Can a childhood spent in nature spark a lifelong passion for sustainability? For Neil Drobny, it certainly did.

Neil Drobny is the program director of the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University. Neil's interest in sustainability began in his childhood, when he was a Boy Scout. He worked as a consultant at Battelle for many years, helping companies to implement sustainable practices. He joined the faculty at Ohio State University in 2004 to teach sustainability courses. He founded the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact in 2022. The Bronco Challenge is a competition for students to develop innovative solutions to sustainability problems. Neil also talks about the importance of sustainability in business and the challenges of getting businesses to adopt more sustainable practices.

Episode in a glance

-Introducing Neil Drobny
-Neil's Early Influences: The Boy Scout Ethos
-Navy Experience and First Patent for A Toilet for the Antarctic
-Career at Battelle & Environmental Projects
-Sustainability in Business & the Rise of Corporate Social Responsibility
-Consulting Career with ERM & Working with Companies to Implement Sustainable Practices
-Starting ERM in the Midwest
-Developing Sustainability Curricula at Ohio State University
-The EEDS Program
-Common Misconceptions About Sustainability
-The Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact

About Neil Drobny

Neil Drobny is a passionate advocate for sustainability with a diverse background in business, academia, and environmental consulting. He is the program director of the Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact at Western Michigan University, a program that empowers student teams to develop innovative solutions to pressing environmental problems. Neil was a key contributor in the development of the EEDS (Environment, Economy, Development, and Sustainability) program at Ohio State University, which has become a leading sustainability-focused major. Neil has a long history of working with businesses and organizations to adopt more sustainable practices, bringing a deep understanding of both the practical and theoretical aspects of environmental issues. He is dedicated to fostering a new generation of sustainability leaders and inspiring change through hands-on learning and impactful programs.

Connect with Neil Drobny & The Bronco Challenge for Sustainable Impact

→ https://wmich.edu/sustainability/initiatives/broncochallenge

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Erin Shaffer, a manager at Kalypso (a Rockwell Automation company), building a thriving sustainability service line within a consulting firm. Starting with a simple conversation amongst colleagues and their desire for sustainable change, to landing major clients and gaining significant leadership buy-in, Erin details the entire process, sharing both the challenges and the triumphs. She lays out the types of sustainability and energy management projects Kalypso undertakes, the key factors motivating companies to invest in sustainability, and the strategic approach they take. Hear how Kalypso is making a tangible impact, and share Erin's optimism to integrate sustainability into the heart of corporations.

Episode in a glance

- Kalypso's Service Lines and Sustainability Initiatives
- The Birth of the Sustainability Group
- Energy Management and Sustainability Projects
- Motivations Behind Corporate Sustainability
- Internal Challenges and Building Support
- Key Milestones in Developing the Sustainability Group
- Rockwell Acquisition of Kalypso
- Balancing Client Work and Sustainability Efforts
- Measuring Sustainability Impact
- Future Vision for Sustainability in Corporations
- Connecting with Erin Shaffer & Kalypso

About Erin Shaffer

Erin Shaffer is a sustainability champion and management consultant at Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, Erin has dedicated her career to integrating sustainability into both her personal and professional life. From her early work with Star House to her current role spearheading the development of a dedicated sustainability service line at Kalypso, Erin has consistently sought ways to blend her business acumen with a commitment to environmental responsibility. She believes in the power of collaborative action and is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

Connect with Erin Shaffer and her work at Kalypso

→ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-halleran-shaffer/

→ https://kalypso.com/

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Erin Shaffer is a Green Champion who co-leads the sustainability and energy management service line at Kalypso, a consulting firm acquired by Rockwell Automation. Erin shares her passion for sustainability, which was rooted in her upbringing and her experiences with social impact initiatives throughout college. She highlights her journey from working with organizations like GiveBackHack and Star House to establishing a sustainable consulting practice within a large corporation. Erin discusses the challenges and triumphs of developing a shared passion for sustainability within her team and the importance of finding agency to pursue what you're passionate about. With a shared passion and a collaborative spirit, Erin and her colleagues transformed a casual conversation into a driving force for positive change, ultimately contributing to the growth of a sustainable practice within a Fortune 500 company.

Episode in a glance

- Erin's Social Impact Work at Ohio State
- Star House and Its Work Programs
- From Social Impact to Sustainability
- What Does Management Consulting Really Mean?
- The Moment Erin's Team Realized They Could Have a Larger Impact
- Erin's Approach to Execution
- How Erin's Upbringing Shaped Her Passions
- Advice for Finding Agency and Pursuing Your Passions

About Erin Shaffer

Erin Shaffer is a sustainability champion and management consultant at Kalypso, a Rockwell Automation business. With a background in finance and a passion for social impact, Erin has dedicated her career to integrating sustainability into both her personal and professional life. From her early work with Star House to her current role spearheading the development of a dedicated sustainability service line at Kalypso, Erin has consistently sought ways to blend her business acumen with a commitment to environmental responsibility. She believes in the power of collaborative action and is dedicated to helping businesses achieve their sustainability goals.

Connect with Erin Shaffer and her work at Kalypso

→ https://www.linkedin.com/in/erin-halleran-shaffer/

→ https://kalypso.com/

Send us a message!

What are the three types of social capital, and how can understanding them help you become a better advocate for sustainability?

Joe Campbell, senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources and director of the Environmental Professionals Network, returns for a masterclass on social capital. He defines the concept, explaining how it refers to the value of relationships, and explores the three key types of social capital: bonding, bridging, and linking. He explains how nurturing strong family and friend networks, connecting with people from diverse backgrounds, and leveraging relationships with those in positions of power can all contribute to positive change.

He emphasizes the importance of recognizing and actively building upon all three types of social capital, providing practical tips and advice for nurturing relationships, fostering connections, and leveraging networks to create positive change.

Episode at a glance

01:52 Understanding Social Capital
03:15 Types of Social Capital: Bonding, Bridging, and Linking
07:38 Networking and Building Relationships
08:11 Not sure if this should be edited out
14:00 Linking Social Capital in Action
19:07 How to Connect with Joe Campbell

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and his work

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

→ https://125benefit.com/

→ https://www.youtube.com/@environmentalprofessionals1141

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2Joe Campbell shares his journey from a study abroad program in Ghana to establishing his own consulting company, Development Consulting International. He then talks about how he came to teach the Ghana study abroad course and continue to work on community development projects in both Ghana and the US. He explains the importance of building a shared understanding of what community development means in practice, highlighting the need to consider both the physical environment and the social and cultural aspects of a place.

Joe talks about the challenges of transitioning the Environmental Professionals Network to a virtual format during the pandemic and how they successfully adapted to continue connecting people and supporting their work. He describes the network's mission and its impact on fostering collaboration among environmental professionals in Ohio.

He then introduces his new venture, one.two.five Benefit Corporation, which aims to incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices that increase soil carbon storage. He discusses the emergence of the soil carbon credit market, the challenges of measuring carbon storage, and the development of a regional conservation partnership program that is paying farmers for healthy soil.

Episode in a glance

- International Journey to Ghana and Network Building
- Defining Community Development
- The Environmental Professionals Network
- From Research Posters to Real-World Impact
- Paying Farmers for Healthy Soil

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and his work with EPN and one.two.five Benefit Corporation

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

→ https://125benefit.com/

Send us a message!

Joe Campbell is more than just a professor at Ohio State University. He's a passionate advocate for community building and a firm believer in the power of listening. Joe's unique approach to sustainability goes beyond just studying the environment – he understands that the key to creating positive change is fostering strong connections and valuing the perspectives of others. He encourages us to move beyond the "I" and embrace the "we," reminding us that we are interconnected and that our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknesses. Joe's work with the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State is a testament to his commitment to building community and fostering collaboration, creating spaces where people feel heard and valued.

Episode in a Glance

- Joe's Roles and the Environmental Professionals Network
- Early Influences: Family, Public Health, and Community
- A Surprising Journey Into Academia
- Hospitalization, Vulnerability, and Interdependence
- Shaping Shared Environmental Resources
- Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Validation
- The Power of Letting Perspectives Shape Actions
- Building Upon Strengths and Confronting Weaknesses
- Embracing Interdependence and Collaboration
- Making People Feel Heard and Valued

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and OSU Environmental Professionals Network

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

Send us a message!

Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist and PhD candidate shares her passion for studying harmful chemicals in our environment, focusing on microplastics and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." She explains the alarming extent of their presence, from our clothing to our drinking water, and the potential long-term health implications they pose. Brittanie also sheds light on the challenges scientists face in studying these emerging contaminants due to the limited knowledge and the rapid pace of product development. Despite these challenges, Brittanie highlights her successes in research and community education, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed choices and advocate for change. She shares how her research has contributed to policy discussions and legal proceedings, demonstrating the real-world impact of scientific work.

Beyond research, Brittanie has founded Ecosphere Organics, a venture that transforms food waste into valuable raw materials for various industries. This innovative solution not only tackles the issue of waste but also offers sustainable alternatives to harmful plastics and chemicals.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Renewed Focus on Environmental Toxicology
- Why Microplastics and PFAS Are Pressing Concerns
- Challenges of Studying Emerging Contaminants
- Successes in Research and Community Education
- Impact of Knowledge on Personal Choices
- Contributions to Legislation and Policy Discussions
- Hopes for Quick Change in Product Regulation
- Ecosphere Organics: Transforming Food Waste into Raw Materials
- Ideal Customers and Future Goals of Ecosphere Organics
- Resources for Learning About Environmental Contaminants
- Connecting with Brittanie and Supporting Ecosphere Organics

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

Send us a message!

Have you ever wondered how the chemicals in our environment impact our health and ecosystems? Meet Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of contaminants in our waterways and inspiring the next generation of Green Champions.

Brittanie Dabney's journey as an environmental scientist began in the heart of Detroit, where she witnessed the stark contrast between urban pollution and the natural beauty of camping trips with her family. This early exposure to environmental disparities fueled her passion for understanding the effects of contaminants on living organisms.

Today, Brittanie is a PhD candidate in biology and urban sustainability, focusing her research on the critical issue of PFAS and microplastics in our water supply. Her work takes her from the lab to the field, conducting experiments to understand how contaminants behave and impact aquatic life. She's also passionate about bridging the gap between science and the public, inspiring young people to explore the diverse career paths within environmental science.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Early Inspirations Growing Up in Detroit
- Her Academic Journey from Marine to Freshwater Biology
- Balancing Field Research and Lab Work
- What is Environmental Toxicology?
- Why Environmental Toxicology is So Important
- How Research Can Be Applied to Improve Regulations and Practices
- What the General Public Can Do to Make a Positive Impact
- The Importance of Representation and Diversity in Environmental Science
- How to Connect with Brittanie and Support Her Work

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

Send us a message!