A Sustainable Mind - environment & sustainability podcast

Latest Episodes:

080: The Texas Power Grid: Deregulation & Vulnerability with Seth Mansur of RER Energy Group Feb 25, 2021

Show notes

This week features an additional episode tackling the Texas power grid. I chat with Seth Mansur of RER Energy Group to get a better understanding of what deregulation means for a power grid, why some Texans are now receiving insanely high energy bills, and what role infrastructure and politics play in the larger picture. Get in touch with Seth at smansur@rerenergygroup.com or check out rerenergygroup.com. This is the first episode I've done of this kind, addressing a current climate event, and I hope to be addressing more just like this as climate events occur. Lastly, if you love ASM then mark your calendars for our very first live online event. M.A.S.S. Eco Live will take place April 30-May 2, 2021, and will feature 3 days of panel discussions, keynote speakers, and workshops! To attend, sponsor, apply to be a panelist, or even to give us a hand with the event please head on over to http://MassEcoLive.com. Hope to see you there.

079: Sustainable Seafood & The Healthy Oceans Cookbook with Jackie Marks of the Marine Stewardship Council Feb 19, 2021

Show notes

Jackie Marks is a sustainability communications professional with a passion for protecting animals and the planet. At the MSC Jackie and her team aim to drive greater consumer awareness of the MSC blue fish label and the important role certified sustainable fisheries play in protecting our ocean.

Jackie is the recipient of the Washington Women in Public Relations (WWPR) Emerging Leaders Award (June 2019), was a speaker at United Nations World Wildlife Day at UN HQ (February 2019), and has been quoted in Civil Eats, USA Today, and the Associated Press, among others. She holds master's degrees in International Relations, and Natural Resources & Sustainable Development, and a bachelor's degree in Environmental Studies.

Join us for our first live event, M.A.S.S. Eco Summit! It will be 3 days of keynotes, panels, and workshops! Receive event notifications or contact us to get involved at http://MASSEcoLive.com.

In this episode Marjorie and Jackie discuss:

The role the Marine Stewardship Council plays in making sure shoppers have access to safe, healthy, and sustainable seafood products
What exactly makes seafood sustainable or not
How a cookbook is helping the MSC with its efforts to promote sustainable seafood and healthy eating habits
How to take the first step in getting a job in the physical and environmental sciences

Are you looking to launch or grow your podcast? Sign up for a free 1-on-1 30-minute strategy session with me at https://asustainablemind.com/podcasting!

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

DC Eco Women: https://dc.ecowomen.org/
Anthony Bourdain, food hero and producer of the documentary Wasted! The Story of Food Waste: https://superltd.com/films/wasted-the-story-of-food-waste
José Andrés, food hero: http://www.joseandres.com/
Gregory Gourdet, food hero: https://www.bravotv.com/people/gregory-gourdet
Ayana Elizabeth, marine biologist and founder of Urban Ocean Lab: https://www.ayanaelizabeth.com/
The Good Trade Newsletter: https://www.thegoodtrade.com/
Ocean sunfish, aka Mola mola https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Ocean_sunfish
Free 30-day trial for Audible audiobooks: http://asmbook.com

Connect with the Marine Stewardship Council:

More about the Blue Fish Label: https://www.msc.org/en-us/what-we-are-doing/our-approach/the-blue-fish-label
The MSC Cookbook: https://stories.msc.org/en-us/healthy-oceans-cookbook/
Instagram: www.instagram.com/mscbluefish
Facebook: www.facebook.com/mscbluefish
Twitter: www.twitter.com/mscbluefish

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/
Website: http://www.asustainablemind.com

078: Ocean-Friendly Snacks to the Rescue with Pat Schnettler of 12 Tides Feb 11, 2021

Show notes

Pat Schnettler is an ocean activist and the founder of 12 Tides kelp snack company. Making his start in the traditional seafood industry, he was disheartened by its unsustainable practices and negative impacts, from overfishing and pollution to coastline destruction. Today, Pat is on a mission to show the world how our everyday food and lifestyle choices have the power to positively impact our oceans and the future of our planet.

Join us for our first live event, M.A.S.S. Eco Summit! Receive event notifications or contact us to get involved at http://MASSEcoLive.com.

In this episode Marjorie and Pat discuss:

The habitat impact of the traditional seafood industry and how it contributes to coastline destruction
How consumers can be sure the sources of seafood they consume are trustworthy
What exactly is sea kelp and how is it different from seaweed?
The benefits of growing sea kelp for habitat restoration and as a sustainable food product

Resources mentioned in today's episode:

The Bay Foundation: https://www.santamonicabay.org/
Monterey Bay Seafood Watch: https://www.montereybayaquarium.org/act-for-the-ocean/sustainable-seafood
FAO market reports on aquaculture: http://www.fao.org/in-action/globefish/market-reports/en/

Connect with 12tides:

Website: http://12tides.com
Facebook: https://facebook.com/12tides/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/12tides/

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/
Website: http://www.asustainablemind.com

Welcome to Season 2 of A Sustainable Mind! Feb 10, 2021

Show notes

In this episode, I will be introducing Season 2 of ASM! We'll chat about some of my favorite and most memorable interviews from season 1, the impact the show has had over the years, upcoming featured guests, how we will be supporting the show moving forward, and I'll be making a big announcement about our first live event!

Episodes Mentioned

Tom Szaky of Terra Cycle: https://asustainablemind.com/027

Kathryn Kellogg of Going Zero Waste: https://asustainablemind.com/048

Bea Johnson of Zero Waste Home: https://asustainablemind.com/006

Rob Greenfield of Food Freedom: https://asustainablemind.com/061

Maya van Rossum of the Green Amendment: https://asustainablemind.com/026

Yana (Ma'ikwe) Ludwig, previously of Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage, co-founder of Solidarity Collective: https://asustainablemind.com/008

Izolda Trakhtenberg, aka "Earth Lady": https://asustainablemind.com/062

Jordan Figueiredo of Ugly Fruit & Veg Campaign: https://asustainablemind.com/011

Links Mentioned

Suggest or apply to be a guest: https://asustainablemind.com/be-a-guest/

Suggest or apply to be a sponsor: https://asustainablemind.com/become-a-sponsor/

Support the show: https://asustainablemind.com/give

Join us for our first live event, MASS Eco Summit! Receive event notifications or contact us to get involved at http://MASSEcoLive.com.

077: Kind Cup - Bringing Innovation to Menstrual Cups and the Feminine Hygiene Industry with Christine Brown Aug 12, 2020

Show notes

Kind Cup Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindcup/kind-cup-the-innovative-menstrual-cup?ref=72obwi&token=02b39bee Visit our site for a full transcript of this episode at www.ASustainableMind.com/077 Founder and designer of Kind Cup, Christine Brown, grew up in a small agricultural beach town in Southern California. A sixth-generation Carpinterian, Brown is a part-time avocado farmer, and American Sign Language teacher and advocate. Brown studied Critical Social Thought at Mount Holyoke College, and Deaf Studies: Cultural Studies for graduate school in Washington D.C. at Gallaudet University. In this episode Marjorie and Christine Brown discuss:

How menstrual cups work and why they can be a much better alternative to tampons and pads.
How Christine came up with the idea for Kind Cup.
The design elements that make Kind Cup unique.
Marjorie's personal experiences with menstrual cups over the last 15 years and why she loves the Kind Cup design.
What to consider when choosing a menstrual cup that works best with your body and lifestyle.

Resources from Christine Brown:

Direct Relief - Kind Cup's non-profit partner (DirectRelief.org) - Direct Relief is a humanitarian aid organization, active in all 50 states and more than 80 countries, with a mission to improve the health and lives of people affected by poverty or emergencies – without regard to politics, religion, or ability to pay.
- Here is the press release about their work with Kind Cup https://www.kindcup.com/blogs/news/podcast-with-direct-relief-on-period-poverty
Intersectional Environmentalist Group (IntersectionalEnvironmentalist.com) - A platform for resources, information, and action steps to support intersectional environmentalism and dismantle systems of oppression in the environmental movement, led by environmental activists and sustainability advocates.
Put a Cup in It (PutACupInIt.com) - A collection of resources about reusable menstrual products overall and great general info if you are new to the conversation about menstrual cups
The Alchemist by Paulo Coelho

Connect with Christine Brown and Kind Cup:

Website: https://www.kindcup.com/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/kindcup
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/kind.cup/
Kickstarter Campaign: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/kindcup/kind-cup-the-innovative-menstrual-cup?ref=72obwi&token=02b39bee

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/
Website: asustainablemind.com

Want to help us spread the word? Post a screenshot of ASM in your favorite listening app and tag us on your Instagram story! Subscribe, Rate & Review ASM on Apple Podcasts: ASustainableMind.com/Apple

076: Is Bamboo the Next Big Thing? with Scott Brady of Cariloha Jun 16, 2020

Show notes

Scott Brady is the Vice President of Communications for Cariloha, based in Sandy, UT. He oversees all internal and external communications for the company. In 2007, at the height of economic crisis and recession, Scott was part of the team that helped develop and bring the eco-friendly and sustainable Cariloha retail brand to market. Despite the struggling economy, Cariloha flourished and continues to grow. Now the brand is the only company that features sustainable bamboo in all of its product lines. In this episode Marjorie and Scott discuss:

What makes bamboo sustainable.
How bamboo compares to other fabrics we typically used in bedding, bath, and apparel products.
The benefits of bamboo for people that use it.
How to quickly make a big impact on the sustainability practices of a company of any size

Resources from Cariloha and Scott Brady:

Cariloha resources:
- Facts and figures about farming bamboo - https://www.cariloha.com/sustainability/farm-to-fabric
- The many issues that are improved or solved by using bamboo instead of other crops or synthetics as textiles - https://www.cariloha.com/sustainability/comfy-way-to-save-the-world
- Pics of the actual manufacturing process! https://www.cariloha.com/sustainability/our-process
WorldBamboo.net - a group of people, businesses, non-profit, institutions, and allied trade corporations that promote bamboo products for the sake of the environment and economy.
IceBreaker.com - Sustainable Merino Wool Outdoor Clothing
The Humane Gardener by Nancy Lawson (buy directly from the author at https://www.humanegardener.com/the-book/)
Wear No Evil by Greta Eagan (buy directly from the author at http://www.fashionmegreen.com/book-1)

Connect with Cariloha:

Website: http://cariloha.com
Twitter: https://twitter.com/cariloha
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/Cariloha/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/cariloha/

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/
Website: http://www.asustainablemind.com

Want to help us spread the word? Post a screenshot of ASM in your favorite listening app and tag us on your Instagram story! Subscribe, Rate & Review ASM on Apple Podcasts: ASustainableMind.com/Apple

075: Eco-friendly Small Business with Moji Igun of Blue Daisi Consulting Apr 13, 2020

Show notes

Moji Igun is the founder of Blue Daisi Consulting. Her company serves small businesses that want to reduce their waste and implement more earth-friendly business practices. She works with individuals to use their companies as an avenue to make a more positive social and environmental impact.

This episode is sponsored by Public Goods - Just one version of every essential in just one place. Get 10% off with promo code ASM at checkout. Check out PublicGoods.com.

In this episode Marjorie and Moji Igun discuss:

The benefits to small business owners of running a green operation
Where to start if you want to make your business more sustainable
What types of certifications are available for eco-friendly businesses

Resources from Moji Igun:

Skillshare - teach and learn skills online
Your local public library - most public libraries now offer e-resources including audiobooks, ebooks, classes and academic publications on a variety of topics
Use Instagram, LinkedIn and other relevant social media to do market research
Becoming by Michelle Obama
Everything's Trash But It's Okay by Phoebe Robinson

Connect with Moji Igun and Blue Daisi Consulting:

Website: https://bluedaisi.com/
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/bluedaisiconsulting/
Personal Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/hippiemoji/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/bluedaisiconsulting
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/mojiigun/

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/
Website: http://www.asustainablemind.com

Want to help us spread the word?

Post a screenshot of ASM in your favorite listening app and tag us on your Instagram story!

Subscribe, Rate & Review ASM on Apple Podcasts: ASustainableMind.com/Apple

074: Kamea Chayne of Green Dreamer Podcast on Sustainable Fashion and Mindfulness Feb 07, 2020

Show notes

Kamea Chayne is an author, creative, the curator of ConsciousFashion.co, and the host of Green Dreamer Podcast. Challenging our dominant views of "advancement" that equate with destruction, degradation, and disconnection from the things that matter most, she curiously explores what it takes to realize a world of ecological balance and diversity, intersectional sustainability, and true abundance and wellness for all.

Want to start your own cause-based podcast? Let's get you launched!! For more details on how you can work with me 1-on-1 to get your show up and running, please visit

http://www.ASustainableMind.com/launch

In this episode Marjorie and Kamea Chayne discuss:

How to take action and contribute to conservation efforts in your community
How retail therapy caused Kamea to have a huge wake up call and start ConsciousFashion.co
How mindfulness determines our impact on ecology
Easy tips on how to keep your wardrobe both fresh and sustainable

Resources from Kamea Chayne:

Article: What do insurance companies have to do with the expansion of the fossil fuel industry? (And 3 ways you can take action!)
Kamea's interview with Jennifer Grayson of Unlatched and the Uncivilize podcast
Kamea's interview with Peggy Shepard on Environmental Justice
Online Tool: Ecosia search engine
Books: Sapiens and Hidden Life Of Trees (Amazon)

Connect with Kamea Chayne:

Personal Instagram: @KameaChayne
Podcast Instagram: @greendreamerpodcast
Twitter: @KameaChayne

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/
Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/asustainablemind/
Website: http://www.asustainablemind.com

Subscribe, Rate & Review ASM on Apple Podcasts: ASustainableMind.com/Apple

073: Seabin Project's Pete Ceglinski on Cleaning Our Oceans, Simple Solutions, and Focusing Upstream Jan 13, 2020

Show notes

Australian surfer, father, and clean ocean advocate Pete Ceglinski is the CEO and Co-Founder of the Seabin Project. Seabin, a device designed to reduce, and ultimately eliminate pollution in our oceans, acts as a trash can for our waters and has the ability to remove microplastics, microfibers, plastic bags, bottles, cigarette butts, and more. Along with the development of the Seabin Project as a business, Pete is heavily involved in the technical design and development of the products. Since he co-founded the invention in 2015 there have been Seabins installed in over 40 countries, resulting in a total of 1.95 tons of waste extracted from our oceans every day.

Want to start your own cause-based podcast? Let's get you launched!! For more details on how you can work with me 1-on-1 to get your show up and running, please visit http://www.ASustainableMind.com/launch

In this episode Marjorie and Pete Ceglinski discuss:

How Seabin is creating strategic partnerships with municipalities and marinas to get Seabins installed all across the globe
How a Seabin works and how simplicity was their key to success during the creation process
Where Pete and the Seabin team see taking their invention in the near future
How you, your company or group can get involved, even if you don't live near the water

Resources from Pete:

Patagonia
Guy Raz's How I Built This podcast
Maverick: The Success Story Behind the World's Most Unusual Workplace (Amazon) by Ricardo Semler
Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman--Including 10 More Years of Business Unusual (Amazon) by Yvon Chouinard

Connect with Pete Ceglinski and the Seabin Project:

Website: SeabinProject.com
Instagram: @Seabin_Project
Facebook: @SeabinProject

Connect with Marjorie Alexander:

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/asustainablemind/

Twitter: https://twitter.com/SustainableMind

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

Website: asustainablemind.com

Subscribe and Rate & Review ASM on Apple Podcasts: http://getpodcast.reviews/id/1039692339

072: People of Color in the Outdoor Community with José González of Latino Outdoors Dec 26, 2019

Show notes

José G. González is the Founder of Latino Outdoors. He is an experienced educator as a K-12 public education teacher, environmental education advisor, outdoor education instructor and coordinator, and university adjunct faculty. He is also an illustrator and science communicator. His commentary on diversity and environmental/outdoor equity has been featured by High Country News, Outside Magazine, Earth Island Journal, and Latino USA, among others. He engaged in collaborations with the White House Council on Environmental Quality, U.S. Department of Interior, and the National Park Service during the Obama Administration. He also represented Latino Outdoors in several coalitions including the Latino Conservation Alliance, the Next 100 Coalition, and California Parks Now. He has been recognized with several honors, including the National Wildlife Federation Environmental Educator Award, Grist Magazine "Grist 50", and The Murie Center Spirit of the Muries, among others. You may have also seen him in various outdoor spaces or read his poetic musings.

He received his B.A at the University of California, Davis, and his M.S at the University of Michigan School of Natural Resources & Environment.

In this episode Marjorie and José González discuss:

The importance of having minorities represented in the outdoor community - as participants and as leadership
The challenges that some communities encounter regarding outdoor access and how to overcome those challenges
How strategic partnerships play into building a more racially diverse outdoor community and why not just commitment, but alignment, plays a key role in success partnership success
How to support youth in building healthy relationships with nature

Resources from Jose: