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Welcome back to The Sustainable Business Spotlight! In this episode, I’m joined by Kathleen Ventura, co-founder of Compost Crowd, a compost collection service transforming how residents and businesses in Northern Arizona manage their food waste.

Kathleen shares how Compost Crowd started, the environmental importance of composting, and how small lifestyle changes can create massive collective impact. Whether you're a sustainability advocate or a curious beginner, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 01:18 – The unexpected inspiration behind starting Compost Crowd.
• 03:04 – How the business expanded from farmers markets to city-wide collection.
• 06:14 – Why throwing food scraps in the trash creates methane and how composting helps.
• 09:02 – The vineyard partnership turning compost into a soil-regenerating solution.
• 13:51 – What to do if you don’t have a composting service in your area.
• 19:04 – Kathleen’s personal low-waste lifestyle and intentional living practices.

This episode is full of actionable insights, real talk about sustainable living, and powerful reminders that individual actions do add up. Tune in and discover simple ways you can make a difference, starting today. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate, share, and leave your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

For Flagstaff or Sedona residents, use the code PODCAST at www.compostcrowd.com to get one free month of compost pick up!

Links:
Website: https://www.compostcrowd.com
Instagram: @compostcrowd

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to The Sustainable Business Spotlight! Today, I’m joined by Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network, a global movement helping people grow their own food and live sustainably. What started as a backyard experiment has become a thriving community empowering self-sufficiency and resilience.

In this episode, Marjory shares how anyone can start growing food—no matter their space or experience. We dive into the power of food sovereignty, debunk common gardening myths, and explore why homegrown food is key to financial and environmental sustainability.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 00:59 Marjory journey to self-sufficiency.
• 04:59 The importance of growing your own food.
• 07:03 Getting started with gardening.
• 12:04 Community and local resources.
• 14:59 Soil health and composting.
• 19:55 Business insights and lessons learned.

This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical steps to take control of your food, health, and future. Tune in now and start your journey toward sustainability! Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share.

Links:
Website: https://thegrownetwork.com/
Webinar: https://thegrownetwork.com/i-can-grow-food-webinar/?oid=117&affid=419

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Business Spotlight! I’m excited to be joined by Mallory Ottariano, the founder and CEO of Youer, a sustainable clothing brand that’s been empowering women with eco-conscious fashion since 2012. What began with just a $100 sewing machine has now blossomed into a beloved brand that champions sustainability in every stitch. Known for its women-led team, domestic manufacturing, and commitment to using responsible materials, Youer is raising the bar in the fashion industry. In this episode, Mallory shares the inspiring journey behind Youer, the challenges of being a USA-based manufacturer, and the heart-driven mission that fuels the brand's success.

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:30 – The accidental beginning of Youer and how it all started.
• 4:45 – Navigating business challenges and the journey of manufacturing in the USA.
• 13:15 – The impact of new tariffs on local businesses.
• 17:35 – Why Mallory chooses to release new products monthly and the strategy behind it.
• 20:25 – Pricing and marketing strategies that shape consumer behavior.
• 23:57 – Mallory’s top advice for shopping sustainably.

I hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged and inspired by the incredible work being done at Youer! If you enjoyed the conversation, don't forget to rate, share, and leave your thoughts—we'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much for tuning in!

Mallory's Links:
Your Website: Youer
Youer Instagram: Youer ®️

Outside Article

Amy's Links:
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• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Sustainable Business Spotlight! This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Annie Agle, VP of Sustainability at Cotopaxi, a brand known for its mission-driven approach to creating responsibly made outdoor gear that brings color, joy, and performance to adventurers everywhere. Guided by their slogan, “Gear for Good,” Cotopaxi is not just about making products—it’s about building a global movement to support communities and protect our planet.

Annie shares her passion for sustainability and her work leading Cotopaxi’s efforts in climate action, corporate social responsibility, human rights, and ethical giving. From responsibly made gear to impactful initiatives, Cotopaxi is setting the bar for what it means to be a purpose-driven brand.

In this episode, we’ll explore: 

• 1:45 – Annie’s journey into sustainability: what drives her passion and has shaped her career.
• 5:30 – How Cotopaxi prioritizes human rights in their responsibly made gear.
• 12:30 – Insights into how Cotopaxi tackles policy in ways other brands might not.
• 16:45 – Addressing gaps in the auditing process by focusing on human rights and governance.
• 22:00 – Practical advice for consumers aiming to make more sustainable purchasing decisions.
• 25:45 – The impact of Cotopaxi’s innovative trade-in program.

Join us for a deep dive into how Cotopaxi is redefining outdoor gear and paving the way for a more sustainable future. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate, share, and leave your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you! Thanks for tuning in!

Links:
Website- https://www.cotopaxi.com
Trade In program- https://masvida.cotopaxi.com/pages/trade-in-editorial

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to a festive episode of the Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! As the holiday season approaches, many of us are excited to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones (and maybe a little something for ourselves, too!). While gift-giving is a beautiful tradition, it’s important to consider how we can make our choices more sustainable. This holiday season, you don’t have to settle for the latest trend or sale item. Join me as I share creative ways to gift more sustainably and highlight companies that are making it easier than ever to embrace sustainable gifting. Let’s dive in!

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:29 – Holiday shopping statistics, including how many people are shopping, the most popular items, and how much is spent on Black Friday.
• 2:25 – Creative gift ideas that don’t involve buying new items, offering ways to give meaningful presents without relying on physical goods.
• 5:50 – Key criteria for choosing sustainable brands, such as certifications, longevity, and local sourcing. Sharing personal experiences with eco-friendly brands.
• 9:39 – Recommendations for sustainable brands that make great gifts, perfect for an eco-conscious holiday season.

I hope this episode has inspired you to make more sustainable gift choices, not just for the holidays, but for all gifts to come! Let’s keep spreading the joy while caring for our planet. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate, share, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much for tuning in — I truly appreciate your support!

Episode Specific Links: 

Proof: Proof Razors
Terra Seed:Terra Seed
Dew Mighty: Dew Mighty
Plaine Products: Plaine Products
Jelt: Jelt Belt
Wear-Arc: Wear-Arc
Voormi: VOORMI
Eat Purposefully: Eat Purposefully
Scented Designs: Scented Designs
Unblur: Unblur | Shop
Live Heal Travel: Live Heal Travel
Origin: Origin USA
Montana Knife Company: Montana Knife Company
Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to this episode of The Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! I’m excited to introduce you to today’s guest Danielle Lemon, the founder of Aligned Living Financial. After spending 8 years in real estate, Danielle made a transformative shift in 2020 when she recognized the need to make financial literacy and resources more accessible to everyone. This insight led her to become a financial planner, dedicating herself to helping Canadians navigate their personal finance journeys. Through her business, Aligned Living Financial, Danielle helps individuals, specifically queer and female entrepreneurs, take control of their financial future with a focus on sustainable investing and mindfulness practices. She’s committed to continuously expanding her expertise to empower her clients to make informed financial decisions and build secure, aligned futures.

Money is something we all deal with every day, and when it comes to sustainable living, we often overlook its impact. Luckily, people like Danielle are showing us how we can better use our money for a more sustainable lifestyle. Join Danielle and I, as we dive into budgeting, mindfulness, investing, and how these all play a role in creating a more sustainable future. Let’s dive in! 

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:30 – Danielle’s path into financial planning, beginning as a real estate investor and discovering the inequities in access to high-level financial services.
• 3:15 – The concept of sustainable investing and how Danielle recommends approaching it by aligning investments with personal goals, values, and the ESG (environment, social, and governance) lens.
• 10:55 – How budgeting can support a more sustainable lifestyle, with a focus on how clarifying values influences spending decisions.
• 15:00 – The role of meditation and journaling in helping shape both business practices and mindful spending.
• 20:15 – The idea that living sustainably can also save money, with examples around diet, purchases, and travel.
• 23:50 – The issue of greenwashing in sustainable investing, and why less sustainable companies are sometimes chosen over more sustainable alternatives.

I love how financial planning can support sustainability! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, share, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for tuning in!

Episode Specific Links:
Danielle’s Instagram: Danielle Lemon
Aligned Living Financial: Aligned Living
Fun Xperience: Fun Xperience

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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founder of Live Heal Travel, a reiki master, shamanic energy medicine practitioner, and mindfulness facilitator passionate about empowering individuals to unlock their fullest potential. I had the privilege of meeting Rosalyn at a conference, where we quickly connected over our shared passion for sustainability. Her expertise in sustainable travel and wellness comes together beautifully in the family eco-wellness retreats she leads. Beyond her retreats, Rosalyn has made significant contributions through collaborations with organizations like the San Francisco Human Rights Commission, CREST at Stanford University, the World Wildlife Fund, The Nature Conservancy, and the United Nations World Tourism Organization. 

Travel offers incredible experiences that many of us, myself included, cherish. However, it’s easy to overlook the environmental impacts that come with it. Thankfully, companies like Live Heal Travel are working to preserve the joys of travel while minimizing its negative effects on the planet. Join Rosalyn and me as we explore eco-retreats, the importance of self-sustainability, and how they’re interconnected. Let’s dive in!

• 1:30 – Rosalyn’s journey into sustainable travel, including the launch of her eco-wellness retreats.
• 3:00 – Early experiences in sustainable travel and the valuable lessons she’s learned along the way.
• 6:26 – Practical tips for traveling more sustainably: planning ahead, maintaining quality without compromise, and offsetting the environmental impact of flights.
• 12:41 – The inspiration behind Rosalyn’s eco-retreats: creating family-friendly experiences that combine cultural authenticity with affordability.
• 20:00 – How mindfulness and healing intersect with sustainability, exploring self-sustainability, spiritual connections in different cultures, and advice for fostering deeper self-awareness.

I don’t know about you, but I’m definitely interested in booking one of Rosalyn’s eco-retreats! If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, share, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for tuning in!

Episode Specific Links:
Live Heal Travel Website: Live Heal Travel
Live Heal Travel Instagram: Rosalyn Acosta
Rosalyn’s LinkedIn: Rosalyn Acosta

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome back to The Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! Today’s guest, Tamara Masa Voijnovic and I first connected at a women’s entrepreneurial conference, and discovered we have a coinciding passion for sustainability. Tamara is a creative turned senior project manager, passionate about living sustain(ed)-ability. Tamara launched Time Illuminated during the pandemic, combining her passion for creative strategy with film photography to create unique consumer products. Her entrepreneurial journey led her to the Creative Destruction Lab, a nonprofit supporting early-stage, science and technology-driven startups. Now based in Vancouver, Canada, Tamara partners with driven entrepreneurs across diverse sectors such as Compute, Climate, Minerals, and Biomedical Engineering. She is dedicated to exploring the complexities of these industries, particularly the evolving venture capital landscape and the ongoing challenges of gender inequality in entrepreneurship.

Our journey toward sustainable living begins with the choices we make and who we support. Leaders like Tamara are driving real change by reshaping business practices. Join us as we explore the importance of factors such as gender equality and how they play a crucial role in supporting sustainability. Let’s dive in!

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:36 – Tamara’s pivot from being in the creative industry to sustainability and entrepreneurship, and how they intersect.
• 4:25 – Background on Tamara’s current role, with a deeper look into Creative Destruction Lab.
• 6:00 – Women in entrepreneurship: pushing for more diversity and how to get there.
• 16:16 – How ESG (Environment, Social, and Governance) plays a role in sustainability goals, what it means, and why it’s important.
• 26:47 – Advice for business owners, including listening to your intuition and practicing ‘sustain-ed-ability.’

I’m inspired by Tamara’s story and the powerful example it sets for using our gifts and passions to drive change. If you enjoyed this episode, please like, share, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks for tuning in!

Episode Specific Links:
Tamara’s LinkedIn: Tamara Masa Vojinovic
Creative Destruction Lab: Vancouver - Creative Destruction Lab

Time Illiminated:
Website: Time Illuminated
Instagram: Time Illuminated

Article on Forbes: Dear Big Tech, and VC Yet Again You've Failed Women

Film photographers mentioned:
Claudia Serraima - Clàudia Serraïma
Nicolette Passerello -  Nicolette Passerello

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome back to The Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! I’ve been looking forward to having Sami Hagen-Yahraes on the show for some time! Sami is a highly skilled aesthetician with over 8 years of experience, and she’s the visionary CEO behind Unblur Skin Studio in Tucson, AZ. Driven by her passion for radiant, healthy skin, Sami recently launched her own skincare line, SLHY, focusing on non-toxic, corrective solutions to help everyone glow harder. Both Unblur Skin Studio and SLHY are committed to empowering clients with effective, clean products that bring out their natural beauty while prioritizing their well-being.

Many of us may use skincare products without fully understanding what’s in them—or why we choose them. Sami is here to show us that skincare can be both powerful and pure. Join us as we explore her journey in entrepreneurship, the joys and hurdles along the way, and get some valuable insights into the world of skincare. Let’s dive in! 

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:20 – Sami shares insights into her current season, focusing on her return from a year-long break and how she’s balancing the demands of business and personal life.
• 7:00 – A closer look at Sami's business, Unblur, and her vision for bringing the best skincare essentials together in one place.
• 14:00 – Tips and product recommendations for beginners, including essentials like cleansers, serums, moisturizers, and sunscreen.
• 25:30 – The ups and downs of entrepreneurship, with Sami emphasizing the importance of advocating for your own needs.

Ready to take your skincare routine to the next level? Sami has some fantastic tips that can truly make a difference! If you enjoyed our chat, please leave us a rating or review, and share it with your friends. I’d also love to hear your thoughts, so feel free to reach out. Your feedback is so valuable!

Episode Specific Links:
Unblur Instagram: Unblur Skin Studio
Unblur Website: UNBLUR SKIN STUDIO
Sami Instagram: SAMI H.Y.
SLHY Instagram: SLHY BEAUTY
SLHY Website: SLHY

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome back to The Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! Today, I’m excited to introduce Kenz, your certified granola girl and founder of Eat Purposefully. After overcoming years of digestive challenges, Kenz turned her passion into a mission, crafting gut-friendly snacks that truly nourish from the inside out. What began as home kitchen experiments has blossomed into an innovative business featuring a patent-pending fermentation process that enhances nutrient absorption while delivering a delicious crunch. Mackenzie is dedicated to revolutionizing the breakfast and snack aisle, ensuring everyone has access to food that loves them back. 

On our journey toward a healthier lifestyle, many of us often overlook the crucial role of gut health. Through Eat Purposefully, Kenz is demonstrating that caring for our gut can be delicious! Join us as we dive into the world of Eat Purposefully, the joys and challenges of starting a small business, and the importance of nurturing our gut health. Let’s dive in! 

In this episode you will hear: 

• 1:53 - Kenz shares her journey of starting Eat Purposefully, inspired by her own struggles with digestive issues and her passion for granola.
• 5:27 - Insight into the thoughtful choice of ingredients, focusing on its vegan and allergen-friendly approach.
• 12:00 - Exploring the impact of farming practices on nutritional value and thoughts on the role of supplements.
• 15:51 - Discussing how Kenz grew her small business through farmers markets and local cafes, emphasizing the importance of community connections.
• 22:15 - Reflecting on the significance of project management, prioritizing well-being, and the support from family and mentors in her business journey.
• 28:00 - Practical advice for those looking to get their gut health back on track.

It's really important to remember that our health also begins from within! I hope this episode has left you feeling inspired and more informed about gut health. If you enjoyed our conversation, please give it a like, share it with your friends, and I’d love to hear your thoughts!

Episode Specific Links:
Instagram: @EatPurposefully
Website: Eat Purposefully

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram