How Religious Communities Are Saving the Planet and Their Budgets (PART 1) | Episode 7

Can Cheesecake Save the Planet? | Episode 9

In this episode of Ecophonia, I sat down with Jennifer Saltzman, founder of Jennifer Pennifer Bakes, a boutique bakery in Los Angeles known for its mini cheesecakes. However, what’s more interesting than the cheesecakes is the unwavering commitment to sustainability Jennifer has.  Jennifer’s bakery may be small, but her impact has ripple effects. From composting and sourcing from farmers markets, to ditching plastic in favor of cardboard and bamboo, she’s built a business that proves sustainability can be baked into every step of the process (pun intended). If you’ve ever wondered how sustainability fits into the food world — or just want to hear someone talk passionately about cheesecake — this episode is for you. Ecophonia Episode 9 | Jennifer Pennifer Bakes | Jennifer Saltzman --- Connect With Jennifer Pennifer Bakes Website [https://www.jenniferpenniferbakes.com/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/jenniferpenniferbakes/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/JenniferPenniferBakes/] Connect With Me Ecophonia YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ecophonia] Ecophonia Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7onGt2dQBLKGvvM9u8CO3G?si=5a6586dd3e534404] Ecophonia Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecophonia/id1803255073] Ecophonia Instagram: @ecophonia.pod [https://www.instagram.com/ecophonia.pod/] Host Instagram: @videogriffin [https://www.instagram.com/videogriffin/] --- Resources and References:  Trinidad Coffee Company [https://www.trinidadcoffee.us/]  Too Good To Go [https://www.toogoodtogo.com/en-us] Costco [https://www.costco.com/]  Smart & Final  [https://www.smartandfinal.com/sm/delivery/rsid/522] Rodelle Baking Cocoa [https://www.rodellekitchen.com/products/organic-baking-cocoa/]

How Religious Communities Are Saving the Planet and Their Budgets (PART 2) | Episode 8

In this episode of Ecophonia, I continue my conversation with Marqus Cole, the Organizing Director at Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL) (and you can check out PART 1 here [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecophonia/id1803255073?i=1000706502169]). GIPL is committed to inspiring and equipping communities of faith in Georgia to tackle climate issues with practical solutions. This is PART 2 of our discussion, where we discuss the intersection of faith and environmental advocacy, exploring how faith communities can play a pivotal role in addressing climate change. In this episode, Marqus shares insights into GIPL's advocacy efforts at both the federal and local levels, highlighting the importance of collective action and the role of faith communities in influencing policy. We discuss the challenges of bridging the gap between faith and environmentalism and how embracing both can lead to significant progress in sustainability efforts. Whether you're a person of faith or not, this episode offers valuable perspectives on how we can all contribute to a more sustainable future. Ecophonia Episode 8 | Georgia Interfaith Power and Light | Marqus Cole | PART 2 --- Sign Up For GIPL’s In-Person Power Hour(s) [https://gipl.org/events/soa-powerhours1] --- Connect With Georgia Interfaith Power and Light Website [https://gipl.org/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GeorgiaIPL/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaIPL] Connect With Me Ecophonia YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ecophonia] Ecophonia Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7onGt2dQBLKGvvM9u8CO3G?si=5a6586dd3e534404] Ecophonia Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecophonia/id1803255073] Ecophonia Instagram: @ecophonia.pod [https://www.instagram.com/ecophonia.pod/] Host Instagram: @videogriffin [https://www.instagram.com/videogriffin/] --- Resources and References:  Drawdown Georgia [https://www.drawdownga.org/] Georgia Power [https://www.georgiapower.com/] Public Service Commission [https://psc.ga.gov/] Inflation Reduction Act [https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022] Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684] EPA (Environmental Protection Agency) [https://www.epa.gov/] Yale Program on Climate Change Communication [https://climatecommunication.yale.edu/]

How Religious Communities Are Saving the Planet and Their Budgets (PART 1) | Episode 7

In this episode of Ecophonia, I had the pleasure of speaking with Marqus Cole, the Organizing Director at Georgia Interfaith Power and Light (GIPL), an organization dedicated to inspiring and equipping communities of faith to engage with climate issues and implement practical climate solutions across Georgia. We had a wonderful and extensive conversation, so this episode is split into two parts. In this part, discover how GIPL's initiatives are not only promoting sustainable practices but saving houses of worship substantial money that they can then use for more important work. Additionally, Marqus also discusses the critical role of the Public Service Commission in Georgia's energy landscape and how advocacy efforts can influence policy decisions. Whether you’re a person of faith or not or whether you’re a Georgia resident or not, this episode is jam-packed with helpful information you can apply to your life and community. Ecophonia Episode 7 | Georgia Interfaith Power and Light | Marqus Cole | PART 1 --- Connect With Georgia Interfaith Power and Light Website [https://gipl.org/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/GeorgiaIPL/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/GeorgiaIPL] Connect With Me Ecophonia YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ecophonia] Ecophonia Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7onGt2dQBLKGvvM9u8CO3G?si=5a6586dd3e534404] Ecophonia Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecophonia/id1803255073] Ecophonia Instagram: @ecophonia.pod [https://www.instagram.com/ecophonia.pod/] Host Instagram: @videogriffin [https://www.instagram.com/videogriffin/] --- Resources and References: Virtual Summer of Advocacy Kickoff [https://gipl.org/events/gtr-may2025] In-Person Power Hours(s) [https://gipl.org/events/soa-powerhours1] Evangelical Environmental Network [https://creationcare.org/] Drawdown Georgia [https://www.drawdownga.org/] Georgia Bright Program [https://capitalgoodfund.org/bright/] Georgia Power [https://www.georgiapower.com/] Public Service Commission [https://psc.ga.gov/] Inflation Reduction Act [https://www.irs.gov/inflation-reduction-act-of-2022] Bipartisan Infrastructure Law [https://www.congress.gov/bill/117th-congress/house-bill/3684] GEFA (Georgia Environmental Finance Authority) [https://gefa.georgia.gov/] IRP (Integrated Resource Plan) [https://www.georgiapower.com/about/company/filings/irp.html]

What Is Actually In Our Rivers (And Why It Matters) | Episode 6

In this episode of Ecophonia, I spoke with Tammy Bates, the Outings Director at Chattahoochee Riverkeeper, an organization dedicated to the protection and preservation of the Chattahoochee River, the most important water source in Georgia. Tammy discusses the challenges of river cleanups, notably the illegal dumping of tires and trash, and the importance of community involvement in maintaining healthy waterways. Discover the significance of the annual "Sweep the Hooch" event, which mobilizes thousands of volunteers to clean up the river and its tributaries. Tammy highlights the tangible impact these cleanups have on both the environment and the participants, fostering a sense of community and responsibility. I also had the pleasure of participating in a cleanup prior to recording this episode and can vouch for how fun they are to do (even if you do find cursed objects). Ecophonia Episode 6 | Chattahoochee Riverkeeper | Tammy Bates --- Connect With Chattahoochee Riverkeeper Website [https://chattahoochee.org/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/crkeeper] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/chattahoocheeriverkeeper/] Connect With Me Ecophonia YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ecophonia] Ecophonia Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7onGt2dQBLKGvvM9u8CO3G?si=297855be2b7444fc] Ecophonia Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecophonia/id1803255073] Ecophonia Instagram: @ecophonia.pod [https://www.instagram.com/ecophonia.pod/] Host Instagram: @videogriffin [https://www.instagram.com/videogriffin/] --- Resources and References: Chattahoochee River [https://chattahoochee.org/our-river/] Waterkeeper Alliance [https://waterkeeper.org/] Sweep the Hooch [https://chattahoochee.org/sweep-the-hooch/] Hollywood Cemetery [https://www.findagrave.com/cemetery/34588/hollywood-cemetery] Proctor Creek [https://www.epa.gov/urbanwaterspartners/urban-waters-and-proctor-creek-watershedatlanta-georgia] Smyrna Tire [https://www.smyrnatire.com/] Center for Hard to Recycle Materials (CHaRM) [https://livethrive.org/charm/] R.M. Clayton Plant [https://chattahoochee.org/blog/water-quality-unsafe-downstream-of-atlanta-wastewater-treatment-plant/]

Food Doesn’t Have To Be Complicated | Episode 5

Imagine a world where the food you eat isn't just about convenience or appearance, but about understanding and connection. In today's episode, we explore why many of us are disconnected from our food, the myths that cloud our perceptions, and the surprising truth about what nature offers right outside our door. From dandelions to local farmer's markets, join us as we uncover the hidden stories behind what we eat and why it's time to rethink our relationship with food. In this episode, we dive into the world of urban farming with Katie Kissel, Co-Chair of Unearthing Farm and Market in Atlanta, and explore how this hidden gem is redefining what  food can be to the average person and building a true community. Unearthing isn't just an urban oasis; it's a model for sustainable living and community building. Katie shares the farm's journey from a neglected plot of land to a thriving hub of agricultural innovation and education. We discuss the challenges and triumphs of growing food sustainably, the importance of connecting young minds to agriculture through their internship program, and the surprising benefits of eating local produce. This episode also features a tour of the farm (with video of cute baby goats). You can find the farm tour in the chapters. Ecophonia Episode 5 | Unearthing Farm and Market  | Katie Kissel — Connect With Unearthing Farm and Market Website [https://unearthingatl.org/] Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/unearthingfarmandmarket/] Facebook [https://www.facebook.com/unearthingatl/] Connect With Me Ecophonia YouTube [https://www.youtube.com/@ecophonia] Ecophonia Spotify [https://open.spotify.com/show/7onGt2dQBLKGvvM9u8CO3G?si=06d641e42b66452c] Ecophonia Apple Podcasts [https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/ecophonia/id1803255073] Ecophonia Instagram: @ecophonia.pod [https://www.instagram.com/ecophonia.pod/] Host Instagram: @videogriffin [https://www.instagram.com/videogriffin/] — Resources and References: Community Farmers Markets [https://cfmatl.org/] Gardens for Growing Communities [https://gardens4growingcommunity.com/] Community Food Scapes [https://communityfoodscapes.org/] Trees Atlanta [https://www.treesatlanta.org/] El Tesoro [https://www.eltesoroatl.com/]