Sustainability In Progress (SIP)

Today we had the opportunity to chat with the CEO of Natoora, Franco Fubini. Franco’s recent book, In Search of the Perfect Peach, explores how flavor and seasonality could hold the key to a more sustainable food system. He argues that when we push produce out of their natural seasons, we compromise taste, nutrient density, and the environment. We have also created a food system where our produce and fruit are increasingly flat, bland, and dull, and generally uninspiring. But the solution to more flavorful, rich, and sustainable produce might be within reach!

We are joined by Etelle Higonnet, who has an incredibly storied background and today, she shares her view on how the sector can become more sustainable, address environmental and social risks, and how we as consumers can make more informed choices. She is currently founding an NGO called Coffee Watch to reform coffee industry abuses like deforestation and slavery. Her work spans a broad range of environmental issues including climate, ecological agriculture, environmental justice and forest protection, and she has also dedicated a large portion of her career to human rights. And here’s the link to the Chocolate Scorecard Etelle discusses: https://www.chocolatescorecard.com/scorecards/ [https://www.chocolatescorecard.com/scorecards/]

Welcome to our last episode of 2024! Today we speak with Henry Gordon-Smith, Founder and CEO of Agritecture, an advisory and technology firm specializing in climate-smart agriculture. Our conversation explores the prospects for vertical farming and climate smart agriculture in reducing the environmental impacts of food systems and the role of emerging technologies in reshaping the way we feed a growing population.

In our latest episode, we are joined by the explorer Andi Cross and dive deep (pun-intended) into her adventurous journey which blends her expertise in growth strategy with a passion for ocean conservation. Hear how she’s leveraging her unique background to empower organizations on the frontlines of climate change, particularly within the ocean nonprofit sector. From adrenaline-pumping blackwater dives to her upcoming Arctic ice dives, she shares captivating tales of exploration and the critical importance of coastal health for global communities. We also explore the double-edged sword of tourism—its economic benefits and its impact on ecosystems—and the importance of conscious exploration. We’ll also talk to Andi about how she selects her expeditions, focusing on partnerships with local stakeholders to support restoration efforts.

Join us as we dive into the climate risks and impacts of the coffee sector with our guests, Dr. Ivette Perfecto and Dr. Amanda Caudill. From exploring the effects of shade-grown cultivation to discussing innovative solutions within agroforestry, we uncover how coffee’s journey from bean to cup influences biodiversity, climate resilience, and farmer livelihoods. On the social front, the climate crisis is making a business with already-slim margins even harder to navigate for smallholders, all while premium cups seem to get more expensive, creating a puzzling disconnect. We’ll get to all these topics in detail in this conversation!  Plus, for this episode we have a fun blooper segment with a coffee taste test you won’t want to miss! Tune in to learn how you can make more sustainable choices with your daily brew.