Hopefully Sustainable

We have come to the last episode of Season 2! Throughout this past season, Hopefully Sustainable has covered topics ranging from renewable energy to religion to food and agriculture. While Jaiko has spoken to a variety of guests, hope has remained at the center of every conversation. For the last episode of Season 2, hear what all of the past guests are hopeful about! Stay tuned for Season 3 coming Fall 2021! Until next time, stay hopeful and stay sustainable! Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Today we are welcoming Vasser Seydel to Hopefully Sustainable! Vasser currently serves as the Deep Seabed Mining campaign manager for The Oxygen Project which was founded to raise awareness and defend the ecosystems that produce our oxygen. Our oceans face many different threats but currently, one of the greatest potential threats is deep seabed mining. As some background, the deep sea is the largest and least explored of Earth’s biomes and it is currently threatened by the possibility of corporations coming in and mining which could lead to irreversible ecosystem loss amongst many other horrible consequences. Vasser is going to provide background on the issue at hand and talk about how The Oxygen Project is working to raise awareness and pass a 10-year moratorium on deep seabed mining. This episode is being released leading up to World Ocean Day which is June 8! The Oxygen Project will have a lot of exciting campaigns and activities over the next two weeks so check them out online at https://www.theoxygenproject.com/ and on Instagram @theoxygenproj. Sign the official letter to the United Nations and International Seabed Authority representatives calling for a 10-year moratorium to stop deep seabed mining at https://www.theoxygenproject.com/deepseamining/. Check out the Deep Blue playlist that Vasser mentions on Spotify at https://open.spotify.com/playlist/70WBGGYdi3zOXp2mbZAgRt?si=0cea880d9df84bc0. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Sandra Henri is the founder of Less Stuff - More Meaning, New Zealand and Australia’s hub for eco-ethical weddings! Through her time in the industry as a wedding photographer, Sandra has witnessed a trend towards consumerism and extravagance that she feels has detracted from what’s truly important – both in marriage and the world at large. In today’s episode, Sandra brings attention to ways that couples can reduce the environmental impact of their weddings. Whether it’s by having a smaller wedding, buying a dress secondhand, or using a local florist, Sandra believes that anyone can be a wedding activist. Find more information about eco-ethical weddings and purchase the Mindfully Wed e-guide online at https://lessstuffmoremeaning.org and on Instagram @less_stuff_more_meaning. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

In 2019, Jaiko had the opportunity to attend the Climate Reality Training in Atlanta, Georgia. The training is hosted by The Climate Reality Project which is a non-profit organization involved in education and advocacy related to climate change. The nonprofit was founded by former Vice President, Al Gore. Jaiko and her other group members were mentored by John Alexander. Since volunteering as a mentor at the 2019 training, John has graduated from Tulane University with his major in Environmental Studies and minors in Business and Social Innovation & Social Entrepreneurship. He now works as the Distribution and Operations Associate at Wholesome Meats, a San Antonio-based beef brand dedicated to accelerating the consumer adoption of regenerative agriculture. In today’s episode, John discusses his experience with The Climate Reality Project, recalls his time as the Director of Sustainability while at Tulane University, educates listeners about his new role and the importance of regenerative agriculture. Learn more about The Climate Reality Project and find an upcoming training online at https://www.climaterealityproject.org/. Check out Wholesome Meats online at https://getwholesome.com/. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Inspired by Project Drawdown, Drawdown Georgia is building a movement to accelerate progress toward net-zero greenhouse gas emissions. Ollie Chapman is currently a student at Georgia Tech studying Public Policy with an emphasis on energy and the environment. For the past year, he has been working with Dr. Marilyn Brown on Drawdown Georgia, developing ways to reduce Georgia's carbon footprint beneficially and equitably. During his time at Georgia Tech, he co-authored an article with Dr. Brown, "Demand Response as a Carbon Reduction Policy: Evidence from the Southeastern U.S. State of Georgia." In today’s episode, Ollie is going to talk about the mission of Drawdown Georgia, discuss which solutions are the most beneficial when it comes to Georgia’s role in the fight against climate change, and provide advice for other college students on participating in research and working with professors. Find more information about Drawdown Georgia and how to get involved online at https://www.drawdownga.org/. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Today’s episode is diving into the intersection of sustainability and religion, specifically sustainability and Christianity. We are joined by Dr. Jason Roberts, professor in the Department of Religion at the University of Georgia. He earned a B.A. in Religion from Ashland University in 2004, an M.A. in Systematic Theology from Marquette University in 2008, and his Ph.D. in Religious Studies from Marquette in 2013 with an emphasis in Theological Ethics. Dr. Roberts draws from thinkers in a number of Christian traditions to investigate the relationship between theology and the natural sciences. Jaiko met Dr. Jason Roberts during her senior year at UGA where she enrolled in his course, Christianity and Sustainability. Throughout the episode, Dr. Roberts discusses the structure of his course, makes direct connections between Biblical teachings and sustainability, provides advice on how ministries can incorporate sustainability, and leaves listeners feeling hopeful about people from various religious backgrounds coming together to save this gift we have been given, the earth and all its beauty. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Cauliflower and oatmeal might not be the first food combination you think of but Jacqueline and Taylor believe their cauliflower oats have the nutritional value and uniqueness to break into the breakfast food industry! While in college at the University of Michigan, Taylor began to “hide” riced cauliflower in her oatmeal and the recipe became very popular amongst family and friends. Sensing she had an interesting idea, she joined forces with Jacqueline and created Brassi, a company on a mission to provide you with good food that makes you feel great! Both women tell their story of starting a business while attending undergrad, discuss the challenges and successes of incorporating sustainability into a business, and encourage other aspiring entrepreneurs to take the chance and go after your dreams! Order your cauliflower oats online at https://www.eatbrassi.com/ and follow along on Instagram @eatbrassi. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com. Register for the Earth Day Youth Panel here: https://www.eventbrite.com/e/earth-day-environmental-climate-change-panel-tickets-149420333239.

Meet Ann Kent, a farm-girl-turned-dietitian who helps busy families get dinner on the table! In today’s conversation, Ann is connecting the three silos of agriculture, food, and nutrition. She explains the dichotomy that exists within the USDA, discusses the hurdles that exist when it comes to feeding a busy family, and provides practical solutions to overcome those hurdles such as meal planning and utilizing leftovers. Find Ann on Instagram and Facebook, @peasandhoppiness, and online at https://peasandhoppiness.com/. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Meet father-daughter climate change fighting duo, Ken & Hanka Kirby! Both are members of Citizens’ Climate Lobby with Ken serving as the CCL Forsyth County Group Co-Leader and Hanka serving as the Georgia Tech CCL Chapter leader. Citizens’ Climate Lobby is a nonprofit, nonpartisan, grassroots advocacy organization focused on national policies to address climate change solutions. In this episode, Ken and Hanka are going to explain the lobbying process, the Bipartisan Climate Change Solution that the group is currently working to gather endorsements from members of Congress on, and the value of bringing everyone on the political spectrum together in the fight against climate change. As a father and daughter who are both passionate about sustainability, Ken and Hanka are the perfect example of how families can come together, share their passions, and create change. Find more information online at https://citizensclimatelobby.org/ and on Instagram @citizensclimate. Check out these Anti-Asian Violence Resources: https://anti-asianviolenceresources.carrd.co/?mc_cid=03a857bbfc&mc_eid=7ecc4ddace. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

This week, we are talking about the intersection of relationships and sustainability! Jaiko is speaking with four couples who are navigating how sustainability fits into their everyday lives and decisions! First, meet Carolyn & Yair who met during an internship in Savannah, Georgia. They are going to discuss how sustainability impacts their decision making as a couple in addition to honoring cultural differences. Then, Jaiko is speaking with Julia Campbell who has been with her partner, Connor, for ten years! As Julia and Connor recently moved in together, she is going to give advice on how to compromise and lovingly convince a partner to be more sustainable. Next, meet Mackenzie and Ethan who have been together for eight years and are located in Atlanta, Georgia! While Mackenzie and Ethan find different ways to incorporate sustainability into their lives, they ensure that they have fun along the way. Finally, Jaiko speaks with Kat Schaich who is married to her partner, Noah. Both Kat and Noah work in the sustainability field and bring sustainability into their personal lives as well whether it’s biking to church or composting. Whether you are in a relationship, live with roommates, or live with your family, each couple provides great advice on how sustainability can fit into a variety of lifestyles. Also, if you are trying to convince a partner, roommate, or family member to be more sustainable, each couples shares examples from their own lives of how to navigate those conversations. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

According to the USDA, the United States wastes 30-40% of our food supply while Feeding America estimates that more than 42 million Americans may experience food insecurity. Over the past year, the pandemic has only exacerbated food insecurity amongst adults and children in the US. In today’s episode, Jaiko is speaking with Andie Bisceglia, Campus Kitchen Coordinator at the University of Georgia, and Jenny Gallucci, program manager at Concrete Jungle. Both organizations are working to combat food insecurity and reduce food waste in Athens, Georgia. Even amidst the challenges caused by COVID-19, Andie and Jenny have continued their missions and remained hopeful along the way. Find more information about Campus Kitchen UGA online at https://www.ckuga.org and on Instagram @campuskitchenuga. Learn more about Concrete Jungle online at https://www.concrete-jungle.org and on Instagram @concretejungleath. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

In a world that can feel very divided at times, food is one thing that unites us because in the end, everybody eats! Today, Jaiko is speaking with Meagan Mercedes Bens and Shawn Deangelo Walton from Everybody Eats Together. They are working to build a black-owned and operated food system to end food scarcity in African American communities, starting with Ashview Heights. As a result of the pandemic, many families across America and globally have had to worry about how they are going to feed their families. Everybody Eats has stepped up in a big way to feed the people of Ashview Heights and work toward establishing a food hub so that in future time of crisis, food is not something the people have to worry about. Find more information about Everybody Eats online at http://www.EveryBodyEatsTogether.com/. Follow along on Instagram @everybodyeatsatl. Donate using CashApp: $EverybodyEatsATL. If you want to find out how to volunteer or how to get involved, email everybodyeatstogether@gmail.com. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Nuclear energy is a very complex and controversial topic but Ka-Yen Yau is going to provide an interesting and unique perspective for us! Ka-Yen Yau is a thermal hydraulics core engineer for Kairos power, an engineering company founded to accelerate the development of innovative nuclear technology. Throughout the episode, Ka-Yen is going to explain how nuclear fission creates power, the pros and cons to nuclear energy, and address common misconceptions and issues around nuclear energy. Currently 20% of the electricity in the United States comes from nuclear energy so it is important to have conversations around the topic to help us see different perspectives. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Today, Jaiko is speaking with Tyra Byers, Program Coordinator for the University of Georgia Office of Sustainability and Director of the Interdisciplinary Sustainability Certificate. Across the United States and abroad, offices of sustainability are bringing universities and colleges to the forefront of conversations around climate change and sustainability. Throughout today’s episode, Tyra discusses the function of an office of sustainability, why colleges and universities deserve a spot at the table when it comes to finding solutions to climate change, and the hope she finds in the students and faculty she works with. Find more information about the University of Georgia Office of Sustainability online at https://sustainability.uga.edu/. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

This week, Jaiko is speaking with Krystal Persaud, product designer, entrepreneur, and founder of Grouphug, a solar startup creating ridiculously good looking solar panels! Over the past few years, Krystal went from an idea to a Kickstarter campaign to Shark Tank to a successful company. Throughout the episode, Krystal teaches listeners about the ins and outs of solar energy, discusses her journey to create a solar powered window charger, and describes how being a female in the industry has allowed her to bring a unique perspective to the field. Find more information online at https://grouphugtech.com/ and follow Grouphug on Instagram @grouphugsolar. If you are interested in learning more about solar energy, email hello@grouphugtech.com. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Nathan Stuck is on a mission to prove that businesses can simultaneously make a profit and a difference! The winner of B Lab North America’s 2020 Community Builder Award, Chairman of B Local Georgia, and employee of a certified B Corporation, Nathan is fully entrenched in the B Corp movement. In today’s episode, Nathan discusses the origin of the B Corp Certification, the certification process, and the value of a certification to the company, employees, community, economy, and environment. After listening to this episode, you are sure to notice the B Corp logo on many of the products you already purchase! Find more information about the B Corp Certification online at https://bcorporation.net/. If you are local to Georgia, find more information about the B Local chapter online at https://blocalgeorgia.com/. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

This week, we are discussing the intersection of women’s health and sustainability, specifically around the topic of periods. Over the course of their lifetime, a single menstruator will use somewhere between 5 and 15 thousand pads and tampons. While we have come a long way with our period product options, the environmental impact has become a prevalent conversation in the sustainability community. Madeleine Wisecup is going to walk us through the history of period products and modern sustainable alternatives. Throughout the conversation, Madeleine and Jaiko discuss the stigma around various women’s health issues and encourage listeners to not only try out sustainable period products, but to also begin having conversations with friends and family around our health. You can find Madeleine online at https://thewiseconsumer.com/ and on Instagram @thewiseconsumer. You can also find her podcast, The Wise Consumer, on all streaming platforms. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Meet Barry Abramson, one of the principals at Servidyne, a consulting firm helping building owners and managers lower energy and operating costs, reduce environmental impact, and enhance occupant comfort! Since graduating from Stanford with his degree in Energy and Environmental Engineering, Barry has worked in the sustainability field for over forty years. In today’s episode, Barry discusses the growth of the sustainability field over the last four decades, the role existing buildings play in the green building industry, and the various approaches Servidyne is taking to combat COVID-19 in our workplaces. It is important now more than ever for the general public to be informed about the role that buildings play in our health and safety - listen to learn about what you should ask yourself when returning to restaurants, offices, and other frequented indoor spaces. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Are you interested in pursuing a career in sustainability? Are you not sure if you should go to graduate school or get a job? Are you questioning how to find a job in the sustainability field? This is the episode for you! Today, Jaiko is speaking with five individuals who have taken various pathways in the sustainability field. Ali Lopiccolo and Carolyn Burch are attending sustainability-focused graduate programs, Reema Garabadu is serving as an Americorps Vista, while Jocelyn Carver and Bailey Shea are working in the sustainability field. They are all going to discuss the journeys they have taken since college graduation and give advice on everything from interviews to cover letters to finding the next best step for you. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.

Hopefully Sustainable is kicking off Season 2 with Stephanie Seferian, host of the Sustainable Minimalists podcast and a mother of two on a mission to simplify eco-friendly living. Throughout the episode, Stephanie discusses the meaning of sustainable minimalism and gives specific examples of how minimalism can be applied to any lifestyle. Jaiko and Stephanie also reflect on using minimalism as a tool to combat eco-anxiety. Find Stephanie on Instagram @mommyminimalist and online at http://mamaminimalist.com/. Pre-order Stephanie’s book, Sustainable Minimalism, anywhere you find books. Look for more information about today’s episode on Instagram @hopefullysustainablepod. Music: https://www.purple-planet.com.