Episodes

Duccio Travaglini, Co-founder of Greencome Media, shares his innovative approach to environmental communication and his mission to transform how we discuss climate change. Rather than contributing to climate anxiety through catastrophic messaging, Duccio and his team focus on solution-oriented storytelling that mobilizes people to action. He discusses the importance of finding relatable stories of "normal people" making change and combining these narratives with data in engaging ways - what he c...

Lorenzo Cercelletta is the director of Regenerative Design for ReGeneration Hub Friuli and founder of the Quiet design studio. He explores the profound impact of design on sustainability. He challenges the individualistic tendencies in the design world, urging a shift towards a more community-focused and socially responsible approach. Lorenzo emphasizes the importance of circular design thinking, considering a product or service's entire lifecycle. He discusses his own design journey, from his e...

Annamaria Tartaglia, CEO of TheBrandSitter and founder of Angels4Women, brings a wealth of experience in fashion, investment, and sustainability. Annamaria shares her lifelong commitment to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of valuing resources, repairing and repurposing items, and making conscious purchasing decisions. She discusses the challenges of educating younger generations about sustainability in a culture of overconsumption and offers practical advice for consumers, such as che...

Francesca Cercelletta, creative director for ReGeneration Hub Friuli and graphic designer for Zegna, brings a unique blend of artistic vision and sustainability passion to NanoValbruna. As the organizer of "Frame The Change," a short film festival within the forum, she champions the power of visual storytelling in communicating complex environmental issues. Francesca shares her journey into the world of filmmaking, recounting how her participation in a workshop in Naples inspired her to bring...

Nihat Akin Ercan, co-founder of PiKARE SKYSOURCE and recent winner of the NanoValbruna innovation contest, is turning humidity into a valuable resource. His innovative system generates water from the air, offering a sustainable solution to water scarcity and contributing to a greener future. Nihat shares the story behind PiKARE SKYSOURCE, a system that generates water from humidity using concentrated solar panels, while also producing electricity and providing climatization. He discusses the ...

Paolo Licata is a tech and impact entrepreneur and an example of the impact of NanoValbruna. A former winner of the forum's innovation contest, he returned this year as a speaker, judge, and mentor, inspiring the next generation of sustainability champions. Paolo shares his unconventional journey from organizing events as a teenager to founding CO2NVERT, a startup focused on converting CO2 into valuable chemicals. He discusses how NanoValbruna played a pivotal role in his success, providing a...

Stefano Cercelletta is the coordinator of the BAITE Award, an innovation contest held at NanoValbruna, a sustainability forum in the Italian Alps. He shares his passion for bringing tangible solutions to the forefront of the sustainability conversation. Stefano describes how the contest has evolved from its humble beginnings, where he personally sought out startup teams, to receiving over 50 applications this year. He explains the selection process, the unique opportunity for international te...

Sara Molinari, Coordinator of External Relations for ReGeneration Hub Friuli, the organization behind NanoValbruna, shares her perspective on the forum's impact and evolution. With a background in international law and human rights, Sara brings a unique perspective to the world of sustainability. She discusses how her passion for making the world a better place led her to NanoValbruna and the importance of connecting seemingly disparate fields like human rights and environmentalism. Sara desc...

Francesca Milocco, Vice Chair of ReGeneration Hub Friuli and Global Sustainability Program Manager for Forbo Flooring Systems, shares her insights into the magic of NanoValbruna, an international event bringing together scientists, entrepreneurs, young people, and changemakers to discuss innovation, environment, and regeneration. She describes the forum's origins, its rapid growth from a small gathering during COVID to a week-long event with hundreds of attendees, and the passionate team of youn...

About This Mini Series This is our mini series about NanoValbruna. We are highlighting an international forum that brings scientists, entrepreneurs, professors, professionals, journalists, science communicators, and especially young people to the heart of the Julian Alps to talk about innovation, environment, and regeneration. Enjoy conversations with climate changemakers in Valbruna, Italy. Picture this: stunning mountain scenery, a charming Italian town, and passionate conversations about c...

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...