In this episode of Peace, Love, and Pollinators, host Trevor Smith sits down with landscape designer, educator, and native plant advocate Cheryl Salatino. With over 20 years of experience and a passion for purposeful, ecologically sound design, Cheryl has helped shape the Native Plant Pollinator Guidelines, providing essential insights into creating sustainable landscapes.

Together, Trevor and Cheryl explore the steps to designing a thriving pollinator garden, from plant selection to habitat creation, and how to transform any outdoor space into a sanctuary for bees, butterflies, and other essential pollinators. Cheryl shares her expertise on why being present in the garden is key to understanding and supporting the natural world.

Whether you're a seasoned gardener or just starting your journey into pollinator-friendly landscaping, this episode is packed with practical advice, inspiration, and a deep appreciation for the beauty and function of native plants.

In this short but essential first episode, host Trevor Smith introduces himself and shares the inspiration behind Peace, Love & Pollinators. Get a sneak peek at what’s to come—expert guests, actionable tips, and deep dives into the connections between plants, people, and the planet. 

You don’t need acres of land to make a difference for pollinators! In this episode, Trevor sits down with Karen Dooley, a Tufts graduate and urban bee expert, to talk about the simple, impactful ways you can support pollinators right where you are—whether that’s a balcony, backyard, or city sidewalk. Karen studied sweat bee behavior and monarchs, utilizing small native plantings, proving that even the tiniest green spaces can have a huge impact on pollinator populations.

Karen Dooley is an ecologist and entomologist who grew up in northern California and moved to the East Coast to attend Tufts University, where she pursued a degree in biology. At Tufts, Karen discovered a passion for ecological research and joined Dr. Elizabeth Crone's lab, focusing on studying insect pollinators. She continued her studies with a Master of Science in biology at Tufts and is now navigating the post-graduate world as she decides which direction to take her interests.


📌 Resources & Links:
📧 Join our email blast with weekly garden advice: https://www.westonnurseries.com/join-our-mailing-list/ 

More info from Tufts Pollinator Initiative: https://sites.tufts.edu/pollinators/

WestonFarmtoDoor.com - use code POLLEN8 for 10% off your first order 

🌿 Connect with us: 
🔗 Website: WestonNurseries.com
📸 Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/westonnurseries
📘 Facebook:  https://www.facebook.com/WestonNurseries

In this episode, Trevor Smith and Monique Bosch delve into the world of composting, discussing its significance, various methods, and the importance of soil health. Monique shares her journey into composting and soil health, emphasizing the connection between nature and gardening. They explore different composting techniques, the ideal compost recipe, common mistakes gardeners make, and how to effectively apply compost. The discussion also touches on the rise of food scrap composting services and the challenges posed by jumping worms. Throughout the conversation, Monique provides valuable insights and practical tips for both novice and experienced gardeners looking to enhance their composting practices.


Takeaways

- Composting improves soil's physical, chemical, and biological properties.
-Soil health is crucial for healthy plants and ecosystems.
-Diversity in compost ingredients leads to better results.
-Composting requires active management, not a set-it-and-forget-it approach.
-Understanding carbon-nitrogen ratios is essential for effective composting.
-Common mistakes include neglecting moisture levels and improper ingredient ratios.
-Food scrap composting services are a growing solution to food waste.
-Applying compost should be based on soil tests and organic matter levels.
-Jumping worms can disrupt compost and soil health; management strategies are needed.
-Experimentation and adjustment are key to successful composting.

In this conversation, Trevor Smith and Marie Chieppo delve into the pressing issue of plastic pots in the green industry. They discuss the historical context of plastic use, the challenges of recycling, and the current efforts to find alternative materials. Marie shares insights from her extensive research and involvement in the Plastic Task Force, highlighting the need for sustainable solutions and the potential of bioplastics. The conversation also addresses misconceptions surrounding compostable pots and the recycling dilemma posed by black plastic.  They explore the limitations of recycling, the need for regulatory changes, and the importance of consumer demand in driving industry practices. Marie shares innovative solutions and materials that can help reduce plastic use, emphasizing the role of education and advocacy in creating a greener future. The discussion highlights the interconnectedness of environmental health and personal responsibility, urging listeners to take action and make informed choices.

Contact Marie at mariechieppo@me.com

East Jordan Plastics https://eastjordanplastics.com/

https://hc-companies.com/biobasedgrowingcontainers/

Chapters

00:00 Introduction to Plastic in the Green Industry
02:12 The History and Impact of Plastic Pots
05:50 Challenges in Recycling Plastic Pots
08:44 Current Efforts to Reduce Plastic Use
11:39 Exploring Alternative Materials
15:24 Understanding Bioplastics
18:31 The Misconceptions of Compostable Pots
21:23 The Recycling Dilemma of Black Plastic
24:06 East Jordan Plastics and Recycling Solutions
27:59 The Limits of Plastic Recycling
30:01 Changing the Plastic Paradigm
32:50 Regulatory Changes and Industry Response
35:40 Innovative Solutions for Sustainable Practices
39:15 Consumer Demand and Environmental Responsibility
43:05 Taking Action for a Greener Future
47:59 Personal Journeys in Environmental Advocacy

takeaways

• Marie Chieppo has over 28 years of experience in ecological landscape design.
• Plastic pots have become a significant issue in the green industry.
• 98% of plastic containers are not recycled, leading to environmental concerns.
• The history of plastic in the nursery industry dates back to post-World War II.
• Recycling black plastic pots is challenging due to optical detection issues.
• Current efforts include exploring alternative materials for pots.
• Bioplastics show promise as a sustainable option for the industry.
• Compostable pots often require industrial conditions to break down effectively.
• Consumer demand is driving nurseries to address plastic waste.
• East Jordan Plastics is a key player in recycling efforts for nursery pots. Plastic has a limited recyclability due to its molecular structure.
• Regulations and consumer demand are crucial for changing industry practices.
• Education is key to understanding and improving recycling processes.
• Innovative materials can help reduce plastic use in nurseries.
• Sustainability can be a profitable business model.
• Consumer preferences are shifting towards eco-friendly options.
• Advocacy and communication can drive change in the nursery industry.
• The journey towards sustainability is ongoing but shows promise.
• Microplastics pose a significant threat to health and the environment.
• Personal experiences can inspire a lifelong commitment to environmental advocacy.

To learn more watch our  video https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dRcWrTimiEk 

In this episode, Trevor reconnects with long-time friend and collaborator Mike Chavez—an architect, community organizer, and co-founder of Social Impact Collective, whose work tackles systemic inequities through creative design and workforce development. Together, they peel back the layers of the Green Roof Bus Shelter Initiative in Boston, a decade-in-the-making project that transformed 30 bus stops into micro-powerhouses of sustainability. 

Mike shares candid reflections on the trials, and  triumphs behind this public-private collaboration—from navigating red tape to the lessons learned in fabrication. You’ll hear why this “small potatoes” project is anything but, how much stormwater a single roof can capture, and why YouthBuild Boston was a non-negotiable partner in the installation. 

They dive into questions like:
 🌱 Why do public-private partnerships matter for climate resilience?
 🛠 What would Mike redesign in the institutional process?
 📊 What data could help this story take root nationwide? 

We also explore Mike’s origin story with nature (spoiler: it might just involve Trevor), and how green space continues to shape his bold urban visions—from Minnesota farmland to Boston rooftops. 

This is a conversation about building up—and digging deeper. 

Follow along as we uncover what’s next for Green Roof Boston and how to get involved in reshaping cities, one roof at a time.