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Green Shoots & Big Shifts: Daily Summaries Delivered
by Reetu Gupta
Green Shoots & Big Shifts is hosted by Reetu Gupta, who started the show to have open, hopeful conversations about what it really takes to make sustainability part of how we live, lead, and work.Each week, she talks with people doing innovative, meaningful work, turning ideas into action. From startup founders and corporate change-makers to community leaders - reimagining how business, society, and the planet can thrive together.These are stories about innovation, collaboration, possibility, and the everyday shifts that move us toward a more abundant and resilient future.
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- Today35 min
Trash Innovator: Sara Fuentes Founder & CEO of Smart Waste
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Sara Fuentes, the dynamic founder of Smart Waste, Inc. and chairwoman of Women in CleanTech and Sustainability. Sara shares her inspiring journey from an early childhood educator to a leader in sustainability, revealing how a serendipitous introduction to the waste management industry ignited her passion for environmental stewardship. Sara recounts her pivotal moments, including the impact of COVID-19 on her career trajectory, which ultimately propelled her to launch Smart Waste (https://www.smartwasteusa.com/) , a company dedicated to zero waste facilitation. With a focus on transforming waste into resources, Sara discusses the importance of shifting mindsets around waste management and how her organization helps businesses achieve sustainability goals while saving money. Tune in to discover how Sara’s work not only impacts the environment but also empowers communities and fosters gender parity in the clean tech sector. - - Introduction to the Podcast - - Welcome and Guest Introduction - - Sara's Journey to Sustainability - - Pivotal Moments in Starting Smart Waste - - Importance of Women in Clean Tech - - Overview of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability - - Smart Waste's Zero Waste Strategy - - Waste as Resource Management - - Client Examples and Success Stories - - Understanding R2V3 Certification - - The Business of Waste Recovery - - Challenges in the Waste Industry - - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs - - The Importance of Partnerships - - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways - - Closing Remarks and Contact Information - - Introduction to the Podcast - - Welcome and Guest Introduction - - Sara's Journey to Sustainability - - Pivotal Moments in Starting Smart Waste - - Importance of Women in Clean Tech - - Overview of Women in Cleantech and Sustainability - - Smart Waste's Zero Waste Strategy - - Waste as Resource Management - - Client Examples and Success Stories - - Understanding R2V3 Certification - - The Business of Waste Recovery - - Challenges in the Waste Industry - - Advice for Aspiring Entrepreneurs - - The Importance of Partnerships - - Final Thoughts and Key Takeaways - - Closing Remarks and Contact Information sustainability, Smart Waste, zero waste, recycling, innovation, women in cleantech, entrepreneurship, circular economy, environmental impact, leadership
- 2 weeks ago23 min
Woodchuck.ai is Transforming Construction Waste into Energy, talk with Todd Thomas
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Todd Thomas, the CEO and founder of Woodchuck.ai, an innovative company tackling the dual challenges of waste management and energy generation. Todd shares the fascinating journey that led him to establish Woodchuck, driven by the need to divert wood waste from landfills and transform it into a sustainable energy source. With a staggering 42 million tons of wood waste generated from construction sites in the U.S. each year, Todd's mission is not only to reduce waste but also to meet the growing demand for renewable energy in a rapidly changing world.Throughout the conversation, Todd provides insights into his approach to sustainability, particularly in the context of data centers and electric vehicle (EV) battery factories. He highlights the importance of engaging local communities in dialogues about energy consumption and resource management, advocating for a collaborative approach to ensure that new developments yield benefits for everyone involved. The episode also touches on Todd's ventures in storytelling through books and a TV show, which have helped raise awareness about biomass and renewable energy solutions. - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts - - Guest Introduction: Todd Thomas - - Todd's Journey to Founding Woodchuck - - The Problem of Biomass and Waste - - Wood Waste: A Hidden Resource - - Working with Construction and Manufacturing - - Addressing Community Concerns about Data Centers - - Benefits of Well-Planned Data Centers - - Successful Project with Ford - - Circular Economy in Data Centers - - Innovations in Wood Waste Utilization - - The Role of Storytelling and Awareness - - Upcoming Book: Starving for Innovation - - Key Lessons Learned for Founders - - Conclusion and Final Thoughts - - Resources and Where to Find More - - Thank You and Wrap-Up gWHlKrNGmSM4oTHjRQfL
- 3 weeks ago31 min
From Chicken Manure to Clean Energy: Kristi Shaw's Journey with Mermaid Energy
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Kristi Shaw, the CEO and founder of Mermaid Energy, to discuss her remarkable journey from a rural Maryland upbringing to the forefront of renewable energy development in the Caribbean. Kristi shares her unique perspective as a marine biologist and public health expert, detailing her transition from academia to entrepreneurship. Her experiences with environmental challenges, particularly following hurricanes, inspired her to seek innovative solutions for sustainable energy in vulnerable regions.Kristi introduces listeners to Mermaid Energy's mission to tackle the growing problem of invasive sargassum seaweed in the Caribbean. By intercepting this abundant resource at sea, her company aims to transform it into bio-stimulants, renewable diesel, and other valuable products, while also addressing public health and ecological concerns. This episode is a testament to how individuals can leverage their backgrounds and experiences to create meaningful change in their communities and beyond. - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts - - Welcome Kristi Shaw from Mermaid Energy - - Kristi's Journey: From Farm to Science - - Transitioning to Renewable Energy Development - - Challenges and Opportunities in Energy Projects - - Insights from the Chicken Manure Company - - Introduction to Mermaid Energy - - Addressing the Sargassum Seaweed Crisis - - Innovative Solutions for Seaweed Management - - Current Status and Future Goals - - Importance of Community Collaboration - - Bringing Technical Jobs to the Caribbean - - One Word: Execute - - Closing Thoughts and Farewell
- 4 weeks ago31 min
Can Climate Education Transform Communities? Insights from Abby Jordan
In this enlightening episode of **Green Shoots & Big Shifts**, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Abby Jordan, the Climate Education Program Manager at the National Wildlife Federation (NWF). Abby shares her inspiring journey from a volunteer in community climate initiatives to a leader in climate education, emphasizing the importance of hands-on experience in fostering a deeper understanding of environmental issues among youth. Through her work at NWF, Abby is not only educating students about climate resilience but also empowering them to take meaningful action in their communities.Abby discusses two pivotal programs she manages: the Climate and Resilience Education Task Force Youth Steering Committee, which engages high school students in climate education and civic engagement, and the Resilient Schools and Communities program, which provides a standardized curriculum for educators. Abby highlights the impactful Beach Grass Plantings project in New York City, where students participate in ecological restoration efforts, gaining firsthand experience in climate solutions. This episode not only sheds light on the significance of grassroots climate action but also emphasizes the role of education in nurturing the next generation of environmental stewards.ResourcesExplore the RISC Website for resources on how you and your community can get involved!Follow NWF on Instagram (@riscnyc1Access the standardized version of the RiSC Curriculum for a national audience focused on four climate impacts: coastal flooding, inland flooding, wildfires, and extreme heat, here: https://www.riscnyc.org/curriculum-1New York Amsterdam News highlighted the RISC program in their featured climate solutions front page editorial: “NYC High Schools Work to Protect Brooklyn’s Shoreline.” https://amsterdamnews.com/news/2025/05/22/nyc-high-schoolers-work-to-protect-brooklyns-shoreline/CBS News TV produced a piece about the RiSC beach grass plantings reaching millions of viewers, watch: "Students helping to restore sand dunes in Coney Island.” https://www.cbsnews.com/newyork/video/students-helping-to-restore-sand-dunes-in-coney-island/To see NWF students and volunteers in action, watch and share our documentary: Where it Floods: Planting Hope in Coney Island https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=KxNMYorttQQState of the Planet: Can Coney Island’s Dunes Protect Against Another Sandy? May 2026,
- Jun 24, 202620 min
Is Sustainability the New Business Imperative in the age of AI? ft. Stacy Cline
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Stacy Cline, the Senior Director of Sustainability at GitLab, to discuss the intersection of sustainability and corporate responsibility within the tech industry. Stacy shares her inspiring journey from the nonprofit sector to her pivotal role in shaping GitLab's sustainability initiatives. With a focus on environmental, social, and governance regulations, Stacy elaborates on how GitLab is not only ensuring compliance but also helping its customers meet their own sustainability goals.Stacy highlights the crucial role of intentionality in integrating sustainability into business practices. She discusses GitLab's Green DevOps Committee, which focuses on sustainable software development and innovative practices that address customer needs for lower emissions. The conversation delves into the challenges and opportunities of balancing AI innovation with sustainable practices, emphasizing that sustainability should be woven into the fabric of business objectives rather than treated as a separate initiative. This episode is packed with practical insights for organizations looking to embrace sustainability as a core component of their operations. You can access Gitlab's library here: AI catalog: https://gitlab.com/explore/ai-catalog/agents/. This link will pull up the 'green' agents and flows. - - Introduction to the Podcast - - Guest Introduction: Stacy Cline - - Stacy's Career Journey - - Overview of GitLab's Sustainability Goals - - Customer Expectations on Sustainability - - Connecting Sustainability to Business Goals - - Sustainability in a Software Company - - GitLab's Green DevOps Committee - - Balancing AI Innovation and Sustainability - - Responsible Use of AI at GitLab - - Vendor Collaboration on Sustainability - - Best Practices for Smaller Companies - - Importance of Cross-Functional Support - - GitLab's Open Source Community Engagement - - Conclusion and Final Thoughts - - Closing Word: Intentionality in Actions
- Jun 17, 202633 min
How Local Stewardship Drives Ocean Conservation: Insights from Zach Plopper
In this episode, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Zach Plopper, Senior Environmental Director at the Surfrider Foundation, who shares his inspiring journey of merging a passion for surfing with environmental activism. Growing up near the ocean in Solana Beach, California, Zach has dedicated his life to protecting the coastlines and ocean ecosystems that he cherishes. His experiences, from competitive surfing to his extensive work with various conservation organizations, highlight the profound connection between personal passion and professional purpose.Zach elaborates on the mission of the Surfrider Foundation, which aims to protect the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches through grassroots activism. He discusses the organization's initiatives focused on reducing plastic pollution, combating climate change, and ensuring clean water for beachgoers. Through local chapters and community engagement, Surfrider empowers individuals to advocate for their coastal environments, showcasing how local stewardship can lead to systemic changes. This episode is a call to action for all ocean lovers to engage in conservation efforts, emphasizing that every individual can make a difference in protecting our natural resources. - - Introduction to the Podcast - - Guest Introduction: Zach Plopper - - Zach's Background and Early Life - - Journey into Environmental Work - - Overview of Surfrider Foundation - - Surfrider's Mission and Goals - - Importance of Local Stewardship - - Notable Projects in Conservation - - Effective Conservation Strategies - - Community Engagement in Conservation - - Stakeholder Involvement and Challenges - - Keeping Teams Motivated - - Hopeful Future for Coastal Conservation - - Final Thoughts on Engagement - - Closing Remarks and Goodbye
- Jun 10, 202624 min
Can Students Lead the Way in Sustainability? Tom Twist Weighs In
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Thomas Twist, a sustainability innovator from Bates College. Thomas shares his unique journey into the field of sustainability, which includes an unexpected detour through a Buddhist monastery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness in tackling the often overwhelming challenges posed by climate change. Through his roles at the Chewonki Foundation and Bates College, Tom has pioneered hands-on, project-based learning experiences that empower students to engage meaningfully in sustainability efforts.The conversation dives deep into several pivotal projects that Tom has spearheaded, illustrating how experiential learning can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. Tom discusses the transformative power of involving students in real-world sustainability projects, such as transitioning Bates College to a carbon-neutral campus and implementing large-scale renewable energy solutions. He shares key insights on building trust with students, the importance of quick wins in sustainability initiatives, and how to foster a culture of sustainability on college campuses.Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for implementing sustainability practices in their own organizations, as well as inspiration from the optimism and initiative of the next generation of leaders. - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts - - Welcome and Introduction of Guest - - Thomas Twist's Background in Sustainability - - Journey to Sustainability Role - - Insights from Monastery Experience - - Pivotal Projects in Sustainability - - Hands-On Learning in Renewable Projects - - Transitioning Projects from Foundation to Bates - - Learning from Project Failures - - Large Scale Solar Project at Bates - - Establishing Trust with Students - - Eco Reps Program at Bates College - - Collaboration Among Colleges in Sustainability - - Unique Challenges on College Campuses - - Incentives for Student Engagement - - Strategies for Decarbonization and Sustainability - - Motivation and Inspiration in Sustainability Work - - Final Thoughts on Trust in Sustainability - - Closing Remarks and Thanks
- Jun 3, 202635 min
The Financial Upside of Sustainability: Alka Bhide Explains How
In this enlightening episode of *Green Shoots & Big Shifts*, host Reetu Gupta welcomes Alka Bhide, the head of climate research at Glass Lewis & Co. Alka shares her extensive background in sustainable finance and climate research, shedding light on the vital intersection of business performance and environmental responsibility. She discusses how companies can effectively integrate sustainability into their operations, moving beyond the pitfalls of greenwashing to achieve genuine progress. Alka emphasizes that sustainability should not be viewed as a separate initiative but rather as an integral component of business strategy. She explains how aligning climate strategies with financial performance can unlock significant value, allowing companies to thrive in a changing regulatory landscape. The conversation explores the importance of transparency, data-driven decision-making, and the role of leadership in driving successful climate initiatives. Listeners will walk away with actionable insights and a renewed sense of optimism about the future of sustainable business practices. - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts - - Welcoming Alka Bhide - - Alka's Background and Current Work - - Overview of Glass Lewis - - Climate Research and Financial Viability - - Financial Materiality and Sustainability - - The Risks of Greenwashing - - Typical Clients of Glass Lewis - - Good and Bad Investment Models - - Integration of Climate Strategies - - The Importance of Executive Buy-In - - Regulatory Trends in ESG - - Simplifying Reporting Requirements - - Importance of Data Collection - - Championing Sustainability Strategies - - Innovations in Climate Solutions - - Positive Externalities of Sustainable Practices - - Final Thoughts: The Importance of Integration
About Green Shoots & Big Shifts
Green Shoots & Big Shifts is hosted by Reetu Gupta, who started the show to have open, hopeful conversations about what it really takes to make sustainability part of how we live, lead, and work.Each week, she talks with people doing innovative, meaningful work, turning ideas into action. From startup founders and corporate change-makers to community leaders - reimagining how business, society, and the planet can thrive together.These are stories about innovation, collaboration, possibility, and the everyday shifts that move us toward a more abundant and resilient future.
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