SustainNOW Podcast - Exploring Climate Solutions with Innovators and Entrepreneurs

Curtis E. Shuck Jr., a former oil and gas industry insider, stumbled upon a pressing environmental crisis that changed his life's course. Discover how his unexpected encounter with orphaned oil and gas wells in Montana ignited the birth of the Well Done Foundation, a nonprofit tackling these hazardous sites one well at a time. Curtis's journey from industry "bad guy" to environmental champion is a testament to the power of grassroots innovation and the relentless pursuit of environmental restoration.

Tune in as we illuminate the Well Done Foundation's remarkable expansion across 16 states, driven by the passion of hundreds of volunteers and a core team. Learn how this dedicated group has successfully plugged 47 wells and ventured into the carbon credit market to fund their noble cause. This episode sheds light on the intricate dance of collaboration with landowners, regulatory bodies, and the oil and gas sector to address the abandoned well crisis, highlighting the importance of responsible energy practices in combating climate change.

We delve into the complexities of measuring methane emissions and the groundbreaking methodologies the foundation has developed for carbon credit certification. Curtis shares the logistics of well plugging and the crucial role transparency plays in the voluntary carbon market. As the Well Done Foundation looks to expand its impact, Curtis discusses the potential of carbon finance programs to further their mission, offering a beacon of hope for a more sustainable future. Join us as we explore how determination and innovation can overcome even the most daunting environmental challenges.

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Today, we're thrilled to have Anna Alex, a serial entrepreneur and visionary, as our guest.

Anna has co-founded and scaled several successful companies, including Outfittery, Planetly, and now Nala Earth. Her journey is a testament to her passion for innovation and her unwavering commitment to making a positive impact on our planet.

As Anna herself puts it, "We need to overcome this nonprofit for-profit idea and split in our heads." → can you get this quote out of the podcast? 

In this episode, we'll explore Anna's entrepreneurial journey, delve into the challenges and triumphs of building climate-focused startups, and discuss the critical role of technology in addressing the biodiversity crisis.

Join us as we uncover the inspiring story of Anna Alex and her mission to create a more sustainable world.

In this episode of Sustain Now, we dive into an innovative solution to combat one of the most pressing environmental issues: methane emissions from livestock. The guest, Steve Meller, CEO and Co-founder of CH4 Global, takes us on a journey of discovering how seaweed can significantly reduce methane emissions from cattle.

Founded in 2018, CH4 Global is on a mission to tackle methane—a greenhouse gas with more than 80 times the warming potential of CO2 over 20 years. Methane is primarily emitted by livestock, especially cattle, through their digestive process known as enteric fermentation. CH4 Global has developed a groundbreaking feed supplement using red seaweed (Asparagopsis) that, when added in small amounts to cattle feed, can reduce methane emissions by up to 90%. This solution is backed by scientific research from the Commonwealth Scientific and Industrial Research Organization (CSIRO) and others, showing its incredible potential to curb the climate impact of livestock farming.

The episode also delves into CH4 Global's journey, from the launch of their first product, Methane Tamer™ Beef Feedlot, in April 2023, to the company's ambitious goal of reducing greenhouse gas emissions at gigatonne scale by 2030. Steve shares insights into the challenges and opportunities the company faces, as they work to scale up seaweed production to meet global demand. With a $47 million investment backing their efforts, CH4 Global is making strides in producing and processing Asparagopsis efficiently, aiming to help farmers reduce emissions and tackle climate change head-on.

The episode covers pivotal moments in Steve's entrepreneurial journey, including insights on entrepreneurship later in life, the challenges of scaling a business, and the loneliness of running a startup. Steve reflects on his experiences and how mentorship from seasoned entrepreneurs can play a critical role in guiding younger startups.

We also explore the global methane challenge and the importance of focusing on this potent greenhouse gas, especially with initiatives like the 2021 Global Methane Pledge. Despite increased international efforts, more innovation is needed in agriculture to address methane emissions. CH4 Global’s solution is one of the many important tools required to mitigate the effects of climate change.

Join us as we discuss the science, challenges, and future of CH4 Global’s seaweed-based solution to methane emissions in livestock, and how such innovations offer hope for solving the climate crisis. Tune in for an inspiring conversation on nature-based solutions and entrepreneurship that could reshape the future of sustainable agriculture.

Key Topics:

• 03:00 - How did you become interested in cow burps and farts?
• 05:00 - Pivotal moments in the development of CH4 Global.
• 09:11 - Entrepreneurship at a later stage in life.
• 11:58 - The challenges and loneliness of entrepreneurship.
• 17:05 - Scaling up seaweed production for agriculture.
• 23:45 - Learning the challenges of growing seaweed.
• 28:12 - Introduction to CH4 Global’s seaweed feed additive.
• 32:44 - Cost-effective methods for growing and processing seaweed.
• 37:13 - Achieving a 70% reduction in methane emissions.
• 42:25 - The problem of methane emissions and the solution.
• 49:14 - CH4 Global’s goal for gigaton-scale reductions by 2030.
• 54:53 - Hope for solving the climate crisis.

In this episode of Sustain Now, we sit down with Kilian Kaminski, Co-founder of Refurbed, a leading marketplace for refurbished products. Refurbed offers consumers a sustainable alternative to buying new, with a growing selection of electronics, sports equipment, and household items. Through a meticulous 40-step refurbishment process, Refurbed ensures top-quality, affordable products while promoting a circular economy and reducing electronic waste.

Kilian shares the story behind Refurbed’s founding in Vienna in 2017, which stemmed from a personal frustration with the lack of warranties on used products. Since then, the company has expanded rapidly, now serving over 815,000 customers across nine European markets. Refurbed’s mission is not just about offering second-hand products but driving sustainable consumption, helping reduce the environmental impact of e-waste, and offering an eco-friendly solution to millions of consumers.

In this episode, Kilian discusses the challenges and triumphs of building a business in the sustainability space, the growing demand for circular economy solutions, and how Refurbed is tackling greenwashing and pushing for more sustainable practices in the electronics industry. He also touches on the current trends in the market and offers tips for aspiring entrepreneurs.

Join us for an insightful conversation on how Refurbed is reshaping the future of sustainable consumption and helping reduce e-waste—one refurbished product at a time.

Key Topics:

• 02:06 – Kilian’s favorite secondhand product
• 03:03 – The refurbishing process for ski equipment
• 13:46 – How the sustainability market has evolved since 2017
• 20:00 – Balancing sustainability with convenience and price
• 22:47 – What needs to change in the electronics industry
• 37:10 – The hardest part of running a sustainable company
• 42:59 – Kilian’s hope for solving the climate crisis

Tune in for a powerful discussion on innovation, sustainability, and the circular economy!