Christy Cook is a seasoned sustainability consultant and entrepreneur, shares her expertise in building scalable and impactful sustainability programs. With over two decades of experience working with global giants like the United Nations, Sodexo, and Walmart, Christy discusses her approach to sustainability, emphasizing the importance of creating nimble, replicable programs that can be tailored to various situations. She shares her personal organizational strategies, highlighting how a structured approach is essential for managing multiple complex projects and maintaining focus on what truly matters. She delves into her work with Walmart and The Consumer Goods Forum, detailing a project aimed at reducing food waste through strategic consumer messaging and in-store merchandising. Christy explains how the "Save Some Dough" campaign not only increased overall bread sales but also enhanced food donation efforts, demonstrating the power of a data-driven approach to sustainability. She also recounts her experience leading the largest food waste prevention plan ever implemented, a 10-year journey with Sodexo and Leanpath that scaled from a small pilot program to a global initiative across tens of thousands of sites. Christy explains how this program utilized technology to measure and track food waste, empowering kitchen staff and driving significant cost savings. She emphasizes the importance of making a strong business case for sustainability, demonstrating how reducing waste can directly benefit a company's bottom line. Christy shares a heartwarming story about her mentees at the SEA Change accelerator program, highlighting the personal fulfillment she finds in empowering others to succeed.

Episode at a Glance

- Christy's Role in Sustainability and Building Scalable Programs
- Reducing Bread Waste at Walmart
- The Largest Food Waste Prevention Plan Ever
- The Business Case for Sustainability
- Mentoring at SEA Change
- Building Relationships and Driving Change

About Christy Cook

Christy Cook is a sustainability consultant and entrepreneur with a passion for creating a more just and sustainable food system. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with some of the world's largest organizations to develop and implement impactful sustainability strategies. Christy's unique blend of operational expertise, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to empowering others makes her a true Green Champion.

Connect with Christy Cook and her work

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/christycook/ InvestHER Strategies → https://investherstrategies.com/ 4xi Global Consulting → https://www.4xiconsulting.com/

Send us a message!

Christy Cook is a seasoned sustainability consultant and entrepreneur. She shares her inspiring journey from a small farm in Georgia to working with global giants like the United Nations, Sodexo, and Walmart. With over two decades of experience, Christy is a leading voice in corporate sustainability, ESG, and food waste reduction.

Christy recounts how her upbringing on a farm, where her family grew and raised their own food, instilled in her a deep connection to food and a respect for resources. She shares how this foundation, combined with an unexpected opportunity at Emory University while working for Sodexo, launched her into the world of sustainability. Christy describes how she and a team of colleagues developed a groundbreaking local and sustainable sourcing program, a framework that is still being used by billion-dollar companies today.

She discusses the challenges and triumphs of her career, from navigating the complexities of a large food service company like Sodexo to launching her own consulting firm, InvestHER Strategies, which focuses on supporting women and people of color in business. Christy shares her "secret sauce" for success, emphasizing the importance of listening, understanding operational realities, and finding common ground between corporate goals and the passions of frontline employees. She shares a powerful story of how a simple conversation about food waste with kitchen staff led to unexpected and inspiring community-building initiatives. Christy also reflects on the importance of personal sustainability, the power of community, and the need for continuous learning and adaptation in the ever-evolving field of sustainability.

Episode in a glance

- A Childhood on a Georgia Farm
- From a Degree to a Career in Sustainability
- Understanding Sodexo's Global Reach
- From Corporate Life to Entrepreneurship and Consulting
- Listening and Bridging the Gap
- Navigating a Changing World and Choosing Your Impact

About Christy Cook

Christy Cook is a sustainability consultant and entrepreneur with a passion for creating a more just and sustainable food system. With over 20 years of experience, she has worked with some of the world's largest organizations to develop and implement impactful sustainability strategies. Christy's unique blend of operational expertise, strategic vision, and a deep commitment to empowering others makes her a true Green Champion.

Connect with Christy Cook and her work

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/in/christycook/ InvestHER Strategies → https://investherstrategies.com/ 4xi Global Consulting → https://www.4xiconsulting.com/

Send us a message!

Bruce Bekkar is a former OB-GYN turned passionate climate advocate. Bruce recounts the "light bulb" moment that ignited his passion for climate action, a powerful article in an alumni newsletter that revealed the devastating impact of global warming on the coastlines he cherished. He discusses his transition from a successful medical practice to full-time climate advocacy, highlighting the power of health professionals as trusted messengers. He shares his research on the impacts of climate change on pregnancy, explaining how heat, air pollution, and other stressors are linked to adverse birth outcomes.

He also discusses his paper published in JAMA Network Open, which has helped to solidify pregnancy as a recognized vulnerability in the face of climate change. He also explains the work of ecoAmerica’s Climate for Health program, which provides health professionals with the knowledge and tools they need to become effective climate advocates. Bruce shares a success story from a keynote address in Australia, where a simple QR code on his final slide led to a surge of sign-ups for a local climate action group. He discusses the importance of collaboration across sectors, the need for "climate-smart" healthcare, and the power of reframing the climate crisis as an opportunity for positive change. He also previews the launch of Climate and Health Voices, a new speakers bureau that will connect leading experts with organizations and media outlets seeking to share the climate and health message.

Episode in a glance

- From OB-GYN to Climate Advocate
- The Health Impacts of Climate Change
- Climate Change and Pregnancy: A Critical Connection
- EcoAmerica's Climate for Health Program
- Climate-Smart Healthcare and Empowering Advocates

About Bruce Bekkar

Bruce Bekkar is a former OB-GYN, a passionate climate advocate, and a champion for a healthier, more sustainable future. Through his work with ecoAmerica and the Green Docs podcast, he is empowering health professionals to become leaders in the fight against climate change. Bruce's unique blend of medical expertise, communication skills, and unwavering dedication make him a powerful voice for change.

Connect with Bruce Bekkar and his work

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/greendocsd
• The climate crisis is not your fault, but it is your problem TED Talk → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPNr0QxhIcY
• Green Docs Podcast → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/green-docs/id1677670289

Send us a message!

Bruce Bekkar is a former OB-GYN turned climate activist who shares his remarkable journey from delivering babies to advocating for a healthier planet. Through his work with ecoAmerica and as co-host of the Green Docs podcast, he's empowering health professionals to become leaders in the climate movement. Bruce recounts his path into medicine, driven by respect for the physician who delivered him, and his early love for the coast that led to founding San Diego's first Surfrider Foundation chapter. His passion for protecting the environment evolved into a deep concern for the health impacts of climate change, particularly on maternal and infant health, as he discovered how increased heat, air pollution, and other climate-related stressors disproportionately affect pregnant women and developing babies.

After transitioning from full-time medical practice to dedicating his life to climate advocacy in 2013, Bruce leverages the power of health professionals as trusted voices in society. His unexpected journey into acting and stand-up comedy has shaped his communication style, allowing him to connect with diverse audiences while delivering serious messages. Bruce reframes the climate crisis as an immediate health crisis, comparing it to cancer that requires decisive treatment rather than mere adaptation, and emphasizes that climate action yields immediate health and economic benefits alongside long-term environmental protection. He offers practical advice for getting involved, from joining workplace green teams to attending local government meetings, promising that taking action will make people feel better and more connected to their community, transforming an overwhelming global problem into a source of personal empowerment and joy.

Episode in a Glance

- A Love for the Coast and the Surfrider Foundation
- The Climate Crisis as a Health Crisis
- The Power of a Doctor's Voice
- Engaging Busy Health Professionals
- Tailoring the Message to Different Audiences
- How to Get Involved in Climate Action

About Bruce Bekkar

Bruce Bekkar is a former OB-GYN, a passionate climate advocate, and a champion for a healthier, more sustainable future. Through his work with ecoAmerica and the Green Docs podcast, he is empowering health professionals to become leaders in the fight against climate change. Bruce's unique blend of medical expertise, communication skills, and unwavering dedication make him a powerful voice for change.

Connect with Bruce Bekkar and his work

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/greendocsd
• The climate crisis is not your fault, but it is your problem TED Talk → https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=kPNr0QxhIcY
• Green Docs Podcast → https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/green-docs/id1677670289

Send us a message!

Emily Rials and Susan Swinford, co-directors of Columbus Food Rescue, are at the forefront of the fight against food waste and hunger in Central Ohio. They share their inspiring story of transforming food rescue efforts into a powerful force for community building and social justice.

Emily and Susan talks about the operational complexities of managing over 200 weekly food pickups, from coordinating volunteers through a web-based app to navigating the unpredictable world of "popup" rescues involving tons of surplus food. They also introduce Ro's Kitchen, a transformed kitchen named in honor of Roshelle Pate, which turns excess food into nutritious, ready-made meals for those in need.

The duo explains the various reasons for food waste, from weather-related event cancellations to supply chain disruptions and equipment failures. They offer practical advice for listeners on how to reduce food waste at home and find local resources like blessing boxes and community fridges. They share insights from their community needs assessments, highlighting the demand for culturally relevant and nutritionally appropriate food, and explain how they work to fill these gaps. They discuss the staggering scale of the food waste problem, noting that they rescue about a million pounds of food annually, a fraction of the nearly million pounds of food that goes to the Franklin County landfill every day. Emily and Susan emphasize the importance of viewing food rescue not just as a service, but as a collaborative effort that builds a stronger, more connected community. They share their vision for a future where everyone has access to the food they need and are empowered to make a difference in their own communities.

Episode in a glance

- What is a Food Rescue?
- Ro's Kitchen: Transforming Food, Nourishing Community
- Why Food Gets Wasted
- How to Find Food Rescue Resources in Your Community
- Legal Protections for Food Donors
- Measuring the Impact of Food Rescue

About Emily Rials & Susan Swinford

Emily Rials and Susan Swinford are the co-directors of Columbus Food Rescue, a program of Local Matters. With backgrounds in education and a shared passion for social justice, they are dedicated to building a more equitable and sustainable food system in Columbus.

Connect with Emily Rials, Susan Swinford, and Columbus Food Rescue

Website → https://local-matters.org/columbus-food-rescue/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cbusfoodrescue/?hl=en

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusFoodRescue/

Send us a message!

Emily Rials and Susan Swinford are co-directors of Columbus Food Rescue. They share the story of how they came to lead Columbus Food Rescue, a program that connects surplus food with those in need. Susan recounts how she took over the organization in the chaotic early days of the pandemic, while Emily describes how she jumped in to help rebuild the program, making cold calls and navigating a rapidly changing landscape of food donation and distribution. They discuss the importance of their teaching backgrounds in shaping their approach to food rescue, emphasizing the value of empowering volunteers, fostering a sense of community, and asking critical questions about the food system.

They also share the deeply personal motivations behind their work, honoring the legacies of friends and family who instilled in them a passion for helping others and a belief in the power of food to connect people. Emily reflects on the profound impact Susan had on her life as a teacher, and they both discuss how their relationship has evolved into a powerful partnership. They describe the day-to-day realities of food rescue, from managing a web-based app that connects volunteers with donors to navigating the logistical challenges of rescuing and distributing large quantities of food.

Episode in a glance

- How Emily and Susan Found Columbus Food Rescue
- The Role of a Teaching Background in Food Rescue
- From Teacher and Student to Co-Directors
- Navigating the Challenges of Food Rescue
- The Personal Motivations Behind Their Work
- A Glimpse into the World of Food Rescue

About Emily Rials & Susan Swinford:

Emily Rials and Susan Swinford are the co-directors of Columbus Food Rescue, a program of Local Matters. With backgrounds in education and a shared passion for social justice, they are dedicated to building a more equitable and sustainable food system in Columbus.

Connect with Emily Rials, Susan Swinford, and Columbus Food Rescue:

Website → https://local-matters.org/columbus-food-rescue/

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/cbusfoodrescue/?hl=en

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ColumbusFoodRescue/

Send us a message!

AJ Boyce, an agriculture conservation practitioner with The Nature Conservancy, explores his work at the intersection of environmental sustainability and social justice. AJ explains his role at the world's largest environmental nonprofit, sharing what his day-to-day looks like—from 7 AM calls with farmers about cover crops to managing conservation projects and developing capacity for regenerative agricultural methods. The conversation breaks down misconceptions about farmers, revealing the economic pressures and uncertainties they face while discussing simple but effective conservation techniques like cover crops that reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff.

AJ shares his work with BIPOC farming communities, describing himself as an "access advocate and resource Robin Hood," and highlights his success story of organizing Ohio's first-ever Agroforestry Summit, which grew from a simple virtual meeting of 50 people to an in-person event with over 100 participants. He explains why agroforestry, currently practiced on only 1.7% of US farmland, is important for ecosystem benefits and closing agricultural loops, while expressing hope for "increased localization" and integrating people back into landscapes through concepts like "working woods."

AJ's key message is that anyone can be a conservationist or environmental advocate, whether through hands-on work, advocacy, or simple actions. It's about finding what capacity and access you have in the moment.

Episode at a Glance

- AJ's Day-to-Day Work at The Nature Conservancy
- Navigating the Challenges of Modern Farming
- Building an Inclusive Agricultural Community
- Advocating for Underserved Farmers
- Shifting the Narrative: Conservation in Marginalized Communities
- Hope for the Future of Conservation

About AJ Boyce:

AJ Boyce is an agricultural conservation practitioner with The Nature Conservancy, dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world. With a background in environmental studies and a passion for community engagement, he works to advance conservation strategies that are both environmentally effective and socially inclusive. AJ's work exemplifies the power of connecting with nature, empowering communities, and advocating for a more equitable future.

Connect with AJ Boyce:

• The Nature Conservancy Ohio → https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/ohio/
• Columbus Outdoor Afro → https://outdoorafro.org/places/midwest/
• AJ's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/homestead_heaux/

Send us a message!

AJ Boyce, an agriculture conservation practitioner with The Nature Conservancy, explores his work at the intersection of environmental sustainability and social justice. AJ explains his role at the world's largest environmental nonprofit, sharing what his day-to-day looks like—from 7 AM calls with farmers about cover crops to managing conservation projects and developing capacity for regenerative agricultural methods. The conversation breaks down misconceptions about farmers, revealing the economic pressures and uncertainties they face while discussing simple but effective conservation techniques like cover crops that reduce soil erosion and nutrient runoff.

AJ shares his work with BIPOC farming communities, describing himself as an "access advocate and resource Robin Hood," and highlights his success story of organizing Ohio's first-ever Agroforestry Summit, which grew from a simple virtual meeting of 50 people to an in-person event with over 100 participants. He explains why agroforestry, currently practiced on only 1.7% of US farmland, is important for ecosystem benefits and closing agricultural loops, while expressing hope for "increased localization" and integrating people back into landscapes through concepts like "working woods."

AJ's key message is that anyone can be a conservationist or environmental advocate, whether through hands-on work, advocacy, or simple actions. It's about finding what capacity and access you have in the moment.

Episode at a Glance

- AJ's Day-to-Day Work at The Nature Conservancy
- Navigating the Challenges of Modern Farming
- Building an Inclusive Agricultural Community
- Advocating for Underserved Farmers
- Shifting the Narrative: Conservation in Marginalized Communities
- Hope for the Future of Conservation

About AJ Boyce

AJ Boyce is an agricultural conservation practitioner with The Nature Conservancy, dedicated to creating a more just and sustainable world. With a background in environmental studies and a passion for community engagement, he works to advance conservation strategies that are both environmentally effective and socially inclusive. AJ's work exemplifies the power of connecting with nature, empowering communities, and advocating for a more equitable future.

Connect with AJ Boyce:

• The Nature Conservancy Ohio → https://www.nature.org/en-us/about-us/where-we-work/united-states/ohio/
• Columbus Outdoor Afro → https://outdoorafro.org/places/midwest/
• AJ's Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/homestead_heaux/

Send us a message!