Season 1 Episodes

Hemanth Setty, founder of Zero Circle, takes us behind the scenes of his innovative B2B green finance marketplace. He discusses the challenges small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face in accessing green capital and how Zero Circle is simplifying the process. Hemanth explains the concept of green financing, highlighting the favorable incentives, rebates, and creative structures available to businesses that link their funding to sustainability initiatives. He also shares Zero Circle's unique ...

Hemanth Setty, founder of Zero Circle, a green finance marketplace, shares his unique journey from product management and supply chain analysis to becoming a champion for sustainable business practices. He discusses how his experience at Dun & Bradstreet, where he oversaw the development of ESG solutions, shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability space. Hemanth emphasizes the growing importance of incorporating climate change considerations into every job...

Mary Leciejewski, Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability at Ohio State University, shares how she and her team are tackling the enormous task of creating a zero-waste system for a campus. She details the university's comprehensive approach to facility management, emphasizing the importance of waste characterization studies, stakeholder engagement, and solutions like the reusable container program, which has eliminated 250,000 single-use containers. Mary highlights the significant pro...

Mary Leciejewski, Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability at Ohio State University, shares her journey into the world of zero waste. From a childhood steeped in community service to studying public and community service studies and environmental studies, Mary's path has been guided by a deep desire to make a positive impact. She discusses her experience working with the Southside Community Land Trust, where she connected with diverse communities and witnessed the intersection of envir...

Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, delves into the world of regenerative agriculture, sharing his passion for creating a farming system that is both sustainable and replicable. He discusses the importance of connecting people to their food sources, addressing the disconnection that many people feel from the food system. Graham explains the principles of regenerative farming, emphasizing the focus on soil health, carbon sequestration, and creating a thriving ecosystem. He describes...

What does it mean to "love your neighbor" through regenerative farming? Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, shares his inspiring journey from environmental activism to sustainable agriculture. Growing up in Chesapeake, Ohio, Graham witnessed the effects of extractive industries on the Appalachian landscape, sparking a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. He discusses his involvement with the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, his experiences in the Boy Scouts, and h...

Dominique and Adam take a look back at a year of insightful conversations with Green Champions: celebrating reaching over 40 episodes, highlighting key takeaways from their guests, starting with the power of volunteering as a pathway to a career in sustainability. Hear inspiring examples from individuals like Aryeh Alex and Dana Watts who turned their passion for the environment into impactful roles. They also emphasize the importance of community involvement, featuring guests like Lisa Golds...

Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, dives into the details of the innovative Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program. She explains how the program addresses the long-standing tradition of "can fairies" – students leaving cans on their lawns for others to collect – and the resulting litter problem, the program promotes cleaner, safer, and more sustainable practices within the community. It's a simple but effective solution: fill the box, not the lawn. Nora des...

Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, shares her journey from growing up in Columbus to leading hyper-local initiatives that are making a real difference. Nora's deep connection to Columbus has fueled her desire to make a positive impact. She talks about her early experiences growing up, her studies in Public Affairs and Spanish at Ohio State, and her involvement in the early days of GiveBackHack and how she found her way to the University District Organization...

Tyler Bonner, founder and CEO of Zero Waste Event Productions, takes us behind the scenes of his innovative social enterprise, which is transforming the way we think about waste at outdoor events. He describes the company's unique approach to waste management, highlighting the use of portable conveyor belts for efficient and safe sorting, and the importance of engaging attendees in the process. Since its inception, Zero Waste Event Productions has diverted nearly one million pounds of waste from...

How did a degree in ecotourism adventure travel lead Tyler to a career in zero-waste event production? Tyler Bonner, founder and CEO of Zero Waste Event Productions, shares his unconventional path to a career in sustainability. From exploring the woods of Athens, Ohio, to scuba diving in the Bahamas, Tyler's passion for the environment has taken him on a series of adventures. He describes his studies in ecotourism and conservation social sciences, highlighting the importance of hands-on learn...

How is Joya Elmore turning her school into a zero-waste haven, one compostable pumpkin at a time? Episode at a glance - The Growers Program: Growing Food, Mind, and Soul - Hydroponics and Botany: A Deeper Dive into Plants - The Green Club: Student-Driven Sustainability - Balancing Leadership and Advocacy - The Wonder Bus: Expanding Learning Beyond the Classroom - Embracing the Process, Not Just the Goal - The Importance of Self-Care and Connecting with Nature About Joya Elmore Joya Elmor...

What does an environment-based classroom look like? Joya Elmore, Director of Environment-based Learning at the Wellington School, shares her inspiring journey into the world of sustainability education. Growing up in a family deeply rooted in environmental values and living in a geodesic dome, Joya developed a deep appreciation for nature and sustainable living from a young age. She recounts how her experiences as a teacher ignited her passion for connecting students to their food sources, un...

How can we equip the next generation to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability? Neil Drobny shares his experience building academic programs that empower students to make a real-world impact. He played a pivotal role in developing Ohio State University's sustainability major EEDS (Environment, Economy, Development and Sustainability). He also spearheaded the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University, a competition that encourages students to develop innov...

Can a childhood spent in nature spark a lifelong passion for sustainability? For Neil Drobny, it certainly did. Neil Drobny is the program director of the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University. Neil's interest in sustainability began in his childhood, when he was a Boy Scout. He worked as a consultant at Battelle for many years, helping companies to implement sustainable practices. He joined the faculty at Ohio State University in 2004 to teach sustainability ...

Erin Shaffer, a manager at Kalypso (a Rockwell Automation company), building a thriving sustainability service line within a consulting firm. Starting with a simple conversation amongst colleagues and their desire for sustainable change, to landing major clients and gaining significant leadership buy-in, Erin details the entire process, sharing both the challenges and the triumphs. She lays out the types of sustainability and energy management projects Kalypso undertakes, the key factors motivat...

Erin Shaffer is a Green Champion who co-leads the sustainability and energy management service line at Kalypso, a consulting firm acquired by Rockwell Automation. Erin shares her passion for sustainability, which was rooted in her upbringing and her experiences with social impact initiatives throughout college. She highlights her journey from working with organizations like GiveBackHack and Star House to establishing a sustainable consulting practice within a large corporation. Erin discusses th...

What are the three types of social capital, and how can understanding them help you become a better advocate for sustainability? Joe Campbell, senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources and director of the Environmental Professionals Network, returns for a masterclass on social capital. He defines the concept, explaining how it refers to the value of relationships, and explores the three key types of social capital: bonding, bridging, and linking. H...

2Joe Campbell shares his journey from a study abroad program in Ghana to establishing his own consulting company, Development Consulting International. He then talks about how he came to teach the Ghana study abroad course and continue to work on community development projects in both Ghana and the US. He explains the importance of building a shared understanding of what community development means in practice, highlighting the need to consider both the physical environment and the social and cu...

Joe Campbell is more than just a professor at Ohio State University. He's a passionate advocate for community building and a firm believer in the power of listening. Joe's unique approach to sustainability goes beyond just studying the environment – he understands that the key to creating positive change is fostering strong connections and valuing the perspectives of others. He encourages us to move beyond the "I" and embrace the "we," reminding us that we are interconnected and that our greates...

Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist and PhD candidate shares her passion for studying harmful chemicals in our environment, focusing on microplastics and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." She explains the alarming extent of their presence, from our clothing to our drinking water, and the potential long-term health implications they pose. Brittanie also sheds light on the challenges scientists face in studying these emerging contaminants due to the limited knowledge and the rapid ...

Have you ever wondered how the chemicals in our environment impact our health and ecosystems? Meet Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of contaminants in our waterways and inspiring the next generation of Green Champions. Brittanie Dabney's journey as an environmental scientist began in the heart of Detroit, where she witnessed the stark contrast between urban pollution and the natural beauty of camping trips with her family. This early exposure ...

Columbus Micro Systems, a Columbus-based company with a 36-year history, is more than just an IT hardware and services provider. They've carved a unique niche by actively championing sustainability within the tech industry. They take a comprehensive approach to IT recycling, going beyond simply collecting old electronics. Their commitment to data security is unwavering, ensuring that sensitive information is properly destroyed before devices are refurbished or repurposed. This dedication extends...

Zagrous Kawarizadeh is the president of Columbus Micro Systems, a family business with a unique perspective on sustainability. Founded in 1988, the company has evolved from building computers to becoming a leader in IT recycling. Zag brings a passion for solving problems and a deep understanding of data security to his role. Columbus Micro Systems goes beyond just recycling electronics - they ensure data security, provide refurbished computers to individuals, and work to keep the recycling proce...