Sustainability Defined

Episodios

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  Ep. 103: Mattresses & Forever Chemicals (ft. Naturepedic) 09.09.2026 57m

  We spend a third of our lives on our mattresses, but what's actually in them? In this episode, we dig into the hidden world of the mattress industry: the flame retardants, petroleum-based foams, and PFAS ("forever chemicals") lurking in conventional mattresses, and what happens when millions of them end up in landfills every year, slowly breaking down and releasing toxins for decades? What happens when we sleep on them for years and how do they affect our health? We're joined by Arin Schultz, Chief Growth Officer at Naturepedic, a 20+ year-old family-run company founded by an environmental engineer on a mission to build a safer crib mattress. Arin takes us behind the scenes, from organic latex sourcing to regenerative cotton co-ops in Texas, and helps us cut through the greenwashing to understand what "non-toxic" really means, which certifications (like GOTS, GOLS, and MADE SAFE) actually matter, and how the choices we make about what we sleep on ripple out to human and environmental health. 
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  Ep. 102: The Power of Trees 07.08.2026 50m

  Trees do so much more than make our neighborhoods beautiful. In this episode, we explore the surprising science behind why trees are essential for our mental and physical health, our communities, and our climate. In this episode Cecilia and Nethra discuss how spending time in nature can reduce stress and improve focus, why urban forests are critical for cooling cities and protecting public health, and how trees clean our air, store carbon, support biodiversity, and even save billions of dollars through the ecosystem services they provide. Plus, we dive into one of the most fascinating questions in ecology: Can trees communicate? From the "Wood Wide Web" to chemical warning signals and the latest research on tree behavior, we separate myth from science (a little mythbusting moment!) while uncovering the hidden world beneath our feet. After this episode, you may never look at a tree the same way again!  Curious about conservation? Check out organizations like the Arbor Day Foundation, One Tree Planted, American Forests, and The Nature Conservancy to support reforestation and urban forestry efforts. You can also use Ecosia for your everyday searches, contribute to biodiversity science with iNaturalist, or look for local tree planting and stewardship events in your community.
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  Ep. 101: Plastic Free Beauty (ft. AORA Makeup) 10.07.2026 59m

  What does clean beauty actually mean and why does the industry still struggle to agree on a definition? In this episode, Nethra and Cecilia sit down with Nour Tayara, co-founder and CEO of Aura Makeup, a vibrant, plastic-free beauty brand born in Mexico City. A former L'Oréal sustainability lead turned engineer-entrepreneur, Nour breaks down why he ditched plastic packaging entirely in favor of aluminum and tin and the surprising trial-and-error that came with building formulas and packaging from scratch. The conversation goes deep on the realities of beauty industry recycling (spoiler: most of what you toss in the bin isn't getting recycled at all), why black plastic is quietly one of the worst offenders (Nethra was shocked), and how Aura became a certified plastic-negative brand through its partnership with Repurpose Global, removing nine times the plastic waste of every product sold. Nour also opens up about redefining "clean" beauty beyond the pale, minimalist aesthetic it's become associated with, sourcing ethics around mica and cruelty-free formulas, and why color and joy are just as much a part of sustainability as ingredients and packaging. If you've ever wondered what happens to your empty makeup containers — or wanted proof that sustainable beauty can also be bold, colorful, and fun — this episode is for you.
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  A SPECIAL Ep. 100: Hot Commodities: Peanuts (ft. Once Again) 05.06.2026 1h 2m

  We are celebrating a major milestone with episode of 100 of Sustainability Defined! Before diving in, we have a special message for all of our incredible Definers who have been a part of this journey. Thank you for listening, learning, and helping us builld a community dedicated to making sustainability more accessible.  For this special epsiode, we are bringing back the Hot Commodities series joined by Sudheer Kosaraju, Chief Commerical Officer at Once Again Nut Butter. Through Once Again's work in sustainable peanut sourcing and production, we explore the journey behind one of the world's most beloved and nostalgic snacks: peanuts!  From farming and water use to sourcing, processing, and global supply chains, we dig into the complex sustainability challenged behind this everyday commodity. We also explore what responsible business practices look like in agriculture and how consumers can make more sustainable choices at the grocery store.   Join us this epsiode as we answer your burning questions about the peanut supply chain and discuss what it takes to create a more sustainable food system. 
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  Ep. 99: Sustainability & Supply Chains (Ft. The Association for Supply Chain Management) 08.05.2026 1h 1m

  In this episode of Sustainability Defined, we're switching things up! Before diving into one of our classic storytelling-style breakdowns, we sit down with Abe Eshkenazi, CEO of the Association for Supply Chain Management (ASCM), to unpack the world of sustainable supply chains. If you've been following our Hot Commodities series, you know we've become a little obsessed with supply chains, because behind every matcha latte, chocolate bar, banana, or t-shirt is a massive global system shaping emissions, labor, water use, waste, and more. So we realized: we've talked about supply chains constantly…without doing a deep dive into them.  In the first half of this episode, Abe helps us break down what supply chains are, why sustainability and supply chains are inseparable, and how climate change, pandemics, and geopolitical tensions are forcing companies to rethink the way the world moves goods. Then, inspired by ASCM's new docuseries The Chain: How the World Works, we'll take you through the life cycle of a cotton t-shirt, from raw material extraction to landfill, unpacking the environmental and human impacts hidden behind one of the most everyday items in our closets. This episode is part explainer, part documentary breakdown, and part supply chain deep dive, and honestly, one of our favorite conversations we've had on the podcast!      
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  Ep. 98: Hot Commodities: Sugar (ft. Fairtrade America) 10.04.2026 1h 21m

  In this episode of Hot Commodities, we're diving into the sweet, and often bitter world of sugar. From sprawling sugarcane fields to the products lining our grocery store shelves, sugar is one of the most globally traded commodities, deeply embedded in our food systems and daily lives. But behind its ubiquity lies a complex supply chain shaped by labor challenges, environmental pressures, and growing calls for transparency. In this episode of the Hot Commodities series, Cecilia and Nethra unpack the history and global footprint of sugar production, exploring how issues like water use, land intensity, and labor conditions continue to shape the industry today. Then, they sit down with a representative from Fairtrade America to discuss how certification programs are working to improve wages, empower farmers, and create more equitable and sustainable supply chains. Can choosing fair trade sugar actually drive meaningful change? And what responsibility do companies, and consumers, have in reshaping this industry? Tune in for a conversation that goes beyond the sweet surface to uncover the true cost of sugar.
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  Ep. 97: Explained - The 2009 Endangerment Finding 20.03.2026 48m

  In this episode, Nethra and Cecilia break down the EPA's 2009 Endangerment Finding, the foundation of federal climate regulation in the United States.  As repeal efforts gain attention, this episode explores what the Endagerment Finding is, why it matters, and the legal challenges that could impact the EPA's authority to regulate greenhouse gases.  From the courts to future climate policy, this episode unpacks what's at stake, and what could come next. Tune in to learn how one decision continues to shape the scope of federal climate action today.
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  Ep. 96: Hot Commodities: Bananas (ft. Equifruit) 13.02.2026 1h 6m

  Terrorism, corporate pay-offs, open-fire raids, rebranding and scandal....yes, we are talking about bananas. In this episode of our Hot Commodities series, we're peeling back the layers on the world's most popular fruit to reveal a history of corporate empires, political coups, and systematic exploitation that shaped entire nations. From the United Fruit Company's control over "banana republics" to Chiquita's 2007 guilty plea for funding Colombian paramilitaries, we trace how your 60-cent banana became so cheap and who paid the real price. We'll also explore the environmental impacts and supply chain of this fruit and why monoculture farming puts our entire global banana supply at risk. Join us as we follow bananas from tropical plantations through ripening rooms to your grocery store, uncovering the complex supply chain logistics that keep shelves stocked year-round. Fear not!! We also we sit down with Jennie Coleman, the President of Equifruit, to learn how ethical sourcing and Fair Trade practices are working to transform this troubled industry and provide a future for a new wave of banana agriculture. This episode is bananas!! literally and figuratively.
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  Ep 95: The State of ESG in 2026 12.01.2026 1h 20m

  We cut through the noise and jargon to define what ESG actually is and what it isn't. ESG feels like a sea of acyromns and alphabet soup, we help you understand the state of the current landscape and different reporting frameworks. Whether you're new to sustainability reporting or a seasoned professional, join us as Marcy Twete of Veerless helps us breaks down the fundamentals in clear, accessible terms that anyone can understand. We explore how the current administration's policies are reshaping corporate ESG strategies and what companies can expect in the months ahead. From regulatory shifts to stakeholder expectations, Marcy provides insider perspective on the challenges and opportunities organizations face as they balance purpose with performance and practical insights on what businesses should prioritize in 2026 This episode offers the clarity and context you need to understand one of the most debated topics in business today.
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  Ep 94: 2025 Holiday Hodge Podge 05.12.2025 45m

  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.
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  Ep 93: Sustainability at the Thanksgiving Table - Joy, Burnout, and Hope (ft. Soapbox Project) 07.11.2025 1h 10m

  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. 
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  Atypical Ep. 11: The Green Skills Gap (ft. Leafr) 23.10.2025 45m

  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
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  Ep 92: Hot Commodities: Matcha (ft. Wild Orchard Tea) 03.10.2025 58m

  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.
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  Episode from Source of Good Podcast: "From Farm to Closet: The Icon Coat by Eileen Fisher" 12.09.2025 15m

  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.
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  Ep. 91: Navigating NYC Climate Week (ft. Climate Film Fest) 05.09.2025 58m

  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.
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  Ep. 90: The Farm to Table Movement (with Chef Ariane Daguin) 01.08.2025 50m

  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.
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  Ep. 89: Sunscreen 101: Reef-safe, SPF, Myths and Impact on Marine Life (ft. Surfrider Foundation) 03.07.2025 1h 5m

  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!
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  Ep. 88: The Plastic Trail of Your Online Order - and the Seaweed Alternative 07.06.2025 50m

  Online shopping is convenient, but at what cost?! In this episode, we explore the massive plastic footprint hidden in your doorstep deliveries, from poly mailers to mixed-material packaging that often ends up in landfills. Cecilia and Nethra break down the environmental toll of e-commerce and spotlight the innovative seaweed-based alternative offered by cleantech startup SWAY. Don't miss our interview with Alyssa Pace, SWAY's Communications Lead, as we dive into how compostable packaging and seaweed/nature based solutions could help reshape the future of sustainable shipping.
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  Ep 87: Wetlands & The World's Largest Restoration Project 05.05.2025 53m

  Wetlands are the unsung heroes of climate resilience. From flood protection to water filtration, these ecosystems are biodiversity hot spots and are critical for the health of our planet.  In this episode, learn more about what exactly a wetland is and how they are vital. Learn about the world's largest restoration project taking place in the Florida Everglades as we sit down with Dr. Steve Davis, the Chief Science Officer at The Everglades Foundation. The Everglades Foundation has been the driving force behind the biggest environmental restoration project in the world. The project aims to "lubricate" the Everglades with much-needed fresh water to save an ecosystem unlike any other on the planet, ensure continued access to drinking water for more than 9 million Floridians, and prevent yearly outbreaks of blue-green algae that clog Florida waterways with a guacamole-like substance. 
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  Atypical Ep. 10: Innovations in Sustainable Aviation - Insights from the Airbus Summit 21.04.2025 1h 4m

  Did you know that airplanes can run on waste cooking oil, municipal solid waste, forestry waste, and even algae in the form of Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs)? Well, they can.  Biomimicry, Sustainable Aviation Fuels (SAFs), and aircrafts inspired by GEESE? Learn about some of the innovations happening right now in the aviation industry and where it's headed in the coming decades. The industry has some ambitious goals of reaching net zero by 2050, running aircrafts on mainly SAFs, using newer lightweight materials to reduce fuel consumption, and even getting aircrafts to fly in the same v-pattern as flocks of geese to lower their carbon footprints. Hosts, Cecilia & Nethra, took field trip to Toulouse, France and attended the Airbus Summit 2025. Learn about their insights from the summit and hear some lightning interviews from a few of the leading experts at Airbus such as: Julie Kitcher, Chief Sustainability Officer Jonathan Beck, Flight Operations R&T IPT Leader Sue Partridge, Head of Wing of Tomorrow Programme Antjie Bulmann, Direct Air Capture Expert