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When looking to protect land from development, mining and other harmful activities, Conservation Easement Agreements (CEAs) are perhaps one of the most effective methods for permanently protecting private land. Despite their effectiveness, many are not familiar with this method of land protection, so we've brought in Joel Enman from Ontario Farmland Trust to explain how CEAs work. He also discusses why private land conservation is important, and how his and other land trusts are helping landowners maintain ownership of their land while protecting it for future generations. Resources discussed in this episode: Ontario Farmland Trust Joel Enman Linkedin Ontario Land Trust Alliance Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts Land Trust Alliance Farmland Preservation book A Garden for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee book Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

In this bonus episode we're joined by Kara Escajeda from Parrie Haynes Ranch, a park in Central Texas under threat of being closed. Kara discusses the challenges facing the park, and the current state of public land in Texas. She also explains the importance of parks in general for local communities and the environment, and offers tips for how to advocate for green spaces in your area. Resources discussed in this episode:  Save Parrie Haynes Ranch website Parrie Haynes Ranch Facebook group Environment Texas website New state parks in Texas article Urban Heat Islands article Engagement with Parks report EXPLORE Act Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode: Ordinary Soil book Analog Sun book Alex Woodard website Dr. Zach Bush website Farmer's Footprint website Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) video Previous Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods: Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane Podcast Episode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, Author Episode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture Guild Episode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire Farm Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it has become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is especially attractive, as it allows consumers to produce energy onsite. Owen Barrett from Shine joins us to discuss the basics of residential solar, and how his company is helping make solar available to multifamily housing units. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and why he's optimistic it will continue to grow despite continued opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Resources discussed in this episode: Shine website Owen's LinkedIn Less Talk More Action podcast Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group Our previous episode about solar energy: Soak Up the Sun Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, but how do we pick which one(s) to use? Rinaldo Brutoco, Founding President and CEO of the World Business Academy and H2 Clipper, Inc., joins us to discuss why he believes hydrogen is the best choice. Rinaldo explains how hydrogen works and how it's being used today. He also discusses common misconceptions about hydrogen, and why the transition away from fossil fuels could be much easier than we expect. Resources discussed in this episode:  World Business Academy World Business Academy Books H2 Clipper ARCHES Hydrogen Insight magazine Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Our planet is home to millions of species, many of which have yet to be discovered. Human activity is threatening an alarming number of these species, resulting in a biodiversity crisis that is drastically impacting human and non-human life. Dr. Debbie Saunders of NatureHelm joins to discuss this crisis and possible solutions. She maintains a hopeful outlook while emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect all life on earth. Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

This month we're joined by Trevor and Kyle Ritland, authors of the new book The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species. The book explores the mysterious disappearance of the golden toad from its home in Costa Rica, and how Trevor and Kyle's lifelong fascination with the species led them to investigate its disappearance. They discuss this experience and how it fits into the global amphibian crisis that has emerged in recent decades. We also grapple with the implications of species extinctions, and the ecological grief that accompanies it. Resources discussed in this episode: The Golden Toad book findthegoldentoad.com The Golden Toad Goodreads The Golden Toad on Bookshop.org Trevor's Instagram Kyle's Instagram Adventure Term Instagram Adventure Term Facebook Adventure Term Twitter  Children's Eternal Rain Forest Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

As the climate continues to change, so too do our expectations for what the future might hold. Climate fiction (cli-fi) is a growing genre that explores these possibilities, for better or worse.  Clean energy tech expert Todd Medema is one of the people telling these stories in his debut book How to Surf a Hurricane. Todd joins us to discuss his inspiration for writing the book, and how and why he developed a climate story that is intentionally hopeful. He also shares his perspective on effective ways to tackle the climate crisis. Resources discussed in this episode: How to Surf a Hurricane book Ways to take action Todd Medema LinkedIn Todd Medema Facebook Todd Medema Instagram Todd Medema Mastodon Todd Medema Twitter Todd Medema Medium Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Our addiction to fossil fuels has devastating impacts on the environment, weather, and human health and security. Tzeporah Berman, Founder & Co-Chair of the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty, joins us to discuss the consequences of climate change and the need for urgent action to avoid further damage. She explains why reducing fossil fuel emissions is not enough, that we must also prioritize reducing production. Tzeporah shares how the Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty is raising support for an international agreement that supports the equitable transition away from fossil fuels. Resources discussed in this episode: Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty website Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty reports Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Facebook Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Instagram Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty LinkedIn Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Twitter Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Bluesky Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Youtube Fossil Fuel Non-Proliferation Treaty Threads Tzephorah's Ted Talk Not Too Late by  Rebecca Solnit Hope in the Dark by Rebecca Solnit Genevieve Guenther Dr. Michael Mann UNEP Production Gap Report IPCC Summary Tzeporah's LinkedIn Tzeporah's Bluesky Tzeporah's Instagram Tzeporah's Twitter Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Supercool! If you're curious about innovative advancements in sustainability, this is the episode for you! Josh Dorfman, host of the podcast Supercool, shares examples of effective climate solutions being implemented around the world. He also shares ideas for how we can better communicate the good news stories that are often overlooked. Josh's positive outlook for the future is a welcome shift from the negativity that often prevails when discussing the environment. Resources discussed in this episode: Supercool podcast Supercool Instagram Supercool LinkedIn The Lazy Environmentalist City Climate Corner podcast Climate First Bank Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

Everyone has to eat, but it can be overwhelming to decide what the healthiest options are, both for humans and the planet. Ali Cox, a fifth generation farmer and founder of agricultural marketing firm Noble West, joins us to discuss sustainable food production and consumption. She also shares the progress being made in the industry, and some of the challenges of communicating these stories to the public. Resources discussed in this episode: Noble West website Noble West Instagram Noble West LinkedIn Ali Cox Linkedin Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The indoor spaces we live, work and spend our lives in can have great impacts on our physical and mental well-being, and how we build them can have great environmental impacts. This month we talk with Steve Pallrand, Founder of CarbonShack, about the significance of the indoor environment. Steve discusses how individuals and businesses can build and design enjoyable spaces sustainably. He also shares how the building and design industries are (and aren't) implementing these practices. Resources discussed in this episode: CarbonShack CarbonShack Facebook CarbonShack Instagram CarbonShack LinkedIn CarbonShack YouTube U.S. Green Building Council Good Future Design Alliance SustainableBuild Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The outdoor industry produces a vast amount of products that allow us to experience nature in ways we never could before, but these products can have a detrimental impact on the natural world they're allowing us to access. To help us examine this paradox, we're joined by Annie Agle, VP of Sustainability and Impact at Cotopaxi. Annie discusses the responsibility of companies to give back and reduce their environmental impact. She offers examples of how this is being done by Cotopaxi and others in the outdoor industry, and shares best practices for how all companies can implement more sustainable and ethical business practices. Resources discussed in this episode: Cotopaxi website Annie Agle Linkedin Outdoor Industry Association B Corp Cambridge Institute for Sustainability Leadership Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

This month we're joined by Sandhya Sabapathy, Global Head of Environment and Net Zero at Entain and Founder of Kaleidoscope, to discuss the importance of inclusivity and environmental justice. Drawing on her experience working with private companies and volunteer organizations, Sandhya shares examples of inclusive leadership in action and discusses the importance of intersectionality in climate activism. She also offers tips for how organizations can become more sustainable and help empower marginalized communities. Resources discussed in this episode: Sandhya's Linkedin Sandhya's Instagram Kaleidoscope's LinkedIn Kaleidoscope's Instagram Fridays for the Future Carbon Brief Newsletter Business Green Newsletter Overstory Book Chapter Zero Net Zero Tracker Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz

The environmental impacts of the transportation sector are immense, but that also means there are a lot of opportunities for improvement. Dan Hendry from the Get on the Bus movement, driven by Small Change Fund, joins to discuss the role of mass transit in addressing these challenges. He shares insights into how mass transportation is evolving and opportunities for improvement. Dan also explains how Get on the Bus is working to increase mass transit use among youth in communities across Canada. Resources discussed in this episode: Get on the Bus Dan Hendry Website Dan Hendry Linkedin Dan's Ted Talk Climate Reality Project Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz