Episodes

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...

SWACO, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio led by Jane Boehm, is leading the charge to reduce food waste in the region. Through the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative, they've brought together a diverse group of partners, including businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies, to work toward eliminating food waste. The initiative focuses on three key areas: prevention, donation, and composting. One of the program's notable successes is the Columbus Food Rescue, which redistributes ov...

Jane Boehm is a passionate advocate for reducing food waste in Central Ohio. As the Food Waste Programs Administrator at SWACO, she leads the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative, a collaboration of businesses, nonprofits, and government agencies working together to eliminate wasted food. Jane brings a wealth of experience from her work on the Zero Waste Island Initiative, as well as her background in environmental studies and agro ecology. Her commitment to working with diverse stakeholders to bu...

How is Toyota, a global automotive giant, tackling water scarcity, championing biodiversity, and redefining sustainability in manufacturing? Toyota's sustainability journey has evolved over 30 years, moving from a focus on waste reduction and efficiency to a comprehensive approach encompassing carbon neutrality, water conservation, biodiversity, and responsible materials. They prioritize a diverse portfolio of vehicle options, like hybrids and fuel cell vehicles, to meet diverse needs while m...

Kevin Butt is the Regional Environmental Sustainability Director at Toyota North America. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from a curious young mind exploring the woods to becoming a leading advocate for environmental sustainability in the automotive sector. Kevin talks about how his experiences working in a steel mill and his unwavering passion for the environment led him to champion sustainability at Toyota for over 30 years. Kevin provides a candid look at the evolving landscape of sustain...

Zach Walls, the Cafe Manager at Florin Coffee, isn't just brewing delicious coffee; he's crafting a sustainable future for the coffee industry. By diverting over 90% of waste from landfills, Florin Coffee has achieved the impressive "zero waste" status. But what does it take for a small, independent cafe to make such a significant environmental impact? Zach's commitment to sustainability goes beyond just composting coffee grounds and using recyclable cups. He emphasizes the importance of choo...

Do you know what happens to those bread tags or misprinted 3D models? What if they could be transformed into beautiful, functional furniture? Joseph Klatt, the founder of Marble Plastics, is on a mission to revolutionize the furniture industry. His company is transforming discarded plastic – from bread tags to 3D printer waste – into durable and beautiful chairs, tables, and countertops. Their unique compression molding process preserves the character of the recycled plastic, creating visuall...

Did you know that plastics are as different from each other as paper is from metal? Joseph Klatt, founder of Marble Plastics, dives into the complex world of polymer types and how they impact our efforts to recycle plastic waste. Joseph’s passion for sustainability was sparked by an unlikely source - a college job collecting recycling by bicycle. This hands-on experience ignited his fascination with waste management, leading him to pursue environmental studies. Joseph's career took him from t...

Did you know that Columbus, Ohio generates a staggering one million pounds of food waste per day? But the city taking concrete steps towards sustainability, and Aryeh Alex, its Sustainability Manager, is leading the charge. The city's ambitious Climate Action Plan has already seen success with its weekly recycling program. The new food scrap drop-off program, specifically targeting underserved communities, has collected an astounding 30,000 pounds of food scraps in just six months. Alex discu...

Can a childhood of playing video games lead to a passion for protecting the planet? Aryeh Alex, the Executive Director of Keep Columbus Beautiful and Sustainability Manager for the city of Columbus, shares his unlikely path from an indoorsy kid who dreaded nature camps to a passionate environmental advocate. Aryeh's transformative experience at Yosemite National Park ignited a newfound appreciation for the great outdoors, ultimately leading him to volunteer at the Columbus and Franklin County...

Are you curious about how electric vehicle owners overcome range anxiety and embark on cross-country adventures? Mryia Williams, the Ohio Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors and the Executive Director of Drive Electric Columbus shares exciting updates on the funding and initiatives driving solar and electric vehicle (EV) adoption. With a focus on accessibility, Mryia discusses the $312 million in funding from the Solar for All program, aimed at bringing solar energy to low-income com...

Did you know that you can power your electric vehicle with solar energy? Mryia Williams, Ohio Program Associate for Solar United Neighbors (SUN) and Executive Director of Drive Electric Columbus, shares her insights on making sustainable transitions accessible to everyone. Mryia shares her inspiring journey from being a stay-at-home mom to becoming a leading advocate for solar energy and electric vehicles (EVs). She explains how her personal experiences, including a family tragedy, fueled her...

How can going the extra mile for your customers lead to a million-pound impact? Ray Leard, the "Compost King" of Central Ohio, talks about the driving forces behind his incredible success with the Compost Exchange. Ray shares invaluable insights into his customer-centric philosophy, the key role pilot programs played in expanding the business, and the challenges he faced in finding facilities to process the staggering amount of food waste collected. With a focus on delivering an unparalleled ...

Ray Leard is dubbed as the "Compost King" for his pioneering efforts in bringing large-scale composting to Central Ohio. As the founder of the Compost Exchange, Ray single-handedly paved the way for residential curbside food scrap recycling and composting services in a region of over 3 million people. His journey began in 2012 with a small experiment in Athens, where he built a composting operation from scratch. Fueled by a passion for sustainability and a knack for building relationships, Ray e...

Picture your dream wedding. Does it include overflowing trash cans and wilting flowers? Probably not. But weddings are often surprisingly wasteful. However, one inspiring event planner is determined to change this. Dana Watts, founder of Thyme & Details, is on a mission to bring sustainability to the forefront of weddings without sacrificing the beauty and romance. Thyme & Details specializes in creating whimsical, eco-conscious weddings. Dana works tirelessly to address the key areas of w...