Episodes

Jan. 15, 2025

Graham Oberly - A Regenerative Farming Model (Oaks and Sprouts)

Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, delves into the world of regenerative agriculture, sharing his passion for creating a farming system that is both sustainable and replicable. He discusses the importance of co...

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Jan. 8, 2025

Graham Oberly - From Football Fields to Farm Fields

What does it mean to "love your neighbor" through regenerative farming? Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, shares his inspiring journey from environmental activism to sustainable agriculture. Growing up in Ches...

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Dec. 26, 2024

Happy Holidays from Your Hosts

Dominique and Adam take a look back at a year of insightful conversations with Green Champions: celebrating reaching over 40 episodes, highlighting key takeaways from their guests, starting with the power of volunteering as a...

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Dec. 18, 2024

Nora Gerber - Diverting 10,000 Pounds with the Help of Can Fairies

Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, dives into the details of the innovative Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program. She explains how the program addresses the long-standing tradition of "ca...

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Dec. 10, 2024

Nora Gerber - How Hometown Pride Built an Impactful Local Leader

Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, shares her journey from growing up in Columbus to leading hyper-local initiatives that are making a real difference. Nora's deep connection to Columbus ...

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Dec. 3, 2024

Tyler Bonner - Pioneering Zero Waste at Outdoor Events

Tyler Bonner, founder and CEO of Zero Waste Event Productions, takes us behind the scenes of his innovative social enterprise, which is transforming the way we think about waste at outdoor events. He describes the company's u...

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Nov. 27, 2024

Tyler Bonner - From Ecotourism in the Bahamas to AmeriCorps in Appala…

How did a degree in ecotourism adventure travel lead Tyler to a career in zero-waste event production? Tyler Bonner, founder and CEO of Zero Waste Event Productions, shares his unconventional path to a career in sustainabilit...

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Nov. 20, 2024

Joya Elmore - Teaching Students with Environment Based Learning, Hydr…

How is Joya Elmore turning her school into a zero-waste haven, one compostable pumpkin at a time? Episode in a glance - The Growers Program: Growing Food, Mind, and Soul - Hydroponics and Botany: A Deeper Dive into Plants - …

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Nov. 12, 2024

Joya Elmore - How a Childhood in a Geodesic Dome Led to the Classroom

What does an environment-based classroom look like? Joya Elmore, Director of Environment-based Learning at the Wellington School, shares her inspiring journey into the world of sustainability education. Growing up in a family...

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Nov. 6, 2024

Neil Drobny - Crafting Curricula on Sustainability (EEDS Program)

How can we equip the next generation to tackle the complex challenges of sustainability? Neil Drobny shares his experience building academic programs that empower students to make a real-world impact. He played a pivotal role...

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Oct. 29, 2024

Neil Drobny - How a Patent in the Antarctic led to a Career in Sustai…

Can a childhood spent in nature spark a lifelong passion for sustainability? For Neil Drobny, it certainly did. Neil Drobny is the program director of the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University...

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Oct. 23, 2024

Erin Shaffer - Spearheading Sustainability Services within Rockwell A…

Erin Shaffer, a manager at Kalypso (a Rockwell Automation company), building a thriving sustainability service line within a consulting firm. Starting with a simple conversation amongst colleagues and their desire for sustain...

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Oct. 16, 2024

Erin Shaffer - Seeing Consulting Through a Social Impact Lens

Erin Shaffer is a Green Champion who co-leads the sustainability and energy management service line at Kalypso, a consulting firm acquired by Rockwell Automation. Erin shares her passion for sustainability, which was rooted i...

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Oct. 9, 2024

Joe Campbell - Building Social Capital 101 [Bonus Episode]

What are the three types of social capital, and how can understanding them help you become a better advocate for sustainability? Joe Campbell, senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resou...

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Oct. 1, 2024

Joe Campbell - When Life Gives You Soil, Make Carbon Credits

2Joe Campbell shares his journey from a study abroad program in Ghana to establishing his own consulting company, Development Consulting International. He then talks about how he came to teach the Ghana study abroad course an...

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Sept. 24, 2024

Joe Campbell - Why Asking Yourself “What Can I Do?” Is the Wrong Ques…

Joe Campbell is more than just a professor at Ohio State University. He's a passionate advocate for community building and a firm believer in the power of listening. Joe's unique approach to sustainability goes beyond just st...

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Sept. 18, 2024

Brittanie Dabney - Filtering out the Facts on Forever Chemicals (PFAS…

Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist and PhD candidate shares her passion for studying harmful chemicals in our environment, focusing on microplastics and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." She explains the alar...

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Sept. 11, 2024

Brittanie Dabney - The Environmental Scientist Diving into Contaminat…

Have you ever wondered how the chemicals in our environment impact our health and ecosystems? Meet Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of contaminants in our waterways and inspir...

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Sept. 4, 2024

Zagrous Kawarizadeh - Why Recycling Old Tech Isn't as Simple as It Se…

Columbus Micro Systems, a Columbus-based company with a 36-year history, is more than just an IT hardware and services provider. They've carved a unique niche by actively championing sustainability within the tech industry. T...

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Aug. 27, 2024

Zagrous Kawarizadeh - From Building PCs to Recycling TVs

Zagrous Kawarizadeh is the president of Columbus Micro Systems, a family business with a unique perspective on sustainability. Founded in 1988, the company has evolved from building computers to becoming a leader in IT recycl...

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Aug. 20, 2024

Jane Boehm - Food Waste Action Plan, 5 Years in the Making

SWACO, the Solid Waste Authority of Central Ohio led by Jane Boehm, is leading the charge to reduce food waste in the region. Through the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative, they've brought together a diverse group of partner...

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Aug. 14, 2024

Jane Boehm - From Agroecology Roots to Better Food Systems

Jane Boehm is a passionate advocate for reducing food waste in Central Ohio. As the Food Waste Programs Administrator at SWACO, she leads the Central Ohio Food Waste Initiative, a collaboration of businesses, nonprofits, and ...

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Aug. 7, 2024

Kevin Butt - Toyota’s Roadmap Doesn’t Stop at Carbon Neutrality

How is Toyota, a global automotive giant, tackling water scarcity, championing biodiversity, and redefining sustainability in manufacturing? Toyota's sustainability journey has evolved over 30 years, moving from a focus on wa...

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July 31, 2024

Kevin Butt - Three Decades of Driving Sustainability at Toyota

Kevin Butt is the Regional Environmental Sustainability Director at Toyota North America. Kevin shares his remarkable journey from a curious young mind exploring the woods to becoming a leading advocate for environmental sust...

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