#10 Are we overlooking a major source of emissions in embodied carbon?🏗️

#11 How does modular construction help solve the housing crisis? 🚧

Have you ever wondered what it would take to turn an office building into housing? In this episode of Fostering Our Earth 🌍, we explore the exciting world of modular construction to address the pressing housing crisis with Candice Delamarre [https://www.linkedin.com/in/candice-delamarre/], co-founder of Kit Switch [https://www.kitswitch.com/]. Joined by co-host Shikha Srinivas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-srinivas/], we discuss how Kit Switch’s modular design significantly speeds up the construction process, both for retrofitting existing buildings and for new buildings. A kitchen, for example, can be installed in just a day, minimizing disruption for tenants in existing apartment buildings undergoing renovation. This contrasts sharply with traditional renovation timelines that can take weeks, causing significant inconvenience and producing more waste. This episode builds on our previous episode on embodied carbon [https://www.fosteringourearth.com/p/10-embodied-carbon-with-luke-lombardi], where we discussed how reusing existing infrastructure reduces embodied carbon. The emissions associated with the manufacturing of building materials like concrete and steel are substantial. By focusing on retrofitting, we can leverage the "carbon investment" already made in these existing buildings. Instead of demolishing and building new, which generates significant waste, retrofitting offers a more sustainable pathway. If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to rate and review, wherever you’re listening! Subscribe to ⁠Fostering Our Earth⁠ [https://foe.beehiiv.com/subscribe], join the ⁠book club⁠ [https://fable.co/club/fostering-our-earth-with-awoe-ah-way-340426302374?referralID=T4VCyhbkER], and follow the ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fostering.our.earth/]! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fosteringourearth.com [https://www.fosteringourearth.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#10 Are we overlooking a major source of emissions in embodied carbon?🏗️

Imagine you've built the perfect carbon-free home: zero-emission appliances, solar panels on the roof, and even the most sustainable materials you could find—beautiful reclaimed wood sourced from Oregon and granite countertops [https://luxgranitetn.com/the-environmental-impact-of-granite-countertops-what-you-need-to-know/] from Vermont. But here's the catch: even if your home runs on clean energy, it's not truly carbon-free. Why? Because of embodied carbon—the hidden emissions tied to the energy used to mine, manufacture, and transport those materials. From the granite countertops to the wood beams, every material has a carbon footprint long before it reaches your home. In this episode of Fostering Our Earth 🌍, we dive into the world of embodied carbon—the emissions embedded in the materials and construction processes that shape our built environment. Joined by Luke Lombardi [https://www.linkedin.com/in/luke-lombardi-2050/], an expert on embodied carbon, and co-host Shikha Srinivas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-srinivas/], we explore why understanding and quantifying embodied carbon is critical to addressing climate change and how it reflects our consumptive and capitalistic cultures. Luke breaks down the carbon-intensive processes behind materials like concrete and steel. We also discuss innovative solutions, from adaptive reuse and circular economies to cutting-edge materials like novel cement and green steel. Plus, we explore the growing policy landscape, including California’s groundbreaking CalGreen embodied carbon code, and reflect on the importance of community-driven solutions and historic preservation in creating a more sustainable future. Resources: * Carbon Leadership Forum (CLF): [https://carbonleadershipforum.org/] A nonprofit organization working to reduce embodied carbon in the built environment. * Buy Clean California: [https://carbonleadershipforum.org/buy-clean-california-limits/] A policy initiative to reduce embodied carbon in public infrastructure projects. * All We Can Save [https://bookshop.org/p/books/all-we-can-save-truth-courage-and-solutions-for-the-climate-crisis-ayana-elizabeth-johnson/18834354?ean=9780593237083&next=t&next=t] x Ayana Elizabeth Johnson: A book featuring essays and poetry on climate solutions, mentioned by Luke. * Fire and Flood [https://bookshop.org/p/books/fire-and-flood-a-people-s-history-of-climate-change-from-1979-to-the-present-eugene-linden/d3w3YBy7gLbmJAi9?ean=9780593295724&next=t&digital=t] by Eugene Linden: A book discussing climate change and societal responses * California Straw Building Association (CASBA): [https://www.strawbuilding.org/] An organization promoting straw bale and natural building techniques. Subscribe to ⁠Fostering Our Earth⁠ [https://foe.beehiiv.com/subscribe], join the ⁠book club⁠ [https://fable.co/club/fostering-our-earth-with-awoe-ah-way-340426302374?referralID=T4VCyhbkER], and follow the ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fostering.our.earth/]! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fosteringourearth.com [https://www.fosteringourearth.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

#9 Climate Books and Podcasts to Inspire You 🫵🏾

Future ancestors, welcome to season two! In this episode, Awoe introduces Shikha Srinivas [https://www.linkedin.com/in/shikha-srinivas/], who will join Fostering Our Earth🌍 [http://fosteringourearth.com] this season as a co-host for a few episodes. As young professionals working in the climate and sustainability sector, they share some of their favorite books and podcasts that motivates their work. Kick back and get to know us a bit, the jokes we like to make, and add these recommendations to your list. Please note that this episode was originally recorded in January 2024 but a lot of the content is timeless (until we end our climate crisis, of course). Resources Below are links to all the books and podcast we shared. Book Recommendations: * Braiding Sweetgrass [https://bookshop.org/p/books/braiding-sweetgrass-robin-wall-kimmerer/16712606?ean=9781571313560&next=t&next=t] by Dr. Robin Wall Kimmerer is a memoir that interweaves Indigenous wisdom, scientific knowledge, and personal experiences to explore humanity's relationship with nature and advocate for environmental stewardship. * Fresh Banana Leaves [https://bookshop.org/p/books/fresh-banana-leaves-healing-indigenous-landscapes-through-indigenous-science-jessica-hernandez/16859402?ean=9781623176051&next=t&next=t] by Jessica Hernandez combines Indigenous knowledge with modern environmental science to address ecological issues and promote social justice. * All We Can Save [https://bookshop.org/p/books/all-we-can-save-truth-courage-and-solutions-for-the-climate-crisis-ayana-elizabeth-johnson/18834354?ean=9780593237083&next=t&next=t] edited by Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson and Dr. Katherine Wilkinson is an anthology that showcases diverse women's voices and perspectives on climate change solutions and environmental leadership. * Parable of the Sower [https://bookshop.org/p/books/parable-of-the-sower-octavia-e-butler/19767724?ean=9781538732182&next=t&next=t] by Octavia Butler is a dystopian novel set in a climate-ravaged future, following a young woman's journey as she forms a new belief system and community amidst societal collapse. * The Heat Will Kill You First [https://bookshop.org/p/books/the-heat-will-kill-you-first-life-and-death-on-a-scorched-planet-jeff-goodell/19058263?ean=9780316497572&next=t&next=t] by Jeff Goodell is a book that explores the devastating impacts of rising global temperatures on human health and society. * Poverty [https://bookshop.org/p/books/poverty-by-america-matthew-desmond/21003293?ean=9780593239933&next=t&next=t] by Matthew Desmond examines the systemic causes of poverty in America, arguing that it is not inevitable but created by unjust systems that benefit the affluent at the expense of the poor. * Paved Paradise [https://bookshop.org/p/books/paved-paradise-how-parking-explains-the-world-henry-grabar/18727296?ean=9781984881151&next=t&next=t] by Henry Grabar discusses how the parking crisis, stemming from car-centric design in the U.S., highlights how the need for car storage worsens issues like housing affordability and climate change, and suggests ways to alleviate the burden of parking on cities. Podcast Recommendations: * Drilled [https://drilled.media/] is a true-crime style podcast investigating the history of climate denial and fossil fuel industry propaganda, hosted by investigative journalist Amy Westervelt. * 99% Invisible [https://99percentinvisible.org/] is a show exploring the process and power of design and architecture to explain the world around us. * Hot Take [https://www.hottakepod.com/] is a show that looks at the climate crisis and how media and society discuss (or fail to discuss) climate issues. * Living Change with Andrea Learned [https://andrealearned.com/podcast/] is a show that interviews leaders who demonstrate their climate influence, a term Andrea coined to describe the power leaders have to practice what they preach and influence their followers. * Arrested Mobility [https://arrestedmobility.com/] explores the impacts of over-policing on Black mobility in the United States, examining how systemic racism restricts physical and social movement for Black people and other minorities. * UCLA Housing Voice [https://www.lewis.ucla.edu/programs/housing/ucla-housing-voice-podcast/] is a podcast that translates housing research to make cities more affordable, accessible, and equitable by discussing homelessness, housing policies, and urban development strategies. ~~ Music by Pumpupthemind on Pixabay [https://pixabay.com/music/upbeat-shooting-stars-291854/] Subscribe to ⁠Fostering Our Earth⁠ [https://foe.beehiiv.com/subscribe], join the ⁠book club⁠ [https://fable.co/club/fostering-our-earth-with-awoe-ah-way-340426302374?referralID=T4VCyhbkER], and follow the ⁠Instagram⁠ [https://www.instagram.com/fostering.our.earth/]! Peace, Awoe ✌🏾 This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fosteringourearth.com [https://www.fosteringourearth.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

Season Two Trailer

Fostering Our Earth is back for season two! This year, we’ll continue exploring key concepts that will be necessary for our transition into a more sustainable and climate resilient future. Each month, join me and our various experts to discuss topics such as embodied carbon, modular design, food and land justice, resilience planning and so much more! Be sure to subscribe to Fostering Our Earth on Substack to stay up date and you can listen to the podcast wherever you want! ~~ Music by Pumpupthemind [https://pixabay.com/music/beats-creative-technology-showreel-241274/] on Pixabay. This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fosteringourearth.com [https://www.fosteringourearth.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]

2024 Election Reflection: An Inflection Point and What's the Plan Now?✅

In this episode of Fostering Our Earth, Awoe is joined by Natalie Hernandez [https://www.linkedin.com/in/nataliemhernandez/] to reflect on Donald Trump's victory in the 2024 Presidential Election. They compare the emotional and political climate to 2016, discuss the Democratic Party's disconnect from its traditional base, and highlight the election's impact on environmental regulations, immigration, and the economy. Using their personal identities as a starting point, Awoe and Natalie share what they think this election means. With past Fostering Our Earth guests, Chris Asmar [https://www.linkedin.com/in/chrisasmar/] and Andrea Learned [https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrealearned/], also joining, the conversation emphasizes the importance and power of local community organizing, economic justice, and the interconnectedness between climate action with broader social justice movements! Resources: * Sign up for Natalie's environmental career coaching here [https://docs.google.com/forms/d/e/1FAIpQLSfs4CrMyRZWjODeGiy5B0Q4lWHzaMle-Rzf3LEAwU9JSmQjJw/viewform]. * The Daily: Bernie Sanders Says Democrats Have Lost Their Way [https://open.spotify.com/episode/2CjWtb5ifZYueOV1cVtFgN?si=skRb0ldFSYuX0Bl8x2tCrQ] * The Daily: Why Abortion Rights Won Even as Kamala Harris Lost [https://open.spotify.com/episode/40lsJ1njn8AYOgeGmar870?si=9HKMKYGIShOLIPk_K0CdNg] * The Ezra Klein Show: The End of the Obama Coalition [https://open.spotify.com/episode/7itwCTfaBELzltpatKfjgh?si=sCzscjQcRlqtImq7E6KSyQ] * What Now? with Trevor Noah: Harris v Trump: THe Day After with Tressie McMillan Cottom [https://open.spotify.com/episode/3mVUrUzuy9wCAWUTQuXtR5?si=0fQEMPp9SxKHgrgj73SnqQ] * https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2024-11-06/how-5-key-demographic-groups-helped-trump-win-the-2024-election [https://www.usnews.com/news/national-news/articles/2024-11-06/how-5-key-demographic-groups-helped-trump-win-the-2024-election] * https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1259186815/zz-1a [https://www.npr.org/2026/01/01/1259186815/zz-1a] * https://apnews.com/article/election-harris-trump-women-latinos-black-voters-0f3fbda3362f3dcfe41aa6b858f22d12 [https://apnews.com/article/election-harris-trump-women-latinos-black-voters-0f3fbda3362f3dcfe41aa6b858f22d12] Music: Music by FASSounds, Alana Jordan, and Dvir Silver all on Pixabay. Sound effect by freesound_community on Pixabay. Subscribe to ⁠Fostering Our Earth [https://fosteringourearth.substack.com]⁠ and follow the ⁠Instagram [https://www.instagram.com/fostering.our.earth/]⁠! This is a public episode. If you would like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit www.fosteringourearth.com [https://www.fosteringourearth.com?utm_medium=podcast&utm_campaign=CTA_1]