Transform The Earth

Jaimin Gandhi and Mary Reilly
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This podcast is an interview series with environmental leaders from New Jersey. They share their inspiring stories and the positive changes they’ve led. They’re the real heroes we need right now!

Episodes

  1. 05/25/2025

    Combating Ocean Pollution: Science, Education, and Advocacy with Clean Ocean Action

    Kari Martin, advocacy campaign manager for Clean Ocean Action, discusses her career with the organization, highlighting its use of science and education to combat ocean pollution. She explains how Clean Ocean Action effectively communicates complex environmental issues to the public, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all waterways and the impact of inland activities on the ocean. Martin also mentions their efforts to ban balloon releases, which can harm marine life. Clean Ocean Action advocates for a fishable, swimmable, and healthy ocean. They address visible pollution through beach sweeps and invisible pollution like bacteria from animal waste and runoff. The organization emphasizes the interconnectedness of ocean health, climate change, and public education on pollution sources and prevention. The recycling market has collapsed, leading to many recyclables ending up in landfills. While recycling is still important, educating people about what is recyclable and reducing plastic consumption are crucial. Advocating for policies like New Jersey’s recycled content bill and the federal Break Free from Plastic Pollution Act can help create a market for recycled materials and reduce plastic pollution. Single-use plastics are a persistent problem impacting marine life and human health. Alternatives to single-use plastics, such as compressed paper and refillable containers, are available and should be utilized. Individuals can reduce their plastic consumption by bringing their own containers and utensils, and advocating for plastic-free options. A grassroots coalition of organizations working on ocean pollution issues emphasizes the importance of individual voices and education in addressing the problem. The coalition’s efforts are acknowledged and appreciated.

    36 min

  2. 05/25/2025

    Advocating for Fossil Fuel Divestment and Climate Action in New Jersey

    Ted Glick, an activist and organizer since 1968, joined 350.org in 2003 to focus on climate change. He is now the president of 350 New Jersey, Rockland, advocating for fossil fuel divestment from the New Jersey state pension fund. Glick highlights the economic impact of divestment, noting the decline of the fossil fuel industry and the increasing competitiveness of renewable energy. A heat wave in Europe led to a personal reevaluation of the climate crisis, prompting a shift towards climate activism. The primary focus is on halting the expansion of new oil and gas pipelines and infrastructure, emphasizing the urgent need to transition to renewable energy sources like wind and solar. Local victories, such as blocking the Northeast Supply Enhancement pipeline and a gas-fired power plant in New Jersey, demonstrate the growing resistance to fossil fuel projects. Individuals can contribute to climate change action by joining or forming groups focused on specific issues like removing plastics, lead, or fossil fuels. These groups can work together to influence local policies, such as encouraging towns to switch to renewable energy sources. A significant obstacle is the influence of the fossil fuel industry on government officials, which can be countered by increasing public awareness and support for climate action. A coalition of 13-14 groups in New Jersey is advocating for climate change legislation. Through targeted outreach to Democratic senators and Assembly members, they have successfully recruited 13 new sponsors in two and a half weeks. The coalition’s efforts are driven by a sense of urgency to address the escalating climate crisis and its impact on human societies and ecosystems worldwide. A bill in the New Jersey Assembly (A2196) and Senate (S330) prohibits the state pension fund from investing in the top 200 fossil fuel companies. The bill aims to prevent the pension fund from investing in companies with significant fossil fuel holdings.

    34 min

  3. 05/25/2025

    New Jersey aims for 100% clean electricity by 2050 (Feat. Pat and Steve Miller)

    Pat and Steve Miller, retired Bell Lab engineers, advocate for a carbon-neutral New Jersey. They emphasize the urgency of eliminating greenhouse gas emissions to mitigate climate change impacts, including rising temperatures and sea levels. To achieve this, they encourage residents to switch to renewable electricity suppliers, adopt electric vehicles, and advocate for policy changes at the local and state levels. New Jersey aims for 100% clean electricity by 2050 and an 80% reduction in greenhouse gas emissions by 2050. This will benefit individuals through cleaner air and reduced health issues, and corporations through cost savings and tax breaks. Achieving these goals requires legislation, support from the federal government, and individual actions like voting for environmentally-friendly candidates and adopting a plant-based diet. The conversation emphasizes the urgent need for elected officials to listen to scientists and data regarding climate change. It highlights the catastrophic consequences, including widespread food insecurity, mass migration, and environmental degradation. The speakers stress the importance of collective action, optimism, and technological advancements in combating climate change, emphasizing the significant impact of individual and community efforts. The interview concludes, thanking the guest for their time and guidance. Next week’s guest is Ted Glick, president of 350 Oregon.

    37 min

  4. 05/25/2025

    Welcome to the Pod!

    Thank you for tuning in for the first episode! This podcast explores environmental action in New Jersey, focusing on global climate change. Mary, an environmental expert and climate activist, explains that climate change is caused by excessive carbon dioxide emissions, disrupting weather patterns, food chains, and ocean acidity. The consequences are severe, impacting food security, causing extreme weather events, and threatening oxygen sources. The tobacco industry’s strategy of sowing doubt about scientific consensus on passive smoke’s health risks has been replicated in the climate change debate. While this tactic has delayed action, the growing awareness and acceptance of climate change, even among major oil companies, indicate a shift towards a more sustainable future. Individuals can contribute by reducing their carbon footprint through actions like switching to renewable energy, adopting electric vehicles, and supporting sustainable practices like consignment shopping. The next episode will feature an interview with Pat and Steve Miller about renewable electricity and other environmental issues. Tune in next Sunday.

    20 min
  • 4 Episodes

About

This podcast is an interview series with environmental leaders from New Jersey. They share their inspiring stories and the positive changes they’ve led. They’re the real heroes we need right now!

Information

  • Creator
    Jaimin Gandhi and Mary Reilly
  • Years Active
    2020 - 2025
  • Episodes
    4
  • Rating
    Clean
  • Copyright
    © Jaimin Gandhi and Mary Reilly
  • Show Website
    Transform The Earth