RENEWables #39: The Fat Plant Society – Bringing Nature Into the Workplace through Biophilic Design
You have probably seen moss growing on rocks or trees in your backyard, but have you ever seen it covering the interior walls of an office building? If not, you will soon because these “vertical gardens” are becoming increasingly popular and for good reason. They are not only aesthetically pleasing, but they also have soundproofing, odor absorbing and air purifying qualities that can help improve office and home environments.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sit down with Kasey Riley, Co-founder of The Fat Plant Society and Vince Basso, to learn more about moss art and their biophilic design approach for creating working and living environments that offer an advantage of the restorative and motivational power of nature. Studies show that exposure to nature has been linked to improved attention, lower stress, better mood, reduced risk of psychiatric disorders and even upticks in empathy and cooperation. The key to sustainable and functional biophilic design is the inclusion of nature itself and these interior moss walls are a reminder that you are never far from the forest!
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables #38: Wilbur-Ellis – Overcoming Challenges in Organic Farming
With inflation on the rise, the price of fertilizers is up a staggering 260% post-pandemic, causing farmers to cut back on the amount of fertilizers they can use on their crops and risking smaller yields. This problem comes at a time when food production is critical and finding solutions isn’t always easy, especially for farmers facing challenges that could pose serious threat to the future of their crops.
On this episode of RENEWables, we sit down withJason Ellsworth, Organic Portfolio Manager at Wilbur-Ellis, Agribusiness division, as he talks about the effects of organics on soil health, the current organic market and how the 100-year old company plans to help overcome crop challenges through innovative products and services that also help maximize return on investment.
Show Notes:
Wilbur-Ellis Website
Wilbur-Ellis Agribusiness Website
Linked In
Twitter
Instagram
Facebook
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables #37: Carbon Collective – Investment Opportunities Aimed At Solving Climate Change
As the climate crisis continues, more and more companies are jumping on the sustainability bandwagon and finding innovative ways to help mitigate or offset carbon emissions. While this is becoming common practice among corporations, what about individuals who want to make a difference?
Join us on this special Earth Day episode of RENEWables, where we sit down with James Regulinski, Co-Founder of Carbon Collective, to discuss ESG investment opportunities designed to help pressure large companies into taking climate change more seriously. James identifies how to bridge the $4 trillion dollar gap between how much money is needed versus how much is being invested in climate change technologies currently. There are many ways to be an advocate for change, but Carbon Collective knows how to take an ethical stand when investing in a portfolio with a more sustainable future!
Listen and subscribe now so you don’t miss an episode!
Show Notes:
Website – https://www.carboncollective.co
Linekd In – https://www.linkedin.com/company/carbon-collective/
Instagram – https://www.instagram.com/carbon.collective/
TikTok – https://www.tiktok.com/@carbon.collective
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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Groundbreaking Ceremony Planned for Renewable Energy Project in Norman, OK

City of Norman teams with BioStar Renewables for two initiatives
A traditional groundbreaking ceremony to celebrate the construction and start of a major renewable energy project for the City of Norman is planned for 9 a.m. 4/29/22 at the Vernon Campbell Water Treatment Plant, 3000 E. Robinson, through coordination of the Utilities Department and contractor BioStar Renewables.
More than two megawatts of solar PV arrays are to be installed at the Water Treatment Plant and Water Reclamation Facility, which is expected to produce 3,000,000+ kWh of electricity each year – equivalent to offsetting CO2 emissions from the electricity usage of 438 homes per year, or 271,000 gallons of gasoline consumed. The project was approved by City Council last Spring and falls in line with the City of Norman’s Net-Zero Carbon goal across city buildings. The implementation of the two solar arrays will set the city on a path toward achieving these sustainability goals and marks the beginning of a transition to a more balanced energy mixture. BioStar Renewables, a leading developer of renewable energy assets across the country, hopes to complete construction and achieve interconnection in the second quarter of 2022.
“This project marks the first substantial investment made by the City of Norman in the application of sustainable technologies on this scale”, said City Manager, Darrel Pyle. “We appreciate the expertise and guidance provided by BioStar on our first project delivered in a Guaranteed Performance platform. What a great starting point from which to build toward Council’s sustainability goals!”
The event will include remarks from City officials and BioStar representatives, a traditional turn of dirt and photo opportunities. All are welcome to attend and should dress according to weather. Those attending are asked to follow signage or traffic controllers upon entry to the parking lot.
“Our team at BioStar is extremely proud to partner with the City of Norman and help them achieve their ambitious carbon reduction goals,” said David Smart, Senior Vice President of Sales at BioStar, “Mayor Clark and the City Council have taken a huge step toward achieving their mission of Net-Zero emissions, as the local Water Treatment and Water Reclamation facilities are two of the largest electricity consumers in the City’s portfolio of properties.”
Questions on the project may be directed to 405.366.5426; questions on the event may be directed to 405.217.7723.
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RENEWables #36: AirCarbon® – A Potential Plastic Replacement Derived From Microorganisms
Several years ago, while researching oil spills in the ocean, scientists discovered something truly amazing—Microorganisms were using the greenhouse gas, methane as a food source and producing an energy storage material within their cells called Polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB), a naturally occurring polymer that resembles polypropylene, which is one of the most commonly produced plastics in the world.
New Light has taken this oceanic process of dissolving air and carbon in water and created a scalable plastic alternative called AirCarbon®. With over 10 years of research and 50 patents, they are using AirCarbon to help replace plastic and restore the oceans by making reusable, plastic-free, regenerative food-ware and carbon-negative fashion, including cutlery, straws, eyewear and leather replacements.
Tune into this episode of RENEWables featuring, Mark Herrema, Co-Founder & CEO of New Light Technologies to learn how these microorganisms are providing market driven solutions to solving some of the world’s toughest ESG challenges.
Show Notes:
Newlight.com
Restore Regenerative Foodware
CNN News Article
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables E35: Driscoll’s and the Berry Exciting Future of Organic Agriculture
Organic agriculture has grown from a cultural movement to a multi-billion dollar industry within the span of a few decades. This meteoric rise showcases the importance of quality food sourcing and environmental stewardship in consumer choices. But the value of organic agriculture does not just lie in personal preference. As the industry grows, so too does our understanding of the relationships between organic agriculture and soil health. Emily Musgrave and Peter Navarra of Driscoll’s Berries join the latest episode of RENEWables to talk about organic systems, berry genetics and all the plant possibilities.
Show Notes:
Driscoll’s Berries Website
Tightly-Coupled Plant-Soil Nitrogen Cycling: Comparison of Organic Farms Across an Agricultural Landscape article.
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables #34: Advanced Solutions to Industrial Water Use
Purestream.com
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables #33: Sustainable Mechanization for a Modern Texas Vineyard
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables #32: Solar PV and the Future Energy Landscape
Solar PV cells, industrial battery storage, investment tax credits, megawatts… Industry terminology can be intimidating, and the movement towards renewable energy certainly seems confusing. But the transition is much simpler than it appears to be. Tim Montague, Head of Business Development at Continental Energy Solutions, joins this episode of RENEWables to break down renewable energy fuel sources and explains why solar + battery storage is and will continue to be a major player in the future of the renewable energy.
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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RENEWables #31: Syngas Offers a Solution to Landfill Overflow
The world has a waste problem. Landfills around the planet are reaching capacity, and in many countries those barriers have already been breached. There are various systems in place to address food waste, but what about the rest? A century-old technology is being revitalized to convert waste into energy through a process called plasma gasification. Bill Smith from XcelPlus International joins RENEWables to discuss how this technology can unlock previously unusable energy sources.
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RENEWables, A Sustainabilty Podcast is a new podcast focused on the energy landscape of today. Everything from emerging renewable energy technologies to sustainability practices to why brands are changing the way they think, RENEWables is a source for current and dynamic conversation. Be the first to hear new episodes by subscribing to our email list here. |
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