Erin Shaffer is a Green Champion who co-leads the sustainability and energy management service line at Kalypso, a consulting firm acquired by Rockwell Automation. Erin shares her passion for sustainability, which was rooted in her upbringing and her experiences with social impact initiatives throughout college. She highlights her journey from working with organizations like GiveBackHack and Star House to establishing a sustainable consulting practice within a large corporation. Erin discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing a shared passion for sustainability within her team and the importance of finding agency to pursue what you're passionate about. With a shared passion and a collaborative spirit, Erin and her colleagues transformed a casual conversation into a driving force for positive change, ultimately contributing to the growth of a sustainable practice within a Fortune 500 company.

Episode in a glance

- Erin's Social Impact Work at Ohio State
- Star House and Its Work Programs
- From Social Impact to Sustainability
- What Does Management Consulting Really Mean?
- The Moment Erin's Team Realized They Could Have a Larger Impact
- Erin's Approach to Execution
- How Erin's Upbringing Shaped Her Passions
- Advice for Finding Agency and Pursuing Your Passions

About Erin Shaffer

Erin Shaffer is a sustainability champion and management consultant at Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, Erin has dedicated her career to integrating sustainability into both her personal and professional life. From her early work with Star House to her current role spearheading the development of a dedicated sustainability service line at Kalypso, Erin has consistently sought ways to blend her business acumen with a commitment to environmental responsibility. She believes in the power of collaborative action and is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

Connect with Erin Shaffer and her work at Kalypso

→ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-halleran-shaffer/

→ https://kalypso.com/

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What are the three types of social capital, and how can understanding them help you become a better advocate for sustainability?

Joe Campbell, senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources and director of the Environmental Professionals Network, returns for a masterclass on social capital. He defines the concept, explaining how it refers to the value of relationships, and explores the three key types of social capital: bonding, bridging, and linking. He explains how nurturing strong family and friend networks, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and leveraging relationships with those in positions of power can all contribute to positive change.

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and actively building upon all three types of social capital, providing practical tips and advice for nurturing relationships, fostering connections, and leveraging networks to create positive change.

Episode at a glance

01:52 Understanding Social Capital
03:15 Types of Social Capital: Bonding, Bridging, and Linking
07:38 Networking and Building Relationships
08:11 Not sure if this should be edited out
14:00 Linking Social Capital in Action
19:07 How to Connect with Joe Campbell

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and his work

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

→ https://125benefit.com/

→ https://www.youtube.com/@environmentalprofessionals1141

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2Joe Campbell shares his journey from a study abroad program in Ghana to establishing his own consulting company, Development Consulting International. He then talks about how he came to teach the Ghana study abroad course and continue to work on community development projects in both Ghana and the US. He explains the importance of building a shared understanding of what community development means in practice, highlighting the need to consider both the physical environment and the social and cultural aspects of a place.

Joe talks about the challenges of transitioning the Environmental Professionals Network to a virtual format during the pandemic and how they successfully adapted to continue connecting people and supporting their work. He describes the network's mission and its impact on fostering collaboration among environmental professionals in Ohio.

He then introduces his new venture, one.two.five Benefit Corporation, which aims to incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices that increase soil carbon storage. He discusses the emergence of the soil carbon credit market, the challenges of measuring carbon storage, and the development of a regional conservation partnership program that is paying farmers for healthy soil.

Episode in a glance

- International Journey to Ghana and Network Building
- Defining Community Development
- The Environmental Professionals Network
- From Research Posters to Real-World Impact
- Paying Farmers for Healthy Soil

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and his work with EPN and one.two.five Benefit Corporation

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

→ https://125benefit.com/

Send us a message!

Joe Campbell is more than just a professor at Ohio State University. He's a passionate advocate for community building and a firm believer in the power of listening. Joe's unique approach to sustainability goes beyond just studying the environment – he understands that the key to creating positive change is fostering strong connections and valuing the perspectives of others. He encourages us to move beyond the "I" and embrace the "we," reminding us that we are interconnected and that our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknesses. Joe's work with the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State is a testament to his commitment to building community and fostering collaboration, creating spaces where people feel heard and valued.

Episode in a Glance

- Joe's Roles and the Environmental Professionals Network
- Early Influences: Family, Public Health, and Community
- A Surprising Journey Into Academia
- Hospitalization, Vulnerability, and Interdependence
- Shaping Shared Environmental Resources
- Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Validation
- The Power of Letting Perspectives Shape Actions
- Building Upon Strengths and Confronting Weaknesses
- Embracing Interdependence and Collaboration
- Making People Feel Heard and Valued

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and OSU Environmental Professionals Network

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

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Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist and PhD candidate shares her passion for studying harmful chemicals in our environment, focusing on microplastics and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." She explains the alarming extent of their presence, from our clothing to our drinking water, and the potential long-term health implications they pose. Brittanie also sheds light on the challenges scientists face in studying these emerging contaminants due to the limited knowledge and the rapid pace of product development. Despite these challenges, Brittanie highlights her successes in research and community education, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed choices and advocate for change. She shares how her research has contributed to policy discussions and legal proceedings, demonstrating the real-world impact of scientific work.

Beyond research, Brittanie has founded Ecosphere Organics, a venture that transforms food waste into valuable raw materials for various industries. This innovative solution not only tackles the issue of waste but also offers sustainable alternatives to harmful plastics and chemicals.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Renewed Focus on Environmental Toxicology
- Why Microplastics and PFAS Are Pressing Concerns
- Challenges of Studying Emerging Contaminants
- Successes in Research and Community Education
- Impact of Knowledge on Personal Choices
- Contributions to Legislation and Policy Discussions
- Hopes for Quick Change in Product Regulation
- Ecosphere Organics: Transforming Food Waste into Raw Materials
- Ideal Customers and Future Goals of Ecosphere Organics
- Resources for Learning About Environmental Contaminants
- Connecting with Brittanie and Supporting Ecosphere Organics

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

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Have you ever wondered how the chemicals in our environment impact our health and ecosystems? Meet Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of contaminants in our waterways and inspiring the next generation of Green Champions.

Brittanie Dabney's journey as an environmental scientist began in the heart of Detroit, where she witnessed the stark contrast between urban pollution and the natural beauty of camping trips with her family. This early exposure to environmental disparities fueled her passion for understanding the effects of contaminants on living organisms.

Today, Brittanie is a PhD candidate in biology and urban sustainability, focusing her research on the critical issue of PFAS and microplastics in our water supply. Her work takes her from the lab to the field, conducting experiments to understand how contaminants behave and impact aquatic life. She's also passionate about bridging the gap between science and the public, inspiring young people to explore the diverse career paths within environmental science.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Early Inspirations Growing Up in Detroit
- Her Academic Journey from Marine to Freshwater Biology
- Balancing Field Research and Lab Work
- What is Environmental Toxicology?
- Why Environmental Toxicology is So Important
- How Research Can Be Applied to Improve Regulations and Practices
- What the General Public Can Do to Make a Positive Impact
- The Importance of Representation and Diversity in Environmental Science
- How to Connect with Brittanie and Support Her Work

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

Send us a message!

Columbus Micro Systems, a Columbus-based company with a 36-year history, is more than just an IT hardware and services provider. They've carved a unique niche by actively championing sustainability within the tech industry. They take a comprehensive approach to IT recycling, going beyond simply collecting old electronics. Their commitment to data security is unwavering, ensuring that sensitive information is properly destroyed before devices are refurbished or repurposed. This dedication extends to their carefully chosen downstream partners, ensuring that materials are handled responsibly throughout the entire recycling process.

Columbus Micro Systems is deeply invested in making technology accessible to those who need it most. By providing refurbished computers at affordable prices, they are breaking down barriers to digital inclusion and ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive in today's digital world. Their commitment to sustainability, coupled with their dedication to local communities, makes Columbus Micro Systems a true leader in responsible tech practices.

Episode in a glance

- The Evolution of Columbus Micro Systems
- Is the IT Recycling World Talked About Enough?
- IT Recycling, Managed Services, and IT Hardware
- The 'Break/Fix' Problem
- Refurbished Equipment and Accessibility
- The Issue of Hazardous Batteries
- R2 Certification
- Unresponsible Recycling
- The Future of Columbus Micro Systems

About Zagrous Kawarizadeh

Zagrous Kawarizadeh is the President of Columbus Micro Systems, a company specializing in IT hardware, recycling, and managed services. He is passionate about promoting responsible IT recycling and data security, ensuring that electronic waste is handled ethically and sustainably.

Connect with Zagrous Kawarizadeh & Columbus Micro Systems

→ columbusmicro.com

Send us a message!

Zagrous Kawarizadeh is the president of Columbus Micro Systems, a family business with a unique perspective on sustainability. Founded in 1988, the company has evolved from building computers to becoming a leader in IT recycling. Zag brings a passion for solving problems and a deep understanding of data security to his role. Columbus Micro Systems goes beyond just recycling electronics - they ensure data security, provide refurbished computers to individuals, and work to keep the recycling process local. They are committed to providing responsible disposal options for businesses and individuals, while also working to reduce the environmental impact of the ever-growing tech industry.

Episode in a glance

- The Story of Columbus Micro Systems
- Transition from Computer Building to IT Recycling
- Importance of R2 Certification for IT Recycling
- Handling Materials from Large Clients
- Common Items People Bring in for IT Recycling
- The Two Key Questions About Recycling: Data and Reusability
- Data Privacy and Responsible Data Destruction
- What Happens to Devices That Can't Be Reused
- Responsible Downstream Partners and Keeping Recycling Local
- Zagrous's Personal Passion for IT Recycling

About Zagrous Kawarizadeh

Zagrous Kawarizadeh is the President of Columbus Micro Systems, a company specializing in IT hardware, recycling, and managed services. He is passionate about promoting responsible IT recycling and data security, ensuring that electronic waste is handled ethically and sustainably.

Connect with Zagrous Kawarizadeh & Columbus Micro Systems

→ columbusmicro.com

Send us a message!