Green Dreamer: Seeding change towards collective healing, sustainability, regeneration

Jay Siegel is the founder of Ground Up Impact and the creator of Sustainability Defined, the award-winning podcast that defines sustainability "one topic (and one bad joke) at a time." On this episode, Jay sheds light on why sustainability can't be defined by a standard dictionary; the root causes driving environmental degradation no matter what industry we're speaking of; what it takes to reach the general public with our messages beyond the niche of people who already care; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/151 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Debra Prinzing (@dkprinzing) is a Seattle-based writer, speaker and leading advocate for American Grown Flowers. Through her many Slow Flowers-branded projects, including SlowFlowers.com (@myslowflowers), Slow Flowers Podcast, and American Flowers Week, she has convened a national conversation that stimulates consumers and professionals alike to make conscious choices about their floral purchases. On this podcast episode, Debra sheds light on why we need a slow flowers movement; the environmental impacts of growing flowers with an artisan mindset versus a commodity mindset; the vital role of flowers in our food production; how our collective loss of knowledge on seasonality helped drive agrobiodiversity loss; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/150 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Maria Abadilla is the Founder and Chairperson of Orangutan Alliance (@orangutanalliance), an independent, industry-based nonprofit organization promoting the reduction of unsustainable palm oil in consumer products through their palm oil free certification program. On this podcast episode, Maria sheds light on the primary global threats from the palm oil industry; the evolution of how we commodified palm oil to the point where rainforests are cleared for its plantations; how we can navigate the over two-hundred alternative names that palm oil is masked under on ingredient labels; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/149 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Tamara Lim is the founder and CEO of The Wally Shop, America's first zero-waste grocery delivery service that sources from local farmers, markets, and bulk shops. On this podcast episode, Tamara sheds light on how our current consumption model and waste management methods are setting us up for failure when we're striving to address our waste issues; what structural and systemic shifts we need in order to render disposable packaging obsolete; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/148 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Rosalinda Guillen is a recognized farm worker and rural justice leader. She's also the Executive Director of Community to Community (C2C), a women-of-color led, grassroots organization redefining power in order to end settler colonialism, capitalism, and patriarchy in their external and internalized forms. Fueled by inspiration from her parents growing up and fed up with the systemic oppression in our food system, Rosalinda is working to build support for rural communities and sustainable agriculture policies that ensure equity and healthy communities for farm workers. On this podcast episode, Rosalinda sheds light on how settler colonialism continues to play out in our food system today; how the lack of work authorization for undocumented farm workers—which make up 48%-70% (or more) of our total number of farm workers in the U.S.—impacts labor standards; how food justice is related to immigration issues; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/147 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Shannon Service is an award-winning, independent reporter and filmmaker who broke the story of slavery at sea for NPR’s Morning Edition in 2012. Her new feature documentary, Ghost Fleet, follows up on that story as she sets sail with a Thai abolitionist who is scouring remote islands for slaves who’ve jumped ship. On this podcast episode, Shannon sheds light on the difficulties in regulating our global fishing industry; how overfishing is tied to human trafficking and modern-day slavery at sea; how to address "fish-laundering" and support more transparency and traceability in the seafood supply chain; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/146 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Gabe Brown is the author of Dirt to Soil and the owner and operator of Brown’s Ranch in Bismarck, North Dakota, where he and his family have been farming profitably without the use of synthetic fertilizers, pesticides, herbicides, or fungicides for over twenty years. Today, Gabe’s award-winning regenerative farming systems lead thousands of people to flock to his farm each year to learn how to implement them so they can support their own farms and ranches using similar practices as well. On this podcast episode, Gabe sheds light on why we need to stop focusing on yield as the ultimate measurement in food production; the importance of having ruminants and animals on farmlands to support agroecology; problematic, existing farm programs and regulations that incentivize monocultures and extractive methods of agriculture that need to be amended; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/145 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Nicole Rycroft is the Founder and Executive Director of Canopy, an international nonprofit organization that works collaboratively with over 750 companies to protect our ancient and endangered forests. On this podcast episode, Nicole sheds light on our urgency to protect our remaining ancient and endangered forests from further deforestation; why we need to be wary of buying new clothes and textiles made of rayon and viscose, even if they're sourced from sustainably managed forests; whether we should compost old paper or wood products into soil or recycle them into new material; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/143 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Abigail Dillen is the President of Earthjustice, an organization that uses the courts to protect our environment and people’s health. Throughout her career, she's litigated many precedent-setting cases that have held polluters accountable and cleared the way for clean energy nationally, which is why we're honored to be able to share her expertise and thought leadership with you on this podcast episode. In this conversation, Abbie sheds light on the implication of nature's place within our society based on the values the United States was founded on; how litigation can support the environmental movement; how environmental policies, laws, and regulations differ and how we can get involved in them; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/143 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Dave Chapman runs Long Wind Farm in Vermont and is the co-founder and Executive Director of the Real Organic Project. After unveiling how our current organic standards may be misleading consumers and falling short of what "organic" should mean, he now actively fights for integrity and transparency in the National Organic Program. On this podcast episode, Dave shares the shocking reality of how products from CAFOs (concentrated animal feeding operations) and hydroponics can be certified organic by the USDA; why hydroponics should not be considered organic; how he's dealing with the challenges of going against big money and corporate influence; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/142 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Dr. Kris Nichols is the Chief Scientist at Pachaterrae and a world-renowned leader in the movement to regenerate soils for healthy food, healthy people, and a healthy planet. On this episode, Kris sheds light on the vital role of mycorrhizal fungi in indirectly supporting resilience against climate change; the importance of biodiversity in creating synergies that strengthen the health of our ecosystems; how soil microbiology impacts the bioavailability of the nutrients within our foods; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/141 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Shyla Raghav is the global climate change strategy lead for Conservation International, who's attended almost a decade of United Nations climate change negotiations and international conferences. On this episode, Shyla sheds light on her learning lessons from having attended these key negotiations; how competition for power, economic status, and technological advancement between countries impact our ability to collaborate on climate mitigation; what "422pm" means and how we can meaningfully lower greenhouse gases through nature-based solutions; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/140 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

David Katz is the founder of Plastic Bank, which is helping to make plastic waste a currency that transcends poverty while stopping the flow of plastic into our oceans. On this podcast episode, David sheds light on what sugar has to do with plastic pollution; why we need to address the fact that this global crisis is intricately linked to poverty; the importance of coming up with ways that keep plastics out of our oceans to begin with (e.g., turning off the tap) rather than focusing on retroactive cleanups (e.g., mopping the floor while it's still being flooded); and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/139 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Galahad Clark, a seventh-generation Clark of the Clarks shoe dynasty, is the co-creator of Shoespiracy and the founder of VIVOBAREFOOT, a global footwear brand that’s set out to be the most sustainable in the world. After learning about how the thick layers of support in our footwear are leading the muscles in our feet to atrophy, compromising sensory information and our bodily health, Galahad created a shoe that is wide, flexible, and sensory, allowing our feet to function they way they are supposed to! On this podcast episode, Galahad sheds light on this public health scandal around shoes, how our feet's strength impacts the health of our brains, joints, and body as a whole system, the environmental impact of the shoe industry and what it means to support sustainability as a footwear brand; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/138 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Manuela Baron is a Colombian-American content creator and artist behind The Girl Gone Green, focused on advocating for environmentally conscious living. On this podcast episode, Manuela sheds light on how exposing ourselves to different cultures and environments shift our perspectives on sustainability; why she hesitates to promote "zero-waste living"; how can we go against that grain of social media, which tends to promote mindless consumption, to encourage mindfulness, minimalism, and conscious consumerism; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/137 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Adam Sacks is a climate activist, writer, and the Executive Director of Biodiversity for a Livable Climate. On this podcast episode, Adam sheds light on how biodiversity loss may be a greater threat to our planet than climate change; why we need to include the conservation of biodiversity as a key climate health solution; how real-life stories of regeneration around the world prove that we already know what it takes to rebuild healthy, resilient ecosystems; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/136 Support the show: www.patreon.com/greendreamer Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Bob Donofrio is the creator of Futura Jewelry, a brand that creates a global curation of iconic jewelry designs using only certified Fairmined Ecological Gold. (At present, it's the only brand to do so.) After a life-changing discovery a few years ago of the threat that mercury from small-scale gold mining poses to people and our planet, he founded the brand in efforts to support a cleaner future and better social and environmental standards in the industry. On this podcast episode, Bob sheds light on how mercury emissions has been dubbed a global crisis by the United Nations; why Fairmined Ecological Gold, specifically used in jewelry, is necessary to improve the practices in gold mining (though gold is also used for other things like computer chips); how the creation of beautiful, meaningful, and timeless designs can encourage deeper appreciation for fashion rather than drive overconsumption; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/135 Support the show: www.patreon.com/greendreamer Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Leah Penniman is an educator, farmer, the author of Farming While Black, and food justice activist who currently serves as founding co-executive director of Soul Fire Farm in Grafton, New York—a people-of-color led project that works to dismantle racism in our food system. On this episode, Leah sheds light on the impact of colonialism on soil health around the world; how the oppression of Black and Indigenous people-of-color in the United States has affected farmland ownership and continued, institutionalized injustice; how we can take action to support racial justice in food production; and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/134 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Tristram Stuart is a speaker, an international award-winning author (The Bloodless Revolution and Waste: Uncovering the Global Food Scandal), the founder of Feedback and Toastale, and an expert on the environmental and social impacts of food. On this episode, Tristram shares how we've come to adopt a wasteful, linear food system (and what a circular system would look like), how we can be more respectful to nature in spite of our economy undervaluing what is truly invaluable, how we can rewire our broken food system through delivery services driven by supply of what is available rather than consumer demand, and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/133 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

With a background in alternative fuels, renewable energy, energy efficiency, transportation technologies, and financial services, Brian Goldstein is the Executive Director of Energy Independence Now (founded by Leonardo DiCaprio Foundation‘s CEO, Terry Tamminen), a nonprofit on a mission to support the transition to a clean transportation system through hydrogen fuel. On this episode, Brian shares how hydrogen fuel cells work, the environmental impact of electric vehicles compared to hydrogen-powered vehicles, the practicality and potential of fuel cells to help green the transportation sector, and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/132 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: @KameaChayne @GreenDreamerPodcast

J.I. Cruz is the co-founder of ACEPR, a nonprofit social enterprise and accelerator program that aims to provide Puerto Rican community leaders with the resources, financing, and know-how needed to establish renewable energy microgrid cooperatives across the island. On this episode, J.I. shares how renewable energy relates to natural disasters like hurricanes, the role of decentralized electric grids in sustainable development, how he deals with ageism as someone who started his social venture at 21 years old, and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/131 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: @KameaChayne @GreenDreamerPodcast

My special message to you. Happy Earth Day and Month, Green Dreamer! Support the show and join our network: www.greendreamer.com/supportInstagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Judith D. Schwartz is a journalist who focuses on nature-based solutions to global challenges and the author of Cows Save the Planet and Water in Plain Sight: Hope for a Thirsty World. On this episode, Judith shares why fixating on reducing carbon emissions alone is a shortsighted approach to tackling climate change, how 'organic' is losing its standards and meaning, what it means that we've been managing against environmental challenges rather than managing for them, and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/130 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

Whitney Bauck is an Associate Editor at Fashionista. She got her start writing about the intersection of fashion, faith, and ethics, and now frequently explores the topics of sustainability, worker rights, and diverse representation within the fashion industry. On this episode, Whitney shares why she thinks regenerative agriculture may be the next big thing in sustainable fashion, her thoughts on what drives fashion trends, how we can influence the industry to be more ethical and sustainable in practice, and more. Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/129 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: www.instagram.com/greendreamerpodcast

How might exposures to cultures different from our own allow us to see our own blind spots when it comes to our common lifestyle habits (and those of other people's)? How has our current fashion industry come to be so wasteful, and what can we do as individuals to help the industry move in a healthier direction? Sharing her wisdom here is Sarah-Jayne Smith, Founder of Magpies and Peacocks—the only nonprofit design house in the United States. Let's dive in! Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/127 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: @KameaChayne @GreenDreamerPodcast HIGHLIGHTS [3:01] Kaméa: "Do you think the amount of space that Americans have compared to other countries in the world has, in part, inspired this culture of disposability?" [14:18] Sarah-Jayne talks about what she thinks it was that allowed the fashion industry to become so disposable and wasteful. [18:50] Kaméa: "What do you think acting as a nonprofit has allowed you to do that operating as a business may not have?" [20:58] Sarah-Jayne talks about the recyclability of different types of fabrics. [23:50] Kaméa: "How can we best encourage a less disposable culture going forward?"

At a time when we need to galvanize collective power to drive systemic change, why is it important for us to go beyond conscious consumerism to also focus on political action? What can we do besides voting to support environmental policy throughout the year? Sharing his wisdom here is Will Hackman, an activist and contributing writer on the topics of energy, environment, climate change policy. Let's dive in! Episode notes: www.greendreamer.com/127 Support the show: www.greendreamer.com/support Instagram: @KameaChayne @GreenDreamerPodcast HIGHLIGHTS [2:55] Kaméa: "Is it more effective to try and do what we can as individuals with our lifestyle choices, or is it more effective to work on environmental policy change?" [10:50] Where the U.S. stands in terms of its environmental policy in relation to other countries. [15:55] What 'decarbonizing the economy' entails, and what it would this look like in practice. [18:08] How climate change and other environmental factors are affecting our oceans, including ocean acidification. [22:03] Will talks about what we can do throughout the year to impact policy change beyond voting.

What does it mean for us that plastic is actually in part a byproduct of the oil industry? How do we deal with the frustration of being around friends or family members with wasteful habits while we're working hard to reduce our personal waste? Sharing her wisdom here is Kathryn Kellogg, author of the new book 101 Ways to Go Zero Waste. Let's dive in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support HIGHLIGHTS [3:53] Explaining the concept of zero waste to someone learning about it for the first time. [6:32] Dealing with the frustration of being around friends or family members who may be very wasteful. [9:49] Kathryn: "People are so focused on what they can't do that they miss all of the awesome stuff that they already are doing or what they can do." [20:08] Kaméa: "Based on what you know, is plastic a byproduct of the oil industry, and if so, what does this mean in terms of plastic's place in our society today?" [24:21] Kaméa: "What are your thoughts on the practicality of bioplastics replacing regular plastics?" [30:51] What personal sustainability means to Kathryn. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/126, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support

What is biodynamic farming, and what can we learn from this to support the regeneration of a healthier planet? How have our individual actions already shifted societal trends, and how are they continuing to crystalize our path towards a sustainable future?Sharing his wisdom here is author and Founder of Y on Earth, Aaron Perry. Let's dive in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support HIGHLIGHTS [3:11] Aaron discusses Nature-Deficit Disorder and how urbanization may contribute to mental illness.[6:01] Aaron discusses how our daily individual actions add up to help drive larger positive change.[8:32] Aaron explains what biodynamic agriculture is. [12:44] What Aaron does as Chief Sustainability Officer for organizations and companies.[22:00] Aaron explains how global and national events in the 20th century led us to where we are today in terms of unsustainable policies and systems. [28:12] Aaron: "One of the big choices we each have is: To what degree might we let go of what we think of as our personal interests, and work more towards our greater global interests as a society and as a single species living on a single planet?" Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/125, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support

What do we need to know about how microplastic pollution impacts our health and the health of our natural ecosystems? Why can natural microfibers shed from our clothes also be problematic when they wash down the drain?Sharing her wisdom here is Rachael Miller, the Co-Founder of Rozalia Project and the Founder of Cora Ball, a solution that keeps microplastics from our clothing from washing down the drain. Let's dive in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support HIGHLIGHTS [9:23] Rachael explains how our clothing and textiles break apart and shed microfibers.[11:42] Why our clothing made from natural fibers (and not just synthetics) can also be problematic.[15:47] Rachael talks about how her team designed Cora Ball through biomimicry. [25:16] Rachael: "Everyone who wears and washes clothes is part of this problem... And everyone who wears and washes clothes can be a part of this solution."[27:41] Rachael: "Unlike microbeads, there is no one solution here."[29:41] Kaméa: "How do you think we can move towards a more preventive system?" Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/124, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support

What's at stake when the coverage of environmental issues leave out their impacts on the people they affect? What is the role of an artist in supporting the sustainability and regeneration of a thriving planet?Sharing his wisdom here is Michael A. Estrada, a photographer, writer, and the founder of Brown Environmentalist, also known as BEEN Media. Let's dive in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support HIGHLIGHTS [5:10] Kaméa: "What is the role of an artist in environmental activism?"[6:58] Michael talks about what led him to focus on the experiences of people of color in sustainability. [11:16] Michael discusses how common media narratives about environmental activism may have harmed BIPOC (Black, Indigenous, and People of Color).[13:06] Michael: "Yes, it's painful. But in that pain, there is also a lot of healing that needs to be done." [15:06] Michael and Kaméa discuss how social media has been unhelpful in creating the picture of what an environmentalist looks like. [22:43] Michael: "Take the time to do the self-learning and the self-healing work." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/123, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support

How does our mental and emotional wellbeing impact our ability to serve those we love, our communities, and our planet? What is it that actually motivates behavioral change, and what does this mean for us as people wanting to spark positive change in our own lives and the lives of people around us? Sharing her wisdom here is Dr. Parneet Pal, Chief Science Officer at Wisdom Labs. Let's dive in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support HIGHLIGHTS[9:03] Kaméa: "Across the board, we're experiencing increasing levels of stress, burnout, anxiety, and loneliness. What are the driving forces are behind this negative trend?"[11:13] How technology affects our mental health.[19:19] How our daily stress responses can impact our mental and emotional wellbeing and our abilities to think beyond our own good.[21:15] Parneet talks about what mindfulness is from a scientific standpoint.[25:25] How practicing mindfulness can lead to more compassion and empathy and in the bigger picture, a less consumptive society.[27:50] Parneet: "Before we can change the world, we have to start with our own selves."[30:58] Kaméa: "What exactly does it take to actually change our behaviors and habits?" Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/122, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support

To address the unsustainability of our current food production, how can we work towards having localized and regenerative food systems? What do we need to know about the mislabeling, or greenwashing, of our food products? Sharing her wisdom here is Wen-Jay Ying, Founder and CEO of Local Roots NYC. Let's dive in! *Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support HIGHLIGHTS[5:55] Wen-Jay: "There is so much content about food out there that it can feel kind of intimidating. But if you can make it really fun and a little sexy, I think people are more likely to listen." [10:20] Kaméa: "Were there any specific roadblocks that you faced as a female, minority business owner?"[14:25] Kaméa: "How did we come to adopt such an unsustainable food system in America?"[18:35] Wen-Jay explains how localized food systems can actually boost nutrition in our foods and therefore, also their flavors.[21:26] Wen-Jay and Kaméa discuss how not all whole foods are equal. [23:42] Wen-Jay explains talks about greenwashing and mislabeling in the food industry.[25:31] Kaméa: "How do you think we, as consumers, can better support sustainable food systems without letting the complexity overwhelm us?" Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/121, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Enjoying Green Dreamer? Become a patron for bonus episodes, access to our Green Dreamer Network, and more: www.greendreamer.com/support

How does the dominant narrative that we are destructive as humans actually do our work in sustainability a disservice? What is the importance of accepting that not everyone will approach or see environmental activism in the same way? Sharing their wisdom here are conservation psychologists and leading researchers at New Knowledge Organization, Dr. John Fraser and Dr. Rupu Gupta. Let's dive in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.* HIGHLIGHTS[8:23] Kaméa: "How has your transdisciplinary approach allowed you and your team to reach new findings or come up with more powerful solutions for sustainability?"[11:02] John explains how humanity has a pattern of depleting our resources, and how this is not a new problem.[16:29] John discusses the personal and social wellness challenges of conservationists. [18:51] Kaméa: "What advice can you offer for those of us who feel guilty for taking a positive approach to sustainability when there is so much pain, injustice, and serious degradation to address?" [22:55] Rupu talks about how the dominant narratives of who cares about nature exclude the broader racial and ethnic diversity that truly exists in environmental activism.[28:17] John and Rupu discuss the importance of coming together with partnerships and groups to make a larger positive impact. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/120, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.*

How do we reach people who aren't already mindful of their environmental impact, while not pushing them away by being 'too hardcore' in our approach? What should we keep in mind when we're sharing sustainability with our friends and people who are just entering the scene so that our messages can reach them in an engaging and meaningful way? Sharing her wisdom here is eco-realist and YouTuber Shelbi of Shelbizleee. Let's dive in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.* HIGHLIGHTS [5:39] How Shelbi first started dumpster diving.[9:06] Shelbi discusses the importance of holding stores and companies accountable for their waste.[15:16] Shelbi explains why she quit dumpster diving.[18:00] How Shelbi evolved her message to emphasize her focus on sustainability more while not pushing away subscribers initially just intrigued by dumpster diving or by the makeup products she found in dumpsters.[20:44] Shebi on the importance of making sustainability feel attainable.[23:20] Shelbi: “You cannot do all the good that the world needs, but the world needs all the good that you can do.”[25:03] Shelbi: “Zero waste was never meant to fall completely on the consumer.” [27:58] Shelbi: “I do think we need to make it more fun!” Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/119, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.*

How has the media coverage of sustainability evolved over the last decade, and how can we support its presence in mainstream narratives? What was it that instilled in us this idea that living sustainably is all about sacrificing things rather than about gaining things that can truly enrich our lives? Sharing her wisdom here is Candice Batista, an environmental journalist and the founder of The Eco Hub. Let's dive in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.* HIGHLIGHTS [3:26] What sparked Candice's interest in environmental journalism. [7:11] Candice talks about how she was 'very preachy' at first and why she now approaches her messaging from a more educational tone.[8:51] Kaméa: "What's your current greatest challenge in helping to inspire public engagement and action?"[12:58] Candice: "People can tell when you're doing something because you have to or when you're doing something because you're really passionate about it." [13:53] The misconception that eco-living is all about sacrifice.[20:44] Candice: "When you have less stuff, you actually have more space in your brain and your psyche because you're not cluttered with all these things."[22:59] What Candice has changed her mind about throughout her years reporting on sustainability.[27:16] Kaméa: "How can we better inspire care and action?"[27:36] Candice: "If you have a voice and you can use it, then use it." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/118, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.*

How do lab-grown diamonds compare in their environmental impact with conventionally mined ones? Given that some people rely on mining diamonds for their livelihoods, why do we still need to transition away from extracting these precious stones by way of mining? Sharing his wisdom here is Alex Weindling, Founder and CEO of Clean Origin, a jewelry company which sells lab-grown diamonds. You'll hear about some of the major social and environmental issues involved in conventional diamond mining, how lab-grown diamonds are made, why this technology should render the need for mining diamonds obsolete, and more. Let's dive in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.* HIGHLIGHTS[5:04] Alex talks about what eventually led him to leave his family business in the conventional diamond industry.[10:02] Alex: "Not only can we get them without ripping craters in the earth that are literally visible from the atmosphere, but we can make them more accessible to more people."[15:39] Kaméa: "Do you think there is such a thing as sustainable mining?"[18:03] Why the diamond mining today is becoming less and less efficient, using more resources for less yield of diamonds.[19:52] How lab-grown diamonds are created.[24:33] How transitioning away from mining diamonds will impact those whose livelihoods depend on it.[28:49] Alex discusses what the best ways are to give our diamonds new life at the end of their life-cycles for us. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/117, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.*

How can we help sustainability as a topic get more attention in spaces where people already consume a lot of content online, such as on YouTube? How can we lessen the amount of in-fighting going on within environmental activism so we can join forces to inspire whatever action and change we can together? Sharing her wisdom here is Immy Lucas, a YouTube content creator and Founder of the Low Impact Movement. You'll hear about what made her most watched videos go viral, how to be more inclusive of all types of people in our communication, why it's so important for eco-advocates to come together, and more. Let's dive in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.* HIGHLIGHTS [7:18] Immy shares one of the most difficult parts in her transition towards a zero waste lifestyle.[10:56] Immy: "Just make the best decision you can without worrying about it too much." [14:10] What's at stake when we communicate in ways that may exclude a certain group of people.[14:46] Kaméa: "If you had to start all over again, what would you do differently, if anything?"[15:28] Immy: "Sharing your weaknesses and mistakes can be incredibly rewarding and it can be helpful for other people." [25:13] Immy: "What's important here is that you're trying. Even if it's a tiny step... for us, that's good enough and we want to support that." [28:34] Kaméa: "How do you see waste reduction being related to fighting climate change? [31:08] Immy: "We need to let go of judgment and any negative in-fighting that there might be within the movement. I think it's so important that we come together." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/116, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.*

Why have we parted ways with some traditional but perfectly functional and natural ways of storing food in favor of plastic packaging? Given that companies aren't necessarily held liable for their negative externalities (e.g., waste, pollution, etc.), how can we get them to be voluntarily responsible for their impacts? Sharing her wisdom here is Sarah Kaeck, Founder of Bee's Wrap. You'll hear about how plastic has made its way into all corners of our modern day lives, why sustainable beekeeping is so important, how to sustainably scale a business that makes a positive impact, and more. Let's dive in! *Enjoying the show? Support Green Dreamer on Patreon for bonus episodes, access to our private support community, and more.* HIGHLIGHTS[6:35] Kaméa: "Why do you think such a healthy, functional, and practical way of storing food has been lost?"[9:09] Kaméa: "How can we get companies that make things to think about the long-term impacts since they're not held liable for that?"[10:43] Sarah shares how she and her team got the idea of Bee's Wrap across to so many people.[16:31] Kaméa: "Do you think it's possible for a really large company to operate sustainably while supporting a sustainable future at the same time?"[18:05] Sarah shares the role of beekeeping for sustainability.[19:36] How can we, as consumers, ensure that the beeswax or honey in what we buy come from sustainably managed hives? Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/115, subscribe to our free weekly newsletter, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in! *Become an official Green Dreamer Patreon Supporter*

How can awareness of sustainability—even if just among a minority group of people—eventually reach a tipping point when it can then create a ripple effect and break into the mainstream? What does it take to create stories and documentaries that leave people feeling deeply inspired, empowered, and moved to action? Sharing his wisdom here is Jordan Osmond, documentary filmmaker and Co-Founder of Happen Films. You'll hear about why fear may not an effective motivator for sustainable behavioral change, how we can learn from localized and indigenous knowledge, how to inspire and activate people through film, and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS [6:46] The difference between using cold facts versus using stories when sharing information and motivating others to take action.[18:37] Jordan: "There's still time to heal the damage that has been done."[19:45] Why leading by example may be more effective than trying to force change upon others.[22:46] What first got Jordan interested in regenerative agriculture. [27:06] Jordan: "There is so much knowledge from indigenous cultures... that is sadly being lost but is also being relearned. And that's all permaculture is really. It's nothing new." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/114, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

In the middle of this global awareness to use less single-use plastic bottled water, why is the bottled water market still on the rise? Why is aluminum superior to plastic as a material used for single-use packaging? Sharing her wisdom here is Nicole Doucet, the CEO and Co-founder of Open Water. You'll hear about all the reasons why aluminum is a more environmentally friendly packaging material when compared to plastic, the pervasive problem with microplastics, why recycling plastic isn't a sustainable solution, and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS [4:57] Nicole's thoughts on why it seems we have just recently gained more awareness as a society on single-use plastic even though it's been a problem for a long time.[9:01] Why aluminum is a more environmentally material than plastic for packaging.[9:44] Kaméa: "Why are there incentives to support the recycling of aluminum in particular and not other materials?"[16:22] What was the challenge you wanted to overcome with your rebranding from Green Sheep Water to Open Water?[21:01] The problem with the pervasiveness of microplastics.[23:13] Kaméa: "How can we most effectively tackle plastic pollution as soon as possible?" Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/113, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

Given that many young people today are already so passionate about helping to solve our global issues, how can we better engage them and empower them to contribute their unique perspectives and talents? How does engineering tie into this picture of sustainability, and how can engineers best apply their backgrounds and skillset to help further advance our progress towards a healthier future? Sharing her wisdom here is Brittany Bennett, Executive Director of Engineers for a Sustainable World. You'll hear about the role of engineers in tackling environmental issues, the importance of having young people in leadership positions, the need for policy change and collective action, and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS[4:28] How engineers are uniquely positioned to solve environmental problems.[13:40] Brittany: "One of the greatest things we can do is to combine our power together to create collective action."[16:51] What Brittany does to stay encouraged when others don't believe in her.[17:00] Kaméa: "What is the importance of having ideas in leadership from young people and minorities in today's world?"[19:04] Brittany: "I wish we were more open about our failures as a society." [20:52] How we can continue to encourage and motivate young people toward action. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/112, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

What are some environmental impacts from the beauty and skincare industry that we should be mindful of? In the midst of our fast-paced, often stressful lives, what can we keep in mind that can help us to immediately shift our outlooks to one of gratitude? Sharing his wisdom here is Andy Hnilo, Founder and CEO of Alitura Naturals. You'll hear about the serious injury that led to him starting Alitura Naturals, some of the most concerning problems with the skincare and beauty industry right now, how to keep a perspective of appreciation in life, and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS[3:18] The serious accident that eventually led to Andy's founding of Alitura.[7:52] Why the ingredients we put onto our skin matter.[12:23] Andy discusses the research and development process he used to develop his innovative, natural skincare.[17:02] Why Andy decided to source unique, wild-harvested ingredients and how this set his products apart from other popular natural skincare brands.[25:17] Some of the biggest environmental and health issues that exist within the beauty industry.[28:02] The availability of unisex and men's eco-skincare and beauty products.[29:47] How word-of-mouth marketing is the most powerful tool Alitura has used to gain exposure. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/111, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

Why can we feel confident and hopeful about our ability to address climate change in this time of need? Even though this topic can often feel complex, overwhelming, and sometimes controversial, what are the three basic things we need to know about the science of climate change that are just undeniable and simple realities? Sharing his wisdom here is Dr. Jeffrey Bennett, an astronomer, teacher, and author. You'll hear about the relationship between astronomy and our climate; how the solutions to tackling climate change have multi-faceted benefits for our society; how to speak intelligently and with clarity about climate change science; and more. HIGHLIGHTS[3:03] The relationship between astronomy and climate change.[6:06] The difference between saving the earth and saving civilization.[7:19] Jeffrey explains the simple science behind global warming in three steps.[9:12] Jeffrey: "There's plenty of hope still out there; we just have to do what we know needs to be done."[10:44] How a carbon tax could greatly impact our transition away from fossil fuels, and how this could actually strengthen our overall economy.[18:56] How we can speak more effectively to the general public about climate change.[22:27] Why climate change is not a partisan concern and how leaders with conservative views were actually first to highlight the issue. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/110, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

How will a deeper understanding of our microbiome health encourage us to take better care of ourselves and our planet? How has human activity been impacting our earth's world of microbes, and what's at stake if our microbial diversity and richness continue to decrease? Sharing her wisdom here is Ara Katz, the Co-Founder of Seed, which is pioneering the application of microbiome science for both human and planetary health. You'll hear about what exactly our microbiome is and does for us; how our personal ecosystems relate to our earth's microbes; how microbiome science will shift our entire approaches to self-care and earth stewardship; and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS[7:21] Ara shares how her experience breastfeeding led her to connect the dots between personal and environmental health.[18:01] Ara explains what our microbiome is and what it does for us.[25:51] Kaméa: "How does our individual microbiome relate to our planet's health?"[26:04] Ara: "We're not in this environment or on this environment—we are of this environment."[26:47] How using antibiotics in animal agriculture impacts our soil health, which in turn creates a harmful cascading effect on the health of our earth and ultimately, ourselves.[27:38] Ara: "Everything is ultimately connected... Microbes are the invisible internet of everything."[32:58] What the impact of urbanization may be on our collective health, given that it leads to decreasing exposures to our microbes-rich living environments. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/109, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

What can we learn from the modeling and fashion industries to help us accelerate our progress towards a healthier future? How does the role of privilege tie into conversations around sustainable living, and how can we be more mindful of this so that we're not just improving our own lives independently, but also helping to improve the system to make it easier and more accessible for everyone to live better as well? Sharing her wisdom here is Renee Elizabeth Peters, a model-activist, the content creator at Model4GreenLiving, a social media expert, and an environmental advocate. You'll hear about the role of modeling in social impact; how to combat burnout as an activist; how we can use our privilege to make a more positive impact; and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS[11:03] Renee's greatest personal struggle working within the modeling industry while championing mind, body, and earth positivity.[14:43] How the media's mainstream narratives impact our mental health and beliefs about what we 'need' to be happy.[17:43] Taking a holistic, positive approach to sustainability and social impact to prevent burnout.[19:01] Renee's three pieces of advice for someone feeling overwhelmed and burnt out by all of the global issues we face today.[22:45] The role of privilege in sustainable living and how influencers can more effectively use their privilege to make a more widespread positive impact.[28:51] Kaméa: "What can we as individuals do to help conversations around sustainability feel more inclusive so that more people may hop on board?"[30:14] One easy thing everyone can do to support systemic change. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/108, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

When money is often associated with corruption and greed, how can we shift our money mindset to be more confident and unafraid to work with it (given that this is how our world operates), so that we can better use it as a means to help improve our world? What can we do to begin meaningfully addressing the issues of disease, poverty, and climate change altogether? Sharing his wisdom here is Devin Thorpe, author, speaker, and founder of the Your Mark on the World Center. You'll hear about why having the right money mindset is important for making a positive impact; why corporations aren't going away and what we can do to better hold them accountable for their work; the interconnected relationship between poverty, disease, and climate change; and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS[7:20] Devin: "I think all of us in the sustainability world on some level resent the influence of money. But the fact is–money is what makes the world go round."[11:47] Why corporations are a necessity in our world today and what we can do to require more responsibility from them.[12:39] The fundamentally flawed idea that a corporation's sole reason for being should be to create shareholder value.[20:58] How the issues of poverty, disease, and climate change relate to one another.[24:22] The role of politics in climate change and poverty and how these are nonpartisan issues.[27:04] Devin: "I really think we need to take personal responsibility and never ever, ever forget the astounding need for us to be politically active—we must do both." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/107, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

What do we need to know about food waste, and what can we do as individuals to help our communities waste less food? Even though sometimes we may feel, as individuals, like just one person in this massive world, why is our sheer existence so important in helping to shape trends and society? Sharing his wisdom here is Max La Manna of Eating With Max. You'll hear about how we can inspire those around us to take positive actions for our planet; how we can create a less wasteful food industry; what to know about plant-based foods that can help us feel more connected to our earth; and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS [6:45] What inspired Max to become a pioneer as a chef focused on not wasting any food, tackling plastic waste from the food industry, and making plant-based recipes.[8:53] Max: "I think that's where a lot of creativity lives – in that space of the unknown and in that space of fear."[9:25] Max's advice on getting over the roadblock of fearing the unknown or fearing what other people think.[13:20] What Max has done to be able to connect deeply with his audience to inspire positive change.[15:00] What we need to know about food waste and how we can get our communities to waste less food.[20:05] Kaméa: "We've become very disconnected as a society from nature, especially as it has to with food... How can we inspire a deeper connection between humans and nature through food?" [22:40] At a time when our global meat consumption is still on the rise, what we can do to inspire people to try more plant-based protein and eat less meat. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/106, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

In addition to supporting the most established national or international environmental nonprofits, why do we also need to simultaneously support local, small, and community-based organizations? What's the importance of making sure that key decisions, policies, and solutions are made in the presence of people from a diversity of backgrounds? Sharing her wisdom with us here is Peggy Shepard, Co-founder and Executive Director of WE ACT For Environmental Justice. You'll hear about how grassroots initiatives can lead to meaningful change for citizens; how large environmental organizations differ in their measures of success and focus compared to community-based organizations; how we can support environmental justice as individuals; and more. Let's dive in! HIGHLIGHTS[8:18] Peggy: "The environmental justice movement really coalesced around the fact that low-income communities and communities of color were being targeted for polluting facilities, but not receiving environmental benefits like parks and alternative energy options like solar and natural gas."[9:23] Peggy: "We believe that the voices of the affected residents are the ones that should take leadership on these issues."[12:11] Peggy talks about the prevalence of systemic environmental racism in the U.S. that is perpetuated by public policy and the history of inequality.[24:20] The differences in how large-scale, national nonprofits measure success compared to community-based organizations, and why we cannot overlook supporting the latter.[27:20] Peggy: "We've got to have a diversity of perspectives because it enriches all of our policies and it enriches our lives." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/105, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

How do aquaponics work and how can this be used to support a more sustainable future in agriculture? What are some environmental issues from the medical cannabis industry that we should know, and how can we best support it to move in a healthier direction? Sharing his wisdom here is Warren Bravo, the co-founder and CEO of Green Relief. You'll hear about how he pivoted from leading his family business to become the largest cement contracting company in Canada to co-establishing his licensed medical cannabis company; how he developed their aquaponic system to be able to scale sustainable production of the plant; how sterile systems like hydroponics compare to aquaponics and soil-based growth; and more. Let's dive in. HIGHLIGHTS:[7:00] How Warren got involved with the medical cannabis industry and sustainable agriculture.[11:55] Warren: "I learned a long time ago not to sweat over things I can't control."[12:41] What aquaponics are and how they work.[15:35] Kamea: "What do we know about the difference between plants or crops grown from sterile systems like hydroponics compared to ones with rich micro-biotic populations?"[19:05] Warren's biggest struggle in growing Green Relief.[24:22] Warren shares how to support the medical cannabis industry to be more sustainable and more generally, how to champion sustainable agriculture going forward. Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/104, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

Why are plastic pieces so problematic when they end up in our oceans? How can focusing on preventative solutions to tackling plastic and micro-plastic pollution help us to more effectively address this global issue? Sharing his wisdom here is Dr. Marcus Eriksen, Co-founder and Research Director of 5 Gyres Institute. In this episode, you’ll hear about his research on microplastic pollution leading to the passing of our federal Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015; why he thinks we need to focus more on stopping plastic from entering our waterways in the first place instead of on cleaning up plastics already in our oceans; and more. Let’s dive in. HIGHLIGHTS[4:21] Marcus discusses his active deployment in the Gulf War and how seeing the ecological impact of war affected him.[5:30] Marcus: "I've got to preserve and conserve the world around me. That's my duty; that's what's worth fighting for."[8:16] How the 5 Gyres Institute fought for (and won) the Microbead-Free Waters Act of 2015. [14:07] Marcus speaks on the linear waste system and how that system needs to change into a circular system.[25:45] How the burden of pollution has changed from resting on the consumers' shoulders alone to consumers sharing the load with corporations.[27:19] Kamea: "It's important for us all to also know that we all have to work together. It's consumers; it's businesses; it's governments. We have to all collaborate with each other." Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com/103, subscribe to our newsletter to win monthly giveaways, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!