Sustainability Defined

Nethra Rajendran and Cecilia Rios
  • 4.9 (235)
  • EDUCATION
  • UPDATED MONTHLY

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. 12/05/2025

    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 min

  2. 11/07/2025

    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.

    1h 10m

  3. 10/23/2025

    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 min

  4. 10/03/2025

    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 min

  5. 09/12/2025

    Episode from Source of Good Podcast: "From Farm to Closet: The Icon Coat by Eileen Fisher"

    This week, we're doing a podcast swap with our friends over at Source of Good!  Source of Good is a podcast that goes beyond the label of your favorite products, uncovering all the ingenious ways they're being made better for the planet, people, and our future. In each episode, brands and manufacturers break down how they're tackling sustainability challenges and creating real impact. We're sharing their episode "From Farm to Closet: The Icon by Eileen Fisher," which explores how this timeless piece of clothing is crafted with intention, from regenerative farms to sustainable design practices, showing what it truly means to make fashion better for the world. Tune in to learn how innovation and sustainability intersect to change the way we think about the clothes we wear.

    15 min
  6. Ep. 91: Navigating NYC Climate Week (ft. Climate Film Fest)

    09/05/2025

    Ep. 91: Navigating NYC Climate Week (ft. Climate Film Fest)

    In this episode of Sustainability Defined, we're taking you inside NYC Climate Week 2025, one of the biggest sustainability events of the year. We'll share tips on how to navigate the overwhelming mix of panels, networking sessions, and activations, and give you a sneak peek into the events we'll be attending ourselves! But that's not all. This episode also features a special interview with the founders of the NYC Climate Film Festival, an innovative platform using the power of storytelling to bring climate issues to life. Together, we explore how mass media, film, social platforms, and even viral moments, can shape public opinion, drive corporate accountability, and inspire policymakers to take bold action. Whether you're attending Climate Week in person or following along online, this conversation will leave you with a deeper understanding of how culture and creativity intersect with the climate movement.

    58 min

  7. 08/01/2025

    Ep. 90: The Farm to Table Movement (with Chef Ariane Daguin)

    Farm to Table — sounds obvious, right? But how did something so seemingly simple become such a radical act? In this week's episode, Nethra and Cecilia unpack the history, philosophy, and misconceptions surrounding the farm-to-table movement — from its roots in counterculture to its current role in shaping sustainable food systems. They explore how industrial agriculture and globalized supply chains have created a deep disconnect between eaters and the land, and why "local" isn't just a buzzword, but a call to reimagine what food can be. This episode also features a special interview with Ariane Daguin, a trailblazer in ethical sourcing and sustainable farming. As the founder of D'Artagnan, Ariane revolutionized the U.S. food industry by introducing organic, free-range, and humanely raised meats to the mainstream market. Her influence laid critical groundwork for today's farm-to-table movement. Now, through her latest venture AOOA Farm, she's championing regenerative agriculture and mentoring the next generation of farmers and chefs with the same passion and purpose. Whether you're a foodie, a farmer, or just curious about where your dinner really comes from, this episode is a must-listen.

    51 min

  8. 07/03/2025

    Ep. 89: Sunscreen 101: Reef-safe, SPF, Myths and Impact on Marine Life (ft. Surfrider Foundation)

    Sunscreen usage has risen exponentially over the last decade - and with summer finally here, Cecilia and Nethra are exploring the impacts of sunscreen on our bodies and marine life. How does sunscreen break down in our ecosystems? What is "Reef-Safe"? What are the solutions to the accumulation of sunscreens in our coral reefs and marine habitats? What is the difference between SPF 30 and 50? Definers, tune into this month's episode as we explore these topics and hear from our expert guest Katie Day, Senior Manager of Science and Policy at the The Surfrider Foundation. Special guests include Mike Malterre from Stream2Sea - a sunscreen company that is completely changing the industry and innovated a product to nourish reef ecosystems!

    1h 6m
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4.9
out of 5
235 Ratings

About

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.

Information

  • Creator
    Nethra Rajendran and Cecilia Rios
  • Years Active
    2016 - 2025
  • Episodes
    100
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Show Website
    Sustainability Defined

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