Explore every episode of the podcast Green Shoots & Big Shifts
| Title | Pub. Date | Duration | |
|---|---|---|---|
| Is Your Home Ready for the Next Climate Disaster? | Abby Ross | 28 oct. 2026 | 00:32:24 | |
The US spends billions rebuilding the same communities after each disaster, and the money runs out before the risk does. Abby Ross, CEO of The Resiliency Company, walks through why that model breaks down as billion dollar disasters hit roughly every two weeks, with over $12 trillion in residential real estate exposed to severe risk. A lifelong entrepreneur who previously led the donor advised fund now called For Good, Abby explains how catalytic grants and low interest loans got Alabama to fortify close to 100,000 roofs, and how she is applying that playbook to fire risk in Los Angeles. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and introducing Abby Ross 00:52 Abby's path from ed tech to resilience 01:38 From For Good's disaster data to a new nonprofit 03:50 The scale: billion dollar disasters and $12 trillion exposed 06:05 Lessons from building The Resiliency Company 08:16 Strengthen Alabama Homes and the fortified roof model 11:08 How the Alabama grants got started 11:48 Resilient Los Angeles and the Resilient Delta Fund 13:12 Seed money, market forces, and how the programs work 16:14 Defining resilience: built environment and physical risk 17:40 Public infrastructure and the financing gap 19:49 Sustainable financing mechanisms and the Risk Reserve Tool 22:14 What a resilient future looks like 25:07 Green shoots and the ROI of resilience 27:21 Trends among developers and the commercial real estate playbook 29:31 Takeaways for individuals and homeowners You can follow Abby Ross here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/abigailross/ Learn more about The Resiliency Company: Website - https://resiliency.com Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ | |||
| Dignity & Agency are the Currency: Goonj's Unique Model | 21 oct. 2026 | 00:45:23 | |
Aid usually arrives from the top down, with outsiders naming the problem and the fix. Amit Varshneya, Executive Director of The Goonj Foundation, describes a model that flips that script. Goonj collects around fifteen million pounds of urban surplus each year in India, sorts it into family kits, and matches those kits to rural communities who first identify and solve their own infrastructure needs. Amit spent 26 years in marketing and startups across enterprise and the Bay Area before a one year sabbatical turned into six and a half years of this work. He connects circularity, human dignity, and climate adaptation in concrete terms. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Green Shoots & Big Shifts 00:44 Meet Amit Varshneya 01:02 From Uttar Pradesh to a US marketing career 03:19 Startups journey 04:42 A sabbatical that became six and a half years 06:08 Meeting Goonj's founder and joining the mission 07:29 What Goonj is and how the model works 09:04 Urban waste, surplus textiles, and collection drives 11:14 Building and matching kits to rural communities 13:16 Activating community agency, never charity 15:26 Circularity and changing mindsets 17:34 Post-colonial aid and indigenous knowledge 20:20 Making alternative economic models work 21:10 The numbers: 28,000 projects, 20 million lives 22:55 The wrestling ring in Jammu and Kashmir 27:52 Climate disasters as a clear and present reality 30:33 Dignity in disaster response 33:03 Assam floods and ecological repair first 34:59 Different currencies and interconnectedness 35:36 Community and rethinking wealth 40:11 How to get involved with Goonj 42:49 A closing word: Responsibility Learn more about The Goonj Foundation: Website - https://goonjfoundation.org Learn more about Goonj: https://goonj.org/ Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ | |||
| Kiss The Ground: From 4% awareness to 73K acres in Transition to Regenerative Farming | 14 oct. 2026 | 00:36:58 | |
Four years ago only 4% of US adults knew what regenerative agriculture meant. Kiss The Ground (https://kisstheground.com) decided the fix was to stop talking over people and start meeting them where they are. Evan Harrison, CEO of Kiss The Ground walks through the strategy that moved that number to 13%, from mini documentaries, 5 with a Farmer series, and 25 shopping guides to a $500,000 grant program that put electric fences, cover crops and hogs on more than 200+ farms and set 73K acres on the path to transition to regenerative farming. Evan's background is music and digital media, and he brings a builder's eye to how consumer demand rewires supply chains. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Green Shoots & Big Shifts 01:04 Meet Evan Harrison and Kiss The Ground 01:38 From a Venice nonprofit to the Netflix film 02:54 Only 4% understood regenerative agriculture 04:06 Simplifying the message and the tipping point strategy 06:16 Growing awareness from 4% to 7% to 13% 07:13 Content formats: mini docs, reels and shopping guides 10:55 The $500,000 farmer grant program 12:16 73,000 acres and stories from the field 12:50 Consumer demand versus policy and supply chains 13:24 Shopping guides, the farm map and certification 15:08 The milk carton moment and earning credibility 15:57 Helping partner companies avoid overstating claims 17:57 What farmers say about the real hurdles 20:40 Farmer Relations Board 23:04 Partner companies and how the partnerships work 27:24 What is next for Kiss The Ground 29:03 How listeners can help 31:25 A serial optimist on why change comes fast then slow 34:04 What keeps Evan going 35:39 One word for the audience: hope You can follow Evan Harrison here: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/evanharrison Learn more about Kiss The Ground: Website - https://kisstheground.com Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ Green Shoots & Big Shifts: https://thepod.fm/listen/green-shoots-big-shifts | |||
| 70% of Wildlife Is Gone. This CEO Is Racing to Map What's Left - Dan White, CEO Gentian | 07 oct. 2026 | 00:28:58 | |
Wildlife populations have dropped 70% over the last 50 years, and most organizations still can't say what nature exists on the land they manage. Dan White, CEO & Founder of Gentian, measures biodiversity using satellite imagery and AI that detects plant species and habitats from space, then hands that data to property developers, farmers, oil and gas firms, and First Nations communities so they can act on nature/ ecological risk. His path runs from childhood bird watching through behavioral economics work that cut aviation fuel use, and he connects both to the value we fail to count. Chapters: 00:03 Welcome to Green Shoots and Big Shifts 00:55 Dan's early love of nature and bird watching 01:45 A career arc from music to CEO 02:32 Serendipity, doors, and following your values 04:25 What Gentian measures with satellites and AI 05:14 Why habitats matter and the extinction crisis 06:48 Who uses biodiversity data and why 08:20 Regulation, TNFD, and nature on the bottom line 11:19 Nature based solutions and climate resilience 12:56 Losing one drug every two years to plant extinction 14:32 Behavioral economics and changing decisions 15:24 District heating data and meeting Rob Metcalfe 17:45 The Virgin Atlantic fuel efficiency trial 18:31 Signal: feedback for pilots and ships captains 20:01 Why personalized goals beat leaderboards 23:08 Advice for people starting out in this work 25:18 What's next for Dan and Gentian 27:36 A word for the audience: chicken Learn more about Gentian: Website - https://gentian.team Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ | |||
| Closing the Ocean's $150B Funding Gap through Donor Advised Funds: Laura Francis, Sea Forward | 30 sept. 2026 | 00:27:13 | |
Less than 1% of philanthropic capital goes to ocean causes, and the funding gap for a healthy ocean runs at least $150 billion. Laura Francis, Founder of Sea Forward Fund, is closing that gap with a collaborative multi donor fund now invested in 12 ocean health funds that span roughly 200 companies across 53 countries. After 27 years at NOAA and a career as a kelp forest ecologist, she built a model where a $250 donation and a $2 million donation both matter, returns cycle back through a donor advised fund, and everyday people learn how ocean impact investing works. Chapters: 00:03 Welcome to Green Shoots and Big Shifts 00:53 Falling in love with the ocean at 11 years olf 02:26 From UC Santa Barbara to 27 years at NOAA 03:53 Move into impact investing 06:12 The ocean funding gap and SDG 14 08:41 Inside Sea Forward Fund: 12 funds, 200 companies, 53 countries 09:26 Choosing science based fund managers and measuring impact 11:40 Why a $250 donation matters as much as $2 million 13:12 Impact Investing without a donor advised fund through CataCap 14:46 The living laboratory and the Ever Blue model 16:22 Ripple: community, webinars and newsletters 17:53 California Ocean Summit in Santa Barbara, December 2026 19:27 Lessons on mobilizing small donors for big impact 21:44 The ocean as a financial ecosystem 22:28 What's next: new platforms, field trips and growing to 15 funds 24:43 A science to finance pathway for students 25:35 Closing on resilience and hope You can follow Laura Francis here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauraannfrancis/ Learn more about Sea Forward Fund: - Sea Forward Fund Website - https://seaforwardfund.org - Sea Forward Fund on Catacap: https://catacap.org/investments/seaforward - California Ocean Summit: https://calocean.org/ DAF Commons: https://www.dafcommons.com/ Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ | |||
| Helen Zhang on Turning Coffee Waste Into High Value Ingredients! | 23 sept. 2026 | 00:31:53 | |
Coffee manufacturers pay millions to dispose of waste that still holds most of its value. Helen Zhang built a company on that gap. She is CEO and Founder of Coffee Elf Inc., which pulls oil from commercial coffee grounds to make a premium emollient for hair care and skincare, and presses grounds with cork and peanut shell into vegan leather for promotional merchandise. Helen traces the path from a kitchen project at Columbia that nearly set off her neighbors' smoke complaints to early commercial partners, and to donating profit back to nonprofits serving women coffee farmers in Kenya, Ethiopia and Colombia. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome to Green Shoots and Big Shifts 00:54 Meet Helen Zhang and what Coffee Elf does 01:43 The kitchen project that nearly burned down an apartment 03:16 Discovering coffee's hidden chemical value 03:47 Coffee waste as a commercial problem 04:54 Growing up in an entrepreneurial family 07:16 The bigger vision: a waste to value engine 09:37 Inside the product line: emollient and vegan leather 12:08 Replacing palm oil with coffee oil 13:16 Giving back to women coffee farmers 17:00 Material innovation beyond plastic 18:38 Safety, silicones and clean beauty 20:35 Milestones ahead: hair care and the ASI supply chain 22:00 How to partner with Coffee Elf 24:24 Sustainability and profitability together 28:22 Advice for founders building in this field 30:46 One word to leave listeners with Learn more about Coffee Elf Inc.: Website - https://thecoffeeelf.com Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: LinkedIn - https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ | |||
| Efficiency First: How Weber State University Cuts Carbon and Costs -- Justin Owen | 16 sept. 2026 | 00:27:40 | |
Weber State University set a carbon neutral target of 2040 and has spent 15 years working toward it with efficiency, electrification, and renewable sourcing. Justin Owen, Director of Utilities and Sustainability at Weber State University, walks through the specifics: half the campus electrified, two and a half megawatts of solar, ground source wells under parking lots, and a revolving loan fund now generating around $3 million in cost reduction. He is a Weber State alum who started as an hourly student worker, and he explains why housing sustainability inside facilities changed what the team could get done. Chapters: 00:03 Welcome to Green Shoots and Big Shifts 00:54 Weber State's carbon neutral goal for 2040 01:40 Campus size and location in Ogden, Utah 01:55 Justin's path from pre med to sustainability 03:20 Early adopters: the 2007 climate commitment 04:31 The president signs on, facilities figures it out 05:14 Measuring the baseline and finding low hanging fruit 05:57 The central heating problem and electrification 07:26 How ground source fields work at Weber State 08:58 Life cycle, learning environment, and per room thermostats 11:15 Win wins: comfort, cost, and getting occupants on board 11:56 The internal revolving loan fund 13:27 Producing two thirds of campus electricity and avoiding easy undos 14:55 Efficiency first, then electrification, then renewables 16:29 Getting stakeholders and finance on board 17:53 Sustainability housed inside facilities management 21:24 Students and interns in sustainability work 23:31 Rescuing leftover food and campus engagement 24:15 What's next: onsite battery storage and a campus microgrid 25:36 Focus and avoiding distraction in sustainability programs 26:19 One word: hope 27:05 A investment problem, not a technology problem You can follow Justin Owen here: LinkedIn - https://linkedin.com/in/justinrowen Learn more about Weber State University: Website - https://weber.edu Follow the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast here: https://www.linkedin.com/company/green-shoots-big-shifts/ | |||
| Green Jobs, Second Chances, and Policy - Nisha Anand, Dream.org | 09 sept. 2026 | 00:28:00 | |
Nisha Anand, CEO of Dream.org, ran the playbook to help pass a legislation, which has seen 60,000 people return from prison. She grew up as the daughter of Indian immigrant parents in Atlanta, learned to be the bridge early, and now builds tables wide enough to make change that lasts. Nisha explains:
00:00 Welcome to Green Shoots and Big Shifts 00:44 Introducing Nisha Anand, CEO of dream.org 01:21 From Atlanta misfit to activist and bridge builder 02:52 Justice at scale: legislation and the First Step Act 03:51 Building a big table and why it makes policy durable 04:41 Beyond tokenism: inviting the blind spots you cannot see 06:16 Green for All's origins with Van Jones and Oakland solar 07:47 Green infrastructure, reentry, and green jobs today 10:03 Equity as the door that opens for everyone 11:57 Practices and challenges of building broad coalitions 15:56 Common values behind unlikely allies 17:36 Making nuance cool again and modeling curiosity 19:00 Self-curiosity: asking why you react the way you do 21:33 What the podcast reveals: hope in science and startups 23:00 Connecting the dots across silos and conferences 25:28 What keeps Nisha going: her kids and the next generation 28:00 One word to leave with: perseverance Learn more about dream.org: Website - https://dreamcorps.us | |||
| 40% of Our Food Is Wasted! -- Robert Lee, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine | 02 sept. 2026 | 00:20:56 | |
Forty percent of the food produced in the United States gets thrown out, and the nutrition in a third of that waste is enough to end food insecurity. Robert Lee, founder of Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, left a finance job at JP Morgan to close that gap. He grew up as the second son of Korean American parents who struggled with food access, joined a student club at NYU that carried leftover dining hall food to shelters, and built that idea into an organization now rescuing food across all 50 states. Chapters: 00:00 Welcome and show intro 01:00 Robert's journey and what inspired RLC 02:46 What Rescuing Leftover Cuisine does 03:33 Scaling carefully and sustainable growth 06:03 Where RLC operates today 07:00 The scale of food waste 08:33 A food rescue story that stuck 10:02 How to donate food and how pickup works 10:58 Partners, shelters, and a school program 12:33 Launching the Every Bite app in Boston 13:33 What's next and making food rescue the standard 15:35 Advice for starting small and taking action 17:53 How Robert thinks about impact 19:53 One word to leave listeners with Learn more about Rescuing Leftover Cuisine: - Website - https://rescuingleftovercuisine.org - Download the Evrybite App: https://www.evrybite.com/download-evrybite | |||
| Can Data Drive Impact? Insights from Nelli Garton of Tablecloth.io | 26 août 2026 | 00:31:11 | |
In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Nelli Garton, the founder of Tablecloth.io, to discuss the transformative power of data in driving sustainability efforts. Nelli shares her inspiring journey from the world of philanthropy and academia to launching a company dedicated to helping organizations effectively measure and understand their impact. With nearly a decade of experience, she highlights the evolution of her mission and the importance of making data-driven decisions in both non-profit and private equity sectors.
The conversation delves into the challenges and surprises of pivoting from a philanthropic focus to working with private equity, emphasizing the need for organizations to integrate sustainability into their core values. Nelli also explores the role of Artificial Intelligence in sustainability and the critical importance of building trust within organizations as they navigate these changes. The episode wraps up with a powerful message about the collective responsibility we share in shaping a sustainable future, urging listeners to embrace the possibilities that lie ahead.
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| The Future of Carbon Fiber: Turning CO2 waste into Gold - Aaron Fitzgerald | 19 août 2026 | 00:30:04 | |
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Aaron Fitzgerald, the founder of Mars Materials, Inc. PBC, to discuss innovative approaches to sustainability and climate change. Mars Materials is pioneering a transformative method of producing carbon fiber and water treatment chemicals from waste materials (i.e. carbon dioxide), instead of traditional fossil fuels. This not only creates valuable materials but also serves as an effective means of carbon sequestration, addressing both environmental concerns and market demands. Aaron shares his inspiring journey from working on Capitol Hill to becoming a serial entrepreneur focused on carbon dioxide removal. He discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a startup in the climate tech space, emphasizing the importance of resilience, community, and the need for market-based solutions to combat climate change. The conversation highlights the growing demand for sustainable materials and how Mars Materials is positioned to meet that demand while making a significant impact on the environment.
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| Nature as a Valued Asset Driving GDP? Insights from Jeremy McKane of OCN.ai | 12 août 2026 | 00:30:48 | |
In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Jeremy McKane, the CEO of Ocean Currency Network (OCN.ai), a pioneering organization focused on marine conservation and the economic valuation of our oceans. Jeremy shares his inspiring journey from artist to entrepreneur, illustrating how his passion for the ocean evolved into a mission to protect 30% of the world's oceans by 2030. Through innovative approaches to ocean conservation, he emphasizes the need for a collective effort—what he calls a "Justice League"—to safeguard this vital ecosystem. The conversation delves into the alarming statistic that only about 2.7% of the oceans are fully protected, highlighting the disconnect between policy and enforcement. Jeremy discusses the importance of recognizing the ocean's inherent value, not just as a resource, but as a critical component of our planet's health and our survival. With fascinating anecdotes and actionable insights, this episode serves as a call to action for listeners to rethink their relationship with the ocean and embrace a more sustainable future.
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| Bringing Joy to Sustainable Fashion: Veena Jayadeva, CEO, Kareena's Closet | 05 août 2026 | 00:32:56 | |
In this episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Veena Jayadeva, the founder of Kareena's Closet, to discuss her inspiring journey from international development to pioneering a sustainable fashion platform. Veena's deep-rooted commitment to sustainability and women's empowerment shines through as she shares her experiences working with microfinance initiatives aimed at uplifting women across the globe. Her passion for social impact led her to create Kareena's Closet, which offers a peer-to-peer platform for renting and reselling South Asian formal wear, thus addressing the pressing issue of overconsumption in the fashion industry, particularly within the South Asian community. Veena elaborates on the cultural pressures surrounding traditional celebrations, where the expectation to wear something new for every occasion has contributed to wasteful consumption. By fostering a community-centered approach, Kareena's Closet not only provides affordable fashion alternatives but also supports local designers and small businesses, creating an ecosystem of sustainability. Throughout their conversation, Reetu and Veena emphasize the importance of redefining fashion choices as an opportunity for joy, creativity, and community connection, rather than mere consumerism. Learn more about Kareena's Closet here : https://www.kareenascloset.com/
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| Trash Innovator: Sara Fuentes Founder & CEO of Smart Waste | 29 juil. 2026 | 00:35:05 | |
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Sara Fuentes, the dynamic founder of Smart Waste, Inc. and chairwoman of Women in CleanTech and Sustainability. Sara shares her inspiring journey from an early childhood educator to a leader in sustainability, revealing how a serendipitous introduction to the waste management industry ignited her passion for environmental stewardship. Sara recounts her pivotal moments, including the impact of COVID-19 on her career trajectory, which ultimately propelled her to launch Smart Waste (https://www.smartwasteusa.com/) , a company dedicated to zero waste facilitation. With a focus on transforming waste into resources, Sara discusses the importance of shifting mindsets around waste management and how her organization helps businesses achieve sustainability goals while saving money. Tune in to discover how Sara’s work not only impacts the environment but also empowers communities and fosters gender parity in the clean tech sector.
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| Woodchuck.ai is Transforming Construction Waste into Energy, talk with Todd Thomas | 15 juil. 2026 | 00:23:30 | |
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Todd Thomas, the CEO and founder of Woodchuck.ai, an innovative company tackling the dual challenges of waste management and energy generation. Todd shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Woodchuck, driven by the need to divert wood waste from landfills and transform it into a sustainable energy source. With a staggering 42 million tons of wood waste generated from construction sites in the U.S. each year, Todd's mission is not only to reduce waste but also to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in a rapidly changing world. Throughout the conversation, Todd provides insights into his approach to sustainability, particularly in the context of data centers and electric vehicle (EV) battery factories. He highlights the importance of engaging local communities in dialogues about energy consumption and resource management, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that new developments yield benefits for everyone involved. The episode also touches on Todd's ventures in storytelling through books and a TV show, which have helped raise awareness about biomass and renewable energy solutions.
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| From Chicken Manure to Clean Energy: Kristi Shaw's Journey with Mermaid Energy | 08 juil. 2026 | 00:31:54 | |
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Kristi Shaw, the CEO and founder of Mermaid Energy, to discuss her remarkable journey from a rural Maryland upbringing to the forefront of renewable energy development in the Caribbean. Kristi shares her unique perspective as a marine biologist and public health expert, detailing her transition from academia to entrepreneurship. Her experiences with environmental challenges, particularly following hurricanes, inspired her to seek innovative solutions for sustainable energy in vulnerable regions. Kristi introduces listeners to Mermaid Energy's mission to tackle the growing problem of invasive sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean. By intercepting this abundant resource at sea, her company aims to transform it into bio-stimulants, renewable diesel, and other valuable products, while also addressing public health and ecological concerns. This episode is a testament to how individuals can leverage their backgrounds and experiences to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond.
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| Can Climate Education Transform Communities? Insights from Abby Jordan | 01 juil. 2026 | 00:31:53 | |
In this enlightening episode of **Green Shoots & Big Shifts**, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Abby Jordan, the Climate Education Program Manager at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Abby shares her inspiring journey from a volunteer in community climate initiatives to a leader in climate education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues among youth. Through her work at NWF, Abby is not only educating students about climate resilience but also empowering them to take meaningful action in their communities. Abby discusses two pivotal programs she manages: the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force Youth Steering Committee, which engages high school students in climate education and civic engagement, and the Resilient Schools and Communities program, which provides a standardized curriculum for educators. Abby highlights the impactful Beach Grass Plantings project in New York City, where students participate in ecological restoration efforts, gaining firsthand experience in climate solutions. This episode not only sheds light on the significance of grassroots climate action but also emphasizes the role of education in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards. Resources
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| Is Sustainability the New Business Imperative in the age of AI? ft. Stacy Cline | 24 juin 2026 | 00:20:47 | |
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Stacy Cline, the Senior Director of Sustainability at GitLab, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and corporate responsibility within the tech industry. Stacy shares her inspiring journey from the nonprofit sector to her pivotal role in shaping GitLab's sustainability initiatives. With a focus on environmental, social, and governance regulations, Stacy elaborates on how GitLab is not only ensuring compliance but also helping its customers meet their own sustainability goals. Stacy highlights the crucial role of intentionality in integrating sustainability into business practices. She discusses GitLab's Green DevOps Committee, which focuses on sustainable software development and innovative practices that address customer needs for lower emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of balancing AI innovation with sustainable practices, emphasizing that sustainability should be woven into the fabric of business objectives rather than treated as a separate initiative. This episode is packed with practical insights for organizations looking to embrace sustainability as a core component of their operations. You can access Gitlab's library here: AI catalog: https://gitlab.com/explore/ai-catalog/agents/. This link will pull up the 'green' agents and flows.
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| How Local Stewardship Drives Ocean Conservation: Insights from Zach Plopper | 17 juin 2026 | 00:33:58 | |
In this episode, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Zach Plopper, Senior Environmental Director at the Surfrider Foundation, who shares his inspiring journey of merging a passion for surfing with environmental activism. Growing up near the ocean in Solana Beach, California, Zach has dedicated his life to protecting the coastlines and ocean ecosystems that he cherishes. His experiences, from competitive surfing to his extensive work with various conservation organizations, highlight the profound connection between personal passion and professional purpose. Zach elaborates on the mission of the Surfrider Foundation, which aims to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through grassroots activism. He discusses the organization's initiatives focused on reducing plastic pollution, combating climate change, and ensuring clean water for beachgoers. Through local chapters and community engagement, Surfrider empowers individuals to advocate for their coastal environments, showcasing how local stewardship can lead to systemic changes. This episode is a call to action for all ocean lovers to engage in conservation efforts, emphasizing that every individual can make a difference in protecting our natural resources.
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| Can Students Lead the Way in Sustainability? Tom Twist Weighs In | 10 juin 2026 | 00:24:23 | |
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Thomas Twist, a sustainability innovator from Bates College. Thomas shares his unique journey into the field of sustainability, which includes an unexpected detour through a Buddhist monastery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness in tackling the often overwhelming challenges posed by climate change. Through his roles at the Chewonki Foundation and Bates College, Tom has pioneered hands-on, project-based learning experiences that empower students to engage meaningfully in sustainability efforts. The conversation dives deep into several pivotal projects that Tom has spearheaded, illustrating how experiential learning can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. Tom discusses the transformative power of involving students in real-world sustainability projects, such as transitioning Bates College to a carbon-neutral campus and implementing large-scale renewable energy solutions. He shares key insights on building trust with students, the importance of quick wins in sustainability initiatives, and how to foster a culture of sustainability on college campuses. Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for implementing sustainability practices in their own organizations, as well as inspiration from the optimism and initiative of the next generation of leaders.
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| The Financial Upside of Sustainability: Alka Bhide Explains How | 03 juin 2026 | 00:35:53 | |
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Alka Bhide, the head of climate research at Glass Lewis & Co. Alka shares her extensive background in sustainable finance and climate research, shedding light on the vital intersection of business performance and environmental responsibility. She discusses how companies can effectively integrate sustainability into their operations, moving beyond the pitfalls of greenwashing to achieve genuine progress. Alka emphasizes that sustainability should not be viewed as a separate initiative but rather as an integral component of business strategy. She explains how aligning climate strategies with financial performance can unlock significant value, allowing companies to thrive in a changing regulatory landscape. The conversation explores the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and the role of leadership in driving successful climate initiatives. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights and a renewed sense of optimism about the future of sustainable business practices.
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| Rodney Rowland on Sea Level Rise: A Historic Museum's Resilience Strategy & Wins | 27 mai 2026 | 00:27:13 | |
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Rodney Rowland, the Director of Environmental Sustainability at the Strawbery Banke Museum. With over three decades of experience at the museum, Rodney shares his journey and the museum's evolution in addressing the pressing challenges posed by climate change, particularly sea level rise. Through a combination of historical preservation and innovative sustainability practices, Strawbery Banke is pioneering efforts to adapt to rising water levels while maintaining its rich heritage. Rodney discusses the Sea Level Rise Initiative, a comprehensive project aimed at mitigating the impacts of groundwater and stormwater flooding on the museum's historic buildings. He emphasizes the importance of collaboration, community engagement, and public outreach as critical elements of their strategy. Listeners will gain insight into the lessons learned from the initiative, the significance of partnerships with local universities and organizations, and the hope that emerges from collective action in the face of climate challenges.
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| Transforming Waste into Wealth: The Circular Economy Explained with Emily Wagner | 20 mai 2026 | 00:23:51 | |
In this episode of **Green Shoots & Big Shifts**, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Emily Wagner, an equity research analyst specializing in industrials and materials at Calvert Research and Management. Together, they delve into the complexities of the circular economy and its implications for sustainable investing. Emily shares insights from Calvert's recent report on the circular economy, which explores the risks and opportunities inherent in shifting from a linear to a circular model of production and consumption. Emily articulates how the circular economy goes beyond recycling, emphasizing the significance of design and raw materials in minimizing waste and maximizing resource reuse. The conversation also touches on real-world examples of companies implementing circular practices, such as waste management firms investing in recycling technologies. By drawing connections between financial materiality and sustainability, Emily highlights how corporations can manage risks while simultaneously improving their bottom lines through circularity. This thought-provoking discussion is essential for anyone interested in understanding the intersection of investment strategies and sustainable practices.
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| Beyond the Forest: Regenerating the World's Forgotten Grasslands: a talk with Caroline Missen | 13 mai 2026 | 00:30:00 | |
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta speaks with Caroline Missen, the Chief Growth and Sustainability Officer at Cultivo. Caroline shares her journey from growing up on a farm in Australia to becoming a leader in sustainable land regeneration. Cultivo focuses on unlocking capital for nature-based solutions by building partnerships with landowners, investors, and corporations to meet their sustainability goals. Caroline highlights the importance of balancing various outcomes such as biodiversity, water retention, and social impact while implementing data-driven solutions to enhance land management practices. The conversation dives deep into the practicalities of land regeneration, especially in grasslands, which often receive less attention than forest ecosystems. Caroline elaborates on innovative techniques like virtual fencing and sustainable grazing practices that support both ecological health and the livelihoods of local farmers. The episode also touches on the financial sustainability of nature-based interventions, the importance of purpose-driven work within organizations, and the inspiring role of youth and not-for-profit organizations in driving change. Caroline's relentless optimism serves as a beacon of hope amidst the challenges of sustainability, reminding listeners of the collective responsibility we all share in preserving our planet.
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| Welcome to the Green Shoots & Big Shifts Podcast | 02 déc. 2025 | 00:00:42 | |
Green Shoots & Big Shifts is hosted by Reetu Gupta, who started the show to have open, hopeful conversations about what it really takes to make sustainability part of how we live, lead, and work. | |||