In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Jeremy McKane, the CEO of Ocean Currency Network (OCN.ai), a pioneering organization focused on marine conservation and the economic valuation of our oceans. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from artist to entrepreneur, illustrating how his passion for the ocean evolved into a mission to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Through innovative approaches to ocean conservation, he emphasizes the need for a collective effort—what he calls a "Justice League"—to safeguard this vital ecosystem.

The conversation delves into the alarming statistic that only about 2.7% of the oceans are fully protected, highlighting the disconnect between policy and enforcement. Jeremy discusses the importance of recognizing the ocean's inherent value, not just as a resource, but as a critical component of our planet's health and our survival. With fascinating anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode serves as a call to action for listeners to rethink their relationship with the ocean and embrace a more sustainable future.

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Veena Jayadeva, the founder of Kareena's Closet, to discuss her inspiring journey from international development to pioneering a sustainable fashion platform. Veena's deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and women's empowerment shines through as she shares her experiences working with microfinance initiatives aimed at uplifting women across the globe. Her passion for social impact led her to create Kareena's Closet, which offers a peer-to-peer platform for renting and reselling South Asian formal wear, thus addressing the pressing issue of overconsumption in the fashion industry, particularly within the South Asian community.

Veena elaborates on the cultural pressures surrounding traditional celebrations, where the expectation to wear something new for every occasion has contributed to wasteful consumption. By fostering a community-centered approach, Kareena's Closet not only provides affordable fashion alternatives but also supports local designers and small businesses, creating an ecosystem of sustainability. Throughout their conversation, Reetu and Veena emphasize the importance of redefining fashion choices as an opportunity for joy, creativity, and community connection, rather than mere consumerism.

Learn more about Kareena's Closet here : https://www.kareenascloset.com/

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Sara Fuentes, the dynamic founder of Smart Waste, Inc. and chairwoman of Women in CleanTech and Sustainability. Sara shares her inspiring journey from an early childhood educator to a leader in sustainability, revealing how a serendipitous introduction to the waste management industry ignited her passion for environmental stewardship. 

Sara recounts her pivotal moments, including the impact of COVID-19 on her career trajectory, which ultimately propelled her to launch Smart Waste (https://www.smartwasteusa.com/) , a company dedicated to zero waste facilitation. With a focus on transforming waste into resources, Sara discusses the importance of shifting mindsets around waste management and how her organization helps businesses achieve sustainability goals while saving money. Tune in to discover how Sara’s work not only impacts the environment but also empowers communities and fosters gender parity in the clean tech sector. 

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Todd Thomas, the CEO and founder of Woodchuck.ai, an innovative company tackling the dual challenges of waste management and energy generation. Todd shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Woodchuck, driven by the need to divert wood waste from landfills and transform it into a sustainable energy source. With a staggering 42 million tons of wood waste generated from construction sites in the U.S. each year, Todd's mission is not only to reduce waste but also to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in a rapidly changing world.

Throughout the conversation, Todd provides insights into his approach to sustainability, particularly in the context of data centers and electric vehicle (EV) battery factories. He highlights the importance of engaging local communities in dialogues about energy consumption and resource management, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that new developments yield benefits for everyone involved. The episode also touches on Todd's ventures in storytelling through books and a TV show, which have helped raise awareness about biomass and renewable energy solutions.

• (00:00) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts

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In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Kristi Shaw, the CEO and founder of Mermaid Energy, to discuss her remarkable journey from a rural Maryland upbringing to the forefront of renewable energy development in the Caribbean. Kristi shares her unique perspective as a marine biologist and public health expert, detailing her transition from academia to entrepreneurship. Her experiences with environmental challenges, particularly following hurricanes, inspired her to seek innovative solutions for sustainable energy in vulnerable regions.

Kristi introduces listeners to Mermaid Energy's mission to tackle the growing problem of invasive sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean. By intercepting this abundant resource at sea, her company aims to transform it into bio-stimulants, renewable diesel, and other valuable products, while also addressing public health and ecological concerns. This episode is a testament to how individuals can leverage their backgrounds and experiences to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.

• (00:00) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts

In this enlightening episode of **Green Shoots & Big Shifts**, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Abby Jordan, the Climate Education Program Manager at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Abby shares her inspiring journey from a volunteer in community climate initiatives to a leader in climate education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues among youth. Through her work at NWF, Abby is not only educating students about climate resilience but also empowering them to take meaningful action in their communities.

Abby discusses two pivotal programs she manages: the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force Youth Steering Committee, which engages high school students in climate education and civic engagement, and the Resilient Schools and Communities program, which provides a standardized curriculum for educators. Abby highlights the impactful Beach Grass Plantings project in New York City, where students participate in ecological restoration efforts, gaining firsthand experience in climate solutions. This episode not only sheds light on the significance of grassroots climate action but also emphasizes the role of education in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.

Resources

• Explore the RISC Website for resources on how you and your community can get involved!
• Follow NWF on Instagram (@riscnyc1
• Access the standardized version of the RiSC Curriculum for a national audience focused on four climate impacts: coastal flooding, inland flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat, here: https://www.riscnyc.org/curriculum-1
• New York Amsterdam News highlighted the RISC program in their featured climate solutions front page editorial: “NYC High Schools Work to Protect Brooklyn’s Shoreline.” https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/05/22/nyc-high-schoolers-work-to-protect-brooklyns-shoreline/
• CBS News TV produced a piece about the RiSC beach grass plantings reaching millions of viewers, watch: "Students helping to restore sand dunes in Coney Island.” https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/students-helping-to-restore-sand-dunes-in-coney-island/
• To see NWF students and volunteers in action, watch and share our documentary: Where it Floods: Planting Hope in Coney Island  https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxNMYorttQQ
• State of the Planet: Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy? May 2026,

In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Stacy Cline, the Senior Director of Sustainability at GitLab, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and corporate responsibility within the tech industry. Stacy shares her inspiring journey from the nonprofit sector to her pivotal role in shaping GitLab's sustainability initiatives. With a focus on environmental, social, and governance regulations, Stacy elaborates on how GitLab is not only ensuring compliance but also helping its customers meet their own sustainability goals.

Stacy highlights the crucial role of intentionality in integrating sustainability into business practices. She discusses GitLab's Green DevOps Committee, which focuses on sustainable software development and innovative practices that address customer needs for lower emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of balancing AI innovation with sustainable practices, emphasizing that sustainability should be woven into the fabric of business objectives rather than treated as a separate initiative. This episode is packed with practical insights for organizations looking to embrace sustainability as a core component of their operations. 

You can access Gitlab's library here: AI catalog: https://gitlab.com/explore/ai-catalog/agents/.  This link will pull up the 'green' agents and flows.  

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

In this episode, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Zach Plopper, Senior Environmental Director at the Surfrider Foundation, who shares his inspiring journey of merging a passion for surfing with environmental activism. Growing up near the ocean in Solana Beach, California, Zach has dedicated his life to protecting the coastlines and ocean ecosystems that he cherishes. His experiences, from competitive surfing to his extensive work with various conservation organizations, highlight the profound connection between personal passion and professional purpose.

Zach elaborates on the mission of the Surfrider Foundation, which aims to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through grassroots activism. He discusses the organization's initiatives focused on reducing plastic pollution, combating climate change, and ensuring clean water for beachgoers. Through local chapters and community engagement, Surfrider empowers individuals to advocate for their coastal environments, showcasing how local stewardship can lead to systemic changes. This episode is a call to action for all ocean lovers to engage in conservation efforts, emphasizing that every individual can make a difference in protecting our natural resources.

• (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast

In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Thomas Twist, a sustainability innovator from Bates College. Thomas shares his unique journey into the field of sustainability, which includes an unexpected detour through a Buddhist monastery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness in tackling the often overwhelming challenges posed by climate change. Through his roles at the Chewonki Foundation and Bates College, Tom has pioneered hands-on, project-based learning experiences that empower students to engage meaningfully in sustainability efforts.

The conversation dives deep into several pivotal projects that Tom has spearheaded, illustrating how experiential learning can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. Tom discusses the transformative power of involving students in real-world sustainability projects, such as transitioning Bates College to a carbon-neutral campus and implementing large-scale renewable energy solutions. He shares key insights on building trust with students, the importance of quick wins in sustainability initiatives, and how to foster a culture of sustainability on college campuses.

Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for implementing sustainability practices in their own organizations, as well as inspiration from the optimism and initiative of the next generation of leaders.

• (00:03) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts

In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Alka Bhide, the head of climate research at Glass Lewis & Co. Alka shares her extensive background in sustainable finance and climate research, shedding light on the vital intersection of business performance and environmental responsibility. She discusses how companies can effectively integrate sustainability into their operations, moving beyond the pitfalls of greenwashing to achieve genuine progress. 

Alka emphasizes that sustainability should not be viewed as a separate initiative but rather as an integral component of business strategy. She explains how aligning climate strategies with financial performance can unlock significant value, allowing companies to thrive in a changing regulatory landscape. The conversation explores the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and the role of leadership in driving successful climate initiatives. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights and a renewed sense of optimism about the future of sustainable business practices.

• (00:03) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts