Ecosystem Member

Ecosystem Member
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SOCIETY & CULTURE
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Ecosystem Member explores the relationship people have with nature and the more-than-human world. ecosystemmember.com

  1. The Future is Ancestral: Reviving Mexico's Chinampas for Sustainable Food with Pablo Usobiaga of Arca Tierra and Baldio

    3D AGO

    The Future is Ancestral: Reviving Mexico's Chinampas for Sustainable Food with Pablo Usobiaga of Arca Tierra and Baldio

    In this episode, Pablo Usobiaga, co-founder of Arca Tierra and Baldio in Mexico City, shares insights on the importance of Chinampas, sustainable food systems, and the role of chefs and consumers in ecological responsibility. Discover how ancient practices can shape the future of food and environmental resilience. Keywords Chinampas, sustainable farming, regenerative agriculture, Mexico City, local food, zero waste, culinary innovation, ecological impact, food system, cultural heritage Key Topics Chinampas as an efficient food production systemThe history and decline of Chinampas in Mexico CityThe importance of diversity and complexity in agricultureThe role of chefs in promoting local, sustainable ingredientsThe concept that the future is rooted in ancestral practices Takeaways Chinampas are one of the most efficient food production systems known and still exist today.Humans can have a positive impact on ecosystems, as demonstrated by Chinampas.The future is rooted in ancestral knowledge and practices.Food connects us and is a powerful tool for impact and cultural identity.Regenerative practices and diversity make food systems resilient. Quotes "Humans are part of nature, not separate from it." "Food is the universal connector among people." "Chefs and nature speak a different language." Chapters 00:00 Introduction 02:37 Connection with Nature 04:59 The Importance of Food in Society 07:32 Chinampas: A Historical Perspective 10:31 Chinampas vs. Modern Agriculture 13:03 The Decline of Chinampas 15:46 The Role of Chefs and Restaurants 18:42 Consumer Influence on Food Choices 21:22 Valdio's Unique Approach to Dining 23:51 Restaurant Menu and Culinary Philosophy 26:36 Success and Fulfillment in Hospitality Links Arca Tierra Baldio Pablo Usobiaga on Instagram

    40 min
  2. The Overzealous Chef: How Rob Rubba Built a Truly Sustainable Restaurant

    MAR 18

    The Overzealous Chef: How Rob Rubba Built a Truly Sustainable Restaurant

    Summary In this episode, chef Rob Rubba shares his journey towards creating a sustainable restaurant, Oyster Oyster, emphasizing the importance of seasonality, local sourcing, and innovative waste reduction practices. Discover how his overzealous approach to sustainability is shaping the future of responsible dining. Keywords sustainable restaurant, seasonality, local sourcing, waste reduction, oyster oyster, Rob Rubba, eco-friendly dining, regenerative food systems, Michelin Green Star Key Topics Rob Rubba's relationship with nature and childhood influencesThe origin and mission of Oyster OysterOverzealous sustainability practices in fine diningThe role of oysters in environmental regenerationThe importance of seasonality and local sourcingStaff training and educating diners about sustainabilityChallenges and successes in building a sustainable restaurantThe impact of COVID-19 on sustainable restaurant practices Chapters 00:00 Intro 03:13 Connecting with Nature: A Chef's Perspective 04:39 The Birth of Oyster Oyster: A Sustainable Vision 06:01 Oysters and Environmental Responsibility 08:26 The Role of Restaurants in Sustainable Eating 09:55 Misperceptions of Environmentally Responsible Eating 11:13 Celebrating Seasonal Ingredients 12:51 Influences and Inspirations in Sustainable Cooking 13:56 Facing Skepticism: The Journey of a Sustainable Chef 15:37 Creativity in Sustainability: The Art of Cooking 15:45 On Sticking To Your Convictions 22:41 Educating Eaters: The Role of Staff Knowledge 24:42 Intentionality in Sustainable Practices 25:14 Challenges in Sustainable Restaurant Operations 27:42 Evolving the Menu: Keeping it Fresh and Relevant 30:27 Navigating Trends: The Meat Debate in Sustainability 32:08 Quickfire Questions: A Chef's Favorites Key Links Rob Rubba's Oyster Oyster Oyster Oyster on InstagramSILO London by Douglas McMaster One Straw Revolution by Masanobu Fukuoka

    34 min
  3. Indigenous Ingredients, Terroir & Culinary Ethics with Ben Shewry of Attica Melbourne

    MAR 4

    Indigenous Ingredients, Terroir & Culinary Ethics with Ben Shewry of Attica Melbourne

    Summary In this episode of the Ecosystem Member podcast, chef Ben Shewry discusses his journey from rural New Zealand to running Attica in Melbourne. He reflects on his deep connection with nature, the importance of indigenous ingredients, and the role of terroir in cooking. Shewry emphasizes the need for ethical sourcing and the moral obligations chefs have towards their ingredients and the environment. He also shares insights on creativity in the culinary arts and the influence of his parents on his values, as well as the importance of instilling a love for nature in the next generation. Key Takeaways Ben's childhood in rural New Zealand shaped his connection to nature.Indigenous ingredients are vital for telling a country's true story.Terroir significantly affects the flavor of ingredients like potatoes.Chefs have a moral obligation to honor the ingredients they use.Quality sourcing is essential for culinary success.Creativity in cooking should not overshadow the integrity of ingredients.Ben's mother instilled strong ethical values in him.Children can teach adults about the joy of nature.Culinary leadership involves lifting others up and being empathetic.Nature connection is crucial for the next generation's future. Chapters 00:00 Connection to Nature: A Chef's Journey 00:30 Introduction 05:50 Influence of Growing Up on a Farm on His Cooking Philosophy 08:48 Indigenous Ingredients and Cultural Heritage 12:16 Terroir of a Potato 15:55 Balancing Creativity and Ingredient Integrity 20:16 The Onion is Invisible 23:07 Sustainability and Market Demand in Culinary Arts 26:39 Ethical Leadership and Personal Values 30:40 Creativity Beyond the Kitchen: A Personal Reflection 38:01 Imparting Values to the Next Generation 43:21 ESM BS Exit Audio.mp4 Links Attica Website Attica on Instagram Ben Shewry on InstagramKobe and the Sea 'Uses for Obsession' on Bookshop.org Keywords Ben Shewry, Attica, indigenous ingredients, culinary ethics, nature, terroir, creativity, cooking philosophy, sustainable food, Australian cuisine Photo Credit: Hangi Image in Video Podcast from Wikipedia By Einalem - https://www.flickr.com/photos/einalem/2123097939/, CC BY-SA 2.0, https://commons.wikimedia.org/w/index.php505

    43 min
  4. Trash to Treasure: How Biodesign is Changing the World with Paula Camiña Eiras

    FEB 18

    Trash to Treasure: How Biodesign is Changing the World with Paula Camiña Eiras

    Summary In this episode of the Ecosystem Member Podcast, Rick Evans interviews Paula Camiña Eiras, a designer specializing in material innovation and biodesign. They discuss Paula's relationship with nature, the principles of biodesign, and the importance of regenerative thinking in design. Paola shares insights from her project Co-Obradoiro Galego, which connects the fishing industry with basket weavers in Galicia, and explores the integration of waste materials into new products. The conversation highlights the balance between listening to communities and innovating, the challenges of using byproducts, and the significance of crafting compelling narratives around sustainable products. Paula also reflects on her role as a lecturer and the excitement of the next generation of designers in the field of biodesign. Key Takeaways - Paola's relationship with nature influences her design work. - Bioddesign integrates biological principles into design methodology. - Regenerative design aims to restore ecosystems through design. - Collaboration with local communities enhances design projects. - Using waste materials can create valuable resources. - Listening to materials and communities is key to innovation. - Crafting compelling narratives helps promote sustainable products. - Education plays a crucial role in the future of biodesign. - Balancing tradition and innovation is essential in design. - Sustainability requires a multidisciplinary approach. Keywords biodesign, material innovation, regenerative thinking, sustainability, design process, community collaboration, product development, lifestyle brands, environmental impact, education Chapters 00:00 Connecting with Nature: A Designer's Journey 07:11 Understanding Bio Design and Material Innovation 07:49 Regenerative Thinking in Design 09:14 The Co-Obradoiro Galego Project: Crafting with Community 13:19 Integrating Waste: The Art of Basket Weaving 16:01 Balancing Listening and Creation in Design 17:05 The Dulcie Room Diffuser 18:02 Innovative Products: The Room Diffuser Case Study 21:57 Crafting Compelling Narratives for Sustainable Products 24:01 The Future of Biodesign: Educating the Next Generation 26:01 Inspiration in Bio Design: Recent Discoveries Links - Co-Obradoiro Galego Short Documentary - Paula's Instagram - Dulcie Room Diffuser Project - Fernando Laposse

    32 min
  5. Rethinking Beauty: Transforming Landscape Design with Ecological Wisdom with Hannah Pae and Kasey Toomey, TERREMOTO

    FEB 4

    Rethinking Beauty: Transforming Landscape Design with Ecological Wisdom with Hannah Pae and Kasey Toomey, TERREMOTO

    Rethinking Beauty: Transforming Landscape Design with Ecological Wisdom In this episode, landscape architects Kasey Toomey and Hannah Pae of TERREMOTO challenge traditional notions of garden design, emphasizing a living, evolving ecosystem that integrates native species, wildlife, and community. They share their approach to designing with humility, patience, and respect for the land, advocating for spaces that foster deep connections between humans and nature. Key Topics Gardens as storytelling and memory-making moments that connect past and futureThe importance of listening and observing before acting in landscape designThinking of the land and non-human species as true clientsEmbracing seasonality, metamorphosis, and ecological relationships in designUsing indigenous and local materials to support native ecosystemsThe concept of "no final drawing" — gardens as ongoing, process-driven projectsDesigning public spaces that incorporate habitat and promote ecological successBuilding resilience to climate change and ecological disasters, like wildfiresChallenging client expectations and shifting aesthetics towards ecological intelligenceThe role of patience, humility, and adaptability in sustainable landscape practices Chapters 00:00 - Gardens as moments for storytelling and connection02:09 - Supporting artists and literature highlighting our relationship with nature03:31 - Introduction to TERREMOTO and their ecological landscape approach04:46 - The non-separateness of humans and nature in design philosophy07:12 - Approaching projects with patience and listening to existing ecosystems09:48 - Working with native plants and understanding ecological imbalances11:52 - Wildlife observation logs and seasonality in native species15:05 - Rethinking beauty and the aesthetic of gardens through ecological relationships17:03 - The significance of avoiding final renderings in garden design18:20 - Designing public spaces that serve both humans and wildlife harmoniously19:38 - The ecological success indicator: seeing predators like hawks in the space21:17 - Eco-friendly water management and creating habitat with water features22:22 - Communicating the value of living, process-driven landscapes to clients23:50 - Initiating conversations around native species and ecological context26:40 - Integrating wildlife presence (like herons) into landscape design27:47 - Building gardens 'not for this civilization, but for the next'29:00 - Balancing client desires with ecological integrity and material choices30:20 - The ongoing relationship with projects and monitoring ecological health31:34 - Planning for resilience amid wildfires and climate disasters34:45 - Selecting non-toxic, locally sourced materials for ecological safety36:17 - Building systems that adapt and respond to climate change and disasters37:11 - Favorite projects and the importance of gardens as ever-evolving processes40:49 - The LA office garden as a living experiment and continuous learning space42:49 - Final thoughts on embracing process, humility, and interconnectedness in landscape architectureResources & Links TERREMOTO⁠ - Landscape architecture firm based in LA & SF⁠David Benjamin Sherry - Sunrise on Mesquite Flat Dunes⁠ - Artist supporting new perspectives on nature⁠Terry Tempest Williams - The Glorians⁠ - Upcoming book exploring natural presences⁠Get Birding Podcast with Sean Bean⁠ - Birding insights from the Game of Thrones actor

    43 min
  6. Altadena Reciprocity Project: Building Community Through Lumber with Jeff Perry, Angel City Lumber

    JAN 21

    Altadena Reciprocity Project: Building Community Through Lumber with Jeff Perry, Angel City Lumber

    Summary In this episode of the Ecosystem Member podcast, host Rick Evans welcomes back Jeff Perry, founder of Angel City Lumber, to discuss the profound impact of recent wildfires in Los Angeles and the innovative responses that have emerged from them. Jeff shares his evolving relationship with nature, particularly in light of the devastating Palisades and Eaton wildfires, which have reshaped his perspective on community and environmental stewardship. The discussion delves into the Altadena Reciprocity Project, an initiative aimed at repurposing fallen trees from wildfire sites to support local rebuilding efforts. Jeff explains how Angel City Lumber is sourcing logs from both residential and national forests, milling them into affordable lumber for those affected by the fires. The episode highlights the importance of creativity in problem-solving and community engagement, as Jeff emphasizes the need for empathy and connection in the face of adversity. Listeners are encouraged to support the project at the link below and learn more about the ongoing efforts to restore the community and its natural resources. Keywords Ecosystem Member, Jeff Perry, Angel City Lumber, Altadena Reciprocity Project, wildfires, community rebuilding, nature connection, creativity in business, environmental stewardship Chapters 00:00 Introduction and Context 06:30 Evolving Relationship with Nature 09:53 The Altadena Reciprocity Project 16:49 Creativity in Problem Solving 23:18 Deep Connections to Los Angeles 27:54 Supporting the Altadena Reciprocity Project Links Angel City Lumber Angel City Lumber on Instagram Altadena Reciprocity Project Angel City Reciprocity

    29 min
  7. Recognizing our Interdependence with Baratunde Thurston

    JAN 7

    Recognizing our Interdependence with Baratunde Thurston

    Summary In this episode of the Ecosystem Member podcast, Baratunde Thurston shares his evolving relationship with nature, emphasizing the importance of viewing ourselves as part of the ecosystem. He discusses his experiences from the show America Outdoors, highlighting stories that reveal the deep connections between people and nature. The conversation explores cultural perspectives on nature, lessons from indigenous wisdom, and the need for a new vision of democracy through Project Interdependence. Additionally, Baratunde reflects on the balance between technology and nature, advocating for a future where our relationships with both are harmonious and mutually beneficial. Key Topics nature, interdependence, technology, democracy, indigenous wisdom, climate change, storytelling, America Outdoors, Baratunde Thurston, Ecosystem Member Takeaways - Increasingly am trying to consciously think of myself as a part of and not apart from nature. - What is a Mainer without lobster? Climate change, nature and identity are connect. - The name Death Valley came from disconnected people. They could have called it "We didn't understand the assignment valley." - We belong to the Earth, not just live on it. - Nature states, not nation states. - When we heal the earth, we heal ourselves. - The river's real, but these political lines are made up. - We need to move with and belong to nature. Chapters 00:00 - Connecting with Nature: A Personal Journey 05:22 - The Role of Identity in Nature 08:18 - Diverse Connections to Nature 11:14 - Indigenous Wisdom and Governance 14:21 - The Future of Interdependence 17:17 - Technology and Nature: A New Paradigm 20:10 - Stories of Healing and Interdependence Links "250 YEARS SINCE ITS FOUNDING, AMERICA NEEDS A DECLARATION OF INTERDEPENDENCE" (Atmos) America Outdoors (PBS) Haudenosaunee Confederacy Project Interdependence Life with Machines Slow AI: Sam Illingworth Liberation Technologies John Mohawk Aza Raskin and Earth Species Project

    26 min
  8. Jewish Teachings on Nature and Responsibility with Rabbi Laura Bellows, Dayenu

    12/15/2025

    Jewish Teachings on Nature and Responsibility with Rabbi Laura Bellows, Dayenu

    Jewish Teachings on Nature and Responsibility with Rabbi Laura Bellows, Dayenu Rick Evans interviews Rabbi Laura Bellows about her relationship with nature and the intersection of Judaism and climate action, exploring how Jewish teachings inspire environmental responsibility and the work of Dayenu, a Jewish call to climate action. Key Topics Judaism, climate action, Dayenu, Jewish teachings, environmental responsibility Key Takeaways Judaism is deeply connected to nature and seasonal cycles.Passover is both a celebration of freedom and a harvest holiday.Dayenu means 'enough' and calls for urgent climate action.Jewish texts emphasize caring for the Earth and all life.Dayenu's work includes spiritual adaptation and climate justice.Music and arts are integral to Dayenu's climate activism.Dayenu fosters multigenerational conversations on climate change.Spiritual adaptation helps combat climate despair and burnout.Dayenu circles build community and power for climate action.Imagination and storytelling are key to envisioning a better future. Chapters 00:00:00 Introduction to Rabbi Laura Bellows 00:03:00 Judaism and Nature 00:06:00 Dayenu's Mission and Meaning 00:09:00 Spiritual Adaptation and Climate Justice 00:12:00 Multigenerational Conversations and Community Building 00:15:00 Imagination and Storytelling for the Future Key Links Dayenu Rabbi Jennie Rosenn on Boiling Point The Work That Reconnects from Joanna Macy

    32 min
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

Ecosystem Member explores the relationship people have with nature and the more-than-human world. ecosystemmember.com

Information

  • Creator
    Ecosystem Member
  • Years Active
    2023 - 2026
  • Episodes
    53
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Ecosystem Member
  • Show Website
    Ecosystem Member

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