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Top 10 Sustainability SmartPod Episodes
Goodpods has curated a list of the 10 best Sustainability SmartPod episodes, ranked by the number of listens and likes each episode have garnered from our listeners. If you are listening to Sustainability SmartPod for the first time, there's no better place to start than with one of these standout episodes. If you are a fan of the show, vote for your favorite Sustainability SmartPod episode by adding your comments to the episode page.

Farm-Powered Sustainability with John Hanselman from Vanguard Renewables
Sustainability SmartPod
03/16/23 • 55 min
Get ready to hear a whole lot about poop. Cow poop to be precise. John Hanselman, the founder and Chief Strategy Officer at Vanguard Renewables, joins the show (15:52) to talk about the work he and his colleagues collaborate with farmers to make the agriculture sector more sustainable. They do this by building anaerobic digesters that take food waste, and yes, cow manure and turn it into products like natural gas, fertilizer, bedding for cows and cash for farmers.
Other segments
"Sustainable or Suspicious" - (1:13)
The team looks into an effort underway to reduce the carbon footprint of websites. We gauge a few popular websites like Google, Microsoft and Apple ... and then take a very disappointing look in the mirror.
"Headline Check" - (18:25)
- PwC and Workiva survey shows business leaders taking proactive approach to climate disclosure, regardless of SEC timeline
- IKEA's Latest Climate Target: Glue
- United Airlines and Sesame Street partner on green education campaign
"Here and There" - (12:40)
Singapore stands out for sustainable tourism

Plastics, Recycling and the Circular Economy
Sustainability SmartPod
05/30/23 • 56 min
This episode is sponsored by the Circulen family of sustainable solutions from LyondellBasell. Visit LyondellBasell.com/Circulen to learn more.
The Sustainabilty SmartPod gang is doing something different and bringing you a themed episode. Today we're going to focus on plastics, recycling, and the circular economy. From wind turbines and solar panels to 3D printing and executive education, all of today's segments will touch on at least one of those topics, if not all three. And after the four of us do our usual roundtable discussion, we will also be welcoming in two different guests.
Roman Smith, Director of Global Environmental Sustainability and Social Innovation from AT&T, joins the show (25:07) to talk about an AI-powered recycling tool AT&T has deployed at its headquarters in Dallas.
Dan Coughlin, Senior Staff and Leader of Industrial Collaborations at Oak Ridge National Laboratory, will also join the show (31:32) to delve into how the government is working hand in hand with industry and leveraging technologies like 3D printing to create more sustainable manufacturing materials for industries like aviation, wind energy, housing and more.
Show Segments
Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:54)
The recycling/repurposing conundrum surrounding wind turbines and solar panels
Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (8:29)
Smart bin will automatically track food wasteInvestors urge CPG firms to speed plastic reductionExecs seek courses to fill sustainability knowledge gapsHere and There - (18:30)
How The Philippines is using AI to monitor its plastics trash

What's The Deal With E-Liability?
Sustainability SmartPod
06/22/23 • 60 min
During one of the first episodes of this show, we mentioned the carbon accounting concept of environmental liability (E-liability). E-liability introduces a simple, accurate, and verifiable calculation for the total cradle-to-gate emissions of any product or service. On that earlier episode, we voiced a bit of skepticism about the concept ... and guess what ... the people at the E-liability Institute were listening. They got in touch and offered to have one of their co-founders join us on the show to do a deep dive on a concept that stands to revolutionize the carbon accounting landscape.
Karthik Ramanna is the Co-founder and Principal Investigator at the E-liability Institute. He's also the Professor of Business & Public Policy and Director of the Master of Public Policy Program at the University of Oxford’s Blavatnik School of Government. Karthik explains the basics of E-liability and makes the case for why companies, standards setters and regulators all around the world should be familiarizing themselves with the concept of E-liability.
More resources
Inaugural E-liability Conference
Harvard Business Review: Accounting for Climate ChangeHarvard Business Review: Getting a Clearer View of Your Company’s Carbon FootprintShow Segments
Sustainable or Suspicious - (2:39)
Paris skyscraper banTop Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (13:05)
The kids have had enough -- climate lawsuit comes to trialFungi play a major role in combating climate changeYork, Pa., works to eliminate plastic wasteHere and There - (24:56)
European soccer and sustainability
Highlights from Karthik Ramanna
What is E-liability? - (31:51)
Smartphone supply chain as an example for E-Liability - (33:57)
Pilot project with Giti Tire Group (40:03)
E-liability vs. Other carbon measurement approaches - (43:00)
Plugging supply chain carbon accounting gaps - (43:48)
If Karthik was king for a day - (46:02)
E-liability's compatability with existing standards - (48:40)
What is preventing wider adoption of E-liability? - (50:22)
Engaging with regulators - Upcoming conference - (53:46)
Karthik's bold predicitons - (58:10)

Patagonia's Vincent Stanley on The Future of the Responsible Company
Sustainability SmartPod
09/12/23 • 55 min
Sponsored by: ImpactAISummit
“The Future of the Responsible Company - What We've Learned From Patagonia’s First 50 Years” is a book being released today that was co-written by Patagonia Director of Philosophy Vincent Stanley and founder Yvon Chouinard. Stanley joins the podcast to talk about why the book, which is an update to a similar title that the duo released a decade ago, is even more important amid today's corporate, environmental and political landscape. The book is full of sage advice for people who want to conduct business with an eye on more than just profits and it also reveals some surprising details about the origin of Patagonia. Stanley also spendd a few minutes sharing his advice for startups and other companies that might want to follow in the footsteps of Patagonia's amazing corporate evolution.
More resources
Patagonia's Our FootprintHighlight from Vincent StanleyThe Future of the Responsible Company - 3:31
How Patagonia got into the clothing business - 7:10
From startup to business travel conversations - 9:00
Shareholder primacy - 13:19
Measuring GDP vs TBL (triple bottom line) - 14:44
The B corp movement is expanding - 17:50
The fascinating business model of the Henokiens - 20:20
The process of finding responsible suppliers and farmers - 25:53
'Living in a world of fewer, better things' - 28:06
Expanding 'healthful' decision-making beyond food purchases - 31:04
'Strategy starts with the real story' - 31:40
Collaborating with outside organizations like Samsung - 37:11
Advice for startups who want to follow in Patagonia's footsteps - 40:19
The power of word choice in communication - 43:40
The history of "Our Footprint" - 46:09
Sustainability and the role of agency - 50:10

Colgate-Palmolive's Vance Merolla on Squeezing the Most Out of Sustainability Efforts
Sustainability SmartPod
10/17/23 • 39 min
Few companies produce as many household products as Colgate-Palmolive. Vance Merolla is the Senior Vice President of Global Sustainability at Colgate-Palmolive and he joins the show to discuss how the company tackles sustainability across all its products and brands. And make no mistake, we're talking about a ton of brands. Obviously, there's Colgate and Palmolive. But there's also Ajax, Speed Stick, Murphy Oil Soap, Fabuloso, Tom's of Maine and Irish Spring. They also have an entire line of pet products.
Colgate-Palmolive has big sustainability challenges. Vance is here to talk about how they solve them, including advancements in recyclable toothpaste tubes, what the company learned from getting certain aspects of its Sustainability and Social Impact Strategy approved by the Science-Based Targets initiative and how Vance and the team recently went about signing a virtual power purchase agreement to help Colgate-Palmolive power its operations. Vance has a wealth of sustainability knowledge, so enjoy the show.
Highlights from Vance Merolla
Colgate's 2025 sustainability and social impact strategy - (1:59)
Setting science-based targets for net-zero carbon emissions by 2040 - (4:39)
Reducing emissions and achieving net-zero goals - (7:38)
Sustainability data management - (11:22)
Renewable energy purchasing strategy for Colgate Palmolive - (14:43)
Oral health initiatives and sustainability efforts - (21:55)
Making toothpaste tubes recyclable - (24:41)
Reducing plastic waste in Colgate's manufacturing facilities - (29:58)
Sustainability initiatives and consumer insights - (32:52)

Mars' Autumn Fox Shares Real-World Strategies for Reaching Net Zero
Sustainability SmartPod
11/14/23 • 32 min
Mars, Inc., is a giant in the snack industry and also has a huge footprint in the petcare and food & nutrition sectors. Diverse lines of business usually present complex sustainability challenges. Autumn Fox, Climate and Sustainability Senior Manager at Mars, joins the show to discuss the details of Mars' Net Zero Roadmap. The roadmap outlines what Mars views as the 5 Fundamental Elements of Net Zero and offers details about how Mars is addressing major issues, like deforestation, water scarcity, and decarbonizing supply chains.
Our conversation, which also features SmartBrief Food & Beverage Content Editor Janet Kendall, delves into some unexpected areas ... like Mars' climate Boot Camp and what Autumn and her team do to solve the sustainability challenges related to pet anesthesia. Yes, pet anesthesia. This was a fun and informative episode. Enjoy!
More resources from Mars
Mars Launches New Coalition to Mobilize Suppliers & Accelerate Climate ActionMars hails expansion of global coalition to mobilize suppliers on climate actionHighlights from Autumn FoxBackground info about the origin of Mars' Net Zero Roadmap - (2:36)
Getting buy-in from stakeholders across the company - (3:19)
Science-based targets and other aspects of Mars' Net Zero Roadmap - (4:14)
The 5 Fundamental Elements of Net Zero - (5:00)
Sustainable packaging - (6:20)
The impact net-zero goals have on Mars' recipes - (7:55)
Decarbonizing a complex global supply chain - (9:18)
Agriculture and regenerative farming -(12:52)
Communications best practices with farmers - (14:41)
Tackling deforestation - (16:10)
Addressing water scarcity - (18:59)
Net zero when it comes to pet supply businesses and veterinary clinics - (20:51)
The energy Mars uses to power its operations - (22:30)
What Mars learned from looking in the mirror - (24:14)
Autumn's bold predictions about Mars' sustainable future - (25:39)
Climate Boot Camp - (26:55)
What other companies can take away from Mars' Net Zero Roadmap - (28:36)

Chemistry's Key Role in Advancing Sustainability
Sustainability SmartPod
04/30/23 • 38 min
Countless items we use and consume in our everyday lives have a foundation in chemistry. Charles Franklin, the Senior Director for Energy, Climate and the Environment at the American Chemistry Council, joins the show (21:19) to discuss the role the business of chemistry plays not just in sustainability, but also the overall economy. Franklin also shares insights from a paper the ACC recently released that highights the many ways natural gas can -- and already is -- playing a crucial role in the energy transition, including in areas like wind and solar energy and electric vehicles. Franklin also explains how natural gas will play a big part in the expansion of hydrogen as an energy source.
Attend Engage’23, May 9-11 in New Orleans!
https://tinyurl.com/3e-engage2325% Discount code: ACC23
ACC Paper: Natural Gas Supports US Competitiveness and Lower GHGs
Show Segments
Sustainable or Suspicious - (2:23)
What to make of Weyerhaeuser's claims about being an environmental do-gooder
Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (10:45)
Starbucks expands its sustainability program to more storesDoes a carbon take-back obligation make sense?Nuclear impacts environment less than other clean energy
Here and There - (17:20)
Global Citizen Award Winner Ineza Umuhoza Grace from RwandaHighlights from Charles FranklinThe work of the American Chemistry Council - (21:19)
The role natrual gas plays in the economy - (23:54)
How natural gas helps lower emissions - (25:27)
The role of natural gas in a hydrogen future - (29:07)
The key theme's of ACC's recent paper - (32:07)
The promise and potential of hydrogen hubs - (34:30)
Join us at our Engage'23 user conference in New Orleans, May 9-11, 2023
Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. If you make a purchase, I may receive a commission at no extra cost to you.

How AT&T Stays Connected For Sustainability, featuring Shannon Thomas Carroll
Sustainability SmartPod
06/13/23 • 31 min
Shannon Thomas Carroll, AVP of Global Environmental Sustainability at AT&T, joins the show to outline some of the numerous sustainability initiatives underway at the telecommunications giant. Obviously, AT&T has a massive infrastructure footprint and a huge fleet of vehicles, but as Shannon explains, the company's efforts to enhance sustainability and resiliency stretch far beyond its own operations. For example, AT&T is partnering with FEMA and Argonne National Laboratory to help communities prepare for and respond to natural disasters. Through its Connected Climate Initiative, AT&T is collaborating with other organizations on a mission to eliminate a gigaton of CO2 emissions by 2035. Just like AT&T's expansive network. Shannon covers a lot of ground in this interview. Get ready to learn a lot about how AT&T is tackling sustainability.
Key highlights
Overview of AT&T's climate and sustainability goals - (2:54)
What is the biggiest piece of AT&T's carbon footprint? - (5:27)
Key steps to making early progress on Scope 1-3 goals - (7:02)
Examples of AT&T helping large organizations increase their sustainability - (10:51)
How AT&T manages its infrastructure with an eye on sustainability - (12:24)
AT&T's role in disaster preparedness and resiliency - (16:01)
Progess report on AT&T's own sustainability goals - (18:28)
Data-driven partnership on reducing landfill waste - (20:32)
Lessons learend that can be shared across industries - (23:42)
The biggest sustainability challenge on Shannon's mind - (28:41)
More resources
Learn more about AT&T's sustainability efforts
AT&T's Connected Climate InitiativeAT&T, FEMA and Argonne National Laboratory collaborate on ClimRR

A Conversation with American Airlines Vice President of Sustainability Jill Blickstein
Sustainability SmartPod
04/11/23 • 47 min
If you've flown on American Airlines recently, there's a chance your plane was fueled by a small amount of sustainable aviation fuel (SAF). Jill Blickstein, Vice President of Sustainability at American Airlines, joins the show (18:27) to talk about the latest advancements in SAF, fleet upgrades the airline has made to enhance its sustainability and an AI-enabled system called 'Smart Gating' that conserves fuel and saves time for travelers. American Airlines is undertaking numerous initiatives to reduce its carbon footprint. As Jill explains, many of those efforts come in places passengers might not notice, but certainly lead to more sustainable air travel.
Highlights from Jill Blickstein
Update on sustainable aviation fuel (SAF) - (20:10)
American Airlines' goals for SAF usage - (23:56)
Using SAF to attract business travelers - (26:36)
Creating a SAF certificate for all travelers - (30:22)
The potential for zero-emission hydrogen-electric aircraft - (30:47)
Partnering with the Bill Gates-backed Breakthrough Energy Catalyst - (33:24)
Other sustainability initiatives at American Airlines - (35:10)
'Smart Gating' - (39:47)
Powering operations with renewable energy - (42:20)
Validation from the Science-Based Targets initiative - (43:02)
Other Show Segments
Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:54)
E-liability
Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (6:53)
Sustainable precast concrete products made with locally sourced recycled materials
Comcast boosts its energy efficiency
Electrifying roads to cure electric vehicle 'range anxiety'
Here and There - (13:04)
3 ways to make data centers more sustainable

How To Prioritize Sustainability Solutions For Your Home
Sustainability SmartPod
03/28/23 • 46 min
Matt Ferrell joins the show to outline various ways everyday people can embrace cost-saving strategies that also make their homes more resilient and more sustainable.
Matt is the creator of Undecided with Matt Ferrell, where he has amassed more than one million subscribers on YouTube by applying his technology-focused eye to all things sustainability. Matt is also the co-host of the Still To Be Determined podcast. He tests smart and sustainable technology solutions and often offers advice to viewers and listeners who seek advice on making decisions about which solutions are best for their home.
Matt touches on batteries, solar panels, weatherization and the future of home sustainability tech, so we think you’ll appreciate hearing what he has to say.
Segments
Sustainable or Suspicious - (1:58)
The latest report from the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC)
Top Headlines from SmartBrief on Sustainability - (13:44)
Corporate Sustainability Becomes a Team SportGreen Product Claims Face Growing Consumer ScrutinyBeavers to return to London as part of urban rewilding
Here and There - (17:05)
Efforts underway to make Ramadan more sustainable
Key highlights from Matt Ferrell
(22:08) - The most common questions from consumers
(23:12) - The Do's and Don'ts when it comes to installing solar
(27:48) - The Do's and Don'ts when it comes to installing batteries
(31:45) - How to prioritize energy efficiency needs
(34:37) - The low-hanging fruit when it comes to energy efficiency solutions
(37:12) - How the Inflation Reduction Act impacts consumers
(39:58) - The role of Community Solar
(41:14) - Exciting tech of the future: Flow batteries for homes
(43:11) - Matt's bold predictions
(44:29) - Matt's take on the future of EV charging
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FAQ
How many episodes does Sustainability SmartPod have?
Sustainability SmartPod currently has 20 episodes available.
What topics does Sustainability SmartPod cover?
The podcast is about News, Management, Business News, Climate Change, Podcasts, Business, Green Energy and Sustainability.
What is the most popular episode on Sustainability SmartPod?
The episode title 'A Conversation with American Airlines Vice President of Sustainability Jill Blickstein' is the most popular.
What is the average episode length on Sustainability SmartPod?
The average episode length on Sustainability SmartPod is 41 minutes.
How often are episodes of Sustainability SmartPod released?
Episodes of Sustainability SmartPod are typically released every 19 days, 1 hour.
When was the first episode of Sustainability SmartPod?
The first episode of Sustainability SmartPod was released on Feb 9, 2023.
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