One World Podcast

Susan Keefe, Beyond Plastics' Southern California Director, candidly shares the impact of plastics on our communities, oceans, and health. Plastics come from fossil fuels and are highly toxic; we are turning our oceans into a landfill, and, on their own, they are the fifth-largest polluters, behind China and the US.

This episode explores the myth of recycling, the need to drastically curtail plastic production, and how we can play a role in asking our cities to enforce existing laws, provide education, and curb plastic use. Susan has been actively working alongside non-profits such as Last Beach Cleanup, Climate Action Campaign, Climate Reality Project & Surfrider to advocate for change, call out plastic polluters, and organize against plastic pollution. This includes exposing Starbucks' false recycling claims in a nationwide CBS investigation. She is also a leader in the California Green Business Network and founded Eco Forward to promote plastic-free options in Southern California.

Correction from guest: We are producing an estimated 450 million tons of plastic a year.

A majority of Americans support a transition to clean, renewable energy. Linda Kraemer, OCPA's Community Engagement Manager, shares how she is dedicating her career to engaging local communities throughout Orange County to share the power of clean, renewable energy and community choice energy. OCPA is Orange County's first not-for-profit clean energy provider serving the power needs of residents, businesses, and cities across Orange County. She shares how OCPA is rooted in doing what is most advantageous for our neighbors, businesses, the environment, and our world community, leading to a brighter future for everyone. Learn more at: https://www.ocpower.org.

Come join us as we explore the power of sustainability with Climate Reality Leader Hilary Ego. Hilary Ego is an author and sustainability manager passionate about greening our communities. She serves as the Environmental Sustainability Manager for the City of La Mesa in California, where she oversees its Climate Action Plan (CAP) programs. Hilary also serves as a valued member of the Advisory Board of the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative. Her enthusiasm for environmental education shines through in her charming children’s book, "How I Save the Earth." Her dedication to environmental awareness and education is truly inspiring.

Christine Lan, the voice and creator behind ecoamical, a social media space dedicated to living fully and eco-friendly, is with us on this episode of One World. Through her content, Christine shows that sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about small, intentional choices that make a big difference over time.

From sharing kitchen habits that cut down waste, to growing her own food, to encouraging others to embrace the beauty of living with less, Christine has built a community that’s learning and unlearning together. Her message is both practical and deeply hopeful: by slowing down, consuming less, and thinking differently about what we truly need, we can create a life lighter on the planet and richer in meaning. You can find more at @ecoamical on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube.

Christine has so much to share, so don't miss this episode of One World!

Episode 15 features Thea Merrit, the founder of EcoNow - Orange County’s first zero-waste shop and refill station. What began as a small stand at local farmers' markets has become a multi-location movement helping individuals and communities reduce waste, rethink consumption, and make more sustainable choices a part of their everyday lives. EcoNow isn’t just a store - it’s a community hub and a local resource that empowers people to take actionable steps toward sustainability. Join us to learn how you can go EcoNow one step at a time!

Join us for episode 14 with CJ O’Brien Weddle, who manages the Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels Program at the Surfrider Foundation. CJ supports Surfrider's grassroots network and helps restaurants and hotels reduce their use of unnecessary single-use plastics. She has also helped colleges and universities reduce their use of single-use plastics in their operations. The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful global activist network.

Jessica Waite, co-CEO of The Plot Restaurants, also serves as the president of the local non-profit Berry Good Food, which provides grants to schools with garden projects that support healthy food education. Jessica’s overarching passion is ensuring that everyone has the option to choose locally and sustainably produced food. Her goal is to create regenerative businesses that benefit all stakeholders, partners, community members, and the planet. Jessica believes there is no such thing as waste and offers great tips for adopting a zero-waste ethos and sourcing local food in our homes and lives.

Climate Literacy in our schools is more important than ever. A majority of parents and teachers -over 80% - want to see climate literacy taught in the classroom. However, in most schools climate literacy is not required. So, Climate Reality Leaders Lucy Garcia, Dan Linehan, and several dedicated members led the effort to change that. With their continuous efforts, the Climate Literacy Resolution passed in the Los Angeles Unified School District on February 8, 2022. Now the committee is working with the District and building a coalition towards broad, rapid implementation. Let's talk with Lucy Garcia and Dan Linehan, Conveners of the Climate Curricula Committee, to see how other schools can do the same. Join us for this episode to get inspiration and proven ways to bring climate literacy to your community!

Reform and Sustain's mission is founded on the belief that the voice of the younger generation is incredibly valuable and beneficial to the progress of this movement. If you are a budding-environmentalist who is looking for ways to become an active participant in taking care of our planet, they want to help you get started!

Listen to Sophia Kianni's climate advocacy story involving Climate Cardinals, journalism, and the United Nations.