ECO SPEAKS CLE

Send us a text Our region's water isn’t just running through our taps; it is shaping our region and our future. Cleveland is a waterfront city, and in this episode, you will hear how technology, entrepreneurship, destination development, maritime trade, and recreation are blossoming under our culture of freshwater stewardship. This recording is from Eco Meet CLE, a gathering of local sustainability leaders held on November 18th at Great Lakes Brewing Company. Some have called us a beer-drinking group with a sustainability problem. It works. Eco Meet events are a fun way for people to connect and learn about impactful work in a fun and casual setting. The topic for the night was our Blue Economy, and we brought together several speakers who reflected on their role in Cleveland's water economy and how this shared asset, which must be protected, makes our waterfront such a vibrant and engaging space for residents, visitors, business, and career development. Our panelists included: Emily Bacha Cuyahoga County Fresh Water InstituteSamantha MartinCleveland Water AllianceKierra CottonPort of ClevelandCaptain Drew FergusonArgonautKate WellsInterlake Steamship CompanyMax PenningtonCLEANR If you care about clean water, good jobs, and resilient cities, this story is yours. Follow, share with a friend who loves Lake Erie, and leave a quick review to help more people discover how Northeast Ohio turns stewardship into strength. Support the show Support Eco Speaks CLE Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Cities don’t forget—their land remembers. In this episode, we speak with Isaac Robb, Chief Urban Program Officer at Western Reserve Land Conservancy, and explore how his organization works to turn Cleveland's vacant and underutilized land into living assets, including neighborhood parks, memorial gardens, and reforestation programs that cool, calm, and reconnect neighborhoods. Hear what Isaac loves most about Cleveland and what surprised him most when first coming here in 2105. The Western Reserve Land Conservancy is a land trust known for farmland preservation, but also built a robust urban program from the tragedy of the foreclosure crisis. Programs to reforest the city, create community parks and green spaces, and reconnect residents with the land in their own backyard are improving health and quality of life. The Conservancy's urban projects honor community memories and experiences and offer healing and reconnection by planning guided by environmental justice, public health, and the power of place. Join us to hear about the people who founded this work and those who shepherd it today, and the many ways to be a part of this transformative work. Learn More: About ProjectsGetting InvolvedSupport the show Support Eco Speaks CLE Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Brodie Longo is a young organizer and director of the Northeast Ohio chapter of Beyond Plastics. This grassroots organization works to combat plastic pollution and the use of single-use plastics through education and activism. In this episode, Brodie speaks about what it's been like starting a local Beyond Plastics chapter and how, at just 23 years old, he found himself leading in ways he did not expect. Together with his steering committee and volunteers, Brodie is building momentum against single-use plastic, from hosting nurdle patrols and beach cleanups to venue recycling and advocating for policy and legislative change. Hear Brodie's tips for reducing your exposure to microplastic pollution and how to join meetings, find resources, and get involved with this newly formed organization. Our Guest: Brodie Longo - Director, NEO Chapter of Beyond Plastics brodielongo@yahoo.com Resources: Beyond Plastics National Organization The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck Follow Beyond Plastics on Facebook Support the show Support Eco Speaks CLE Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Anthony Iovine is the sales manager for Gateway Products Recycling, a family-owned paper recycling company, in business for over 30 years in Ohio and Pennsylvania. When asked why he loves his job, he says it's "waking up every day to save the planet - one bale of cardboard at a time." Paper recycling has been around since about 1031 AD, and is one of recycling’s success stories. The U.S. recycles around 46 million tons of fiber annually, according to the American Forest and Paper Association. In this episode, Anthony busts a few recycling myths. He gives us an insider's look at the paper recycling industry, the role of intermediate processors like himself who collect, grade, and bale paper before shipping it to domestic mills to be made into new products. Tony also shares how the industry has changed over the years, the impact of China's National Sword policy, and the importance of paper recycling in a world of growing consumption and dwindling resources. Gateway collects source-separated paper, cardboard, plastic, and metals from commercial customers - ranging from food manufacturers and grocery stores to stadiums and distribution centers. This sorted material yields cleaner, more valuable recyclables, enabling Gateway to move between 15,000 and 18,000 tons of materials through its plants each month, with the final stop being mills that make recycled boxes, gypsum board, cellulose insulation, and tissue products. All these efforts help keep forests standing, while protecting ecosystems, water and energy. Listen and hear how Gateway can turn your workplace waste back into resources. Learn More: About Gateway Recycling American Forest and Paper Association Plastic China Documentary China's National Sword Policy Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Did you know that laundry is the #1 source of microplastic pollution? With every load of laundry, millions of tiny plastic particles come off our synthetic clothes, down the drain, and into our waterways. In this episode, we speak with Max Pennington, Co-Founder and CEO of CLEANR. Max and his partners may have the solution to plastic pollution we've been looking for. His Cleveland-based company recently launched a patented filter that captures up to 90% of all microplastics from your washing machine before they enter the drain. Max developed this breakthrough technology with fellow engineering students Chip Miller and David Dillman within the Sears think[box], an innovation lab at Case Western Reserve University. Their VORTX filter design was inspired by the gills of fish, specifically by the way manta rays and basking sharks filter feed. This biomimicry-based design creates a vortex that keeps the filter from clogging while effectively capturing harmful microplastics. These young entrepreneurs recently launched their company CLEANR, with a filter that easily attaches to any washing machine. Hear how Max and his partners plan to bring this technology to market. Their CLEANR filter is currently available as an external washing machine attachment for $299. The ultimate goal is to integrate it directly into washing machines, making microplastic filtration as standard as lint traps in dryers. The company is also exploring applications beyond laundry, including whole-home water filtration to protect against microplastics entering our bodies through drinking water. Capturing microplastics before they enter our waterways could be a real game-changer, especially if supported by legislators and policymakers. Would they go for it? Max thinks so. Already, five U.S. states have introduced legislation requiring microplastic filters on washing machines, with similar momentum building in Europe. With synthetic fibers from our clothing accounting for 35% of all plastic pollution in our water systems, the implications extend far beyond environmental protection. Recent studies have found alarming connections between microplastics in the human body and increased risk of heart disease and other health conditions. These plastic particles have been discovered in human blood, brains, and even the placentas of newborn babies. With an estimated 22 million pounds of microplastic particles entering the Great Lakes annually, the Cleaner team aims to make Cleveland "ground zero in the fight against microplastic pollution," tackling it one laundry load at a time. Learn More: About our Guest, Max Pennington, Co-Founder and CEO of CLEANR About CLEANR About buying a CLEANR Filter About Sears think[box] About microplastics and laundry About Microplastics and the Great Lakes Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Inlet Dance Theatre is a modern dance company in Cleveland, founded in 2001 by our guest, Bill Wade, a renowned dancer and choreographer who uses the power of dance to further people and explore human, societal, and environmental issues through movement. Located within the Pivot Center for Art, Dance and Expression on West 25th Street in Cleveland, Inlet's Dance Studio is called The Estuary, reflecting the company's nature-based and sustainability themes. Inlet's mission aligns with the United Nations' Sustainable Development Goals, which promote health and well-being, quality education, equality, and sustainable cities. Deeply rooted in Cleveland, Inlet is helping nurture and grow the next generation of artists by offering free dance classes in public schools and other community programs. Bill explains that talent is everywhere, but access to developing that talent is not. He started Inlet to expose urban youth to the power of the arts and provide opportunities, mentorship, and creative expression to individuals who might otherwise lack access. The connection between dance and sustainability may seem unexpected, but the arts are universally relatable and offer a unique opportunity to promote environmental awareness. "Don't put on stage what is. Put on stage what could be," Wade says, capturing how art contributes to sustainability by envisioning possibilities rather than dwelling on problems. In a world facing climate change and social inequities, Inlet Dance Theater reminds us that sustainability isn't just technical solutions – it requires creative spaces where we can collectively imagine and embody more hopeful futures. Enjoy this episode of Eco Speaks CLE as Bill describes his work, his creative process, some of the pieces in his repertoire, his love of Cleveland and its youth, and upcoming appearances for his company. Guest: Bill Wade, Founder and Executive/Artistic Director of Inlet Dance Theatre Resources: About Inlet Dance Theatre and Upcoming Performances Education and Community Programs Cain Park Annual Performance and Calendar of Events Aim2Flourish and The Lavender Project Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text In this episode, we head to the Rid-All Farm to speak with Keymah Durden, a co-founder of Rid-All Green Partnership. What was once a notorious dumping ground in Cleveland's "Forgotten Triangle", the farm is now one of the largest minority-owned urban farms and a nationally recognized model for urban agriculture, environmental stewardship, and resilience. In this episode, Keymah talks about how Rid-All is growing communities and changing Lives. Rid-All was originally a pest control company started by farm co-founder Damien Forsche. As he worked in public housing projects, Damien observed some things, including what people were eating - unhealthy, processed food due to a lack of access to fresh food and nutrition education. This sparked a dream of bringing a farm to Cleveland's Kinsman neighborhood that would fill that void. That was in 2010. That dream is now a 26-acre campus in Cleveland's Urban Agriculture Innovation Zone. The name Rid-All stands for Redeem, Integrity, and Determination for All Mankind. Tragically, Damien passed away in 2018, but his partners continue to expand the Rid-All mission to honor his legacy and train the next generation of farmers. Carrying on the farming traditions of their African ancestors is central to Rid-All's mission. And that is what makes it truly special. They are not just growing food; they are rebuilding community connections, honoring cultural traditions, and creating pathways to health, prosperity, and circularity. Join us for a meaningful conversation about farming, soil, raising fish, sequestering carbon, celebration, music, learning, health, and the intersection of all these topics. Then go to the farm for Taco Tuesday or Fish Friday in the Rid-All Community Kitchen to experience this special place for yourself. Guest: Keymah Durden, Farmer and Co-Founder of Rid-All Green Partnership Learn More: Meet the Rid-All Partners Training programs Youth programs Videos Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text On Friday, April 11, over 300 high school students from across northeast Ohio gathered for the 2025 NEO Youth Climate Summit, hosted by Laurel School and Global Shapers Cleveland. The event brought students together to discuss and collaborate on solutions for climate change, sustainability, and environmental justice. The summit was kicked off with a keynote address by a young climate activist, Sage Lenier. Sage was honored by TIME Magazine as a 2023 Next Generation Leader. She started teaching about climate change while still a student at UC Berkeley and has since founded her own non-profit, Sustainable and Just Future. In this episode, we share her message to the students. Hear what one Gen Z'er has to say to young environmental leaders about meeting the future with excitement and innovative solutions. And hear from Angela Yeager, a teacher whose students in Laurel School's Environmental Justice Semester planned the event. Organizers called it a "beaming light for young people demanding change in the face of the climate crisis." And it was. Thanks for listeneing. Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Happy Earth Day! In this episode, we discuss the importance of connecting kids with nature and the Cleveland Outdoor Bill of Rights, with Renee Boronka, Director of Conservation Education and Outreach at the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. The Cleveland Outdoor Bill of Rights outlines twelve fundamental nature experiences every child deserves, from breathing clean air to camping under starry skies. What began as a grant-funded project to better connect urban youth with nature evolved into a collaboration between environmental organizations, libraries, schools, and community groups. Through hundreds of survey responses, Cleveland's children revealed not only what they love about outdoor experiences but also the barriers preventing them from enjoying nature in their neighborhoods. John Marshall High School AP Environmental Science students wrote the Bill of Rights based on community input and guidance from Renee and their teacher, Mary Kennedy Brown. Rights include breathing clean air, safe recreation on Lake Erie, hiking in nature, walking tree-lined streets, camping under the stars, and more. With Cleveland City Council poised to adopt the resolution this month, the Children's Outdoor Bill of Rights serves as a powerful statement of values and a practical framework for future environmental planning. As Boronka explains, similar initiatives in cities like Austin and Baltimore have catalyzed significant improvements in youth access to quality green spaces. Join us to hear the Children read the Bill of Rights they created and how the Western Reserve Land Conservancy and others are addressing the growing disconnect between children and nature, a disconnect linked to concerning trends in physical and mental health. Today's Guest - Renee Boronka, Director of Conservation Education and Outreach at the Western Reserve Land Conservancy. Learn More About the Western Reserve Land Conservancy WRLC Events Nature Everywhere (formerly Cities Connecting Children to Nature) Children and Nature Network Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Mera Cardenas is a historic preservationist working to connect people to place as the Executive Director of Canalway Partners. We are the people, and the place is the historic Towpath Trail, located within the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage Area. The 100-mile Towpath Trail from Cleveland to New Philadelphia follows what once was a significant transportation artery from the mid-1800s until the railroads came. The trail was completed in 2021 when the final section was constructed in Cleveland, ending at Canal Basin Park following 40 years of planning and $54 million. For Mera, preserving this connection between past and present is her passion and mission as she honors the legacy of her predecessors who envisioned and transformed Cleveland's industrial corridor into its recreational backbone. With her background as a CNN producer and cultural historian, Mera brings a unique storytelling perspective to her role. Under her leadership, Canalway Partners has expanded its community engagement through signature events like the Lantern Parade, environmental stewardship through River Sweep, the Towpath Trilogy and Cleveland History Days, featuring over 70 events highlighting the region's heritage. Canalway Partners started with a meeting of like-minded people 40 years ago who never lost sight of their vision to reclaim Cleveland's industrial valley and bring us a unique, world-class recreational space. Today, Mera Cardenas is its new Executive Director, following the retirement of Tim Donovan, who led the development of the trail. The work ahead will bring us new opportunities to experience the trail and the Ohio & Erie Canalway National Heritage area through expanded public spaces like Canal Basin Park in Cleveland and the many trails linking east and west with the Towpath as the spine and the Cuyahoga River as the source. As we celebrate the 200th anniversary of the canal's construction this year, Mera reminds us that our waterways fundamentally shaped our communities: "We're here in Cleveland and in Akron because of the construction of that canal. Everything that came after came from what the canal brought to this region." Learn more at canalwaypartners.com or follow their social media for upcoming events. Learn More: Our Guest, Mera Cardenas, Executive Director, Canalway Partners Canalway Events Discover the Towpath Trail Volunteer with Canalway History and Legacy of the Towpath Trail Ohio and Erie Canalway National Heritage Area Ohio and Erie Canalway Coalition Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Aidan Meany is a young clothing entrepreneur defining a new era of apparel. His team at Found Surface uses 21st-century technology and traditional, natural fibers to produce eco-friendly clothing for companies looking for ethically and thoughtfully produced garments. His new factory in Cleveland's Slavic Village neighborhood is one of the first in the nation to use digital knitting machines to make clothing that is plastic-free, waste-free, and guilt-free. Aidan found his place in the design industry after educating himself about the fast fashion industry and the toll of overseas production on our fellow human beings and the environment. His mission is to bring production back to Cleveland and rebuild our long-lost apparel manufacturing industry in a way that prioritizes sustainable and regional production and sets the standard for ethical fashion. Join us to hear the origins of his company's name, his innovations, and how he works with his partners in the Rust Belt Fibershed to enable local farmers to process their fiber and take it to market. We also decipher our clothing labels to help make informed choices about our apparel. Our Guest: Aidan Meany, CEO and Founder of Found Surface Learn More: Found Surface - Products, Services About the Stoll Digital Knitting Machines About Rust Belt Fibershed Weaving a Local and Sustainable Textile Economy - Eco Speaks CLE Creating a Bioregional Textile Economy with Rust Belt Fibershed - Eco Speaks CLE Designing a Circular fashion Brand with Faan - Eco Speaks CLE Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text In our first episode of 2025, we discuss sports and sustainability with Danielle Doza, the Cleveland Cavaliers' Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Services. As the first executive-level professional in the NBA, Danielle shares how the CAVS organization integrates award-winning eco-friendly practices in fresh and exciting new ways and the collaborative spirit driving sustainability within sports organizations. Join us as Danielle speaks about her dream job and key initiatives at Rocket Mortgage Fieldhouse. These initiatives, including recycling, energy efficiency, education, and various partnerships with WM, Found Surface, and the Green Sports Alliance, drive sustainability in the sports industry. Finally, Danielle offers valuable career advice for aspiring sustainability professionals in our tip time. This episode is a must-listen for anyone eager to see sustainability thrive in sports. Guest: Danielle Doza, Vice President of Sustainability and Environmental Services with Cleveland Cavaliers (Rock Entertainment Group) Learn More: CAVS sustainability initiatives Partnership with Waste Management (WM) Green Sports Alliance GOAL (Green Operations and Advanced Leadership) Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Join us as we wrap up 2024 with community leader and food sovereignty advocate Sara Continenza. Sara is the founder and executive director of Food Strong, a non-profit connecting kids with food since 2016. Sara and her staff work with the Cleveland Municipal School District and other inner-city schools to provide hands-on learning experiences in gardening, nutrition, and entrepreneurship. Recently, Food Strong's mission to educate, empower, and cultivate health through fresh foods just got a significant boost. Community Greenhouse Partners recently gifted them a three-acre farm site on Superior Avenue in Cleveland's east side. The property includes a historic house, church, food forest, farmland, and hoop houses that Food Strong is transforming into its Superior Farm. This neighborhood hub will support food sovereignty, climate resistance, and community connections. An estimated $5 million is needed to realize her vision for the property, along with the help of thousands of volunteers and neighbors. This extraordinary project is urban restoration at its best, feeding bodies, minds, and souls. Join us as we speak with Sara about this project, the wisdom of kids, Food Strong's work, and ways you can help. Our Guest: Sara Continenza, Founder and Executive Director of Food Strong Learn More: About Food Strong About The Superior Farm Fix-Up Project Donate to Food Strong's Farm Project Become a Supporter Volunteer Evenings Food Strong's Programs Follow Food Strong on Facebook and Instagram Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Eco Meet CLE is a gathering of Cleveland's environmental community, organized by the Eco Speaks CLE podcast and friends, to share a beer, have fun, and connect the people and the threads of the exciting work happening in our region. We recorded this episode during our seventh Eco Meet held recently at our favorite watering hole, Great Lakes Brewing Company. This evening featured an "open mic" where people shared news of their work, sought collaborators and promoted opportunities. Ours is a vibrant community with a common denominator: we care about our planet, our community, and each other. Hear about local sustainability initiatives in the northeast Ohio region and ways you can support them and get involved. Learn more about the speakers and their work Jennifer McMillin: Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council Tait Ferguson: Trust for Public Land Lexie St. Denis: Great Lakes Brewing Company Val Flors: Surfrider Foundation and Great Lakes Friendly Restaurants Ditte Wolin and Mary Beth Naim: Third Act Ohio Andrea Villalón: The Lavender Project India Johnson: UA Vistas Tori Agnew-Camiener: Great Lakes International Joint Commission Renata Brown: Cleveland Museum of Natural History Kimberly Lessman: Holden Forest & Gardens Restoration Seed Bank Kelly Clark: Gless Bioregion Network Lisa Hardin: The FarmSTED - St. Edwards High School Jeff McNaught: Edgewater Surf Foam Recycling Erika Meschkat: J.M. Smucker Company Corporate Sustainability Angela Yaeger: NEO Climate Summit - Laurel School Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text In this episode, Cleveland filmmaker Chris Langer speaks with us speak about his new documentary, Ripples of Plastic, which premiered this year at the Wild and Scenic Film Festival and locally at the Chagrin Falls Documentary Film Fest. Chris is a director, producer, and cinematographer and owns Wonderhouse Films in Cleveland. Ripples of Plastic is Chris's first documentary film, which he began during COVID to expose the vast problem of plastic pollution present in our Great Lakes and its effects on aquatic life and human health. Chris tells this story through the voices of those leading the research and working on solutions. Many of those voices have been guests on this podcast. Hear Chris speak about how he came to make this film, the impact it had on him, and the impact he can make through grassroots distribution within the Great Lakes region. Documentary films are powerful tools to transform and spur change. Ripples of Plastic is a call to join the fight against plastic pollution caused by plastic producers and to demand action from our policymakers. Learn how you can help Chris screen this important film far and wide. Learn More: About our Guest - Filmmaker Chris Langer Ripples of Plastic - Trailer About Wonderhouse Films The Story of Plastic Eco Speaks CLE - The Perpetual Problem of Plastic with Jill Bartolotta Eco Speaks CLE - Trash Fishing with Eddie Olschanski Eco Speaks CLE - Little Spark Refill Shop with Rachel Regula Gonzalez Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text If you need a reason to love Mondays, Slow Roll Cleveland is it. In this episode, Greg and I join Slow Roll Cleveland and several hundred other cyclists for a leisurely-paced bike parade through our urban streets. Slow Roll Cleveland hosts these ten-mile Monday evening rides during warmer months to highlight Cleveland neighborhoods and bring joy and community to riders and residents alike. Our slow roll took off from Shaker Square and took us through the Shaker, Buckeye, and Mount Pleasant neighborhoods. It was a blast. Hundreds of cyclists on bikes tricked out with bells, boom boxes, and lights shouted "Happy Monday" to excited onlookers waving from tree lawns, porches, and driveways. Slow Roll Cleveland has been hosting these inclusive social bike rides since 2013. Board President, Kevin Jones, spoke with us before the ride about the mission of Slow Roll, how it was founded, and why these rides are so popular. We also spoke with several participants and members of the Squad, the crack volunteers who ensure the rides run smoothly and safely. Come along with us. There is magic in our neighborhoods, in our people, and in the simple joy of riding bikes together. Guest: Kevin Jones, President of the Board, Slow Roll Cleveland Resources: About Slow Roll Cleveland Slow Roll Schedule Volunteer with Slow Roll Squad Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Are you curious about making smarter, greener choices for your electricity supply? In this episode, we speak with Jennifer McMillin with the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC). Jenn is SOPEC's Regional Director for Northeast Ohio and provides tips and insights for choosing a 100% renewable energy supplier for your electricity needs. SOPEC is a leader in community choice aggregation in Ohio, providing competitive rates and substantial savings to residents in member communities, including the City of Cleveland. In Ohio, we can choose where our electricity comes from and there are many ways to choose renewable energy for your home or business. Green energy suppliers such as SOPEC use Renewable Energy Credits (RECs) to document, authenticate, and track that energy flowing into the power grid comes from a clean, renewable power source. Consumers can then select one of these renewable energy suppliers either on their own or participating in their community's contract with an aggregator like SOPEC or NOPEC. Join us as we break it all down for you so you can make and informed, sustainable energy choices. Investments in renewable energy projects are paying off but we have far to go to further green our grid. Choosing a renewable power supplier through our consumer choice is one way we can all show our support. Guest: Jennifer McMillin, Regional Director for Northeast Ohio with the Sustainable Ohio Public Energy Council (SOPEC) Resources: About SOPEC CIty of Cleveland Community Choice Aggregation Program SOPEC Job Openings Green-e® Certified renewable energy SOPEC Solar Assessment Programs PUCO Apples to Apples EPA Green Power Communities Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text "Adulting' is hard, but it's exponentially harder if you are 18 years old and aging out of foster care, alone and without a support system. Here in Cleveland, there's an organization helping to ease the transition by providing donated furniture and household goods to young people who have graduated from foster care and moved into a place of their own. That organization is called Chair-ity, and in this episode, we speak with its founder and executive director, Maria Paparella. Chair-ity is a non-profit based in Cleveland that works to address the unmet needs of young adults aging out of the foster care system. Maria was inspired to start Chair-ity when she was just 16 years old. Ten years later, her organization has been a much-needed friend to 662 young adults by providing essential household goods and furniture and making their first place into a home. Join us to hear Maria's story and how she is creating a community of support for young adults exiting the foster care system. Hear the many ways you can help by donating your time, talent, and treasure. The benefits go both ways. One of Maria's favorite quotes is from Ruth Bader Ginsberg: "Fight for the things you care about, but do it in a way that will lead others to join you." Maria is living this quote, and she hopes you will join her. Guest: Maria Paparella, Executive Director of Chair-ity Resources: Follow Chair-ity on Instagram About Chair-ity How to Donate Chair-ity Success Stories Connect with Chair-ity Upcoming Events Community of Hope (mentor opportunities) Cleveland Angels (mentor opportunities) Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text In this bonus to our conversation with Maria Paparella, Maria shares a personal story of one of the young adults she deeply connected with through her organization Chair-ity. This young adult faced several challenges as she aged out of the foster care system and started life on her own. But with her perseverance, strength, intelligence, and support from Maria, she has become one of the many Chair-ity success stories. This organization truly makes a difference, one person at a time. Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com

Send us a text Meet our fellow Cleveland podcaster, Maci Nelson. Maci is a landscape architect, the creator of The Land+Scape Nerd podcast, and a project manager for LAND Studio, a non-profit that connects communities through art and public spaces. In this episode, Maci shares what it's like to design for urban outdoor spaces and the importance of relying on residents' voices to drive the creation of vibrant, inclusive outdoor environments. Through her work at LAND Studio, Maci shares how public art and other enhancements create community-centric environments that reflect who we are as Clevelanders and how nature-based solutions help mitigate climate impacts in our inner cities. Also, hear Maci speak about her podcast, The Land+Scape Nerd, where she shares stories about people and landscapes and provides resources for anyone interested in the outdoor world. In our Tip Time, Maci gives her favorite native plant recommendations to help transform your outdoor space. Guest: Maci Nelson, Project Manager at LAND Studio and creator of The Land+Scape Nerd podcast Resources mentioned in this episode: Maci's podcast - The Land+Scape Nerd Follow Maci on Instagram@thelandscapenerd LAND Studio projects - Small Giants sculptures at Wendy Park and The City is Our Museum Cleveland Seed Bank workshops Wild Ones Greater Cleveland The Pollinator Partnership Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeakscle https://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscle Contact us: hello@ecospeakscle.com