Environmentality. with Dr. Brendon Anthony

Why conserving pollinators helps preserve not just our agricultural lands, but our National Parks as well. An interview with Dr. Sarah Whipple. In this episode, I chat with my friend and colleague, Dr. Sarah Whipple to discuss her pollinator passions! We discuss her plethora of adventures and studies in National Parks across the country and take a deep dive into her approach to assessing pollinator health in the wake of climate change. We cover some pollinator 101, by discussing what is a pollinator and their ecosystem services? What are the differences between indicator and keystone species? We chat about bees, butterflies, beetles, oh my! (also birds, bats, and even bison as pollinators!) Dr. Whipple and I weigh the pros and cons of managed bees, colony collapse disorder and the growing threat towards other native pollinators. We'll meander through the distinction of managed vs. protected lands and conclude with her PhD research in Yellowstone assessing the pros and cons of climate change on protected areas in respect to pollinators. You can find and connect with her here: Twitter: @sarahwhipple15 Tiktok: @NPSbuggirl

How promoting sustainable nutrition can mitigate health, environmental and social issues. An interview with Taylor Mayeda. In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with foodie and food security advocate, Taylor Mayeda, to talk about nutrition, food security and plant-based "meats." Taylor was at Impossible Foods cooking burgers for Bill Gates, working in their marketing division, when the company was first starting out. Since then she has worked for several plant based companies, as well as a stint with AmeriCorps, where she served as a nutrition educator. Taylor is passionate about sustainable nutrition, a positive relationship with your body/diet and improving the access to and education about healthy eating. We chat about farming, plant based alternatives and food security. We address some of the issues surrounding "soy" based vegan foods, as well as the idea of nutrition being a luxury and a privilege. We also talk about lab grown meats, food banks and the legacy of passing down recipes throughout generations. Taylor likes to keep cooking simple and shares some tips for doing so, while eating a plant based diet. To connect with Taylor, click here.

How flowers can be grown and curated in an eco-friendly way. An interview with Piper Essick, owner of Petals by Piper, a sustainable floristry company. In this episode, Brendon interviews flower artist and sustainable florist, Piper Essick, to talk about her generational green thumb and how Piper got into floristry. As an environmentalist, Piper approaches floristry from a unique perspective, combining nature and art, sourcing flowers locally for her clients. Piper discusses her desire to source flowers seasonally and locally, as we discuss the vast carbon footprint the flower industry has. Piper and I also talk about some of the controversial topics in floristry, such as: pampas grass, dehydrated flowers, use of noxious chemicals and the rampant use of plastic all throughout the floral supply chain. Lastly, we address the need for brides to be open-minded in their selection of flowers for their big day, as this allows florists to be able to source local, more sustainable materials. To learn more about Petals by Piper, click here. Instagram: @petalsbypiper

How chemistry and soil health play a role in coffee quality. An interview with Sarah Brinkley, Ph.D. candidate and researcher at Texas A & M, working in the Center for Coffee Research and Education. In this episode, Brendon interviews coffee chemistry guru, Sarah Brinkley, to talk about the role chemistry plays in the perception and evaluation of coffee quality. Sarah discusses her sinuous path of interests leading her through vineyards, coffee farms and chemistry labs. She explains how a singular specialty coffee "score" or rating is not sufficient to describe coffee "quality." She outlines the development of a "living lexicon" to better describe coffee and how chemistry aids in this pursuit. Sarah also discusses her research, evaluating how soil amendments help improve plant health and influence coffee quality, both at the consumer perception and chemical profiling levels. Sarah also defines biodynamic farming, recounts the history and significance of Norman Borlaug, and discusses the array of applications for various chemistry technologies. Ultimately, Sarah discloses her desire to see coffee become more of a gourmet product, with a higher price point and appreciation for this specialty crop, in order to mitigate price crises and provide equitable compensation for farmers in this industry. To connect with Sarah Brinkley, click here; Twitter: @scbrinkley To read Sarah's most recent publication on Coffee Chemistry and Climate Change, click here. To check out Sarah's side hustle and Coffee education repository, click here. To learn more about Texas A & M's Center for Coffee Research and Education, click here.

What steps can be done to minimize steps in the supply chain to improve the social responsibility of coffee. An interview with Preston Quillen, owner and head roaster of Bigbee Coffee Roasters in Alabama. In this episode, Brendon interviews Preston Quillen to talk about coffee roasting and his approach to consumer education and community building. Preston first got excited about coffee on a mission trip to Haiti and began his roasting process with a popcorn machine, a smoky apartment and an upset wife. He has since launched several locations, alongside his father and wife, roasting, brewing and serving coffee all over Alabama, US. Preston discusses his approach to selling coffee, empowering farmers and reducing the steps in the supply chain to ensure more money in the hands of the producers. Preston pursues "relationship coffee," with a better understanding where their beans come from, by sourcing from single origin farms they have a connection with. To learn more about Bigbee Coffee Roasters, click here. To connect with Preston, click here.

What the postharvest steps are for coffee once its picked from the tree. An interview with Dr. Irwin Donis-González, assistant professor at UC-Davis, working in the Coffee Center. In this episode, Brendon interviews Dr. Irwin Donis-González to talk about postharvest management, coffee biology and how technology can be used to solve issues in the industry. Irwin shares about his background, growing up in Guatemala and his interests in engineering. He also defines what "postharvest" is and provides a distinction from "preharvest" factors in production. We talk about the role postharvest management plays in achieving food security goals, and how food waste and spoilage is intensified in impoverished countries where proper technologies are not available. Dr. Donis-González also talks about the risk of mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by fungus) in coffee and why proper postharvest management is integral for conserving food safety. Irwin also takes us on a journey from cherry (or berry) to a final drinkable product, discussing the steps along the way and the pros/cons of each processing style. A special emphasis is placed on "drying," explaining the significance of this step for the safety and quality of coffee, along with the technologies used to monitor this process. To learn more about UC Davis' Coffee Center, click here. To connect with Dr. Donis-González, click here.

What the production challenges and innovative solutions are for the coffee industry in Latin America. An interview with Jan Carlo Handtke, owner of Mapache Coffee in El Salvador. In this episode, Brendon interviews Jan Carlo, a coffee farmer, processor and exporter from El Salvador. Jan Carlo and his wife, Sofia, operate Mapache, which produces coffee all over El Salvador through sustainable means. Jan Carlo shares about the biggest issues facing coffee production, particularly in El Salvador: plant pathogens, labor issues and climate change. Jan Carlo discusses solutions to these problems, as well as his innovative approach to vertically integrating his business to maximize profitability. We also chat about how coffee growers/processors can add value to their product to maximize quality and mitigate the price crisis. Jan Carlo also answers questions about: shade grown coffee (as well as other certifications like CAFE practices), how El Sal's civil war has affected the coffee industry and why cupping your coffee is critical to understanding your quality and obtaining a high farmgate price (i.e., $/lb or $/kg). To learn more about Mapache Coffee, and their farms and facilities, click here. To visit their Instagram, click here. To find Mapache Coffee in the U.S., here is the list of Roasters and Coffee Shops that source their coffee:

What the research objectives and challenges are for coffee production worldwide. An interview with Evie Smith, M.Sc., M.Sc. In this episode, Brendon interviews Evie Smith, coffee researcher and instructor at UC Davis, about research she has been conducting in Latin America over the past several years. Evie shares about the biggest issues facing coffee production, particularly in Latin America: coffee leaf rust, a fungal pathogen, and the price crisis. Evie discusses solutions to these problems, as well as her next steps in her research to combat these challenges. She is also involved at the UC Davis Coffee Center, where she helps develop curriculum for students on campus. Evie also answers questions about: what agricultural extensions is, what a supply chain is and how we can take tangible steps to engage in "relationship," coffee to ensure coffee farmers are getting a fair price for their product. To connect with Evie, click here. To learn more about the UC Davis Coffee Center, click here.

How coffee can be managed and bred for sustainability. A lecture from Brendon Anthony. In this premiere episode of Season 3 of Environmentality., Brendon returns with a lecture on sustainable coffee, which serves as an introduction and primer to a 6-part series on coffee and sustainability. Brendon shares his background, interest and love of coffee, and why he wanted to create the series about this beverage and sustainability. Brendon explains the distinction between the two primary species of coffee, several innovative new varieties that were bred or identified, which changed production goals over the years and explains the physiological distinction between shade-loving plants and sun-loving plants. Brendon also discusses the importance of caffeine in plants, critical coffee pathogens and introduces some of the complexities of certifications. Stay tuned for more episodes, as this kicks off an investigation into the supply chain of coffee and where sustainability goals can be met at each step!

Why tree fruit orchards are being redesigned for improved sustainability. A lecture from Brendon Anthony. In this final episode of Season 2 of Environmentality., Brendon returns with a lecture on the tree fruit industry and the focus of his PhD research, shifting low density peach orchards towards high density plantings (more trees per land area). Brendon provides an overview on the field of horticulture and pomology, while doing some deep dives on some fun botanical facts. He then begins to discuss the differences between the CA and CO peach industries and the importance of quality for economic sustainability. Brendon explains why orchards are shifting towards increased planting densities and smaller trees and how this is facilitated by dwarfing rootstocks. High density orchards can simplify canopy architecture to increase labor and input use efficiency, all in an attempt to increase the sustainability (Three E's) of these orchard systems. This transition has already occurred in apple and cherry, and is beginning now in other fruit crops like peaches. Brendon discusses the pros and cons of this orchard design and why we need to be able to produce more on less land with less resources in the future to satisfy the food needs of a growing population.

How recycling nutrients from our plant residues, biosolids and bodies can contribute to a more sustainable future. An interview with Dr. Lynne Carpenter-Boggs. In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with Dr. Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, Full Professor in the Crops and Soil Science Department at Washington State University to discuss nutrient cycling on many scales. We discuss the importance of returning nutrients back into agriculture systems in order to achieve more sustainable production systems, along with the potential to use composted bio-solids (human feces) and human bodies in this process. Dr. Carpenter-Boggs talks about the novelty of human composting, the regulations involved in pioneering the research and the status of this alternative funeral process today. We also chat about the importance of microorganisms in soils, along with many food production systems such as conservation, no-till and rotational agriculture systems. The focus of these agriculture systems being the preservation of soil health and stability. To learn more about her research, click here. To connect with Dr. Carpenter-Boggs, click here.

How zoonotic viruses are spreading as a result of ecosystem degradation. An interview with Danielle Carnahan. In this episode of Environmentality. Danielle Carnahan returns to chat with me about the interface between global pandemics and environmental degradation. Danielle is a wildlife conservationist and is the founder of an environmental blog called, "Call to Conserve." Danielle has worked extensively with wildlife around the globe and helps walk me through the connection between our treatment of the natural world and the facilitation of pandemics. We chat about how 60% of the diseases humans experience are vectored from animals, and how we can avoid them. Danielle and I list off a lot of horrific outbreaks that started as a result of humans coming into contact with animals and ecosystems, unsustainable agriculture, deforestation and habitat destruction. Danielle also chats about one main driver in particular, palm oil production. Danielle offers us advice, both large-scale and everyday, on how to prevent the spread of these diseases and how we can better foster a planet that embodies "One Health." To learn more about her blog, click here. To check out her Reels page, click here.

What a plethora of international agricultural experiences can teach us about community and the environment. An interview with Sam Becker-Miyadai. In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with a dear friend and former roommate of mine, Sam Becker-Miyadai. Sam is a marketing specialist, foodie and food systems photographer. In the podcast, Sam shares an anthology of stories and farming experiences from Southern California to Japan, with many other stops in between, like in Mexico and Cambodia. We chat about the significance of community in agriculture and the intersection of social impact and environmental sustainability. Sam and I chat about a diversity of food production systems that embrace everything from ancient agroecological practices to modern technological approaches. We discuss how agriculture as a whole needs diversity in all aspects, including biological species, cultures, people and practices. Sam shares with me how to make mochi, while we discuss our love of frogs and struggle to think of the word "kitchen aid." Overall, we have a great time chatting about the world of agriculture and we end the show with a little "fishbowl"-esque game. To connect with Sam Becker-Miyadai on LinkedIn, click here. Instagram: @sambmiyadai__

How Plant with Purpose is holistically addressing social, economic and environmental needs. An interview with Philippe Lazaro. In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with Philippe Lazaro, the creative director of Plant with Purpose, a non-profit based in San Diego that engages in holistic development all around the globe. Plant with Purpose embraces agroforestry and agroecological approaches to restore the environment, stimulate local economies and fortify relationships in communities through faith-based approaches. Specifically, Plant with Purpose plants millions of trees per year, restores watersheds and establishes "village savings & loans associations" (VSLA), to holistically and sustainably empower people around the world. Philippe and I chat about his experiences in non-profits, and what brought him to the sustainable development world. We also chat about how social issues, like human trafficking, are rooted in environmental issues, like agricultural collapse. Philippe shares stories of success where communities are being alleviated from poverty, how the organization is collecting this kind of data, and how they are improving their model at Plant with Purpose. We dive deep into the VSLA model, the ecological benefits of trees, the need for diversity in agricultural production and the power of watershed restoration. To learn more about the work being done at Plant with Purpose, or to donate, check out their website here. To check out Philippe's podcast, Grass Roots, click here.

Why trends can be degrading and how the industry can build a sustainable future. An interview with Jia Yee Ni. In this episode of Environmentality. I discuss the fashion industry with Jia Yee Ni, the product/design manager at Kordal Studio in Brooklyn, New York. We chat about the harmful impacts of the "fast fashion" industry, in respect to built obsolescence, negative societal consequences on self-esteem, environmental degradation of particular materials and the social/economic consequences of cheap textiles flooding low-income nations. Jia Yee shares her thoughts on thrift shopping, as well as provides tips on the fabrics to avoid and the materials to embrace, in particular the ones that are better for your body and the environment (hint: alpaca!). We chat especially about what Kordal Studio is doing, and how they are combatting trends and trying to design and manufacture clothes that are built to last. Jia Yee introduces a concept known as "cost per wear," which demonstrates the true economic sense of investing in good durable clothes. To learn more about Jia Yee and the work being done at Kordal Studio, check out their website here.

How humans and climate change are influencing alpine lakes and ecology. An interview with Caitlin Charlton. In this episode of Environmentality. I connect with Caitlin Charlton to discuss all things alpine lakes and ecology. In particular, we discuss the impacts of human activity and climate change on these alpine regions, and what solutions, both big and small, that can be taken to mitigate their impacts. Caitlin is a graduate student in the Ecology program at Colorado State University. In this episode, she discusses in great detail some of the experiments that she and her research lab group are conducting in the Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond. She discusses the impacts of nutrient deposition on alpine lakes and how that can lead to toxicity and eutrophication. She also shares about the impacts of human waste and hikers not following "leave no trace" principles while hiking in the Rockies. Caitlin and I also chat about lake submarines, Clif bar wrappers, caffeine in human waste and regulations being implemented to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous deposition in alpine lakes. To learn more about Caitlin and her field work check out her Instagram here: @caitlincharl10 Additional information about her research can be found here.

How a circular urban agricultural system can provide social and environmental benefits. An interview with Aaron Flora. In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down and chat with Aaron Flora, Renewable Farms Founder and CEO, about aquaponics. Aquaponics is an urban agricultural system that combines: aquaculture, the production of aquatic species like tilapia, catfish or shellfish, and hydroponics, the production of plants without soil. We chat about aquaponics as a tool in the toolbox for sustainable agriculture and international development, but not a one-size-fits-all solution, as it has some drawbacks. Aaron discusses how in it's appropriate context in urban areas, such as Orange County, aquaponics can and has led to generating local produce for food insecure areas, along with numerous social benefits. At the Riverbed Farm, a local mega-aquaponics farm, operated by Aaron and Renewable Farms, there are several after-school, volunteer, internship and employment programs for kids, students, homeless, people with disabilities, veterans and the elderly. The Riverbed Farm in Anaheim, followed by two new farms opening up in Aliso Viejo and Fullerton, in the coming year, will continue to serve both people and planet, by creating a space for people to get married, hold events and interact with nature and farming, while it produces tons of food (both fish and veggies) for local food banks and educational/therapeutic opportunities for all. Aaron and I also chat about our converging paths, when he took me to Panama as a kid, and then later in college, employed me and taught me about aquaponics. Aaron continues to mentor and train numerous people in OC about this urban ag technology. To learn more about Renewable Farms and the Riverbed Farm in Anaheim, click here. Check out their instagram here: @TheRiverbedFarm If you are interested in learning how to farm aquaponics or applying to work at any of the farms, contact Aaron at: Aaron@renewablefarms.com

How an online platform can revolutionize your shopping habits for a more sustainable planet. An interview with Tara Jafarmadar, CEO of Susty.eco, which is now: Baobab. In this episode of Environmentality. I interview Tara Jafarmadar Mujica, CEO and one of the co-founders at Susty.eco (now Baobab), an online shopping platform that hosts sustainable products and businesses. The goal of Susty? To simplify and enhance the transparency of your shopping habits, by providing you information about the social, environmental, health and innovating aspects of the product/business you are supporting/buying from. On the show, we discuss the issue of "fast fashion," built obsolescence, and the need for long-lasting, environmentally friendly products. Futhermore, Tara addresses the two main issues of our consumption: disposability and a lack of external costs factored into the price of our products. Susty.eco promotes companies that are addressing these two main issues. Finally, I ask, "can we really consume our way to sustainability?" Tune in to hear how Tara beautifully addresses this point and how Susty.eco wants to tackle consumption as a whole. To check out and shop on Susty.eco, click here. To connect with Tara, click here.

How Tropic Sport seeks to mitigate coral bleaching and negative human health impacts of chemical sunscreen. An interview with Tony Palmer. In this interview of Environmentality., Tony Palmer, co-founder and CEO of Tropic Sport, joins me to talk about their alternative sunscreen that is formulated with natural compounds to promote healthy reefs and bodies. Warming temperatures and ocean acidification have led to coral bleaching in recent years, but another contributing factor to coral bleaching, are chemical sunscreens. Particular chemicals, such as oxybenzone, can have vast negative impacts on coral reefs and aquatic wildlife, to which we discuss at length about. Furthermore, these chemicals are harmful for your body as well, making Tropic Sport a company that promotes holistic health for the planet and you. Tony and I also chat about their conviction to be sustainable throughout the supply chain, reducing plastic waste, promoting recyclable material and leading this charge for other companies to follow. We also discuss the holistic benefits of coral reefs, rising skin cancer incidence and legislation being imposed across the U.S. to prevent toxic chemicals in our sunscreens. To learn more about Tropic Sport and purchase their products, click here. Click here to connect with Tony Palmer.

Three Stories: Sources: https://time.com/5898049/covid-19-sniffing-dogs https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/10/201007123131.htm https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2020/09/200928152913.htm