RENEWables A Sustainability Podcast with David Smart

On this episode of RENEWables, David delves into an enlightening conversation with Nick Rohleder, co-founder of Climate Commodities, a pioneering company dedicated to facilitating the energy transition by bridging technical expertise with financing opportunities. Nick's journey from traditional energy sectors to the forefront of renewables offers captivating insights into the evolving landscape of sustainability. Discover how Climate Commodities is driving re-industrialization and infrastructure innovation while championing environmental responsibility. Nick's expertise sheds light on the pivotal role of consumers in propelling renewable energy adoption and offers invaluable advice for aspiring sustainability professionals. Join us on RENEWables as we uncover the secrets to building a greener future. Tune in now and be part of the sustainability revolution!

On this week's episode of RENEWables, we talk to Anjali Mahadevia, Head of Business Development at Future, a platform rewarding climate-friendly behavior. Anjali explains how Future incentivizes actions reducing carbon emissions through partnerships with 50,000+ brands, transit agencies, and utilities. She introduces FutureCoins to gamify sustainability and stresses the importance of partnerships in growing the platform's impact. Tune in for insights on making greener choices that benefit both your wallet and the planet!

In this enlightening podcast episode, David chats with Milton Stark, a distinguished authority in nuclear and renewable energy. Milton shares his remarkable journey from serving during the Vietnam War to becoming a power expert, honing his skills in emergency power systems in Vietnam.Milton's military path led him to the Army Nuclear Power Program, where he became adept at instructing and operating nuclear power systems. In the commercial nuclear sector, he specialized in outage work and technical projects, enriched by insights from the Three Mile Island incident.The episode explores the intricacies of integrating renewable energy sources into the grid while stressing the need for public awareness regarding these complexities.Milton dispels misconceptions about nuclear energy and radiation, advocating for improved public education on these subjects.The discussion extends to the safety of nuclear power compared to other energy sources, tackling the abrupt termination of fossil fuel use. The challenges of assimilating variable energy sources into the grid are discussed, emphasizing the necessity of energy storage solutions.Milton also offers a sneak peek into his upcoming book, "The Sixth W," which delves into project management's "how" and its early consideration's significance. This podcast episode offers invaluable insights into nuclear power, renewable energy, and project management, providing a comprehensive exploration of these vital topics.

In this episode, David Wiers, the President of Satori Energy, embarks on an exploration of the dynamic energy consulting realm and the world of electricity deregulation. Join us on a journey through David's career trajectory, where he transitioned from his early days at Anderson Consulting to a pivotal role in the energy consulting sector, perfectly timed with the unfolding of ComEd customer deregulation in 2000. At the young age of 28, David started Satori Energy, recognizing an opportunity to offer valuable services to mid-sized and smaller businesses through a brokered approach to energy consulting. Witness the remarkable growth of his company, which started as a small team and has now flourished into a thriving enterprise boasting nearly 60 employees. Delve into the complexities of customer tariffs, the transformative shift towards deregulated energy suppliers, and the historical landscape of deregulated electricity markets. Explore the concept of electricity deregulation, where the generation and delivery of electricity become uncoupled, granting consumers newfound choices and responsibilities. David shares invaluable strategies for effectively managing energy consumption and costs in regulated states. Discover a roadmap to heightened energy efficiency, encompassing technologies like smart thermostats and behind-the-meter solar solutions, providing more control over energy expenses. Gain insights into how clients are harnessing solar power, incentives, credits, and SRECs (Solar Renewable Energy Certificates) for both economic savings and environmental sustainability. This episode isn't merely about energy consulting; it's an odyssey through the ever-evolving energy landscape where entrepreneurship, innovation, and growth reign supreme. Stay tuned for more eye-opening revelations in future episodes!

In this podcast episode, we're joined by Shameek Gosh, the Co-Founder & CEO of TrusTrace, a leading platform in the footwear and textile industry that focuses on traceability and compliance data management. We'll learn about the Uyghur Forced Labor Prevention Act (UFLPA) and similar legislation in the United States, aiming to ensure products entering the country are free from connections to forced labor camps.Shameek also sheds light on the concept of fashion digital passports, exploring how they enhance transparency and responsible practices in the fashion supply chain.As an expert in sustainability, Shameek shares his vision for the future of his business and its expansion. Whether you're a fashion enthusiast, a policy enthusiast, or a zero-waste advocate, this episode offers valuable insights into addressing the environmental and social impact of the fashion industry. Join us for this informative and forward-thinking discussion.

Dive into the world of Hallmark, where the power of sustainability meets the magic of heartfelt connections! Join us in this episode of RENEWables, as we embark on an exciting journey with Kristin Edie, the VP of Enterprise Sustainability at Hallmark. It's a conversation that goes far beyond greeting cards, delving into Hallmark's profound commitment to sustainability and its remarkable achievements. Hallmark has launched a four-point sustainability plan focused on product and content, renewable energy, sustainable forestry, and transportation. Kristin explores these four pillars, shares inspiring stories, and gives us valuable insights into Hallmark's mission to lead the charge in sustainability. Whether you're a sustainability enthusiast or simply curious about the future of our planet, this episode is a must-listen. *Plus, Kristin shares a very special announcement about their newest sustainability project and collaboration! Listen here and be part of the journey toward a more sustainable future! Learn even more about Hallmark’s mission by checking out their website and following them on social media. https://corporate.hallmark.com/culture/hallmark-family/sustainability/.https://www.instagram.com/hallmark/https://corporate.hallmark.comhttps://www.facebook.com/Hallmark/https://twitter.com/hallmark

Season 4 kicks off with an interview with Lindsay McCoy, CEO and Co-Founder of Plaine Products. Plaine Products is natural, vegan, and cruelty-free hair and body products in reusable, returnable, refillable aluminum bottles. Founded in 2017 by Lindsey and her sister Alison, they have changed the way the world thinks about all of those plastic bottles filling up our shower! They are working to reduce waste and help stop single-use plastic with their subscription program. This episode shows us that we can still look good while doing good for the environment. Tune in and subscribe.Show Notes:For more info on Plaine Products, follow them below. Website: https://www.plaineproducts.comInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/plaineproducts/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/plaineproducts/Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/plaineproducts/

Today, our social feeds are flooded with so much information, it has become increasingly challenging to cut through all the noise making it all too easy to miss valuable information. That is why creating captivating content that compels people to pause their scrolling and engage with the message is so important. In the world of social impact organizations, creating meaningful change requires more than just a noble mission. It demands strategic thinking, effective communication, and a compelling brand that captures the attention of the audience. By mastering this art, social impact leaders can effectively amplify their voices and generate the desired impact. On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Eric Ressler, the visionary founder and creative director of Cosmic, a design agency focused on empowering social impact organizations to catalyze real world change by helping them nail their impact story, build brand awareness, and inspire action.  Learn more about this intersection between marketing, branding, and social impact and how it serves as a call to action for organizations to prioritize their brand strategy and digital experiences as integral components of their overall business strategy. By adapting to the attention economy, social impact organizations can elevate their message, connect with their target audience, and create positive change on a larger scale. Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes:Website https://designbycosmic.com Twitter: https://twitter.com/designbycosmic Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/2830454

New Podcast Episode Alert!  Join us for an energetic conversation with propane industry trailblazer, Tucker Perkins, President & CEO of Energy for Everyone Propane. With a passion for innovation and a commitment to safety, Tucker has been instrumental in transforming the propane landscape through informative safety and training programs designed for anyone that uses propane at home, in the field and on the farm. From transportation to agriculture, commercial landscaping to residential and commercial building sectors, PERC's programs have made a remarkable impact on the low-carbon fuel market.  In addition to their safety and training programs, the non-profit also has a successful clean energy podcast called Path to Zero where they discuss topics including the clean energy continuum, “new urbanist” perspectives on clean energy, the challenge of a 2 centigrade change in the earth’s temperature poses, the science of warnings, and cities of tomorrow, just to name a few! Join RENEWables and discover more about the multifaceted environmental benefits of propane and the advancements shaping its future as a low-carbon fuel alternative. Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Website https://propane.com Path to Zero Podcast - https://propane.com/environment/podcast/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/PropaneCouncil Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/propane-education-&-research-council/ YouTube https://www.youtube.com/user/cleanamericanenergy

In a world grappling with the challenges of climate change, Mars Materials has emerged as a trailblazer in the realm of sustainable innovation. Through market-driven approaches, Mars is actively engaged in commercializing breakthrough technologies capable of effectively removing and sequestering greenhouse gases from the atmosphere. While carbon-negative processes face challenges at present, attitudes and incentives are gradually shifting towards CO₂ utilization. With its advanced technology, Mars is positioned to initiate and accelerate this transition towards a more sustainable and carbon-neutral future. Mars is on a mission to reverse humanity's industrial waste carbon footprint by commercializing innovative technology. Developed in collaboration with the National Renewable Energy Laboratory (NREL), this technology enables the production of low-cost, low-carbon acrylonitrile (ACN) using captured CO₂ and bio-based feedstocks. ACN is a crucial material used in the production of carbon fiber, which serves as a building block for numerous products. By utilizing ACN as a precursor for carbon fiber, Mars aims to decarbonize carbon-intensive industries like steel and aluminum production. Join this episode of RENEWables and meet the Co-founder and CEO at Mars Materials, Aaron Fitzgerald. Aaron, a natural born problem solver, shares his inspiration for starting the public benefit corporation, the impact his team of dedicated climate solutionists is having on the world, and their vision of creating a future where the use of polluting carbon becomes more costly than adopting their sustainable technologies. Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Website: https://www.marsmaterials.tech/ Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/marsmaterials/ Twitter” https://twitter.com/MarsMaterials

The food industry generates a substantial portion of not only food waste, but also packaging waste. In the United States alone, the food and beverage sector accounts for approximately 23% of all packaging waste. Plastic is the most widely used material for food packaging, representing around 40% of total plastic usage, which comes with several challenges, including environmental pollution, resource depletion, and health concerns. Therefore, there is a growing movement to reduce the use of plastic in food packaging and promote more sustainable and circular packaging solutions, such as compostable plastics, paper-based packaging, and reusable containers. Better Earth is a Georgia-based company committed to sustainability and environmental stewardship through composting. Its main goal is to create more sustainable systems by providing 100% plant-based products and services to customers all around the world. Through the distribution of zero-waste packaging solutions, Better Earth is providing the ability to revitalize, regenerate and replenish local economies, while supporting carbon sequestering and addressing public health concerns all around. This starts in the fields where the plants are grown, to the food service establishments where the products are used, and then back to the fields where they compost the materials and start the entire process over—creating a closed loop, zero-waste system.  Join this episode of RENEWables and meet VP of Sustainability at Better Earth, Savannah Seydel to discover more about  composting, plant-based packaging, and how food waste reduction and resource efficiency improvements can have significant economic, social, and environmental benefits, including reducing greenhouse gas emissions, conserving natural resources, and improving food security. Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Website https://becompostable.com/ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/BetterEarthCompostable Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/company/becompostable/ Savannah’s Linked In: https://www.linkedin.com/in/savannahseydel/

As most of us already know, CO2 is a greenhouse gas that contributes to global warming and climate change. The production processes that yield CO2 are considered highly valuable to society, but their emissions into the atmosphere have negative environmental consequences, reducing their overall value.  With the issue of climate change, reducing CO2 emissions is more important than ever. Technologies designed to mitigate these emissions, such as carbon capture, storage, and utilization, allow for the continued use of these production processes and resources, while minimizing their environmental impact. One company leading this charge is Mantel Capture, a company with a new technology that creates materials designed to operate at the high temperatures, found inside boilers, kilns, and furnaces – enabling highly efficient carbon capture that has not been possible until now. Join this episode of RENEWables and meet Co-founder & COO of Mantel Capture, Danielle Colson to discover more about this remarkable technology and their future plans for saving the atmosphere.   Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes:Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/mantelcapture/ Website https://mantelcapture.com/

Hydroponics is a method of growing plants without soil, using nutrient-rich water as the growing medium instead. These controlled environments provide the plants with all the essential nutrients they need directly through their roots. This highly sustainable technology has gained popularity in recent years due to its ability to produce high yields of crops while using significantly less water than traditional soil-based agriculture.  Using a combination of sensors, software, and LED lighting to create an optimal growing environment for plants, Babylon Micro Farms is revolutionizing the hydroponics industry and forever changing the way we grow and consume food. The Virginia-based startup manufactures indoor hydroponic farming systems designed to minimize waste and maximize energy-efficiency by providing customers with everything they need to grow their own fresh produce, including the hydroponic equipment, seeds, nutrients, and software to monitor and manage the system from a smartphone app.  Join this episode of RENEWables and meet Alexander Olesen, Co-founder and CEO of Babylon Micro Farms to discover more about his remarkable team of entrepreneurs and engineers, who are committed to making fresh and healthy food easily accessible to everyone, regardless of gardening experience or available space.  Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Linked In https://www.linkedin.com/company/babylon-micro-farms/ Facebook https://www.facebook.com/BabylonMicroFarms/ Instagram https://www.instagram.com/babylonmicrofarms Website https://babylonmicrofarms.com/

According to a report by the Urban Institute, about one-third of Americans have a credit score below 620, which is considered to be a subprime credit score. The same report found that low-income individuals are more likely to have subprime credit scores than those with higher incomes. In fact, about 52% of households earning less than $30,000 per year have subprime credit scores. These statistics show that low-income communities are more likely to have subprime credit scores and other negative credit events, which can make it difficult for them to access credit and financial services. This highlights the importance of organizations like Capital Good Fund that focus on serving underserved communities and providing access to affordable loans and financial coaching. Capital Good Fund is a non-profit financial institution that provides affordable loans and financial coaching to individuals and families who might not have access to traditional banking services. They offer a variety of loan products, including personal loans, emergency loans, and small business loans. These loans are designed to help people meet their financial needs and improve their financial stability. Capital Good Fund also offers financial coaching services to help borrowers develop good financial habits and achieve their financial goals. Join us on this episode of RENEWables and meet the Founder and CEO of Capital Good Fund, Andy Posner, to learn more about how the organization focuses on serving low-income and underserved communities, and their work to promote financial inclusion and economic empowerment for communities in need.Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Linked In Facebook Twitter Website Email Andy Posner

As the world’s utilization of renewable energy increases, so does the waste that is created by manufacturing the materials needed to generate the power. Most solar panels have a lifespan of 25 to 30 years and 75 million metric tons of solar waste are projected to be landfilled by 2050. However, solar panels should not be disposed of in landfills as they contain potentially hazardous materials and other toxic substances that can leach into the soil and contaminate groundwater if not properly handled. In addition, solar panels contain valuable materials such as silicon, aluminum, copper, and silver that can be recycled and reused in new products, so it is important to properly recycle them at the end of their life cycle. Although the amount of waste generated by solar panels is relatively low, recycling programs are increasingly being developed to address this issue. The Coldharbour Institute have taken the idea of recycling to a whole other level with their Equitable Solar Solutions (ESS) program. ESS focuses on providing affordable solar energy solutions to underserved communities, particularly low-income households and communities of color, through the acquisition of surplus solar panels from solar companies or individuals that are looking to upgrade their current solar system. While these panels are not new, they are still able to produce energy and thus still have immense value. ​By acquiring older panels, costs are drastically reduced, making financial feasibility far more achievable. Join us on this episode of RENEWables and meet the Co-Founders of Equitable Solar Solutions, Rich Stromberg, CJ Gooderham and Maria Agazio, to learn more about how the 501.3C non-profit program finds and repurposes these usable solar panels and their plans for ensuring the sustainability of the solar industry while minimizing its environmental impact for the future generations.   Show Notes: Linked In Website: EquibableSolarSolutions.com Email: ess@coldharbourinstitute.org

Heartland Industriesis a material science company that engineers hemp fibers to replace and augment traditional materials like fiberglass, talc, and calcium carbonate. With its renewable sources and eco-friendly biodegradability, Hemp is a revolutionary material that's making waves in the sustainability movement. Crafted from lipids and cellulose found naturally within Cannabis plants, this composite bioplastic is fully bio-degradable - providing an innovative solution for reducing our impact on the environment. By working with brands and their suppliers, Heartland helps to embed Carbon negative additives into everyday products without any re-tooling costs. This helps drive down the cost, weight, and carbon footprint of these raw materials which are found in a variety of industries from automotive to consumer packaged goods. Moreover, Heartland is exploring ways to increase performance in rubber, foam, asphalt, cement, concrete and paper supply chains while continuing to reduce the carbon footprint of these industries. Join us on this episode of RENEWables and meet the CEO and Co-founder of Heartland Industries, Jesse Henry, to learn more about how the Michigan-based hemp engineers are driving their mission to integrate hemp fiber into every industry, how they have positioned themselves as a sustainability partner and the necessary sacrifice required to saving the planet for future generations.  Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Linked In Heartland.io Email hello@heartland.io

Across the U.S., 15% of households are food insecure, meaning they don’t have reliable access to affordable, nutritious food. In Missouri alone, there are more than 600,000 people living in food deserts—an area without a grocery store or other source of fresh, healthy food, making it even harder to get the meals they need. Kanbe’s Market is a non-profit working to build a more equitable food system for these residents of inner city food deserts. One way they’re doing this is through their Healthy Corner Store Program which partners with smaller convince stores and “mom-and-pop” businesses who are often the only source of groceries in a food desert, but lack the resources to provide healthy and affordable options. Kanbe’s Market provides them with the equipment, training and support they need to offer nutritious foods at prices that their customers can afford—which, on average, is about 25% less than the grocery store. Kanbe’s Market is changing lives by working to dismantle the barriers that stand in the way of equitable access to nutritious food. Through their Healthy Corner Store Program and partnerships with small businesses, they are ensuring that everyone has access to fresh, healthy, affordable food—regardless of their zip code. Show Notes: Kanbe's Markets Website

Scientists have long suspected a link between industrialization and climate change, but serious study of the issue did not begin until the second half of the twentieth century when the first predictions that changes in atmospheric carbon dioxide levels could substantially alter Earth’s surface temperature through the greenhouse effect.  It would be another 100 years before carbon credits are introduced as a mechanism to reduce greenhouse gas emissions by creating the $2 billion carbon credit market in which companies can offset their emissions by investing in environment-positive projects, such as planting trees in the tropics. Join this episode of RENEWables, where we sat down with Robin Saluoks, CEO of eAgronom, to learn more about their carbon market program, what organic farming looks like in Estonia, and the short- and long-term benefits they are bringing to farmers all over the world.  Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: eAgronom website eAgronom Linked In

Survey shows that consumer expectations for the fashion industry to treat workers fairly rank as high as expectations for environmental issues. Some results even show that consumers are willing to pay more for ethically produced clothing. That’s why it’s important to create ongoing visibility into wages throughout the supply chain; the same way, it’s important to have visibility into products, materials, emissions, waste and more. On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Shameek Ghosh, Co-founder and CEO of TrusTrace, to learn more about their software platform for supply chain traceability, and how they plan to alleviate challenging hurdles in the fashion industry by mapping every tier of even the most complex supply chains. Show Notes: TrusTrace website Shameek Ghosh Linked In Email Shameek

Alexia Cooper has had a life-long dream of becoming the first woman anything and in 2021 when she was recognized in Forbes 30 Under 30 as the youngest woman in the state of Nevada to hold a C2 Electrical Contractor License, she knew her drive and dedication to that dream had been the foundation for her success.  Alexia is revolutionizing and creating opportunities for women in the construction industry as she chooses to lead by spreading positivity and empowering individuals to be the best version of themselves. On this episode of RENEWables, we sat down with Alexia Cooper, CEO of Bell Solar & Electrical Systems, to learn more about how the Nevada based electrical company’s mission to rewire the world to build a sustainable future has evolved, her focus on finding more female engineers for the very male-dominated industry, and why she continues to push the limits in order to make an impact on the world! Tune in and subscribe. Show Notes: Bell Solar & Electrical Systems website Linked In Twitter Facebook Instagram