Sustainability Defined

Happy September Definers! We’ve got a bit of a different episode for you all this month as we discuss what is next for Sustainability Defined through the rest of the year and beyond. As we mention in this month’s short episode, we are hoping to pass along the show to the next generation of hosts. We hope that the show will afford a few of our Definers the early career opportunities, benefits, and fun that we experienced as we created the show.

If you’re interested, reach out to us at hosts@sustainabilitydefined.com and co...

Fine jewelry is made from precious metals, think gold and silver, and stones, like diamonds or other gemstones. Traditionally these raw materials are mined from deep in the earth’s mantle and produced with extensive human labor to create the rings, necklaces, and other jewelry pieces we love to wear. As an industry, this component of our style can create negative effects on both the environment and people. In this episode, we explore the world of sustainable jewelry and how the industry is addressing environmental and ethical challenges. 

This episode is sponsored by MiaDonna, an innovative, ethical fin...

Definers, we’re back this month with a fun episode around a fan favorite, the avocado! It is estimated that per capita consumption of avocados in the United States has grown by 440% in the last 20 years and around 11 billion pounds of avocados are eaten globally. This has raised many questions about the sustainability of farming, production, and enjoyment of this fruit. In the episode we share a little about how avocados make it from farm to your guacamole and some of the social and environmental implications of our complex food systems.

We are joined by Honor Eldridge, Fo...

Definers, did you know that forests cover one third of land globally and house some of the earth’s most precious natural resources? In this month’s episode, we’re discussing forest management and how organizations are working to maintain and enhance the economic, social, and environmental value of global forests.

This episode is #sponsored by Procter & Gamble (P&G). P&G is working directly with their supply chain partners and other organizations to grow the supply of sustainably sourced certified materials and pulp. P&G paper brands, which include tissue and towel products from Bounty, Puffs, and Ch...

Rising sea levels, extreme weather events, and scorching summers are putting a strain on residential real estate.  Research on nearly 200 climate events from 2000 to 2019 from The World Economic Forum found that the global costs associated with climate change have cost around $2.8 trillion, when accounting for the cost of damage to infrastructure, property, agriculture, and human health. In this episode, we'll explore the impacts climate change has changed the residential real estate landscape, discuss the latest trends in climate-resilient construction and discover how large asset managers are working towards a more sustainable future. 

We are joined by Becky Be...

Happy April Definers! We’re back this month with a special bonus episode about P&G Responsible Beauty, sponsored by Procter & Gamble (P&G). Through Responsible Beauty, P&G has committed to being a positive force for beauty in the world as they work to create a more sustainable, inclusive, and resilient future for all.

In this episode, we have a “beautiful” conversation with John Scarchilli, Director, Procter & Gamble Hair Care, Scientific Communications, about how brands like Herbal Essences, Head & Shoulders and Olay are building sustainability into superior product designs, leveraging P&G’s Responsible Beauty principles. We cover...

Since many of our current decarbonization and greenhouse gas reduction pathways aren’t making progress at the needed scale, the United Nations’ Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change( IPCC) found that carbon removal is now “essential” to meet the goals of the Paris Agreement. Many cite carbon removal as the key to addressing climate change, when combined with traditional emissions reduction strategies. In this month’s episode, we’ll give you a run down on the basics of carbon removal along with the successes and challenges in this area of climate action. 

We are joined by Ben Rubin, Executive Dir...

We’re back this month with a special atypical episode featuring The Uproot Project! The Uproot Project is a network for and by environmental journalists of color. The organization is working to address the need for more journalists of color in newsrooms covering environmental topics. During the episode you’ll hear from Lucia Priselac, Founding Director of The Uproot Project, who details more about the creation of the organization, her role, its work, and how the public can support. 

As a part of this episode, we are offering to match your support of the amazing work of The U...

Happy December Definers! It is time again for our annual Holiday Hodge Podge episode. Tune in to hear the Sustainability Defined Team’s favorite podcast moments from the year and interesting sustainability articles, meet our Research & Operations Director, Taylor, and hear Scott and Jay’s professional/personal updates, and sustainable gift ideas - PLUS our holiday gift giveaway!

Have a happy holiday season!

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Sustainability Defined is the podcast that defines sustainability, one concept (and bad joke) at a time. Hosted by Jay Siegel and Scott Breen.  Each episode focuses on a single topic...

Invasive species are known to cause harm to the environment, economies, and even human health. Managing these species has become of major concern globally, as invasive species are one of the top factors that contribute to biodiversity loss. In fact, a 2023 United Nations global assessment report estimated that invasive species have been a major factor in 60% of all recorded animal and plant extinctions!

In this episode we have a fantastic discussion with Leigh Greenwood, the Forest Pest and Pathogen Program Director at The Nature Conservancy. Leigh provides some great insight on how these species spread and what...