Conscious Design Podcast™

Join host Ian Peterman on Conscious Design as he welcomes Gabe Tavas, the innovative mind behind Symmetry Wood. In this episode, Gabe shares the fascinating origin story of his company, which uses bacteria to produce cellulose for creating wood-like products. This journey starts from Gabe's eye-opening experiences in Ecuador and leads to groundbreaking research in his college dorm room, where he began experimenting with kombucha cultures to produce bacterial cellulose. Gabe discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing Symmetry Wood, from initial rough samples to winning the prestigious James Dyson Award. The conversation delves into how Symmetry Wood is tackling environmental issues with its sustainable material production, aiming to replace precious tropical hardwoods in various applications, from musical instruments to car interiors. This episode is a deep dive into the intersection of industrial design, sustainability, and innovative material science. Learn about the potential of bacterial cellulose in replacing traditional hardwoods, the importance of sustainability in material design, and how Symmetry Wood is shaping the future of eco-friendly product development. For anyone interested in sustainable design, environmental entrepreneurship, and cutting-edge material science, this episode provides a unique perspective and inspiring insights. Notable Moments: 00:40 - Gabe Tavas Shares His Origin Story and Environmental Inspiration 02:40 - Discovery of Bacterial Cellulose for Sustainable Materials 09:05 - Replacing Precious Woods: Symmetry Wood's Mission 11:25 - Impact of Illegal Logging and Environmental Damage 12:29 - Density and Future Possibilities of Bacterial Cellulose 18:27 - Exploring Applications of Pyrrhus Material 22:44 - Innovations in Algae Waste Composite Boards 23:31 - Bacterial Cellulose vs. Mycelium Packaging: A Comparison 24:41 - Future Developments in Cellulose Technology About Gabe Tavas: Gabe Tavas is a biodesigner, explorer, and social entrepreneur from Chicago whose purpose in life is to empower and guide other sustainability-minded makers to protect their cultural and natural resources. He serves as the CEO of Symmetry Wood, a startup that creates wood from bacteria without cutting down trees to combat deforestation, and has a broad focus on wood conservation, food biodiversity, and river restoration. Learn more about Gabe Tavas and Symmetry Wood here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/gabetavas/ https://www.linkedin.com/company/symmetry-wood/ https://symmetrywood.com/ Download chapter 1 free: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-chapter-1-free-download/ Want to be a guest? Visit: https://bit.ly/3BetCkf Want to work with us? Connect with Peterman Firm: Find us online: YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS Hosted by: Ian Peterman Creative Director: Sara Clark Social Media: Jacqueline Sagun Visit our website: We created this content so creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through Conscious Design. Ian Peterman, a leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book Conscious Design. If you enjoy our content, please support us by subscribing and sharing our episodes!

Host Ian Peterman sits down with Morgan Seibel, the Executive Director of WeeCycle. Morgan gives us a peek into the world of WeeCycle, an organization that’s revolutionizing the recycling of baby gear. From a simple yet impactful idea, WeeCycle has grown into a key player in the sustainable living space, providing invaluable support to families while leading the charge in environmental stewardship. In a lively and informative chat, Morgan walks us through the nuts and bolts of WeeCycle’s operations. We get an inside look at their innovative recycling processes, tackling everything from car seats to textiles, and how they manage industry challenges like product recalls. Morgan also delves into WeeCycle’s collaborative spirit, discussing the potential for partnerships and the creation of a circular economy within their sector. Morgan wraps up by inviting listeners to explore how they can contribute, whether through strategic partnerships, volunteering, or donations. For decision-makers and industry professionals interested in combining business acumen with a commitment to sustainability, this episode is a must-listen. Notable Moments: 4:10 – The Origins of WeeCycle 5:29 – WeeCycle’s Programs and Services 6:35 – Car Seat Recycling Program 10:05 – Recalls, Recycling Textiles and Repurposing Items 15:07 – Formula and Baby Gear Industry Challenges 17:58 – Overview of WeeCycle’s Programs 22:38 – Expanding Outside of Colorado 23:53 – Partnerships and Collaboration 25:27 – Determining Capacity for New Partners 30:02 – Challenges in Distributing Cloth Diapers 33:39 – Recycling Baby Gear Discussion 34:51 – Volunteer Opportunities and Donations About Morgan Seibel: Morgan Seibel has been a pivotal figure in WeeCycle since its inception in 2008, initially serving as an Advisory Board member before becoming the Program Director and later the Executive Director in 2019. A New York native, Morgan moved to Colorado in 2003 to attend the University of Colorado. She graduated with a Bachelor’s degree in Business Administration from the Leeds School of Business. Morgan’s passion for community work and her expertise in business administration are evident in her contributions to WeeCycle. She resides in Denver with her husband Darin and their children Max and Demi. Learn more about Morgan Seibel and WeeCycle here: WeeCycle: https://weecycle.org/ Morgan Seibel on LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/morgan-seibel-29b7046/ Download chapter 1 free: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-chapter-1-free-download/ Want to be a guest? Visit: https://bit.ly/3BetCkf Want to work with us? Connect with Peterman Firm: Find us online: YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS Hosted by: Ian Peterman Creative Director: Sara Clark Social Media: Jacqueline Sagun Visit our website: We created this content so creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through Conscious Design. Ian Peterman, a leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book Conscious Design. If you enjoy our content, please support us by subscribing and sharing our episodes!

In today’s episode of the Conscious Design, Ian welcomes Stephen Reble. Stephen starts off by a brief introduction into what he does. Ian and Stephen then discuss agility and the role it plays in starting and maintaining a foothold in the industry you are in. Stephen then does a little product demonstration for people to better understand it. Ian and Stephen then talk about how the proof that something works is the greatest advertising your product or solution can get. Stephen then talks how when you want to change people, it is always better to take it slow. In the guest outro Stephen shares his final remarks and invites people to follow him on all sites he makes himself available on. Parts 0:00 – Guest Intro 6:11 – Agility 10:49 – Product Demonstration 17:52 – Subscribe! 18:19 – Proof 24:27 – Change 31:39 – Guest Outro About Etee: Etee’s mission is to be the spark that ignites the flame for widespread change in the way consumer packaged goods add value for people and the planet. Etee strives to source materials that are 100% biodegradable and naturally derived. Whether it’s the ingredients on the inside or the packaging on the outside – even their packing tape is commercially compostable.  Know more about Stephen Reble and Etee here: https://www.shopetee.com/ https://www.shopetee.com/pages/cleanest-facial-cleanser ///////// Download the first chapter of the Conscious Design book for free here: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-chapter-1-free-download/ ///////// Want to be a guest? Submit your info here: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-podcast-application/ ///////// Want to work with us? Connect with us about your project -  https://www.petermanfirm.com/connect/ ///////// 👉Subscribe - http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi 🎙 Conscious Design Podcast -: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-podcast/ ✍️ Conscious Design Blog - https://www.petermanfirm.com/blog/ 📘 Conscious Design Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT 📰 Join our Newsletter for exclusive industry analysis and content - https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-newsletter/ 👉Apply to join the Facebook Group - http://bit.ly/3uNkQWO ///////// Hosted by: Ian Peterman, CEO and founder of the Peterman Design Firm Creative Director: Sara Clark Social Media: Jacqueline Sagun 👉Visit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/ We created this content so creative entrepreneurs like you can code social and environmental responsibility right into your brands’ DNA through Conscious Design. Ian Peterman is the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosting the Conscious Design podcast and co-author of the book Conscious Design. If you enjoy our content, please support us by liking, sharing, and subscribing to our channel!

Welcome to another episode of the Conscious Podcast and today Ian welcomes Sheryl. Sheryl starts off by a brief introduction to what she does and talks about the company and her book.  Ian and Sheryl then talk more about how certain patterns can be identified in other industries that help to solve or understand problems in their businesses and areas of expertise. With this Sheryl then mentions her book, what is it about and how these experiences and patterns, from different industries, helped the book to become a reality. Ian and Sheryl then talk more about the metrics used by company managers and owners, which try to understand the business and evaluate the performance of it. Ian and Sheryl then share tips for effective problem solving and how to truly understand the issue, in order to solve the problem in a better manner. Sherryl then ends with some closing remarks and thoughts in the guest outro and invites the viewers to check her book and her other work out.  Parts 0:00 – Guest Intro 3:41 – Patterns 9:02 – The Book 18:31 – Subscribe! 18:56 – Metrics 25:00 – Problem Solving 35:05 – Guest Outro About Sheryl Cababa: Sheryl is the author of Closing The Loop: Systems Thinking For Designers. She’s a design researcher and strategist, and the Chief Strategy Officer at Substantial, an education-focused research, insights, and development studio based in Seattle. Her practice is focused on systems thinking and equity-centered design, and she’s worked with a diverse base of clients including the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, Microsoft, IKEA, and Khan Academy. Her focus is on using design to help clients reimagine education. She also teaches at the University of Washington’s Human Centered Design and Engineering program, helping to introduce systems thinking to the next generation of designers. Know more about Sherly and Substantial here: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sherylcababa/ https://substantial.com/ Use the code cababa-cdp to get 15% off! https://rosenfeldmedia.com/books/systems-thinking-for-designers/ ///////// Download chapter 1 free: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-chapter-1-free-download/ ///////// Want to be a guest? Visit: https://bit.ly/3BetCkf ///////// Want to work with us? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/connect/ ///////// 👉YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi ✍️ Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s 📘 Conscious Design Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT 📰 Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS ///////// Hosted by: Ian Peterman Creative Director: Sara Clark Social Media: Jacqueline Sagun 👉Our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/ We created this content so creative entrepreneurs like you can code social and environmental responsibility right into your brands’ DNA through Conscious Design. Ian Peterman is the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosting the Conscious Design podcast and co-author of the book Conscious Design. If you enjoy our content, please support us by subscribing and sharing our episodes!

Welcome to another episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, today Ian welcomes Ashley. Ashley starts off by a brief introduction into what she does and what her role in the company is. Ashley then talks more about how they approach design from a more real-life interaction with the actual design and what that means for their clients. Ashley then talks more about the innovation side of the business and what they have done differently in order to give the customers a better feeling and involve them more in the process. Ashley and Ian then talk about the option of sharing ideas between the industries and how that has helped both of them advance their businesses and go further. In the guest outro, Ashley talks more about ways to find her and the company and also shares her final notes and thoughts with the audience.  Parts 0:00 – Guest Intro 3:21 – Real Life Application 14:21 – Innovations 19:40 – Subscribe! 20:06 – Sharing Ideas 31:38 – Guest Outro About Ashley Rumsey and Mason Studio: Ashley is the Co-Founder and Executive Director for Mason Studio. She brings the highest standards to both the design visions of projects and the management of the Mason Studio team. An advocate of purposeful design, Ashley has been a key part of the development of Mason Studio’s innovative research-based process. She ensures design decisions are thoughtfully evaluated based on their potential contribution to the end user, design process, and client’s goals. As a respected leader in the Canadian design community, Ashley has also been featured in international design media and regularly participates in thought leadership at notable conferences and events. Mason Studio has an optimistic view of humanity, and they believe in the potency of using design as a tool for actionable charge. At Mason Studio, they design thoughtfully and care deeply, guided by their innate need to “make better”.  Know more about Mason Studio here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/mason/?originalSubdomain=ca https://masonstudio.com/ https://masonstudio.com/culturalhub ///////// Download chapter 1 free: https://www.petermanfirm.com/conscious-design-chapter-1-free-download/ ///////// Want to be a guest? Visit: https://bit.ly/3BetCkf ///////// Want to work with us? 👉 https://www.petermanfirm.com/connect/ ///////// 👉YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi ✍️ Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s 📘 Conscious Design Book - https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT 📰 Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS ///////// Hosted by: Ian Peterman Creative Director: Sara Clark Social Media: Jacqueline Sagun 👉Our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/ We created this content so creative entrepreneurs like you can code social and environmental responsibility right into your brands’ DNA through Conscious Design. Ian Peterman is the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosting the Conscious Design podcast and co-author of the book Conscious Design. If you enjoy our content, please support us by subscribing and sharing our episodes!