EcoThreads: Exploring Sustainability and its Intersections

In Episode 22, I interviewed Nicole Kelner, the founder of Arts and Climate Change, an organization that uses the power of art to communicate complex climate issues in engaging and accessible ways. Her latest work, a coloring book titled Electrify Everything, focuses on clean energy and is a fun, educational resource for people of all ages. In the interview, she shared her experience using art as a tool for climate communication and activism, some of her past projects, her career journey to becoming a full-time climate artist, and more.

Learn more about Nicole: https://nicolekelner.com/

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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, an investment strategy that seeks to generate financial returns while also creating a positive social or environmental impact. Our discussion ranges from the political blowback to ESG to how the murder of George Floyd impacted financial markets.

Learn more about Community Reinvestment Fund: https://crfusa.com/

Learn more about Frank: https://frankaltman.com/

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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, he shares how his experience as an educator has shaped his current projects and how he incorporates STEM and sustainability into more education systems globally. We also discuss the role and practices of environmental non-profits.

Learn more about Seaside Sustainability: https://www.seasidesustainability.org/

Learn more about Eric: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/

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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.

Learn more about Queer Brown Vegan: https://queerbrownvegan.com/

Follow Isaias on social media: @queerbrownvegan

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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 expertise on university sustainability, the UN's Sustainable Development Goals, and the importance of youth engagement in sustainability.

Learn more about the Sustainability Initiative: https://www.cmu.edu/leadership/the-provost/provost-priorities/sustainability-initiative/index.html

Aleena's article on the UN SDG Action Weekend: https://www.library.cmu.edu/about/news/2023-09/sustainability-students-united-nations

Learn more about Alex: https://www.library.cmu.edu/about/people/alexandra-hiniker

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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 discusses the successes and challenges facing green energy projects in Denmark and beyond. A must listen for those interested in global policy and sustainable investing!

Learn more about Copenhagen Infrastructure Partners: https://www.cip.com/

Learn more about Pernille: https://www.linkedin.com/in/pernille-mortensen/?originalSubdomain=dk

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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 for overburdened communities, and how systemic racism exacerbates environmental injustice. They also shared their own experiences living in "EJ" communities and how that has shaped their worldview today. A must listen for advocates of environmental justice!

Learn more about the NJEJA here: https://njeja.org/

Watch Chris's testimony before a Senate Environment & Public Works Subcommittee: https://www.c-span.org/video/?528770-1/hearing-impact-plastic-pollution#

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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 sustainability, including her newly published book "Our Urban Future: An Active Learning Guide to Sustainable Cities."

Want to learn more about my guest?

https://cegu.uchicago.edu/2022/08/16/sabina-shaikh/

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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 how it encourages civic engagement to Saskia's own role in the organization and what she continues to learn each day about climate change.

Want to learn more about The Climate Museum?

https://climatemuseum.org/

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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 current U.S. agribusiness. He also shares his own personal experience working at the farm and how it has developed his relationship with nature.

Want to learn more about Genesis?

Check out their website: http://csgatgenesisfarm.com/

If you liked this episode, be sure to rate/review it and share it with your friends and family.

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*** I apologize for the low-quality audio in some clips -- There were some audio issues during the interview.