EcoJustice Radio

This is Installment One of our National Zero Waste Conference series meant to elevate the voices featured during the two-day event in Berkeley, California (postponed this year). Our guest, Leslie Lukacs co-chair of the conference. More Info: https://zwconference.org/

From the time a resource is extracted and managed for product creation and consumption, to when it is consumed, disposed and then managed for extended use or burial, there are climate disrupting effects and potentials for climate loving solutions. How we create product (or what can be defined as soon to be wasted resources) and then how we manage said resources at end of life has a cumulative impact on climate change.

Our guest, Leslie Lukacs, Executive Director of Zero Waste Sonoma, formally known as the Sonoma County Waste Management Agency, speaks with our host Jessica Aldridge, who also is the founder of Adventures in Waste [http://adventuresinwaste.com/].

Leslie has worked over 20 years in the solid waste and resource management industry. She has spent her career designing and implementing comprehensive sustainability and zero waste programs for large institutions, public agencies, venues, and events throughout California and the nation. Leslie serves on the board of directors of the National Recycling Coalition and Zero Waste International Alliance.

Websites: https://zerowastesonoma.gov/ https://zwconference.org/

Social:

IG: https://www.instagram.com/zerowastesonoma/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/_RecycleNow

FB: https://www.facebook.com/zerowastesonoma/

The National Zero Waste Conference is a two day educational and networking event organized by the National Recycling Coalition

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 53

After generations of struggle, the imperative of Indigenous sovereignty over traditional lands and waters has crystallized as a growing movement in the Americas to counter the power of multinational corporations and the governments that enable them.

Native Nation self-determination has proven an effective way to steward and protect resources and develop a sustainable way forward in an era of ecosystem collapse and runaway climate disruption.

We welcome to Ecojustice Radio two people working toward a model of self-determination and a brighter future for the planet through Indigenous prosperity, Manape LaMere and SunRose IronShell. Jack Eidt, co-founder of SoCal 350 and publisher of WilderUtopia.com, does the interview.

Manape LaMere, who has relinquished his U.S. citizenship and is a government representative of his treaty nation (Sioux) and a representative at the U.N. Economic and Social Council (ECOSOC). Manape is one of the seven headsmen of the Oceti Sakowin, which is proper name for the people commonly known as the Sioux, meaning Seven Council Fires.

SunRose IronShell, of the Sicangu and Oglala, Lakota Nations, is a designer whose point of view reaches far beyond the realms of mere clothing. Her brand Warrior Status challenges the wearer to think and live as a modern-day warrior.

SunRose on IG https://www.instagram.com/livenwarriorstatus/

Interview by Jack Eidt

Intro by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 52

We speak with Chief Caleen Sisk, the Spiritual Leader of the Winnemem Wintu Tribe, whose ancestral territory includes what is now known as the McCloud River watershed below “Buliyum Puyuk” aka. Mt. Shasta in Northern California.

Since 2000, Chief Caleen has helped maintain the cultural and religious traditions of the Tribe and continually advocates for salmon restoration, the Human Right to Water and protection of Indigenous sacred sites. She and her tribe are currently working with Maori of Aotearoa (New Zealand) and federal fish biologists to return the now nearly extinct California Chinook salmon to the McCloud River.

Run4Salmon Facebook Page: https://www.facebook.com/run4salmon/

Interview originally recorded in 2017.

Interview by Carry Kim

Intro by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste

Engineer: JP Morris and Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 51

Palm Oil is touted as a “miracle ingredient,” found in more than 50% of all packaged products consumed in the US. It renders makeup smooth, keeps ice cream from melting, and moisturizes our hair and skin. It is a hot commodity; giving rise to plantations in Asia, Africa and Latin America. At 66 million tons annually and 10% of permanent global cropland, palm oil is a prevalent, economically appealing crop. But how would you know, it is not always clearly labeled in the products we purchase, identified by at least 25 ingredient names.

Although popular, the cultivation and expansion of this supposed cash crop can come at the expense of the indigenous peoples, critical habitat, endangered species, and the climate. Almost 90% of the world's oil palm is grown on a few islands in Malaysia and Indonesia, home to the most bio-diverse tropical forests found on Earth.

Can palm oil can be produced in a responsible, sustainable, and regenerative manner that protects the environment, bio-diverse species, and communities where it is cultivated?

On this episode, we discuss what is happening in Indonesia and elsewhere around Palm Oil extraction, expansion, and exploitation. Our guest has been involved with orangutans for 46 years and has been working tirelessly to secure and protect the orangutan populations through creating more regenerative and equitable solutions around Palm Oil production.

We welcome Dr. Gary Shapiro, President of Orang Utan Republik Foundation & The Orangutan Project-USA.

https://www.orangutanrepublik.org/

https://www.theorangutanproject.org/

https://www.facebook.com/OrangUtanRepublik/

http://twitter.com/OURF

Gary L. Shapiro, Ph.D. has dedicated most of his life to understanding and supporting the well-being of individual and populations of critically endangered orangutans through research, conservation, advocacy and education. He was the first person (1973-1975) to teach a symbolic communication system to an orangutan and the first person to have taught sign language to orangutans in their natural environment, the forests of Tanjung Puting National Park, Indonesian Borneo (1978-1980; 1981). Shapiro further assisted in the rehabilitation efforts of dozens of orangutans confiscated from the illegal pet trade and monitored the phenology of local rain forest ecosystem.

Shapiro received his doctorate in Zoology in 1985 from the University of Oklahoma then returned to Indonesian Borneo (1986) to conduct post-doctoral freshwater ecology studies in Tanjung Puting National Park. He spent 28 years as a government scientist and retired in 2014. Shapiro was the co-founder and vice president of the first orangutan support organization, the Orangutan Foundation International, from 1986-2004 where he administered and oversaw the activities supporting research and conservation in and around Tanjung Puting National Park. In late 2004, Dr. Shapiro and his Indonesian wife, Inggriani, were inspired to create the Orang Utan Republik Education Initiative (OUREI), a nonprofit project, in response to the education needs underscoring the Critically Endangered status facing orangutans today, particularly in Sumatra. In 2007, the Orang Utan Republik Foundation (OURF) was established as a legal organization to support the programs of OUREI in Indonesia. In 2015, OURF partnered with The Orangutan Project (TOP) to serve as their US chapter. Shapiro also serves on the board of TOP and administers the funds collected and distributed to dozens of organizations conserving orangutans.

Shapiro returns to Indonesia each year to facilitate OURF’s programs in Sumatra and Borneo. He also conducts ecotours to Borneo and Sumatra. Shapiro also lectures to audiences of all ages in both English and Bahasa Indonesian.

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 50

Image courtesy of OneGreenPlanet.org.

Hear Tina and Jessa Calderon, mother and daughter duo representing the Gabrielino Tongva and Ventureño Chumash Nations, share their personal experiences, stories and insights regarding growing up as indigenous women on their Native lands. They recount the trials, traumas and tribulations, as well as the creativity, pride and healing that ensued during their process of reclaiming their indigenous language, cultural life ways and themselves as empowered Native women. Carry Kim did the interview.

Jessa Calderon shares her song, 'Scars of a Warrior', a raw, universal reminder and personal telling of the legacy and walk of an indigenous child come empowered woman warrior and mother. Together as mother and daughter, Tina and Jessa are now fulfilling a spiritual calling to serve the local and global community by preserving their Native legacy for the benefit, education, and inheritance of future generations.

Gabrielino/Tongva - San Gabriel Band of Mission Indians: https://gabrielenotongva.org/

Jessa Calderon: https://www.instagram.com/jessa_songwriter1/

https://soundcloud.com/lady-sparkz

https://twitter.com/TheeLovelyJessa

https://www.youtube.com/user/KrazyLady818/videos

Tina Calderon: https://www.facebook.com/tina.o.calderon

Interview by Carry Kim

Intro by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 49

In recent years across the world, a groundswell of youth activism is growing, pressuring governments to stand up for social and environmental rights. It can be argued that a surge of youth activism this size has not been seen since the Vietnam War.

The reasons for unrest are diverse, from fears of worsening climate, violence in schools, political corruption, racial injustice, deportation. A recent UCLA survey found that 1 in 10 undergraduates nationwide expected to partake in protests while in college, the highest rate since 1967.

The youth are rising up and they demand their voices be heard and their presence taken seriously. The youth are the future. Well that future better be livable, equitable, and safe.

Today we discuss the power of youth-led activism and how our guest is helping to inspire change and build community. We welcome 19-year-old Youth Environmental Activist and one of the lead organizers for Youth Climate Strike LA, Kevin Patel.

Kevin J Patel is from Los Angeles, CA. As a climate activist for over six years, he is also the Founder and Executive Director for the youth-led climate movement, OneUpAction

Facebook: Kevin J Patel

Instagram: @imkevinjpatel

Twitter: @imkevinjpatel

https://www.facebook.com/YouthClimateStrikeLosAngeles/

Resources

https://www.gse.harvard.edu/news/ed/18/08/student-activism-20

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 48

Photo courtesy of Ben Goloff

In this episode, we discuss the struggle to protect the sacred lands and culture of the Wixárika people, also known popularly as the Huichol, an indigenous group inhabiting the remote reaches of the Sierra Madre Occidental of Mexico. Our guests are Andrea Perez, Indigenous Environmental Justice Advocate, and Susana Valadez Director of the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts. Jessica Aldridge did the interview.

Central to the ancient religion of the Wixárika is the yearly pilgrimage crossing the San Luis Potosí desert in the region of Real de Catorce to a sacred place called Wirikuta, the homeland of their ancestors. They would collect and ingest hikuri (the peyote cactus) as a tool to dialogue with the ancient spirits.

Their sacred Wirikuta has been invaded, private properties have encroached on traditional pilgrimage routes, and 78 mining concessions have been granted to First Majestic Silver Corporation out of Canada. While this project purports to bring some jobs and economic development to the area, it also drains and pollutes water resources and limits access to their ancestral homeland.

Andrea Perez

Andrea Perez is a 23 year old, Indigenous Environmental Scientist and Geospatial Analyst. Her desire for people to build personal relationships with Earth is moved by her approach to the Climate Crisis as an Indigenous Environmental Justice Advocate. Her ancestral lands are currently under threat by foreign countries trying to exploit the rich land for profit.

Instagram:

https://www.instagram.com/protect_wirkuta/

https://www.instagram.com/arte_wixarika_tanuiwari/

https://www.instagram.com/for_the_love_of_earth/ (personal)

Facebook: Congreso Regional de Wirikuta

Susana Valadez

Nobel Peace Prize nominee and founder of the Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts

Biography: UCLA anthropology grad student from the 1970s who married into the Huichol (Wixarika) culture and has since then spearheaded a humanitarian organization in the mountains of Mexcio. A Nobel Peace Prize nominee that has dedicated her life the well-being of the tribe and the protection of their people, sacred plants and cultural legacy

Web: www.thehuicholcenter.org, https://www.thehuicholcenter.org/shop-huichol.html

https://decriminalizenature.org/

IG and Twitter: SUSANA_VALADEZ

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 47

Image art courtesy The Huichol Center for Cultural Survival and Traditional Arts

The Los Angeles Harbor community is starving for oxygen. Environmental Justice Activist Jesse Marquez speaks with EcoJustice Radio about the dangers of living around five oil refineries, the Ports of Los Angeles and Long Beach, and hemmed in by the truck-clogged 710 and 110 freeways. Fresh air in the shadow of an industrial sacrifice zone is often in short supply for those who call those neighborhoods home.

Moreover, the Los Angeles Basin, home to 13 million people, has over 1,000 active oil drilling sites, pumping and emitting gases and noise next to schools, churches, and residences. How do these day-to-day operations affect our communities? What do people need to know to take appropriate action in the event of a refinery accident or oil spill?

AQMD data shows the five refineries in the immediate area — owned by Marathon (formerly Andeavor/Tesoro), Phillips 66, and Valero — reported releasing nearly 14 million pounds of volatile organic compounds, or VOCs, and so-called criteria pollutants such as nitrogen oxides and fine particles. Oil refineries report only a fraction of the emissions they release, according to a 2016 study by Swedish academics, and the poisons in this brew can cause cancer and heart disease as well as asthma.

The sad reality is that the majority of L.A.’s industrial oil activity takes place in low-income and minority communities, where residents aren’t afforded the same regulatory protections as individuals living in affluent areas.

Jesse Marquez is the Executive Director of the Environmental Justice Organization the Coalition For A Safe Environment (CFASE) established in April 2001 in Wilmington, California, to eliminate, reduce and mitigate the negative community environmental, public health, public safety and socioeconomic impacts caused by International Trade Marine Ports, Freight Transportation Corridors, Petroleum and Energy Industries.

CFASE works to protect, promote, preserve, and restore our Mother Earth’s delicate ecology, environment, natural resources and wildlife.

More info (website under construction): cfase.org

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/coalitionforasafeenvironment/

Interview by Carry Kim

Intro by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 46

Image thanks to Luis Sinco / Los Angeles Times

On Episode 45 of EcoJustice Radio our guest Reverend Oliver Buie, Minister of Community Engagement at the Holman United Methodist Church in South Los Angeles, speaks with Jessica Aldridge on the important relationship between faith and environmentalism and what his parish has been doing to promote environmental and social justice in their community.

As a member of the Steering Committee of STAND-LA, he speaks to the environmental justice movement to institute a 2,500-foot health and safety buffer between oil drilling and where people live, in particular motivated by the Murphy Oil Drilling site near his South Los Angeles church.

Reverend Oliver Buie is Minister of Community Engagement at the Holman United Methodist Church. He earned a Master of Divinity Degree in 2011 from San Francisco Theological Seminary. He has 25 years of valuable experience in carrying out ministry responsibilities both as a licensed and ordained minister of the Gospel, including strong Biblical preaching and teaching, and worship leadership. His strong points have been organizational leadership, administration, and strategic planning, evangelism and church growth strategies, community outreach & relations, program development and team building, stewardship and fund development, ecumenical and collaborative relations and event planning & management. He is actively involved in environmental and social justice issues and is a Steering Committee for STAND LA (Stand Together Against Neighborhood Drilling).

LINKS

Web: www.holmanumc.com

IG and Twitter: @holmanUMC

FB: www.facebook.com/HolmanChurch/

Other Resources:

STAND-LA: https://www.stand.la/

Murphy Oil Site: www.stand.la/murphy.html

Hosted by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 45

Weather extremes, soil degradation, and climate disruption have turned our attention to the potential of soil, carbon, and water cycling as a formidable and creative response to climate change.

Linda Gibbs is the Owner & Principal Manager of the gardens at Woodshed Recording Studio, growing food, medicine, and soil. She teaches at the Gaia school of healing and Earth education and is a soil advocate for Kiss the Ground. One week after her home burned down in the Woolsey Fire, she spoke on behalf of Kiss the Ground at the 73rd annual Conservation Resource Districts conference on soil and fire resilience. The urgency of our times and the loss of her home spurred her to begin offering free classes to educate and motivate people about what they can do right under their feet to regenerate the Earth and address climate change.

Linda Gibbs on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/linda.gibbs.1042

Allan Savory's site: https://www.savory.global/

Kiss the Ground: https://kisstheground.com/

Interview by Carry Kim

Intro by Jessica Aldridge from SoCal 350 and Adventures in Waste.

Engineer: Blake Lampkin

Executive Producer: Jack Eidt

Show Created by Mark and JP Morris

Music: Javier Kadry

Episode 44

Photo courtesy of Carry Kim