hope. 

Join us for a chat with Nivi Achanta, the founder of The Soapbox Project , about the power of remaining joyful when approaching sustainability and community in fueling collect...

In the hot seat this week - Nick Valenzia, Co-Founder of Leafr. We sat down with Nick to understand the "Green Skills Gap" and what that means in an economy where getting a job in sustainability feels so difficult. How is AI influencing the green jobs market? How is the lack of specialized sustainability professionals holding back global climate goals? What do professionals need to be aware of in order to succeed? What is this gap?...

Matcha, it's everywhere, from your morning latte to the latest wellness trend. But what does it really take to bring this vibrant green powder from farm to cup, and what can its journey teach us about sustainability?

In this week's episode, Nethra and Cecilia peel back the layers of matcha's story tracing its production, supply chain, and booming global consumpti...

This week, we're doing a podcast swap with our friends over at Source of Good! 

Source of Good is a podcast that goes beyond the label of your favorite products, uncovering all the ingenious ways they're being made better for the planet, people, and our future. In each episode, brands and...

In this episode of Sustainability Defined, we're taking you inside NYC Climate Week 2025, one of the biggest sustainability events of the year. We'll share tips on how to navigate the overwhelming mix of panels, networking sessions, and activations, and give you a sneak peek into the events we'll be attending ourselves!

Farm to Table — sounds obvious, right? But how did something so seemingly simple become such a radical act? In this week's episode, Nethra and Cecilia unpack the history, philosophy, and misconceptions surrounding the farm-to-table movement — from its roots in counterculture to its current role in shaping sustainable food systems. They explore how ind...

Sunscreen usage has risen exponentially over the last decade - and with summer finally here, Cecilia and Nethra are exploring the impacts of sunscreen on our bodies and marine life. How does sunscreen break down in our ecosystems? What is "Reef-Safe"? What are the solutions to the accumulation of sunscreens in our coral reefs and marine habitats? What is the difference between SPF 30 and 50?

Definers, tune into this m...

Online shopping is convenient, but at what cost?! In this episode, we explore the massive plastic footprint hidden in your doorstep deliveries, from poly mailers to mixed-material packaging that often ends up in landfills. Cecilia and Nethra break down the environmental toll of e-commerce and spotlight the innovative seaweed-based alternative offered by cleantech startup SWAY. Don't miss our interview with Alyssa Pace, SWAY's Commu...

Wetlands are the unsung heroes of climate resilience. From flood protection to water filtration, these ecosystems are biodiversity hot spots and are critical for the health of our planet. 

In this episode, learn more about what exactly a wetland is and how they are vital. Learn about the world's largest restoration project taking place in the Florida Everglades as we sit down with Dr. Steve Davis, the Chief Science Officer at ...

Did you know that airplanes can run on waste cooking oil, municipal solid waste, forestry waste, and even algae in the form of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)? Well, they can. 

Biomimicry, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), and aircrafts inspired by GEESE? Learn about s...

Welcome to the first episode of Hot Commodities: Chocolate & Sustainability, a new series from Sustainability Defined! Meet your new hosts, Cecilia and Nethra, as they dive into the environmental and social challenges within the chocolate supply chain. From cacao farming to the final product, they break down the key players, power imbalances, and pressing issues like deforestation, child labor, and climate change.

This epi...

👋 Big news, Definers! We're thrilled to introduce your NEW podcast hosts, Cecilia Rios & Nethra Rajendran! We are excited to be passing the mic to two incredible voices. In this episode, Jay and Scott join Cecilia and Nethra for a warm welcome and a sneak peek at what's to come with Sustainability Defined. 

We are confident they will bring fresh perspectives and a wealth of passion to the table. ...