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Hospitals and other healthcare facilities have been fighting superbugs for years, but they made a resurgence during the pandemic. Superbugs are resistant to antibiotics, and can cause fatal infections, especially among vulnerable populations like hospitalized patients already weakened by serious illness. To date, many of the “solutions” involved harsher and more dangerous chemical cleaning solutions that were harmful to both patients and custodial staff. Today we’ll speak with co-founder and CEO of Viking Pure Solutions about their revolutionary technology that effectively cleans and disinfects without toxic chemicals.
Keeping food waste out of landfills is one of the most significant ways to combat climate change, and recovering edible food for human consumption is one of the most significant ways to combat hunger. Therma is a tech startup that aims to combat food waste with an IoT solution to keep food at safe temperatures. Therma technology is currently deployed across 5,000+ restaurants, retailers and manufacturers with leading brands including Starbucks, McDonalds, Burger King, TGI Fridays, Chick-fil-A, 7-Eleven, Wyndham Hotels and NOW Foods. Tune in as we talk with Manik Suri, the company’s founder and CEO.
We’ve all heard the old adage, “You are what you eat.” Today we’ll take that a step further… “you are what your food ate.” Pesticides and herbicides can impact the plants on which we rely for nutrients, and those same plants coupled with antibiotics fed to livestock can impact the meat in our diet. The plants and animals in our diet imbibe what is in the soil and food that nourishes them, and is passed on to us. How does that impact our health, and what are our alternatives? Tune in today as we discuss these questions and more with the authors of a new book, What Your Food Ate!
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Sustainability in schools includes school meals! Tune in today as we speak with the Senior Director of School Nutrition for the Camden City School District (CCSD) in NJ, Arlethia Brown, MBA, CPFM. She will discuss the many ways she has incorporated sustainability principles into the healthy, appetizing food she and her staff serve the children in Camden, NJ. We will also discuss CCSD’s sustainability work beyond school nutrition in areas like energy conservation and facilities management.
Today we’ll talk to Rodney Williams, Director of Energy and Sustainability for the Newark public school district, a.k.a. Newark Board of Education (NBOE). In recent years, Rodney has led the largest school district in New Jersey to achieve prestigious and rigorous awards in school sustainability. Tune in and listen to his pro tips that can be replicated in school districts across the U.S.!
Biomimicry is a practice that learns from and mimics the strategies used by species alive today. The goal is to create products, processes, and policies — new ways of living — that solve our greatest design challenges sustainably. The Biomimicry Institute was founded in 2006 by Janine Benyus and Bryony Schwan to share nature’s design lessons with the people who design and make our world, and empower people to create nature-inspired solutions for a healthy planet. Today we’ll talk with the Executive Director of the Biomimicry Institute, Beth Rattner.
On today’s episode we’ll be joined by Josh Balk, VP of Farm Animal Protection at the Humane Society of the United States. Josh leads high-profile political campaigns to pass farm animal welfare laws, including the historic Prop 12 initiative in California which passed in 2018 with more than 60% of the vote. It became the strongest law for farm animals in the world, banning the confinement of egg-laying hens, mother pigs and veal calves in cages. He also pressures fast food corporations and grocers to eliminate meat and eggs that come from caged animals in their supply chains, such as getting McDonald’s — which buys two billion eggs a year — to go 100% cage-free. On the side, Josh co-founded JUST, now a billion-dollar company that revolutionized the egg by creating non-egg scrambled “egg.” It was recently named one of CNBC’s Top 50 Disruptors.
Healthy learning environments and high-quality school buildings are the keys to environmental equity and academic achievement. By leveraging sustainability strategies, these outcomes are possible. By improving indoor air and water quality, reducing solid waste, minimizing non-renewable energy usage, and providing nutritious food, urban schools can ensure environmental equity and close the opportunity gap for students. Today we will talk with the author of a new book, “Environmental Equity: Closing the Opportunity Gap in Urban Schools,” which demonstrates how school districts in even the most financially strapped regions can improve learning environments, lives, and achievement of every member of a school community.
In November 2022, voters in the Golden State will have a chance to enact legislation to address plastic pollution. Not surprisingly, the ballot measure faces fierce opposition. Today’s guest is the Director of Policy & External Affairs, The Nature Conservancy, CA, Jay Ziegler. Tune in as we discuss the provisions of the ballot measure, why CA state lawmakers have failed to take action previously, and what voters need to know before heading to the polls.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Some of the ingredients found in personal care products in the U.S. are banned in other countries because they are considered unsafe. Today we’ll talk about Beautycounter, a company that is transparent about the ingredients they will and will not use, while educating consumers on why these ingredients are harmful. Beautycounter further embraces sustainability through responsible sourcing, sustainable packaging, and by measuring progress toward their climate goals. Additionally, the company is advocating for cosmetic reform legislation to protect human health from toxins the U.S. currently allows in personal care products.
Tune in as we speak with Dr. Asli Samanci, the CEO of Bee & You, a company that produces 100% natural propolis, royal jelly, raw honey, pollen, healthy spreads, supplements and cosmetics. Dr. Samanci is a renowned food scientist committed to creating natural and healthy products for consumers and is a pioneering advocate for combining science and nature to create safe and effective natural bee products.
Palm oil is included in a broad range of products that many of us purchase on a routine basis: food, cosmetics, paints, pills, and even hand sanitizer. With over 200 different names, palm oil is tough for the average consumer to spot in the ingredients lists of common consumer goods, but there is good reason to try. Palm oil has been linked to environmental devastation and human rights abuses. Tune in today as we talk with David Bass, co-founder of Peet Bros., about the problem with palm oil, and some steps you can take to ensure your purchases are not supporting the palm oil industry.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Solar, wind, geothermal, hydro, and biomass are all renewable energy technologies with residential applications. Today we’ll be joined by Anna DeSimone, author of “Live in a Home that Pays You Back,” about what you need to know about these various technologies if you want to power your home in a sustainable way.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
The toxic “forever chemicals” known as PFAS could be contaminating nearly 20 million acres of U.S. cropland, according to an Environmental Working Group (EWG) estimate. Using state data, EWG estimates 5 percent of all crop fields could be using sewage sludge, or biosolids, as a fertilizer, even though it’s often contaminated with PFAS. Once PFAS-contaminated sludge is applied as a fertilizer, the chemicals can build up in food crops, feed crops such as corn and hay, and the animals that eat these feed crops. Several farmers have been forced to euthanize their farm animals due to high levels of PFAS in farm products. PFAS can cause a broad range of health harms to humans, as well. Very low doses in drinking water have been linked to suppression of the immune system and are associated with an elevated risk of cancer and reproductive and developmental harms. Tune in as we talk about this issue with Dr. David Andrews, Senior Scientist at the Environmental Working Group.
Panda Express has announced a global cage-free animal welfare policy, committing to source 100 percent cage-free eggs and egg products for all of its restaurant locations. In addition to Panda Express, more than 2,000 cage-free policies—including 100 global commitments—to end the use of battery cages have been made by some of the largest companies in the world, including Burger King, Dunkin’, Krispy Kreme, Unilever, Nestlé, Aldi, InterContinental Hotels, Sodexo, Kraft Heinz, Compass Group, Shake Shack, Famous Brands, Costa Coffee, and Barilla. Today we’ll speak with Aaron Ross, VP of Policy and Strategy for the Humane League, about the implications of Panda Express’ commitment and how consumers can influence their favorite companies to follow suit.
Though we live on a planet comprised primarily of water, the amount of freshwater available for human consumption and industrial purposes continues to dwindle due to pollution and freshwater runoff into the ocean. Water is embedded in every product we buy and the energy we use to power our lives. Water agencies in many parts of the United States struggle to find an adequate supply of clean water to meet the needs of the people and businesses they serve. Recycling water is becoming a necessity, and today we will talk with Patrick Sheilds, General Manager of the West Basin Water District in Southern CA, and Stephen Katz, Market Development Manager at SUEZ Water Technologies & Solutions, about the many varieties and applications of recycled water they are deploying to meet the needs of Los Angeles and neighboring communities like Malibu and Beverly Hills.
With social and economic benefits that are plentiful, more efficient homes mean the quality of citizens' lives are improved, reducing costs and bettering both public health and the environment. Today’s homeowners want sustainability—not just for home construction features, but to maintain long-term affordability as well. With an energy-efficient home, the true cost of homeownership is lower due to reduced utility costs, longer-lasting appliances and construction materials, and less maintenance and repairs. Tune in as we talk with Anna DeSimone, author of the new book, “Live in a Home that Pays You Back: A Complete Guide to Net Zero and Energy-Efficient Homes.” We will discuss the health benefits of an energy-efficient home, small steps homeowners can take today on their path to reducing their carbon footprint, to how to roll-in the retrofit costs in a mortgage, and everything one needs to make informed decisions for implementing energy-efficient technologies according to their needs and budget.
Borobabi was founded by Carolyn Butler, a chemical engineer, who recognized an opportunity to save money and protect the planet through supply chain utilization. According to the U.S Environmental Protection Agency, the main source of American textile waste is discarded clothing. On average, parents spend more than $700 each year on kids’ clothes, only to see them grow out of them within months, resulting in 63 million pounds of clothing going into landfill daily. And while donating is important, it is not the solution: The Council for Textile Recycling says that overall, charities sell only 20 percent of the clothing donated to them at their retail outlets. Join us today as we talk with Carolyn Butler, CEO of Borobabi, about her company’s solution to this important issue.
On today’s episode of Go Green Radio, we’re going to talk about two very special community garden projects in Los Angeles. These gardens grow so much more than plants and food – they nourish the hearts and minds of the people in the community around them. Tune in as we talk about the USGBC-LA’s 2020 Legacy Project: the West Adams Resiliency Garden project, which centers on the needs of individuals undergoing the process of re-entry, whether returning from incarceration or recovering from other challenges such as homelessness. We will also discuss The Bay Foundation’s Table to Farm program with a mission to implement a local model to divert food waste and alleviate air pollution while educating students and creating nourishing compost.
Grocery store workers are the unofficial thin green line between people and food — thrust into a situation that no one saw coming. In 2020, the burden of facing the masses fell on a select few, and Adam Kaat was one of them. Life on the Grocery Line: A Frontline Experience in a Global Pandemic is a powerful, first-hand account drawn from Adam’s “essential” role and his interactions with the best — and the worst — of humanity. Tune in today as we talk with author Adam Kaat about what he witnessed as the thin veil of civility began to unravel when desperation for food supplies came to every neighborhood.
Small farmer organizations in the developing world are historically under-resourced, with limited access to the capital needed to grow their organizations and invest in climate solutions. As a crowdfunding platform, Grow Ahead brings together contributions from individuals, businesses, organizations, and grants to fund community-led projects that address the local challenges of climate change. Through raising funds for farmer-led agroforestry projects, Grow Ahead endeavors to invest in climate solutions in a way that is accountable to frontline communities. Tune in today as we talk with Ryan Zinn, Director of Grow Ahead.
Today we’ll be joined by Dr. Mustafa Ali, Vice President of Environmental Justice, Climate, and Community Revitalization for the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). We will discuss how NWF is operationalizing principles of equity and environmental justice within their organization and across their conservation and education programs. Dr. Ali worked for 24 years at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). He began working on social justice issues at the age of 16 and joined the EPA as a student, becoming a founding member of the EPA’s Office of Environmental Justice (OEJ). Don’t miss this important conversation with one of the nation’s premier leaders in Environmental Justice!
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
Rob Bilott’s 20-year legal battle with DuPont exposed a dangerous chemical that no one knew existed outside the companies that manufactured it. PFAS is a family of man-made chemicals that are known to cause serious human health impacts, and in recent months much has happened in public policy and litigation to address PFAS. Tune in as we talk with Rob Bilott about his book, Exposure: Poisoned Water, Corporate Greed, and One Lawyer's Twenty-Year Battle against DuPont, and the latest news on “forever chemicals.”
Today we’ll be joined by Joe Sanberg, co-founder of Aspiration Bank, to talk about a new way of personal and commercial banking that allows users to invest in climate-friendly financial transactions. There's a good chance your bank is using your money to fund oil projects that destroy the climate. Aspiration Bank allows you to put your money where your values are. Tune in and learn about all the benefits of transitioning to a bank with a purpose to make the world a better place. We will also talk with Joe about his important advocacy work on issues like raising the minimum wage, cancelling student debt, and passing a Green New Deal.
