Green Shoots & Big Shifts

Reetu Gupta
  • 5.0 (6)
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Green Shoots & Big Shifts is hosted by Reetu Gupta, who started the show to have open, hopeful conversations about what it really takes to make sustainability part of how we live, lead, and work. Each week, she talks with people doing innovative, meaningful work, turning ideas into action. From startup founders and corporate change-makers to community leaders - reimagining how business, society, and the planet can thrive together. These are stories about innovation, collaboration, possibility, and the everyday shifts that move us toward a more abundant and resilient future.

  1. 6d ago

    Green Jobs, Second Chances, and Policy - Nisha Anand, Dream.org

    Nisha Anand, CEO of Dream.org, ran the playbook to help pass a legislation, which has seen 60,000 people return from prison. She grew up as the daughter of Indian immigrant parents in Atlanta, learned to be the bridge early, and now builds tables wide enough to make change that lasts. Nisha explains: Growing up a self-described misfit in Atlanta and turning bridge building into a career Why durable policy comes from including the most excluded voices, not checking a box How the First Step Act brought 60,000 people home from prison Green for All's origin: Van Jones training Oakland youth to install solar panels Solving poverty and pollution at the same time instead of one at a time The Green Reentry cohort, training people coming home from prison for green jobs Working with unlikely allies, from libertarians to military bases facing rising water Common values under criminal justice reform: second chances, dignity, shrinking a bloated system Making nuance cool again and practicing self-curiosity while doom scrolling Connecting siloed solutions from conferences into full city-wide plans What gives her hope: her kids, the next generation, and science that is bigger than us 00:00 Welcome to Green Shoots and Big Shifts 00:44 Introducing Nisha Anand, CEO of dream.org 01:21 From Atlanta misfit to activist and bridge builder 02:52 Justice at scale: legislation and the First Step Act 03:51 Building a big table and why it makes policy durable 04:41 Beyond tokenism: inviting the blind spots you cannot see 06:16 Green for All's origins with Van Jones and Oakland solar 07:47 Green infrastructure, reentry, and green jobs today 10:03 Equity as the door that opens for everyone 11:57 Practices and challenges of building broad coalitions 15:56 Common values behind unlikely allies 17:36 Making nuance cool again and modeling curiosity 19:00 Self-curiosity: asking why you react the way you do 21:33 What the podcast reveals: hope in science and startups 23:00 Connecting the dots across silos and conferences 25:28 What keeps Nisha going: her kids and the next generation 28:00 One word to leave with: perseverance Learn more about dream.org: Website - https://dreamcorps.us

    Green Jobs, Second Chances, and Policy - Nisha Anand, Dream.org

  2. Sep 2

    40% of Our Food Is Wasted! -- Robert Lee, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine

    Forty percent of the food produced in the United States gets thrown out, and the nutrition in a third of that waste is enough to end food insecurity. Robert Lee, founder of Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, left a finance job at JP Morgan to close that gap. He grew up as the second son of Korean American parents who struggled with food access, joined a student club at NYU that carried leftover dining hall food to shelters, and built that idea into an organization now rescuing food across all 50 states. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and show intro 01:00 Robert's journey and what inspired RLC 02:46 What Rescuing Leftover Cuisine does 03:33 Scaling carefully and sustainable growth 06:03 Where RLC operates today 07:00 The scale of food waste 08:33 A food rescue story that stuck 10:02 How to donate food and how pickup works 10:58 Partners, shelters, and a school program 12:33 Launching the Every Bite app in Boston 13:33 What's next and making food rescue the standard 15:35 Advice for starting small and taking action 17:53 How Robert thinks about impact 19:53 One word to leave listeners with Learn more about Rescuing Leftover Cuisine: - Website - https://rescuingleftovercuisine.org - Download the Evrybite App: https://www.evrybite.com/download-evrybite

    40% of Our Food Is Wasted! -- Robert Lee, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine

  3. Aug 26

    Can Data Drive Impact? Insights from Nelli Garton of Tablecloth.io

    In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Nelli Garton, the founder of Tablecloth.io, to discuss the transformative power of data in driving sustainability efforts. Nelli shares her inspiring journey from the world of philanthropy and academia to launching a company dedicated to helping organizations effectively measure and understand their impact. With nearly a decade of experience, she highlights the evolution of her mission and the importance of making data-driven decisions in both non-profit and private equity sectors. The conversation delves into the challenges and surprises of pivoting from a philanthropic focus to working with private equity, emphasizing the need for organizations to integrate sustainability into their core values. Nelli also explores the role of Artificial Intelligence in sustainability and the critical importance of building trust within organizations as they navigate these changes. The episode wraps up with a powerful message about the collective responsibility we share in shaping a sustainable future, urging listeners to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead. (00:00) - - Intro to Green Shoots & Big Shifts (01:23) - - Welcome to Nelli Garton (02:45) - - Nelli's Journey in Sustainability (06:12) - - Transition to Private Equity Focus (10:15) - - Data-Driven Decision Making (14:40) - - Working with Clients and Projects (18:30) - - Connecting Data to Sustainability (24:05) - - Long-Term Client Relationships (28:40) - - The Role of AI in Sustainability (32:15) - - Challenges and Opportunities with AI (37:10) - - Exciting Future for Sustainability (41:30) - - Activating Change in Communities (45:00) - - Closing Thoughts on Possibility (46:15) - - Thank You and Farewell sustainability, data, impact investing, ESG, climate change, private equity, decision making, AI, community development, transformation

    Can Data Drive Impact? Insights from Nelli Garton of Tablecloth.io

  4. Aug 19

    The Future of Carbon Fiber: Turning CO2 waste into Gold - Aaron Fitzgerald

    In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Aaron Fitzgerald, the founder of Mars Materials, Inc. PBC, to discuss innovative approaches to sustainability and climate change. Mars Materials is pioneering a transformative method of producing carbon fiber and water treatment chemicals from waste materials (i.e. carbon dioxide), instead of traditional fossil fuels. This not only creates valuable materials but also serves as an effective means of carbon sequestration, addressing both environmental concerns and market demands. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from working on Capitol Hill to becoming a serial entrepreneur focused on carbon dioxide removal. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a startup in the climate tech space, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and the need for market-based solutions to combat climate change. The conversation highlights the growing demand for sustainable materials and how Mars Materials is positioned to meet that demand while making a significant impact on the environment. (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (01:30) - - Welcoming Aaron Fitzgerald (02:15) - - Overview of Mars Materials (04:45) - - Motivation Behind Mars Materials (07:30) - - Technology Insights: Carbon Fiber Production (10:15) - - The Role of Acrylonitrile in Production (12:00) - - Environmental Concerns with Traditional Processes (14:30) - - Rising Demand for Carbon Fiber (17:00) - - Aaron's Journey as a Founder (20:00) - - Lessons from Previous Startups (24:00) - - Impact of Personal History on Career (27:30) - - Key Pivotal Moments in Entrepreneurship (31:00) - - Exciting Future Projects for Mars Materials (35:15) - - Funding and Support for Mars Materials (38:00) - - Commercialization and Market Validation (41:00) - - Diverse Applications of Products (44:00) - - Collaboration Across Geographies (47:30) - - The Importance of Subsidies in Climate Tech (50:00) - - Final Thoughts: Optimism in the Climate Space (52:30) - - Closing Remarks and Thank You (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (01:30) - - Welcoming Aaron Fitzgerald (02:15) - - Overview of Mars Materials (04:45) - - Motivation Behind Mars Materials (07:30) - - Technology Insights: Carbon Fiber Production (10:15) - - The Role of Acrylonitrile in Production (12:00) - - Environmental Concerns with Traditional Processes (14:30) - - Rising Demand for Carbon Fiber (17:00) - - Aaron's Journey as a Founder (20:00) - - Lessons from Previous Startups (24:00) - - Impact of Personal History on Career (27:30) - - Key Pivotal Moments in Entrepreneurship (31:00) - - Exciting Future Projects for Mars Materials (35:15) - - Funding and Support for Mars Materials (38:00) - - Commercialization and Market Validation (41:00) - - Diverse Applications of Products (44:00) - - Collaboration Across Geographies (47:30) - - The Importance of Subsidies in Climate Tech (50:00) - - Final Thoughts: Optimism in the Climate Space (52:30) - - Closing Remarks and Thank You sustainability, carbon fiber, innovation, climate change, entrepreneurship, waste-to-product, polyacrylamide, carbon dioxide removal, market demand, resilience

    The Future of Carbon Fiber: Turning CO2 waste into Gold - Aaron Fitzgerald

  5. Aug 12

    Nature as a Valued Asset Driving GDP? Insights from Jeremy McKane of OCN.ai

    In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Jeremy McKane, the CEO of Ocean Currency Network (OCN.ai), a pioneering organization focused on marine conservation and the economic valuation of our oceans. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from artist to entrepreneur, illustrating how his passion for the ocean evolved into a mission to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Through innovative approaches to ocean conservation, he emphasizes the need for a collective effort—what he calls a "Justice League"—to safeguard this vital ecosystem. The conversation delves into the alarming statistic that only about 2.7% of the oceans are fully protected, highlighting the disconnect between policy and enforcement. Jeremy discusses the importance of recognizing the ocean's inherent value, not just as a resource, but as a critical component of our planet's health and our survival. With fascinating anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode serves as a call to action for listeners to rethink their relationship with the ocean and embrace a more sustainable future. (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (01:30) - - Meet Jeremy McKane (02:45) - - Ocean Conservation Goals Explained (05:10) - - The Value of a Healthy Ocean (08:00) - - Jeremy’s Artistic Journey (10:15) - - Importance of Marine Protected Areas (12:30) - - Understanding "Paper Parks" (15:00) - - The Role of Collaboration in Conservation (17:45) - - The Financial Value of Nature (20:30) - - Nature on the Balance Sheet Concept (23:15) - - The Need for Ecosystem Health (26:00) - - The British Virgin Islands Project (28:45) - - Shifts in Financial Perspectives (32:00) - - Community Collaboration for Ocean Protection (35:15) - - The Vision for Future Initiatives (38:30) - - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (01:30) - - Meet Jeremy McKane (02:45) - - Ocean Conservation Goals Explained (05:10) - - The Value of a Healthy Ocean (08:00) - - Jeremy’s Artistic Journey (10:15) - - Importance of Marine Protected Areas (12:30) - - Understanding "Paper Parks" (15:00) - - The Role of Collaboration in Conservation (17:45) - - The Financial Value of Nature (20:30) - - Nature on the Balance Sheet Concept (23:15) - - The Need for Ecosystem Health (26:00) - - The British Virgin Islands Project (28:45) - - Shifts in Financial Perspectives (32:00) - - Community Collaboration for Ocean Protection (35:15) - - The Vision for Future Initiatives (38:30) - - Final Thoughts and Closing Remarks ocean, conservation, sustainability, collaboration, marine protection, Ocean Currency Network, nature valuation, biodiversity, ecosystem, change agents

    Nature as a Valued Asset Driving GDP? Insights from Jeremy McKane of OCN.ai

  6. Aug 5

    Bringing Joy to Sustainable Fashion: Veena Jayadeva, CEO, Kareena's Closet

    In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Veena Jayadeva, the founder of Kareena's Closet, to discuss her inspiring journey from international development to pioneering a sustainable fashion platform. Veena's deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and women's empowerment shines through as she shares her experiences working with microfinance initiatives aimed at uplifting women across the globe. Her passion for social impact led her to create Kareena's Closet, which offers a peer-to-peer platform for renting and reselling South Asian formal wear, thus addressing the pressing issue of overconsumption in the fashion industry, particularly within the South Asian community. Veena elaborates on the cultural pressures surrounding traditional celebrations, where the expectation to wear something new for every occasion has contributed to wasteful consumption. By fostering a community-centered approach, Kareena's Closet not only provides affordable fashion alternatives but also supports local designers and small businesses, creating an ecosystem of sustainability. Throughout their conversation, Reetu and Veena emphasize the importance of redefining fashion choices as an opportunity for joy, creativity, and community connection, rather than mere consumerism. Learn more about Kareena's Closet here : https://www.kareenascloset.com/ (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (01:15) - - Meet Veena Jayadeva (02:30) - - Veena's Journey in Sustainability (05:45) - - Transition to Entrepreneurship (08:00) - - Introduction to Kareena's Closet (10:00) - - Addressing Overconsumption in Fashion (12:30) - - The Role of Microfinance in Empowering Women (14:45) - - Ecosystem of Women Entrepreneurs (18:00) - - The Importance of Cultural Change (20:15) - - Stories of Joy and Transformation (23:30) - - The Art of Draping Saris (26:15) - - Expanding the Concept of Sustainability (29:00) - - Community Engagement and Education (32:30) - - Future Vision for Kareena's Closet (35:00) - - The Importance of Natural Fabrics (37:00) - - Addressing Textile Waste and Landfills (40:00) - - Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Joy (42:15) - - Closing Remarks and Takeaways (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (01:15) - - Meet Veena Jayadeva (02:30) - - Veena's Journey in Sustainability (05:45) - - Transition to Entrepreneurship (08:00) - - Introduction to Kareena's Closet (10:00) - - Addressing Overconsumption in Fashion (12:30) - - The Role of Microfinance in Empowering Women (14:45) - - Ecosystem of Women Entrepreneurs (18:00) - - The Importance of Cultural Change (20:15) - - Stories of Joy and Transformation (23:30) - - The Art of Draping Saris (26:15) - - Expanding the Concept of Sustainability (29:00) - - Community Engagement and Education (32:30) - - Future Vision for Kareena's Closet (35:00) - - The Importance of Natural Fabrics (37:00) - - Addressing Textile Waste and Landfills (40:00) - - Final Thoughts on Authenticity and Joy (42:15) - - Closing Remarks and Takeaways sustainability, microfinance, entrepreneurship, community, fashion, South Asian, rental, resale, ecosystem, social impact

    Bringing Joy to Sustainable Fashion: Veena Jayadeva, CEO, Kareena's Closet

  7. Jul 29

    Trash Innovator: Sara Fuentes Founder & CEO of Smart Waste

    In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Sara Fuentes, the dynamic founder of Smart Waste, Inc. and chairwoman of Women in CleanTech and Sustainability. Sara shares her inspiring journey from an early childhood educator to a leader in sustainability, revealing how a serendipitous introduction to the waste management industry ignited her passion for environmental stewardship.  Sara recounts her pivotal moments, including the impact of COVID-19 on her career trajectory, which ultimately propelled her to launch Smart Waste (https://www.smartwasteusa.com/) , a company dedicated to zero waste facilitation. With a focus on transforming waste into resources, Sara discusses the importance of shifting mindsets around waste management and how her organization helps businesses achieve sustainability goals while saving money. Tune in to discover how Sara’s work not only impacts the environment but also empowers communities and fosters gender parity in the clean tech sector.  (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (00:31) - - Welcome and Guest Introduction (01:45) - - Sara's Journey to Sustainability (04:20) - - Pivotal Moments in Starting Smart Waste (08:15) - - Importance of Women in Clean Tech (11:00) - - Overview of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability (14:05) - - Smart Waste's Zero Waste Strategy (18:30) - - Waste as Resource Management (22:00) - - Client Examples and Success Stories (26:00) - - Understanding R2V3 Certification (29:15) - - The Business of Waste Recovery (32:40) - - Challenges in the Waste Industry (35:15) - - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (40:00) - - The Importance of Partnerships (43:00) - - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways (45:00) - - Closing Remarks and Contact Information (00:00) - - Introduction to the Podcast (00:31) - - Welcome and Guest Introduction (01:45) - - Sara's Journey to Sustainability (04:20) - - Pivotal Moments in Starting Smart Waste (08:15) - - Importance of Women in Clean Tech (11:00) - - Overview of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability (14:05) - - Smart Waste's Zero Waste Strategy (18:30) - - Waste as Resource Management (22:00) - - Client Examples and Success Stories (26:00) - - Understanding R2V3 Certification (29:15) - - The Business of Waste Recovery (32:40) - - Challenges in the Waste Industry (35:15) - - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs (40:00) - - The Importance of Partnerships (43:00) - - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways (45:00) - - Closing Remarks and Contact Information sustainability, Smart Waste, zero waste, recycling, innovation, women in cleantech, entrepreneurship, circular economy, environmental impact, leadership

    Trash Innovator: Sara Fuentes Founder & CEO of Smart Waste

  8. Jul 15

    Woodchuck.ai is Transforming Construction Waste into Energy, talk with Todd Thomas

    In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Todd Thomas, the CEO and founder of Woodchuck.ai, an innovative company tackling the dual challenges of waste management and energy generation. Todd shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Woodchuck, driven by the need to divert wood waste from landfills and transform it into a sustainable energy source. With a staggering 42 million tons of wood waste generated from construction sites in the U.S. each year, Todd's mission is not only to reduce waste but also to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the conversation, Todd provides insights into his approach to sustainability, particularly in the context of data centers and electric vehicle (EV) battery factories. He highlights the importance of engaging local communities in dialogues about energy consumption and resource management, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that new developments yield benefits for everyone involved. The episode also touches on Todd's ventures in storytelling through books and a TV show, which have helped raise awareness about biomass and renewable energy solutions. (00:00) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts (01:30) - - Guest Introduction: Todd Thomas (02:15) - - Todd's Journey to Founding Woodchuck (05:00) - - The Problem of Biomass and Waste (07:30) - - Wood Waste: A Hidden Resource (09:00) - - Working with Construction and Manufacturing (11:15) - - Addressing Community Concerns about Data Centers (14:45) - - Benefits of Well-Planned Data Centers (17:30) - - Successful Project with Ford (20:00) - - Circular Economy in Data Centers (23:30) - - Innovations in Wood Waste Utilization (26:00) - - The Role of Storytelling and Awareness (30:00) - - Upcoming Book: Starving for Innovation (32:45) - - Key Lessons Learned for Founders (35:30) - - Conclusion and Final Thoughts (36:15) - - Resources and Where to Find More (37:00) - - Thank You and Wrap-Up gWHlKrNGmSM4oTHjRQfL

    Woodchuck.ai is Transforming Construction Waste into Energy, talk with Todd Thomas
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5
out of 5
6 Ratings

About

Green Shoots & Big Shifts is hosted by Reetu Gupta, who started the show to have open, hopeful conversations about what it really takes to make sustainability part of how we live, lead, and work. Each week, she talks with people doing innovative, meaningful work, turning ideas into action. From startup founders and corporate change-makers to community leaders - reimagining how business, society, and the planet can thrive together. These are stories about innovation, collaboration, possibility, and the everyday shifts that move us toward a more abundant and resilient future.

Information

  • Creator
    Reetu Gupta
  • Years Active
    2025 - 2026
  • Episodes
    18
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © 2025 Pistachio LLC
  • Show Website
    Green Shoots & Big Shifts