It's "Be Kind to Humankind" week and we're talking with Leslie Payne of Arabella Advisors, a leading philanthropy services firms supporting the efforts of individual, family, institutional and corporate philanthropists throughout the world.  Leslie and I talk about how sustainability issues like climate change are impacting the way that charitable giving happens.  How has the economy affected giving, and will a rebound be better or worse for the long-term effectiveness of giving programs?  It's all here...(and be sure to check the "references" below for additional links on this topic).

Leslie Payne - Sustainability and Philanthropy

This week we talk with former SSC intern Bari Levine about her recent white paper Greening Your Food Shopping Experience.  Bari shares some of her research findings--from the paper vs. plastic debate to the best way to spend your limited "organic" budget, and how she's changed her behavior since delving into the world of sustainable food purchasing.  Short and sweet, this podcast will make you want to swing by the local farmer's market--and rinse off your non-organic fruit one more time before taking a bite!

Bari Levine - Green Food Shopping

August is National Women's Month, and we're revisiting our podcast interview with Amy Augustine – Manager of Diversity and International Labor Relations at Calvert Group and the Mid-Atlantic Stop Violence Against Women Campaign Coordinator for Amnesty International. Our topic is women’s human rights, both the concept and application. Hear from Amy as she shares her experience from the front lines – working directly with companies as an institutional shareholder, and at a grassroots level through her work with Amnesty International. This podcast is not to be missed! 

Amy Augustine - Women's Human Rights

In the spirit of summer vacations, this week we talk with Kevin Cameron, owner and operator of One Life Japan--a hike-and-bike touring company located in rural Japan.  Listen to a conversation between Jennifer and Kevin as they talk about what it means to have a tour company that focuses on "the slow life" and what that means for Kevin and his wife Tomoe as they make the best of their "one life" together - living their environmental values every day!

Kevin Cameron - One Life Japan

This week we're talk with sustainability consultant Matthew Savage about how businesses can more effectively manage their water use.  Matthew makes a strong argument that water is the most important overlooked sustainability issue, and provides great examples of how we can make water use a part of every organization's green plan.  Matthew has written an extensive white paper on this topic, available on Monday.)  And check out the references section below for additional information.

Matthew Savage - Water and Sustainability

In this podcast, we talk with Lucinda Brown - an associate with SSC who has just completed a three month intensive look at renewable energy options for small businesses.  In less than 20 minutes, Lucinda covers the reasons that energy is arguably the most important issue we face today, options that small businesses have in choosing renewable energy, pitfalls to consider, and the most attractive options for renewable energy in today's market.  This is a practical, hands-on look at the issue - with actual numbers and recommendations.  If your business is thinking about renewable energy, don't miss this one! (And be sure to check out Lucinda's white paper here.)

Lucinda Brown - Renewable Energy Options

In this podcast, we talk with Brian Setzler of Trilibrium - the first CPA firm built on the principles of sustainability.  Brian shares how his team is helping small businesses and individuals think about sustainability from a bottom line perspective - and how having an outside advisor (like a CPA) can bring added value to your social and environmental goals.  If you have a CPA, or are thinking about working with one, this is a great interview to frame your perspective about what a CPA should be able to do for you.

Brian Setzler - The Sustainability CPA

This week we talk with Lisa Chacon of Innovive about how the concepts of Integral Theory intersect and enrich our understanding of sustainability. Check out the podcast to better understand how "interior" elements like values, perceptions, and cultural norms affect our ability to change "exterior" elements like environmental management and international agreements on human rights.  It's rare to hear such a great explanation of how academic and intellectual concepts are played out in the real world - don't miss it!

Lisa Chacon - Sustainability and Integral Theory

In this podcast, we talk with Geoff Stack - he's one of the founding members of the new "Needs Based Design" approach to development.  In a nutshell, Geoff advocates for thinking about and designing our built environment with human needs at the core of the project.  It's cutting edge stuff!  Have a listen, and be sure to download the primer on Needs Based Design here to help you navigate through the process.

Geoff Stack - Needs Based Design

In this podcast, we talk with Archie Kasnet of Aedi Group.  In this wide-ranging discussion of everything from LEED green building standards to financing green construction in a faultering economy, this interview is a fascinating glimpse of the many-faceted aspects of making our built environment truly sustainable.

Archie Kasnet - Sustainable Real Estate