Episode 15: Thea Merrit, founder of EcoNow shares how we can rethink consumption and make more sustainable choices everyday!

Episode 15 features Thea Merrit, the founder of EcoNow - Orange County’s first zero-waste shop and refill station. What began as a small stand at local farmers' markets has become a multi-location movement helping individuals and communities reduce waste, rethink consumption, and make more sustainable choices a part of their everyday lives. EcoNow isn’t just a store - it’s a community hub and a local resource that empowers people to take actionable steps toward sustainability. Join us to learn how you can go EcoNow one step at a time!

Join us for episode 14 with CJ O’Brien Weddle, who manages the Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels Program at the Surfrider Foundation. CJ supports Surfrider's grassroots network and helps restaurants and hotels reduce their use of unnecessary single-use plastics. She has also helped colleges and universities reduce their use of single-use plastics in their operations. The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful global activist network.

Jessica Waite, co-CEO of The Plot Restaurants, also serves as the president of the local non-profit Berry Good Food, which provides grants to schools with garden projects that support healthy food education. Jessica’s overarching passion is ensuring that everyone has the option to choose locally and sustainably produced food. Her goal is to create regenerative businesses that benefit all stakeholders, partners, community members, and the planet. Jessica believes there is no such thing as waste and offers great tips for adopting a zero-waste ethos and sourcing local food in our homes and lives.

Climate Literacy in our schools is more important than ever. A majority of parents and teachers -over 80% - want to see climate literacy taught in the classroom. However, in most schools climate literacy is not required. So, Climate Reality Leaders Lucy Garcia, Dan Linehan, and several dedicated members led the effort to change that. With their continuous efforts, the Climate Literacy Resolution passed in the Los Angeles Unified School District on February 8, 2022. Now the committee is working with the District and building a coalition towards broad, rapid implementation. Let's talk with Lucy Garcia and Dan Linehan, Conveners of the Climate Curricula Committee, to see how other schools can do the same. Join us for this episode to get inspiration and proven ways to bring climate literacy to your community!

Reform and Sustain's mission is founded on the belief that the voice of the younger generation is incredibly valuable and beneficial to the progress of this movement. If you are a budding-environmentalist who is looking for ways to become an active participant in taking care of our planet, they want to help you get started!

Listen to Sophia Kianni's climate advocacy story involving Climate Cardinals, journalism, and the United Nations.

Learn more about Alegria Fresh's zero-waste, solar-powered regenerative organic microfarms and their unique, high-yield soil-based SoxxBoxx system. Mr. Cutter has over 35 years experience growing ultra nutrient-rich produce using regenerative organic techniques and is a leading pioneer in developing cost effective growing systems that can be deployed over man-made surfaces close to where people live and work. He has a background in biochemistry and oncology, and possesses a lifelong passion for creating haute cuisine using the finest ingredients, most of which he grows himself. Learn more at www.AlegriaFarmacy.com and www.SoxxBoxx.com. He has a background in biochemistry and oncology, and possesses a lifelong passion for creating haute cuisine using the finest ingredients, most of which he grows himself.

Learn about an American ecologist who specializes in the intersection between global climate change and fungal ecology! She is currently a professor in the Department of Ecology and Evolutionary Biology at the University of California, Irvine, and is running for Irvine City Council to advocate for a more green, sustainable future. Please welcome Professor Kathleen Treseeder!

Learn more about Alter Eco's sustainable chocolate farming and status as a Certified B Corporation!

Join the Orange County Climate Reality "One World" podcast in their interview with Brent Kim! Learn about public health and food systems!