Sustainability Defined

Nethra Rajendran and Cecilia Rios
  • 4,9 (235)
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Sustainability Defined is the podcast that defines sustainability, one concept (and bad joke) at a time. Hosts Scott Breen and Jay Siegel explore a new topic each episode with the help of an expert in the field. Each concept falls into one of seven sectors -- Energy, Cities, Natural Environment, Transportation, Business, Policy, and Social -- and is visually represented in a Sustainability Tree found at www.sustainabilitydefined.com.

  1. 10 АПР.

    Ep. 98: Hot Commodities: Sugar (ft. Fairtrade America)

    In this episode of Hot Commodities, we're diving into the sweet, and often bitter world of sugar. From sprawling sugarcane fields to the products lining our grocery store shelves, sugar is one of the most globally traded commodities, deeply embedded in our food systems and daily lives. But behind its ubiquity lies a complex supply chain shaped by labor challenges, environmental pressures, and growing calls for transparency. In this episode of the Hot Commodities series, Cecilia and Nethra unpack the history and global footprint of sugar production, exploring how issues like water use, land intensity, and labor conditions continue to shape the industry today. Then, they sit down with a representative from Fairtrade America to discuss how certification programs are working to improve wages, empower farmers, and create more equitable and sustainable supply chains. Can choosing fair trade sugar actually drive meaningful change? And what responsibility do companies, and consumers, have in reshaping this industry? Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the sweet surface to uncover the true cost of sugar.

    1 ч. 22 мин.

  2. 20 МАР.

    Ep. 97: Explained - The 2009 Endangerment Finding

    In this episode, Nethra and Cecilia break down the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, the foundation of federal climate regulation in the United States.  As repeal efforts gain attention, this episode explores what the Endagerment Finding is, why it matters, and the legal challenges that could impact the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases.  From the courts to future climate policy, this episode unpacks what's at stake, and what could come next. Tune in to learn how one decision continues to shape the scope of federal climate action today.

    48 мин.

  3. 13 ФЕВР.

    Ep. 96: Hot Commodities: Bananas (ft. Equifruit)

    Terrorism, corporate pay-offs, open-fire raids, rebranding and scandal....yes, we are talking about bananas. In this episode of our Hot Commodities series, we're peeling back the layers on the world's most popular fruit to reveal a history of corporate empires, political coups, and systematic exploitation that shaped entire nations. From the United Fruit Company's control over "banana republics" to Chiquita's 2007 guilty plea for funding Colombian paramilitaries, we trace how your 60-cent banana became so cheap and who paid the real price. We'll also explore the environmental impacts and supply chain of this fruit and why monoculture farming puts our entire global banana supply at risk. Join us as we follow bananas from tropical plantations through ripening rooms to your grocery store, uncovering the complex supply chain logistics that keep shelves stocked year-round. Fear not!! We also we sit down with Jennie Coleman, the President of Equifruit, to learn how ethical sourcing and Fair Trade practices are working to transform this troubled industry and provide a future for a new wave of banana agriculture. This episode is bananas!! literally and figuratively.

    1 ч. 6 мин.

  4. 12 ЯНВ.

    Ep 95: The State of ESG in 2026

    We cut through the noise and jargon to define what ESG actually is and what it isn't. ESG feels like a sea of acyromns and alphabet soup, we help you understand the state of the current landscape and different reporting frameworks. Whether you're new to sustainability reporting or a seasoned professional, join us as Marcy Twete of Veerless helps us breaks down the fundamentals in clear, accessible terms that anyone can understand. We explore how the current administration's policies are reshaping corporate ESG strategies and what companies can expect in the months ahead. From regulatory shifts to stakeholder expectations, Marcy provides insider perspective on the challenges and opportunities organizations face as they balance purpose with performance and practical insights on what businesses should prioritize in 2026 This episode offers the clarity and context you need to understand one of the most debated topics in business today.

    1 ч. 21 мин.

  5. 05.12.2025

    Ep 94: 2025 Holiday Hodge Podge

    In this festive year-end episode, Cecilia and Nethra are mixing it all together, personal updates, podcast reflections, and the sustainability success stories that made us smile this year. From quirky innovations to feel-good climate wins, we're spotlighting the moments that brought a little extra hope to 2025. We also share our favorite tips for sustainable gift-giving, low-waste holiday traditions, and simple ways to keep the season joyful without going overboard. Think of it as your cozy, low-pressure guide to celebrating with intention. Grab a warm drink and join us for a cheerful, reflective Holiday Hodge-Podge to wrap up the year.

    46 мин.

  6. 07.11.2025

    Ep 93: Sustainability at the Thanksgiving Table - Joy, Burnout, and Hope (ft. Soapbox Project)

    This week on Sustainability Defined, Cecilia and Nethra are bringing the conversation to the Thanksgiving table.  We're breaking down how to talk about the climate crisis with the people we love, tackling eco-guilt and burnout, and navigating hope.  Join us for a chat with Nivi Achanta, the founder of The Soapbox Project , about the power of remaining joyful when approaching sustainability and community in fueling collective action. Tune in for a grounded, honest convo that'll leave you feeling connected and ready to spark change.

    1 ч. 10 мин.

  7. 23.10.2025

    Atypical Ep. 11: The Green Skills Gap (ft. Leafr)

    In the hot seat this week - Nick Valenzia, Co-Founder of Leafr. We sat down with Nick to understand the "Green Skills Gap" and what that means in an economy where getting a job in sustainability feels so difficult. How is AI influencing the green jobs market? How is the lack of specialized sustainability professionals holding back global climate goals? What do professionals need to be aware of in order to succeed? What is this gap?  Nethra and Cecilia also explore how Leafr is building the world's largest network of independent sustainability specialists and curating the only rated database of sustainability tools and resources. Nick shares insights on what companies really need to make progress, how Leafr is changing the game for overburdened sustainability teams, and why accessibility and quality assurance are key to scaling impact. This episode is brought to you by Leafr. As a thank you to our Definers, they are offering free consultations until November 30th, 2025. Book time here: https://calendly.com/nick-leafr/leafr-user-interview

    45 мин.

  8. 03.10.2025

    Ep 92: Hot Commodities: Matcha (ft. Wild Orchard Tea)

    Matcha, it's everywhere, from your morning latte to the latest wellness trend. But what does it really take to bring this vibrant green powder from farm to cup, and what can its journey teach us about sustainability? In this week's episode, Nethra and Cecilia peel back the layers of matcha's story tracing its production, supply chain, and booming global consumption. They explore how centuries-old traditions are colliding with modern demand, and why the way we grow and source matcha matters for people, planet, and the future of tea. This episode also features a special interview with Michael Ham, Co-Founder and President of Wild Orchard Tea. Michael shares how Wild Orchard is reimagining the tea industry through regenerative farming building soil health, restoring ecosystems, and proving that sustainability and flavor can go hand in hand. His work offers a powerful glimpse into how a single crop, grown differently, can reshape the future of agriculture.

    58 мин.
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Sustainability Defined is the podcast that defines sustainability, one concept (and bad joke) at a time. Hosts Scott Breen and Jay Siegel explore a new topic each episode with the help of an expert in the field. Each concept falls into one of seven sectors -- Energy, Cities, Natural Environment, Transportation, Business, Policy, and Social -- and is visually represented in a Sustainability Tree found at www.sustainabilitydefined.com.

Информация

  • Автор
    Nethra Rajendran and Cecilia Rios
  • Годы выхода
    2016 - 2026
  • Выпуски
    100
  • Ограничения
    Без ненормативной лексики
  • Сайт подкаста
    Sustainability Defined

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