095 Environmental Economics - Counting What Counts

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

#Business News #Society #Philosophy #Mira Rubin #News #Scott

30:14

"It is a scientific fact that these macaques, like all other primates, including humans, are communicating. They communicate in much the same way we do - facial expressions, vocalizations, body postures, those kinds of things." - Jeff Kerr Jeff Kerr is PETA foundations Chief Legal Officer. I asked him to come on the show to talk about one of PETA’s current lawsuits against the National Institutes of Health (NIH) and Nathional Institute of Mental Health (NIMH). PETA is arguing that the monkeys being tested on in a government run facility are capable of communication (or “are communicating”). And that we have a constitutional right under the First Amendment to receive their communications. This could be a game changer in allowing us to see what’s really going on in labs that are funded by taxpayer money, and which have so far been censored from public view. PETA’s lawsuit follows years of NIH’s attempts to deny Freedom of Information requests banning PETA executives from its campus and illegally censoring animal advocates’ speech on NIH’s public social media pages. Through the lawsuit, PETA is seeking a live audio-visual feed to see and hear real-time communications from the macaques who have been kept isolated, used in fear experiments, and had posts cemented into their heads. Anthropologists and other scientists have studied macaque and other primate communications for decades and know that the monkeys communicate effectively and intentionally through lip smacking, fear grimaces, body language, and various cries and sounds—all of which constitute speech under the law. Primatologists can analyze that speech on a deeper level to share their stories with the world.…

about a year ago 1:26:13

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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.

95 episodes

095 Environmental Economics - Counting What Counts

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

12 subscribers

published about a year ago

MP3•Episode home

A Sustainability Now Interview with Josh Farley

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.

95 episodes

#Business News #Society #Philosophy #Mira Rubin #News #Scott

All episodes

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

1
098 Designing for Life: A Regenerative Perspective 1:11:06

1 day ago1:11:06

1:11:06

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.…

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

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097 Bridging Science and Spirituality 53:03

19 days ago53:03

53:03

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.…

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

1
096 Building with Earth, Heart, and Hands 1:11:48

5 weeks ago1:11:48

1:11:48

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.…

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

1
095 Environmental Economics - Counting What Counts 1:26:13

7 weeks ago1:26:13

1:26:13

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.…

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

1
094 Food Forward - Feeding Communities not Landfills 1:06:42

9 weeks ago1:06:42

1:06:42

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.…

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

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093 Water Works - A Regenerative Climate Solution 1:01:33

11 weeks ago1:01:33

1:01:33

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.…

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

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092 Solarrolla - Vehicles Powered Solely by the Sun 1:02:19

13 weeks ago1:02:19

1:02:19

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/.…

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

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091 Unraveling the Mysteries of Medically Mysterious Illness 1:06:30

15 weeks ago1:06:30

1:06:30

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.…

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

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090 Pacha—Bread of Life: Nourishing People and Planet 12:55

17 weeks ago12:55

12:55

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…

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

1
AERTH Meets Earth - Mapping Our Planets Delicate Web 52:51

19 weeks ago52:51

52:51

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…

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

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088 Sustainable Synergy - Where Ecology Meets Economy 1:22:44

23 weeks ago1:22:44

1:22:44

Featuring Neal Spackman, Founder and CEO of Regenerative Resources Co. and globally recognized pioneer in ecological restoration and sustainable design. Through his work, Neal showcases the power of nature-based regenerative practices to restore ecosystems, revitalize economies and build cultural and environmental resilience. We discuss Neal’s groundbreaking Al Baydha Project, a prime example of regeneration in action. In the heart of the desert, he collaborated with semi-nomadic tribes to turn barren, unproductive land into a thriving ecosystem. By employing techniques such as watershed management, reforestation, and agroforestry, and scalable solutions like check dams and silvopasture systems, the project restored the land, revitalized the local community and reintroduced life to one of the harshest environments on Earth. Neal’s current project, RAFT (Regenerative Aqua-Forestry Technology), reimagines aquaculture through a circular economy lens. By integrating sustainable shrimp farming with mangrove restoration, RAFT addresses global challenges like habitat loss, food insecurity, and climate change. Spackman discusses how this closed-loop system creates symbiotic relationships between aquaculture and coastal ecosystems, restoring biodiversity, improving water quality, and sequestering carbon—all while producing economic value. At the heart of Spackman’s work is the concept of regenerative systems, going beyond conservation to rebuild the relationship between people and planet. His projects illustrate the profound potential of working with natural processes to align human and ecological interests to foster human well-being along with planetary health. Resources and links from this episode: https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2025/01/04/88-sustainable-synergy-where-ecology-meets-economy/…

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

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087 Green Growth - Citric Solutions and the Future of Farming 1:08:57

24 weeks ago1:08:57

1:08:57

Featuring Nedo Bellucci, Phenom Biotech CEO Join us for a stimulating conversation with Phenom Biotech’s CEO, Nedo Bellucci, as he introduces us to an eco-innovation with potential to shake up agriculture as we know it. With their Energy Potential Technology (EPT), Phenom has crafted a way to boost crop yields and improve livestock health—all without the usual chemicals and costs. Imagine healthier, faster-growing plants and animals powered by natural compounds like citric acid instead of synthetic inputs. But that’s just the beginning. Nedo reveals how EPT doesn’t just support better farming; it tackles organic waste too. Turning animal waste into high-quality fertilizer with minimal emissions, EPT is redefining what waste management can do for a cleaner planet. Plus, Phenom’s citric acid-based sanitizers are outclassing chlorine and could reshape food safety with natural, powerful disinfection that extends shelf life and neutralizes pathogens. More than just a cool concept, Bellucci’s vision offers a blueprint for the future: profitable, sustainable, and scientifically savvy. This episode showcases how one company's game-changing technology is poised to reshape our food system, turning bold ideas into actionable, eco-friendly solutions. Join us for an inspiring look at how innovation and nature can work hand-in-hand to create a healthier, more sustainable world. Resources and links mentioned in this episode are available at https://www.sustainabilitynow.global/2024/12/30/087-green-growth-citric-solutions-and-the-future-of-farming/…

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

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086 From Pews to Planet- Galvanizing the Churchs Resources for Global Good 1:52:08

24 weeks ago1:52:08

1:52:08

Featuring Molly Burhans, environmental advocate and Founder of GoodLands Imagine harnessing the vast resources of one of the world’s largest landowners to combat climate change and promote social justice. This is precisely the visionary work of Molly Burhans, an American cartographer, data scientist, and environmental activist who is transforming how the Catholic Church—and potentially other major landholders—responds to our planet’s most pressing sustainability challenges. At just 26, Molly founded GoodLands, an organization dedicated to mobilizing the Church’s extensive landholdings for ecological conservation and community benefit.She spearheaded the creation of the first unified digital global map of the Catholic Church, a groundbreaking project unveiled at the Vatican in 2016, which revealed the immense potential for environmental stewardship embedded within the Church’s properties—estimated to exceed the combined size of France and Spain. Molly’s innovative use of Geographic Information Systems (GIS) technology has not only illuminated the Church’s carbon footprint and conservation opportunities but also set the stage for strategic, mission-aligned land use on a global scale. Her extraordinary contributions have earned her numerous accolades including: being named a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth, an Ashoka Fellow, National Geographic Emerging Explorer, Sierra Club Earth Care Laureate, one of Encyclopædia Britannica’s “20 Under 40 Shapers of the Future” and many more. In addition to a Master’s in Ecological Design from the Conway School and her work on projects, advocacy, and creative initiatives, Molly is an adjunct professor of Urban Design at Columbia University’s Graduate School of Architecture, Planning, and Preservation. With a deep personal commitment to her faith, Molly embodies a new generation of leaders who are leveraging technology, data, and visionary thinking to create sustainable solutions.Today, she stands at the intersection of ecology, technology, and spirituality, demonstrating how innovative approaches to land management can have profound implications for environmental sustainability and social justice worldwide.…

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

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085 Energizing Agriculture with Structured Water 59:43

29 weeks ago59:43

59:43

Join us for a thought-provoking conversation with Roland Vandermeer, Executive Chairman of UpTerra, an ag-tech company pioneering the future of farming by combining ancient principles with cutting-edge science. With over 15 years of experience in sustainable investments across water, agriculture, and energy, Roland shares how UpTerra is introducing a groundbreaking approach to farm wellness through structured water and energetic frequencies. UpTerra’s innovative three-part system begins by transforming farm irrigation water into structured water, which is more hydrating and energizing for both crops and livestock. The second phase infuses this water with targeted frequencies to boost plant and animal vitality, while the final step introduces remote digital amendments that enhance farm health and deter pests. These technologies have been tested and validated, showing remarkable improvements in plant and animal resilience, crop yield, soil health, water retention, and pest management. With insights into the energetic foundations of our universe, this episode explores a future where technology and nature harmoniously collaborate for sustainable agriculture. Discover how this visionary technology is reshaping our relationship with nature—and perhaps, our understanding of reality itself.…

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

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084 Empowering Nonprofits - How Better Giving is Revolutionizing Financial Sustainability 1 53:27

31 weeks ago53:27