EcoThreads: Exploring Sustainability and its Intersections

In Episode 21, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Frank Altman, the founder of Community Reinvestment Fund, USA, a leading national community development financial institution. Frank's 2023 book, "A New Capitalism: Creating a Just Economy That Works for All," is a Forbes Books Bestseller and advocates for more equitable investment strategies. In the interview, he shares his experience with impact investing,...

In Episode 20, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Eric Magers, the Founder & Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability, an environmental non-profit based in Gloucester MA. With a focus on sustainability, education, and action, Seaside is committed to inspiring people to make a positive impact on our planet, particularly our oceans. Eric is also the Founder & CEO of National STEM Honor Society. In the interview...

In Episode 19, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Isaias Hernandez, more commonly known as Queer Brown Vegan. Queer Brown Vegan is also the name of his independent media platform which they started in 2019 and has since amassed over 180,000 followers across social media platforms. In the interview, he shares his experience as an environmental educator and content creator and what he has learned throughout his journey.

In Episode 18, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Alex Hiniker and Aleena Siddiqui from Carnegie Mellon University. Alex is the Director of CMU's Sustainability Initiative, which amplifies the university's sustainability efforts through education, research, and practices. Aleena is a sophomore at CMU and the Communications & Outreach Intern for the Sustainability Initiative. In the interview, they share their...

In Episode 17, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Pernille Mortensen, the VP – Head of Global Partnerships and Engagements at Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners, a Danish investing firm that specializes in renewable energy investments and leads the green transition. In the interview, she shares how she uses her experience as a diplomat to inform her work in coordinating global sustainable partnerships for CIP. She also d...

In Episode 16, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Chris Tandazo (they/them), the Statewide Environmental Justice Organizer for the New Jersey Environmental Justice Alliance -- an alliance committed to creating healthy, sustainable, and just communities by eliminating environmental injustices in low income and communities of color. In the interview, they discussed their work for the NJEJA, how the organization advocates f...

In Episode 15, I had the incredible opportunity to interview Dr. Sabina Shaikh, a Senior Instructional Professor and the Director of Academic Programs and Undergraduate Studies for UChicago's Environment, Geography, and Urbanization program. In our discussion, she shared her expertise in environmental economics and her perspective on the possibility environmental cultural shifts. She also spoke about her work in urban sustainab...

In Episode 14, I had the opportunity to interview Saskia Randle, the Design and Curatorial Associate at The Climate Museum, the first U.S. museum dedicated to the climate crisis. Founded in 2015, The Climate Museum offers free exhibitions, art installations, and youth programs at pop-up locations and public spaces in New York City. Our conversation ranged from the museum's current exhibit "The End of Fossil Fuel" and ...

In Episode 13, I had the pleasure of interviewing Tim Metcalf, a farmer of 6 years at the Community Supported Garden at Genesis Farm, the first farm in New Jersey committed to the community supported agriculture (CSA) model and one of the first in the nation. In this episode, you'll hear his expertise on how CSAs cultivate a stronger community, create a sense of localism, and redress many of the environmental issues present in ...

In Episode 12, I explore the horrors faced by U.S. meatpacking workers, who are primarily people of color, undocumented immigrants, and former prisoners. With over 175,000 working in this industry, the low pay, long hours, dangerous conditions, and mentally taxing work, is even more concerning. From a business perspective, this treatment is also not economically sustainable, with employee turnover exceeding 100% annually. Learn all...

Do you experience feelings of helplessness toward the ecological crisis? Feel anxious when reading climate change news? Do you feel guilt about your own carbon footprint? If so, you’re experiencing symptoms of eco-anxiety, a recently prevalent phenomenon and the focus of Episode 11. In this episode, I define eco-anxiety, its symptoms, what groups are most impacted, and most importantly, how it can be addressed.

Sustainability Defin...

In Episode 10, I explore the widely debated topic of sustainable development. You'll hear about major historical events relating to sustainable development, its importance in global issues, the UN's SDGs, population growth, and more. If you're interested in politics, environmental policy, or global sustainability, this is a must listen!

Learn more about the SDGs: https://sdgs.un.org/goals#history

Sustainable develo...

In Episode 9, I discuss my journey to veganism, as a 17 year old who has been vegan for about 3 years. I also share my tips for how to go vegan, specifically at a young age. Finally, I also debunk some common vegan myths like how vegans are protein deficient or how vegan diets are always expensive. If you're interested in going vegan, check out the resources below!

Books: Meatonomics by David Robinson Simon, The Sexual Politics...

In Episode 8, I discuss sustainable entrepreneurship and how entrepreneurs can profit while solving environmental problems. You'll learn about the benefits eco-friendly firms experience, how to tell if a company is greenwashing, and hear about three successful and sustainable entrepreneurial ventures.

Green Pond Packaging: https://www.greenpondpackaging.com/

Soltech: https://soltech.com/

FD Market: https://fdmarketco.com/

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In Episode 7, I had the pleasure of interviewing Dr. Marianne Krasny, the Director of Graduate Studies in the Department of Natural Resources & the Environment at Cornell and Cornell's Civic Ecology Lab. Our conversation ranged from her expertise on topics like "network climate action" and "civic ecology" to youth environmental advocacy and how to involve your friends and family in your climate action ef...

In the sixth episode of the EcoThreads podcast, I explore how music and visual art have served as environmental activism from prehistoric times to the 1960s to today. Particular topics discussed in-depth include landscape art, the land art movement, indigenous art and music, folk music, popular environmental songs, and the environmental advocacy efforts of musicians.

Other environmental songs: "Wake Up America" (Mile...

In the fifth episode of the EcoThreads podcast, join me as I discuss the economic and social implications of environmental racism using current events like the Canadian wildfires. I also weigh the significance of either race or class when it comes to one's expected exposure to environmental hazards. If you're interested in learning how to be a better environmental advocate and create educational and inclusive spaces, this e...

In Episode 4, I had the opportunity to interview Dr. Andreas Georgoulias, the Director of Sustainability & ESG at the Environmental Financial Consulting Group, in which he shared his expertise regarding ESG, with 20 years of experience in the industry. Our conversation spanned from the importance of ESG, particularly in the architecture, engineering, and consulting industry, to how businesses can integrate ESG strategies effect...

In the third episode of the EcoThreads podcast, join me as I uncover the hidden ethical and environmental issues of the fast fashion industry. Some of the areas I explore in this episode include the dangers of sweatshops, textile waste, carbon emissions, microplastics, and more. I also evaluate the pros and cons of different sustainable alternatives to fast fashion such as thrifting, sustainable & ethical brands, conscious cons...