Sustainability Now - exploring technologies and paradigms to shape a world that works

Still very much misunderstood, the effectiveness and importance of cannabis as a plant medicine has everything to do with our endocannabinoid receptors. Tammi Sweet explains the nuances and mechanisms of our biological interactions with this miraculous master plant and teaches us how we can benefit from its medicinal properties.

Visionary, film producer, and activist, Ryland Engelhart is guided by the fundamental question, "How can I use my life to awaken more love?" After years as "Mission Fulfillment Officer" and co-owner of the legendary, family owned, plant-based Café Gratitude and Gracias Madre restaurants, Ryland co-founded Kiss the Ground and is now engaged in full time advocacy of regenerative agriculture. Join us for this deeply spiritual interview about bringing the sacred to commerce and cultivating a culture of gratitude. Resources and links at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/06/27/051-heart-centered-entrepreneurship-with-ryland-engelhart-of-kiss-the-ground/

If we're going to stop fracking and pipelines, we need future-thinking energy policy. Tom Gilbert of ReThink Energy NJ joins us to discuss how his organization informs and empowers citizens and decision-makers to support sensible policies to bring about a swift transition to clean, efficient, renewable energy. They advocate reducing the use of dirty fossil fuels and stopping unnecessary pipelines that threaten our land, air, water, health, and safety. Resources and links: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/05/02/048-rethinking-energy-policy/

Co-founders of Possible Planet, Jonathan Cloud and Victoria Zelin are on a mission to finance the transition to a regenerative future by creating strategies to attract capital and investment in clean energy. Today's conversation is about PACE, (Property Assessed Clean Energy) — a source of financing that: 1) requires no money out of pocket to make clean energy property improvements, 2) pays for itself with clean energy savings and 3) attaches the cost to the property rather than the property owner. Join us to learn more about this game-changing innovation in financing that can help fund the transition not only to net zero buildings, but to buildings that capture more carbon than they emit.

What if we could use open-source software development principles to reverse climate change? That is exactly what Chris Neidl and The Open Air Collective has done through their Direct Air Carbon Capture (DACC) projects and their leadership in crafting the New York State Low Embodied Carbon Concrete Leadership Act (LECCLA). LECCLA is new legislation that would require all of the state's agencies to include climate impact in their selection criteria for concrete procurement. The more sustainable a concrete provider's bid is, the more likely it will be to win the business. This is a big deal. As the single largest purchaser of concrete in NY, the state's collective buying power could kickstart a market transformation, creating significant demand for low carbon concrete while broadening its availability in the private sector. Resources and links from the interview: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/03/21/46-concrete-solutions-to-climate-change/

Featuring Tim Paganos, Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer of microshare.io Smart buildings are good right? Adjusting room temperature and lighting based on patterns of use is more efficient, uses less resources and is therefore more sustainable. Collecting more detailed data enables greater refinement of systems and environments. But when is enough, enough? Join us for this provocative conversation about data collection, sustainability and privacy. More info and links at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/03/06/45-sustainability-through-it-a-double-edged-sword/

Starting with the reinstatement of the 1942 Articles of Incorporation for the Kentucky Hemp Growers Association and then inspiring the planting of three feral hemp seeds by Woody Harrelson in the 90's, Joe Hickey has been a primary force behind the legalization of industrial hemp. Despite being a nearly magical plant with over 25,00 uses that include food, fuel, fiber, housing, health, and so much more, industrial hemp has been hindered in its adoption because of its close association to cannabis — which is known for its psychoactive properties. Industrial hemp contains less than .3% THC, the mind-altering substance present in marijuana. In addition to its multitude of uses, hemp also nutrifies the soil and is thought by many to be the salvation for struggling farmers. Links and more info at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/02/13/44-joe-hickey-godfather-of-industrial-hemp/

Director of the documentary film "At War with the Dinosaurs," John Michael Parkan is a hydrogen energy evangelist extolling the virtues and promise of a burgeoning hydrogen economy. Hydrogen is the third most abundant element on earth and is a sustainable green-energy alternative to fossil fuels that has been around since the early 1800's. All the major car manufacturers have produced a hydrogen fuel cell car and the technology is more planet-friendly than battery-powered electric vehicles. So why is it that, when so many of us think of hydrogen, our primary reference point is images of the fire-engulfed Hindenburg, an image rife with the misappropriation of danger, while hydrogen fuel is actually so much safer than gasoline? Join us for this VERY illuminating interview and hear the true story of hydrogen and learn how this technology may be the solution for a transition away from a fossil fuel economy to a truly sustainable future. John Michael addresses the perceptions and prejudices related to hydrogen power and provides us with cogent steps we can take to support the emerging hydrogen economy. About John Michael: John Michael Parkan attended the prestigious USC Film School and has shot, produced and directed multiple commercials, music videos, and shorts, in addition to special features for theatrical and library films. At War with the Dinosaurs is his first feature length documentary film. More resources and links at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2021/01/30/43-fueling-the-future-with-hydrogen/

Jason Schramm has focused his passion for the vegan lifestyle along with his tech skills on developing global directories for vegan events, vegan-friendly movies, and plant-based meal delivery. When Jason embraced veganism 5 years ago, it started him on the path of evaluating his own life. He saw how difficult it was for folks interested in a plant-forward lifestyle to find one another and connect. Jason's solution: VegEvents.com, the largest listing of vegan events throughout the world. VegMovies.com came next, replete with movie descriptions and warnings about potentially disturbing content. His most recent venture, VegMealDelivery.com was a creative response to the COVID lockdown. Attention to the environmental impact of his food choices brought with it a desire to further minimize his carbon footprint. Thus, Jason's veganism became a gateway to a life of minimalism, mindfulness, and purpose. It's his minimalist lifestyle that has afforded Jason the luxury of providing his resource websites at no charge. Jason's story is one of self-reflection, freedom, and purpose, stemming from a bold choice to look at the way our actions impact the world at large and respond accordingly.

Anne-Marie Bonneau, the Zero-Waste Chef, is an author, blogger, fermenter, sourdough-er and zero waste evangelist. Join us for a wide-ranging conversation about consumerism, cooking and composting; sourdough, fermenting, and starting a movement. With tips & tricks as well as recipes & resources, Anne-Marie's passion and enthusiasm for sustainability has spilled over to social media where she is spreading the word to over 200,000 loyal followers.Anne-Marie's first book: The Zero-Waste Chef: Plant-Forward Recipes and Tips for a Sustainable Kitchen and Planet is due out in April, 2021. Mindfulness is the heartbeat of the transition to zero waste; awareness of our behaviors, values, and choices mixed with a solid measure of commitment and creativity. Anne-Marie embodies it all and shows us how we can make that journey one step at a time. More resources at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/12/19/41-tips-tricks-from-the-zero-waste-chef/

Raz Razgaitis is on a mission to eliminate single-use packaging and put bottled water out of business by making tap water safe and tasty again. Co-founder and CEO of FloWater, Raz sees the bottled water industry as our contemporary "Big Tobacco," capitalizing on a manufactured need while wreaking untold public health consequences due to plastic pollution. FloWater's technology is currently keeping 5.5 plastic Water bottles every second from reaching our landfills and oceans and this is just the beginning. Using the newest filter technology in their touchless hygienic water Refill Stations, FloWater creates public access to drinking water that tastes and hydrates better than anything in a single-use plastic bottle and is free of pathogens, chemicals, pharmaceuticals and micro-plastics. We talk about business, the challenges of taking on Goliath, changing prevailing perceptions and following one's heartfelt sense of mission.

Eden Green is helping establish food safety, food independence, and sustainable farming. Its turnkey greenhouse and vertical farming technology gives you the ability to locally grow large amounts of produce safely and efficiently, while using exponentially less land, energy and water than traditional farming and other indoor solutions. Their 1.5 acre greenhouse produces 900,000 pounds of leafy greens each year (a yield that is equal to 33 traditional acres) No diesel or other fuel on the farm Dramatically reduces fuel in transportation Utilizes natural pest control Uses the same amount of water as two houses Just in time food supply reduces food waste Employs 30 people making a living wage with benefits Learn more at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/11/14/39-eden-green/

Meet Colin McIntosh, Founder and irreverent CEO of Sheets & Giggles, a fast-growing brand in the $12B US bedding space. Colin's motto is, "Do good, have fun, make money — in that order. And he does! Colin shares his entrepreneurial insights: the business criteria that lead him to the bed linen space, marketing strategies that set S&G apart, and most importantly, how he built S&G around his underlying commitment to sustainability. With their simply sublime bed sheets and duvet covers made of sustainably grown eucalyptus, Sheets & Giggles is a perfect example of truly green entrepreneurship. From environmentally conscious products and production to business practices built around philanthropy and social justice, S&G does it all, with a sense of humor to boot. Join us for a great conversation about building a new paradigm for business with a guy who is changing the world one sheet at a time. Resources related to this episode can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/11/08/38-bringing-sustainability-to-the-bedroom/

Eco-visionary Brian Hicks couldn't stand sending the hundreds of thousands of pounds of spent coffee grounds from his and other restaurants to landfill, so he started a business called GroundSteam to collect and convert them to compost instead. Building on his success, Brian has since expanded his service to divert millions of pounds of coffee waste from restaurants in the Edmonton area.

Tim Tan of Affordable Abodes is tackling the low-cost housing crisis in Indonesia and Malaysia with modular, kenafcrete houses. Kenaf is a plant much like hemp in its versatility with thousands of uses, one of which is as the primary ingredient in an eco-concrete-style construction material called kenafcrete. Affordable Abodes streamlines the construction process by using lightweight, 2ft x 10ft steel reinforced kenafcrete panels to build better homes faster and more affordably than conventionally possible.

Kari McDonald is using her experience and know-how from years in the fossil fuel industry to engineer a transition from traditional fossil fuels and fertilizers to sustainable and regenerative solutions. About two years ago, Kari's company, Bio Energy Solutions Inc., acquired the Green Power House technology popularized in the movie "The Need to Grow." Since then, she's been bringing farmers and fossil fuel technicians and engineers together to make it an even safer and more efficient system. In fact, the rechristened Energy Junction comprises three integrated systems that are customizable and modular. Collectively, they are capable of generating electricity, as well as an assortment of other products including algae, biochar, bio-stimulants and wood vinegar, biogas and biodiesel. Through her work as an industry consultant, Kari was confronted with the very real question, "What happens to communities of coal miners when the coal mine shuts down?" That's where her enthusiasm for the Energy Junction comes from. Any truly sustainable solution must address the economic consequences of displaced industries. This technology provides an economic solution as well as one that is environmentally sound. You will come away from this interview truly hopeful and inspired to see that it's actually possible to transition from fossil fuels to regenerative earth-and-people-friendly energy and agriculture. Learn more at https://wp.me/p9ThFB-fW

Zen Honeycutt is unstoppable. Founder of Moms Across America, Zen is a champion for local activism, and an inspirational example of the indomitable power available when we stand up, speak up and take action. She's gone toe-to-toe with Monsanto in a campaign to educate the public to the extreme dangers of glyphosate and is currently leading the charge against the 5G technology that is poised to infiltrate our communities with potentially devastating health consequences. Zen inspires and educates us to the impact of our voice and teaches us how to take constructive action that will shape the future for generations to come. Resources referenced in this show can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/09/01/33-glyphosate-5g-and-what-you-can-do-about-them/

Join us for an exploration of microbial magic with Dr. Christo Miliotis, eco-entrepreneur and microorganism enthusiast. From gut & soil health to delectable foods, pest & weed control to hydrogen gas, learn how microbes are the key to a thriving future. A renaissance man whose passion for microbes has led him from farm to food and beyond, Christo is a tireless inventor. Guided by the principles of regenerative biodynamic agriculture he's developed "Agent Green," an organic fertilizer and weed killer along with a leaf fertilizer and insecticide he's named "Bee Friendly." His love of fermentation inspired a beet kvass he's calling "Up Beet" and a special concoction he's christened "Fire In The Belly" that contains everything required for optimal nutrition. Christo is even taking his obsession with microbes to the screen with his upcoming documentary entitled "The Universe Beneath Our Feet." This conversation will open your eyes to an unseen world that shapes the very fabric of our lives. More info and resources mentioned in this interview can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/08/15/32-the-magic-of-microbes-w-dr-christo-miliotis/

Dr. Stephanie Seneff, Senior Research Scientist at MIT's Computer Science and Artificial Intelligence Laboratory is sounding the alarm about Glyphosate, the active ingredient in Roundup, the world's most popular weed killer. Is the 99% correlation between Glyphosate usage and the epidemic rise of autism coincidental, or is it just one of many indicators of the danger posed by this pervasive chemical? With glyphosate in our soil, our food, and perhaps the very air we breathe, Dr. Seneff suggests that it plays a significant role in the rise of diseases such as cancer, Alzheimer's, autism, obesity and more. In fact, it may have a significant impact on immunity and susceptibility — as well as the spread of COVID 19.

Join us for an informative interview with Cameron McIntosh, president and founder of Americhanvre Cast Hemp. We'll discuss hempcrete — an amazing building material that is carbon sequestering, fireproof, non-toxic, soundproof, and resistant to mold, rot, mildew and pests. Hempcrete construction can also save up to 60% of the heating and cooling costs vs. traditional construction. Cameron sits on the board of the US Hemp Building Association, co-hosts the Hemp Entrepreneur podcast and is the Hemp Local Supply Chain Committee Coordinator for All Together Now PA which aims to unite rural and urban communities via local self-reliance and support of local businesses across a variety of sectors, including plant medicine, local food, zero waste and hemp. We'll also discuss the first residential spray application of hempcrete in the US along with its benefits and the challenges that the industry faces. Resources and more info from this interview are available at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/07/18/30-hempcrete-building-a-better-future-w-cameron-mcintosh-of-americhanvre/

Founder of Fearless Farmers, Amy Milliron creates online and onsite regenerative farming curricula for kids of all ages. Amy advocates for regenerative agriculture as a path to reverse climate change, heal the soil and improve health. Mom, educator, farmer, and activist, Amy came to regenerative farming by way of a deep commitment to feeding her family nutrient dense and healthful food. Starting with a successful battle to change state policies affecting nursing mothers, Amy's advocacy and vision grew to address solutions related to the greater food supply and its impact on the health of people and planet. Join us for this candid conversation about activism, the future of farming, and the power we each can wield to bring forth positive change.

Like industrial hemp, Kenaf has tens of thousands of uses. Bob Lawrason of Kenaf Partners USA joins us to discuss the role kenaf can play in reversing climate change, reducing pollution, restoring the land, and generating profit for farmers. Kenaf is fast growing, can be cultivated in most climates, regenerates the soil, and is unencumbered by the legal challenges faced by cannabis and industrial hemp production. When planted by existing corn cotton, and soy farmers as a rotational cash crop, it provides an economically viable way to make a gradual transition from sustainability, to resilience, and ultimately regenerative practices. Join us to learn about this remarkable plant and how it can be instrumental in solving so many of our current planetary challenges. Learn more and find resources mentioned in this interview at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2020/06/13/28-kenaf-the-next-industrial-hemp/

An almost prescient interview for this unique moment in time, we speak with elder activist Lynne Iser about the role of elder wisdom in shaping a new future. Touching on a range of topics —local economies, inclusive community, the movement from consumerism to conservation, and more — this thoughtful conversation affirms the importance of inter-generational connection and communication to inform the values that will guide our emerging culture.

Andrew Bailey, inventor of the Enviroplex, explains how his off-grid carbon-capture complex pulls CO2 directly from the air. Captured carbon is easily converted to calcium carbonate (for use in concrete), carbon fiber (an alternative to aluminum and steel that can be 3D printing) and baking soda (non-toxic with a plethora of uses). Carbon sequestration is one step in a three-pronged approach to Climate Restoration, the endeavor to return earth's atmosphere to the state it was in before the industrial revolution. Step 1: Stop burning fossil fuels Step 2: Remove excess carbon dioxide from the atmosphere Step 3: Re-freeze the arctic …No small feat, however, the World Economic Forum identifies climate restoration as a multi-trillion-dollar opportunity. This is a conversation about possibility in a time of deep uncertainty and shifting priorities. We invite you join us in sourcing new perspectives and new solutions in this moment of global possibility.

Maya van Rossum, founder of The Green Amendment movement, has sparked an environmental revolution with a truly novel idea: amend the Bill of Rights in every state Constitution to include an inalienable right to clean water, clean air and a healthy environment. As surprising as it may seem, only Pennsylvania and Montana currently enshrine these rights as fundamental liberties. In 2013 van Rossum and her team won a watershed legal victory in Pennsylvania to stop unscrupulous frackers and succeeded in upholding the environmental protections in the PA Constitution, setting a precedent for other states to follow. Maya is a fireball, a woman on a mission to save our planet by shifting the balance of power from corporate interests to true protection of people and planet through constitutional environmental provisions. Join us for a spirited conversation that will ignite your hope, raise your awareness and provide meaningful opportunities to help turn this country around.

Good news! Climate change is not a natural disaster; it is a disaster of our own making, and we CAN reverse it by adopting new cultural assumptions and practices. Join us for an introduction by Vinit Allen to the Awakening the Dreamer Symposium, an initiative from the Pachamama Alliance to challenge and re-educate the notions at the core of our current state of planetary peril. Ideas such as: Money makes things better More is better We have dominion over nature and it exists for our use Men do things better than women Life is about competition are foundational assumptions of our culture that have led to social and environmental abuse and overconsumption. The key to restoring our planet and creating a just and sustainable world is a new cultural story — a story of one human family inextricably connected to all life and to the planet itself. This conversation is one of hope and possibility, a call to take a stand and take action. What's ours to do? We can start by cutting back rather than cutting out. Change your bank and credit card to banks that are conscientious about who they are loaning to Research the companies you buy from Invest in socially responsible funds Generate less emissions: cut back on flights and do more carpooling Eat more plant-based foods Create healthy soils: compost Talk about the things that matter, spread the message Spend time in and cultivate a direct relationship with nature To support content like this, please support us on https://www.patreon.com/sustainabilitynow Spread the word! It's up to us — together — to do this thing!

Rich in free nutritional and medicinal fare, nature serves up a bountiful table as a solution to food insecurity. Learn more in this introductory and informative jaunt into the world of wild food foraging with Philadelphia expert, Lynn Landes. Starting with the basics, Lynn explains that foraging and plant identification is a multi-sensory experience, engaging sight, touch, taste and smell. She cautions careful introduction of new wild foods and teaches us how to test before we ingest, in order to avoid adverse reactions. You'll learn about mulberries, plantains, mugwort and more. You'll also gain a new appreciation for the generosity of our precious mother earth. Lynn has provided an extensive list of resources to inspire your foraging future and welcome you into a deepening and nourishing relationship with our planet. Enjoy and eat hearty!

The environments in which we work and play impact our health and well-being in a multitude of ways. Emily Winer of the International WELL Building Institute (IWBI) explains how the pioneering WELL standard supports people and communities to thrive. Complimentary to the materials-focused LEED certification, WELL is a holistic framework that sets a new global benchmark for performance in ten areas: air, light, sound, water, movement, physical materials that make up a building, thermal comfort, nourishment, community and mind. It turns out that incorporating circadian lighting, strategies to encourage exercise, stress management programs, modulating acoustics, air quality, and more is not only good for health but good for the bottom line. Studies show that WELL workplaces are healthier, happier and more collaborative with a reduction in absenteeism and sick days, and even result in better sleep. Join us to learn how WELL is transforming business and corporate culture from the inside out and from the top down to create environments that enhance physical, social and emotional well-being.

If we think of a city as a living organism, energy and waste are essential parts of the urban metabolism. Join us for an enlightening conversation with zero waste consultant, Alisa Shargorodsky as we explore the challenges of recycling programs, and the impact of recyclables, compostables and single-use packaging on the urban ecosystem. While they may seem a responsible and sustainable alternative to plastic, you'll discover the shocking and disappointing truth about compostable single-use items as they currently exist and the threat they pose to both health and environment. This is an eye-opening and myth-busting interview, exposing some uncomfortable truths and challenging us to better solutions. A deeper understanding of the single use product life-cycle makes it clear that sustainability can't happen until we dispose of disposables and our "convenience-driven" lifestyles to embrace reusables and renewables. In other words, the path to sustainability starts with conscious consumption, voting with our dollars and making a cultural shift to products that sacrifice single-use and serving-size convenience in service to the social good.

Hear from Donovan Spitzman, Lisa Bodey and Nick Nevares, to learn about the Crestone Energy fair — the oldest energy fair in the nation, celebrating its 30th anniversary this year. Crestone is a Mecca for the alternative building movement with structures including climate battery buildings, papercrete and cordwood houses, earthships, straw bale homes and more. The fair incorporates home tours and building demonstrations, alternative energy solutions, vendors, music and more.

Plastic is EVERYWHERE! Plastic containers, packaging and products fill our stores, and microplastics poison the food we eat and the water we drink. Clearly, we have a global addiction that is crying out for a cure. How can retail establishments and individuals wean themselves from our reliance on plastic? MOM's Organic Market has some ideas about that. With a 32 year history and 19 stores in the Mid-Atlantic region, MOM's is on a mission to protect and restore the environment—and they walk their talk. With an extensive selection of bulk items, MOM's customers can fill their own containers with products from water — they banned bottled water in 2010 (and plastic bags in 2005) — to oils, grains, sweeteners and even detergent and bath salts. Their produce department is 100% organic and predominantly plastic-free. MOM's also has a robust recycling center at each of its stores, accepting even hard to recycle items such as batteries, chip bags, Brita filters and so much more. So, when it comes to going plastic-free, MOM's offers lots of options to make it possible. Constraint breeds creativity—and the plastic-free challenge is no exception. It's a call to explore and discover — new places to shop, new products to use, new habits to build. Ali says it's all about baby steps, and it all starts with awareness. Have a listen to get some ideas for how YOU can be part of the solution and maybe even have some fun along the way. Learn more at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2019/07/18/19-stepping-up-to-the-plastic-free-challenge-w-ali-dysard-of-moms-organic-market

Bio-Architect Paul Richardson builds buildings and community where shelter transcends a roof and four walls to become fully self-reliant, self-regenerative, and economically viable—producing food and clean water, and managing and re-using all waste in balance with nature. Paul founded Haven Earth SEED (Stewardship Education & Ecological Design) Training Center — both a physical and virtual education training center — to create a template for eco-communities, bringing together the tools and techniques of self-reliant living, earth architecture, community building, and permaculture. With a team of experts in the fields of permaculture, off-grid living, water self-sufficiency, bio-dynamic structures for healing, and more, the intention is to find solutions to our present reliance upon unsustainable and unhealthy practices, and to create successful models for eco-communities internationally. Grounded in a commitment to conscious, ethical, earth-centered and earth focused principles, Paul is paving the way to a feasible future, a future worth living for.

A self-declared "Spellbreaker," Brian D. Ridgway's very way of describing the world has resulted in spontaneous healings and miraculous transformations of body and spirit. What if, in a flash of awareness, the anguish and pain of your life were to dissolve into an experience of perpetual grace? Brian has helped more than 100,000 people step toward and into that freedom through his Level 5 mentoring programs, his truly unconditional love & presence and irreverent humor & wit. The transformation Brian talks about is available for you in this interview. This is one to listen to again and again. Allow yourself to breathe deeply and be present. Allow Brian's words to sink deeply into your awareness and you too may experience a greater sense of freedom as you expand beyond the identity you believed yourself to be. Get a free copy of Brian's book: https://bit.ly/2RhHMc4

Tom Moroz artfully connects the dots between grass roots and horticultural gardens, Burning Man, the Buckminster Fuller Organization, the Global EcoVillage Network and Stonehedge Gardens, a local node of a global network. Resource links on https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/?p=509

Business as a force for good? Chris Jacobs, CEO of Communally, a certified B Corporation, and a member of the Board of Directors of the Sustainable Business Network of Greater Philadelphia fills us in on a new paradigm for business that actually balances purpose and profit. Certified B Corporations are legally required to consider their impact on their workers, customers, suppliers, community, and the environment. Join us to learn more about the global movement to do business based on doing well by doing good.

An active advocate for NOAH, The National Organization for Arts in Health, Karl Anthony is a modern day bard who uses the transformational power of music as an invitation to connect, inspire and heal. Join us as we discuss Karl's work with children and families at the Children's Hospital of San Diego and the profound and important role of the arts in easing pain, reducing anxiety, improving mood and creating positive physiological changes.

Helping people bring themselves out of extreme hopelessness and poverty, Judah Becker is a one-man force for good in the world. But, he doesn't do it alone. From rescuing children from sex trafficking in Southeast Asia to developing tiny home affordable housing communities for folks living on minimum wage in Utah, Judah creates communities that teach people to become self-sustaining entrepreneurs. Tune in to hear how he got started and learn how you can be part of his movement to prosper the poor. Visit the show notes page for more info https://wp.me/p9ThFB-7F

Join us for an enlightening and hopeful conversation with Daphna Nissenbaum, CEO of TIPA. Based in Israel, TIPA produces fully compostable flexible packaging—food grade and non-food grade bags and pouches—which make up the bulk of single-use, non-recyclable plastics. Unlike conventional plastic that lasts for hundreds and possibly thousands of years, compostable plastics break down to create compost—fertilizer for the soil. Plastic pollution is a scourge that threatens our very existence on the planet. With 8.3 billion tons of plastic produced over the last 30 or 40 years and nearly 300 million tons produced annually, plastics are devastating the oceans, our food supply and our health. Tune in to learn what you can do to help stem the tide of the plastics plague and visit the show notes page https://wp.me/p9ThFB-7t to sign the Sustainability Now Compostable Plastics Pledge to help us in shaping a world that works!

Progressive change through simple acts of commerce. That's the heart of Credo's business model. They resell services that everyone uses—telephone and energy—and utilize the generated revenue to fund social causes. How awesome is it to be able to simply use the services you already use and support positive change at the same time? Join us for this empowering conversation with Trish Tobin, Credo's Chief Marketing officer as we discuss the difference we each can make in the face of seemingly impossible odds. Areas of focus for Credo Action—the advocacy arm of Credo with about 5 and half million members—include peace, environment, women's rights, civil rights and economic justice. The Credo Action website even offers a platform to start your own campaign. If you want to participate in progressive change but were unaware of how to get involved, join us to learn more about how Credo makes activism easy.

Shel Horowitz, ten-time author and green-living guru blends activism with business and marketing to solve humanity's greatest challenges. With numerous examples and principled strategies, Shel shows us we can have it all: the moral gratification of doing good coupled with the financial rewards of good and profitable business. Exploring business models and opportunities that turn tradition on its head, Shel describes a new business paradigm founded in the triumvirate of values that he calls "The Magic Triangle": quality, integrity, and honesty. Join us for a discussion of business as authentic service and relationship; to our values, to one another and to the planet.

The first Earthship to receive a building permit in a major US city broke ground just north of Philadelphia in Ambler, Pennsylvania on September 19, 2018! So, what's an Earthship? An Earthship is a free-standing, sustainable structure built from repurposed tires, bottles, cans, concrete and other more traditional building materials. It generates its own power, processes its own sewage, regulates its own temperature and can produce its own food. Tune in for our conversation with Amzi Smith and Amy Oskins of Pangea Builders to learn about Earthship construction and the "tiny Earthship greenhouse" project that is blazing the trail for adoption of this building method throughout the country. See http://SustainabilityNow.global for complete coverage of the this historic build and links to additional resources.

Here at Sustainability Now we believe that sustainability begins between the ears. In other words, we recognize that self-care is an essential factor in creating a world that works. With that in mind, and knowing that yoga has become a staple in current culture, we thought an exploration of the actual science behind its beneficial impact might be of interest. Our very special guest, GuruSimran Khalsa, has been teaching and practicing Kundalini Yoga for over 35 years and describes it as the fast track to health and transformation. Sharing just a taste of her encyclopedic knowledge, she explains the physiological changes stimulated through practice of certain postures and breathing sequences. Best of all, GuruSimran shares several simple and effective practices that can be done in as little as 3 minutes; no yoga mat required. Learn simple breathing techniques that 1) relieve stress and anxiety, 2) increase energy and 3) build concentration and focus. Join us for this and more as we cover the gamut from passion and purpose to spiritual awakening.

Begun as a college exercise in social entrepreneurship, Evan Lutz founded Hungry Harvest with a mission to achieve zero food waste and put an end to hunger. Four years and a successful Shark Tank deal later, Hungry Harvest is making "ugly food" a beautiful thing, making food deserts flourish, and nourishing body and spirit. Join us for this inspiring and informative interview with Stacy Carroll, Hungry Harvest Director of Sales and Partnerships. We explore the concept of zero food waste, are tempted by Monster Meals and new delicacies from Chef of the Nation: Ashley Christensen (such as carrot top pesto and broccoli kimchi) and are reminded of the profound impact of healthy food on physical health and well-being. At the time of this interview, you can become a Hungry Harvest customer in 9 different states and receive delivery of customizable boxes of fresh produce direct to your door.

Magic and miracles driven by the power of purpose, possibility, social entrepreneurship and being in service to making difference in the world… This interview explores the creative power of clear intention and responding to the call of the soul. Join us for a truly inspiring chat with visionary, Hajjar Gibran, founder of DomeGaia, and learn about the extraordinary journey he took to his current mission: providing affordable housing to the world. Hajjar's life has been graced by a deep connection to spirit and purpose and what some would call "mystical" experience. He shares his experience of the shamanic healing of a friend dying from Hepatitis C, the channeling of his great uncle Kahlil Gibran to write the best-selling book, The Return of the Prophet, and the founding of DomeGaia in answer to the question, "What would I do if I could perform a miracle?" DomeGaia teaches and provides equipment and designs for building magnificent dome homes using aircrete, a material made of concrete mixed with foam, for material costs of under $5,000. Every month, DomeGaia teaches a 10-day workshop and a 30-day Teacher's Training every few months. People come from all over the world to learn the techniques, building global community in the process. Be sure to catch this episode and be touched by the magic available to us all when we connect with the mission of our soul.

A school bus converted to a tiny home, educational events at music festivals, a pop-up hemp store; Kate O'Flaherty, is walking her talk by embodying the principles of permaculture in the way she orchestrates her life. Tune in to learn how Solutions Voyage, Kate's 501(c)(3), cultivates community resilience by sponsoring fun educational and networking opportunities in and around Boulder, Colorado. Learn how to make your own worm farm, and gain a deeper understanding of how the 12 permaculture principles go well beyond agriculture to become principles for living. "Use the edges and value the marginal" addresses the dynamics of transition points and is equally relevant to gardens and neighborhoods. "Use slow and small solutions" encourages gradual and incremental change, and honors that little things add up to big things. Join us and be inspired to take small actions that add up to make a big difference!

TerraCycle is on a mission to eliminate the idea of waste by recycling un-recycleables. Learn about the Zero Waste Box Program and what you can do to keep waste out of the landfill.

Nora Chahbazi is on a mission to teach the world to read. Founder of EBLI (Evidence Based Literacy Instruction), Nora has trained thousands of teachers and tens of thousands of students in her center, in classrooms and online at all different grade and reading levels. Why, on a show about sustainability, are we talking about literacy? Only 35 to 40% of 4th graders are proficient in reading in the US, and over 30 million adults are reading at a 3rd grade level or below.85% of people in the legal system are struggling readers reading at a 3rd grade level or below. The cost of illiteracy and sub-literacy in the United States is $300 billion annually. Sub-literacy impacts people at all socioeconomic levels, and across all sorts of professions impacting doctors, lawyers, teachers, architects, engineers and more. How can this be? The alarming fact is that people studying to become teachers aren't taught how to teach reading and today's prevalent practices are actually detrimental . Nora's EBLI system is revolutionary in that it works! In as little as 3 hours, with an average of 9, students of all ages can learn to read! Nora explains how it works and shares resources that can be used by anyone—from training programs to apps for phones and tablets. Nora's mission is both inspired and inspiring and proof that one person, driven by a sense of mission and purpose can make a profound impact in the world.

Zero Energy Buildings: Yes, they exist and your health depends on them! James Geppner, Executive Director of Erase40.org, explains how you can save money, improve your health AND reduce carbon emissions by as much as 40% with a zero energy building/passive house. Passive houses cost dramatically less to heat/cool, provide a steady flow of clean air and reduce the amount of outside noise in our indoor environment to provide a profound positive impact on health and wellbeing. It's a win-win, so why aren't they more widely adopted? James applies social science and competitive theory to determine what shapes a market, cause or behavior. The lack of adoption of passive housing inspired him to turn his talents to an extensive analysis of the market for zero energy buildings and the decision-making process of buyers, funders and end users. The goal was to find clues to reducing barriers to widespread adoption and expand market share. James founded Erase40.org to use behavioral science to speed the adoption of zero energy buildings and has spearheaded market-based initiatives and outreach programs to forward the cause. By providing education on the high financial and health costs of fossil fuel dependent buildings, passive housing becomes a natural and easy choice. Learn what questions you should be asking when buying or renting a property. Find out what you can do to help make zero energy buildings be the go-to building choice for the future. James Geppner is a graduate of NYU and of SGIB's investment banking program.

In this episode, I interview Nic Esposito,the Zero Waste and Litter Director for the City of Philadelphia. Nic lets us in on the city's strategy for taking Philadelphia from being known as one of the dirtiest cities in the country to zero waste and litter by 2035. Learn about Philly Zero Waste Events like the Philly Marathon that has achieved zero waste for the past 7 years through partnership with a number of organizations that recycle and redistribute everything from surplus food to clothing, shoes, metal, plastics and more. Nic shares a wealth of resources for recycling, sustainable living and urban farming with specific tips and action steps to reducing waste and cleaning up our neighborhoods. Take a listen; you'll be surprised by what you learn!

Mira Rubin is the host of Sustainability Now and is a woman on a mission to save the world. She's passionate about finding and proliferating solutions to planetary problems related to food, fuel, housing, water, waste, health, economics and consciousness. Mira shares a vision she calls Project EcoPark. Imagine Disney meets sustainability where you have a vacation/education/conference destination that is a demonstration and learning center for a wide range of sustainable solutions. All kinds of building styles, agricultural methods, energy generation, remediation; these and more would be represented. Mira sees Sustainability Now as a vehicle to grow a community, raise awareness and hope, and to potentially connect to the people and technologies that will be represented in Project EcoPark. Her interviews with change-makers, social entrepreneurs, and visionaries will run the gamut from cutting edge health breakthroughs, to alternative building styles such as foamcrete domes and earthships, to the power of mushrooms to help save the world. Mira speaks of consciousness as an essential aspect of Sustainability saying, our most divisive cultural myth is that one person can't make a difference. She's committed to emboldening people to discover, connect to and light up their soul song. "By connecting to your unique purpose, you experience an unrivaled sense of fulfillment, clarity and resilience. The world needs us now. We need to rise to our greatness and save the world." Mira's show is the perfect place for social entrepreneurs and folks committed to creating a world that works. Links: http://sustainabilitynow.global