Sustainability Now - exploring technologies and paradigms to shape a world that works

A Sustainability Now Interview with Bill Reed, pioneer of Regenerative Design What if our buildings—and our communities—could heal the land, restore ecosystems, and regenerate life? In this deeply transformative conversation, Mira Rubin is joined by Bill Reed, one of the foundational voices in the green building movement and a pioneer of regenerative design. Far beyond sustainability as a checklist of efficiencies, Bill challenges us to shift our very way of being—to see development as an evolutionary, co-creative dance with the living systems that surround us. Drawing from decades of groundbreaking work with Regenesis Group, Bill reveals how true sustainability is impossible without regeneration, and how the places we build must be understood as dynamic expressions of life—not objects to control, but relationships to honor. From healing salmon streams in Idaho to catalyzing civic transformation in Chile, this episode is a powerful reminder that when we change our lens, we change what's possible. Whether you're a designer, changemaker, or simply someone longing for a deeper relationship with place, join us for a conversation that will challenge your assumptions, stir your soul, and illuminate a path forward grounded in reciprocity, reverence, and love.

In this enlightening conversation with Dr. Jude Currivan, cosmologist, planetary healer, and futurist, we delve into the profound intersection of ancient wisdom and modern science, and explore how this union can guide us toward a more sustainable and conscious future. Drawing on her extensive experience across diverse fields—ranging from quantum physics and archaeology to indigenous wisdom and corporate leadership—Jude offers a vision of unity that transcends separation, emphasizing the interconnectedness of all life and the profound potential for human metamorphosis. Through the lens of unitive consciousness, she invites us to embrace the idea that the universe is a living, breathing entity, where each of us plays a vital role. She shares how scientific evidence is finally catching up to ancient truths, affirming the reality of a holographic universe and a consciousness that shapes and is shaped by the entire cosmos. With hope and urgency, Jude challenges us to step into a collective journey of transformation—one that embraces love, interconnectedness, and the deep knowing that we belong to the web of life.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Athena Steen, Co-Founder of the Canelo Project Athena is a master natural builder and devoted educator. For 35 years, she's been crafting homes from earth's simplest materials—straw, clay, and plant fibers, infusing each home with the warmth of earth-based materials, the stability of thoughtful design, and the harmony of organic forms. Athena teaches the art of straw bale building as a communal, creative, and sacred practice that reawakens a deep, ancestral relationship to the land. She speaks to the feminine energy and joy of building a home as a shared experience—stacking bales, mixing clay, and crafting with the earth itself—in an intimate dance with the natural world. Athena offers a visionary approach to sustainable living, where the very walls we raise become sacred vessels—imbued with intention, creativity and care. Join us as we explore the healing power of working with our hands, the joy of building in harmony with nature, and the profound possibility of creating homes—and communities—that honor both people and planet.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Josh Farley What if our metrics for economic health are simply upside down? How can a "healthy" economy—measured by rising GDP—coexist with ecological collapse, mental health crises, and widening inequality? Josh Farley, ecological economist, isn't just rethinking economics—he's redesigning it. A professor at the University of Vermont and Fellow at the Gund Institute for Environment, his work bridges economics, ethics, and ecology, challenging the very foundation of how we think about money, nature, and our collective future. With clarity and a sharp eye for absurdity, Farley unpacks the dangerous delusion of GDP as a measure of well-being—revealing how our systems reward depletion and call it growth, while sidelining equity, health, and ecological integrity. Instead, he offers a new paradigm: one that prioritizes regeneration over extraction and collective stewardship over unchecked consumption. It's not just a critique—it's a grounded, hopeful invitation to redesign economics for a world that actually works. If you've ever sensed that the numbers aren't telling the whole story—this conversation is the deeper math you've been waiting for.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Food Forward Founder, Rick Nahmias In a world where millions go hungry while billions of pounds of food go to waste, Food Forward is proving that abundance, not scarcity, is the problem—and the solution. Founded in 2009 by our guest, Rick Nahmias, what started as a backyard fruit-picking effort has grown into one of the most effective, large-scale food rescue operations in the country. With a laser focus on fresh, plant-based food, Food Forward moves an astonishing 100 million pounds of produce annually—more than even the LA Food Bank—directly into the hands of those who need it most. Their work isn't just about feeding people; it's about restoring dignity, health, and access to nutrient-rich foods while solving one of the most overlooked contributors to climate change: food waste. The key to their impact? Precision, partnerships, and logistics at scale. Food Forward operates at just 7 cents per pound—one-third the cost of a traditional food bank. By leveraging deep relationships with wholesalers, farmers, and volunteers they've made food donation seamless, cost-effective, and even financially beneficial for suppliers. Yet Food Forward is more than an organization—it's a movement built on the principle of shared abundance. Inspired by a gifting ethos, their work empowers individuals to become stewards of food justice in their own communities, whether through volunteering, replicating food rescue efforts locally, or supporting policy change. And for those wondering if this model could work elsewhere? Rick and his team have made their tools and expertise open-source, to help support the development of food recovery efforts nationwide. Tune in to hear how Food Forward is reshaping food access, reducing waste, and proving that a well-fed world is within reach.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Water Stories Founder, Zach Weiss What if the key to impacting climate change isn't as much about carbon as it is about water? In this episode, we are delighted to welcome back Zach Weiss, visionary water restoration expert and founder of Water Stories, for an exploration of how and why healing the water cycle can regenerate the planet. From extreme weather events—droughts and wildfires to catastrophic mudslides and floods—our planet's most pressing climate crises are symptoms of a broken water cycle—a situation that we have the ability to heal. Zach shares why water cycle restoration is the most effective, immediate, and scalable solution to stabilizing our climate, cooling landscapes, reversing desertification, and restoring thriving ecosystems. Drawing from real-world success stories, Zach shares how farms, cities, and even entire river systems are being revived through simple, nature-based interventions. In Montana, a parking lot became a thriving wetland in just two years, providing habitat for a rare and endangered salamander species. In India, through the work of Rajendra Singh, communities restored 13 rivers that had been dry for decades. These projects aren't just theoretical—they're proof that by working with nature, rather than against it, we can restore balance to the planet. With a community of 6000 and growing, Water Stories is spreading the word through education and action, providing extensive resources for individuals, professionals, and policymakers alike. They also offer a once-a-year six-month training that equips participants with the knowledge and skills to get involved in this regenerative work—work that has been successfully implemented by everyone from individual land stewards to government agencies.

A Sustainability Now Interview with Solarrolla founders Brett and Kira Belan Join us for a conversation with Brett and Kira Belan of Solarrolla, a company reimagining transportation with fully solar-powered electric vehicles. Drawing on Brett's mechanical engineering expertise from Ford and Jaguar, their journey began with a bold experiment—a solar-powered VW bus that carried their family 1,400 miles on sunlight alone. Now, they've built everything from solar camper vans to electric tractors, embodying a vision for a future untethered from fossil fuels. More than an alternative to gas-powered travel, these vehicles invite us to embrace a slower, more attuned way of moving—where nature, rather than deadlines, dictates the journey. With solar arrays generating up to 100 miles per day, they double as mobile power stations, supplying electricity during grid failures, natural disasters, or remote work setups. Solarrolla's vision is transformative. Imagine a world where solar-powered highways create roaming energy grids, and transportation becomes a tool for freedom and planetary stewardship. They're not just building vehicles—they're rethinking how we move, live, and connect with the planet. Resources and links from this episode: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/03/15/092-solarrolla-vehicles-powered-solely-by-the-sun/.

A Sustainability Now interview with Dr. Kristin Reihman, MD Double board-certified physician Kristin Reihman invites us to rethink everything we know about healing. Drawing on her extensive expertise in integrative medicine and brain injury treatment—as well as her own remarkable recovery from chronic illness—she challenges conventional medicine's tendency to mask symptoms rather than address their root causes. When it comes to brain health, and a deep insight into neuroplasticity, she reveals how the brain's ability to heal is far greater than mainstream medicine typically acknowledges. In a fascinating shift of brain health paradigm, Kristin explains how natural movements from infancy—such as tummy crawling and creeping—can reawaken the brain's regenerative capacity at any age. As unconventional as it sounds, these innate patterns can help adults and children alike recover from inflammation and injury, sharpen cognitive function, and unlock deeper healing potential. This insight is especially critical as conditions like ADD, ADHD, autism, and dementia continue to rise, requiring solutions beyond pharmaceuticals and long-term care. Kristin links this more holistic approach to healing to the broader challenge of sustainability, making the case that vibrant brain health is not just a personal necessity, but a key to resilient communities and a thriving planet. Join us for an inspiring and grounded conversation that offers a vision of hope for healing—by honoring the profound connection between physical, emotional, and environmental wellness. A conversation that goes beyond conventional medical wisdom to establish holistic health as a cornerstone for a sustainable, thriving future.  

A Sustainability Now interview with Co-Founder, Maddie Hamann. PACHA's mission is centered around regenerative agriculture, leveraging the power of buckwheat—an adaptable, nutrient-dense crop—to provide delicious nutrition, enhance soil health and foster long-term ecological restoration. In contrast to conventional farming methods that rely heavily on synthetic chemicals and tilling, regenerative practices like those championed by PACHA enrich the soil, sequester carbon, and promote biodiversity. More than just a bread product, PACHA is part of a movement to heal the planet, one loaf at a time. But sustainability doesn't stop at the farming. PACHA Bread's commitment extends to every aspect of its operation, from using 100% home compostable packaging to minimizing food waste. In a bold move away from petroleum-based plastic, PACHA's bio-based packaging not only aligns with their eco-conscious values but also champions a circular economy where waste is reduced and resources are repurposed. Even the byproducts from their grain, like buckwheat hulls, are upcycled into new products like their upcoming sourdough buckwheat tortillas—making PACHA a true innovator in the quest for more sustainable food systems. In a landscape where environmental responsibility often takes a back seat to profit margins, PACHA Bread stands out as a business that seamlessly integrates ecological stewardship with entrepreneurial creativity. Join us for our exploration of PACHA's truly regenerative business model which incorporates regenerative agriculture, reducing plastic waste, and producing nourishing, allergen-friendly food, exemplifying the potential for sustainable, values-driven business to serve both people and the planet.  Resources and links from this episode can be found at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/02/16/090-pacha-bread-of-life-nourishing-people-and-planet/ #Sustainability #RegenerativeAgriculture #EcoFriendly #PlasticFree #FoodInnovation #ClimateAction #OrganicFarming #CircularEconomy #HealthyEating #ZeroWaste

A Sustainability Now interview with Founder, Adina Popescu—a groundbreaking AI-driven predictive platform that integrates global oceanic and satellite data to map and monitor ocean health. Starting with the oceans, ÆRTH's bold mission is to eventually build a real-time, dynamic digital twin of the planet—to uncover global ecosystem patterns, predict ecological impacts, and drive sound restorative interventions. The importance of this work cannot be overstated as illustrated by the cautionary tale of a proposed project to cover the Saharan Desert with solar panels. Predictive modeling revealed the fact that such a project would disrupt the flow of nutrient-rich Saharan sand to the Amazon, potentially causing the rainforest's collapse. ÆRTH's mission is to make visible the hidden connections within Earth's ecosystems to guide responsible environmental stewardship. Having been an advisor to organizations like Apple's Media Arts Lab and Conservation International, Adina brings an audacious vision founded in science and technology to creatively address the intricate web of our global environmental challenges.  Links and other resources from this interview: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/02/02/089-aerth-meets-earth-mapping-our-planets-delicate-web/ #SustainabilityNow, #OceanConservation, #DigitalTwin, #ClimateAction, #EcoInnovation, #AIforGood, #GreenTech, #EnvironmentalStewardship, #SustainableFuture, #TechForGood