Episode from Hazard NJ Podcast: "First a Miracle, Then a Curse"
Release Date: 01/03/2025
Ep 95: The State of ESG in 2026
Sustainability Defined
We cut through the noise and jargon to define what ESG actually is and what it isn't. ESG feels like a sea of acyromns and alphabet soup, we help you understand the state of the current landscape and different reporting frameworks. Whether you're new to sustainability reporting or a seasoned professional, join us as Marcy Twete of Veerless helps us breaks down the fundamentals in clear, accessible terms that anyone can understand. We explore how the current administration's policies are reshaping corporate ESG strategies and what companies can expect in the months ahead. From regulatory...
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Ep 94: 2025 Holiday Hodge Podge
Sustainability Defined
In this festive year-end episode, Cecilia and Nethra are mixing it all together, personal updates, podcast reflections, and the sustainability success stories that made us smile this year. From quirky innovations to feel-good climate wins, we’re spotlighting the moments that brought a little extra hope to 2025. We also share our favorite tips for sustainable gift-giving, low-waste holiday traditions, and simple ways to keep the season joyful without going overboard. Think of it as your cozy, low-pressure guide to celebrating with intention. Grab a warm drink and join us for a cheerful,...
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Ep 93: Sustainability at the Thanksgiving Table - Joy, Burnout, and Hope (ft. Soapbox Project)
Sustainability Defined
This week on Sustainability Defined, Cecilia and Nethra are bringing the conversation to the Thanksgiving table. We’re breaking down how to talk about the climate crisis with the people we love, tackling eco-guilt and burnout, and navigating hope. Join us for a chat with Nivi Achanta, the founder of The Soapbox Project , about the power of remaining joyful when approaching sustainability and community in fueling collective action. Tune in for a grounded, honest convo that’ll leave you feeling connected and ready to spark change.
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Atypical Ep. 11: The Green Skills Gap (ft. Leafr)
Sustainability Defined
In the hot seat this week - Nick Valenzia, Co-Founder of Leafr. We sat down with Nick to understand the "Green Skills Gap" and what that means in an economy where getting a job in sustainability feels so difficult. How is AI influencing the green jobs market? How is the lack of specialized sustainability professionals holding back global climate goals? What do professionals need to be aware of in order to succeed? What is this gap? Nethra and Cecilia also explore how Leafr is building the world’s largest network of independent sustainability specialists and curating the only...
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Ep 92: Hot Commodities: Matcha (ft. Wild Orchard Tea)
Sustainability Defined
Matcha, it’s everywhere, from your morning latte to the latest wellness trend. But what does it really take to bring this vibrant green powder from farm to cup, and what can its journey teach us about sustainability? In this week’s episode, Nethra and Cecilia peel back the layers of matcha’s story tracing its production, supply chain, and booming global consumption. They explore how centuries-old traditions are colliding with modern demand, and why the way we grow and source matcha matters for people, planet, and the future of tea. This episode also features a special interview with...
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Episode from Source of Good Podcast: "From Farm to Closet: The Icon Coat by Eileen Fisher"
Sustainability Defined
This week, we’re doing a podcast swap with our friends over at Source of Good! Source of Good is a podcast that goes beyond the label of your favorite products, uncovering all the ingenious ways they’re being made better for the planet, people, and our future. In each episode, brands and manufacturers break down how they’re tackling sustainability challenges and creating real impact. We’re sharing their episode “From Farm to Closet: The Icon by Eileen Fisher,” which explores how this timeless piece of clothing is crafted with intention, from regenerative farms to sustainable...
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Ep. 91: Navigating NYC Climate Week (ft. Climate Film Fest)
Sustainability Defined
In this episode of Sustainability Defined, we’re taking you inside NYC Climate Week 2025, one of the biggest sustainability events of the year. We’ll share tips on how to navigate the overwhelming mix of panels, networking sessions, and activations, and give you a sneak peek into the events we’ll be attending ourselves! But that’s not all. This episode also features a special interview with the founders of the NYC Climate Film Festival, an innovative platform using the power of storytelling to bring climate issues to life. Together, we explore how mass media, film, social platforms,...
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Ep. 90: The Farm to Table Movement (with Chef Ariane Daguin)
Sustainability Defined
Farm to Table — sounds obvious, right? But how did something so seemingly simple become such a radical act? In this week's episode, Nethra and Cecilia unpack the history, philosophy, and misconceptions surrounding the farm-to-table movement — from its roots in counterculture to its current role in shaping sustainable food systems. They explore how industrial agriculture and globalized supply chains have created a deep disconnect between eaters and the land, and why “local” isn’t just a buzzword, but a call to reimagine what food can be. This episode also features a special interview...
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Ep. 89: Sunscreen 101: Reef-safe, SPF, Myths and Impact on Marine Life (ft. Surfrider Foundation)
Sustainability Defined
Sunscreen usage has risen exponentially over the last decade - and with summer finally here, and are exploring the impacts of sunscreen on our bodies and marine life. How does sunscreen break down in our ecosystems? What is "Reef-Safe"? What are the solutions to the accumulation of sunscreens in our coral reefs and marine habitats? What is the difference between SPF 30 and 50? Definers, tune into this month's episode as we explore these topics and hear from our expert guest , Senior Manager of Science and Policy at the . Special guests include from - a sunscreen company...
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Ep. 88: The Plastic Trail of Your Online Order - and the Seaweed Alternative
Sustainability Defined
Online shopping is convenient, but at what cost?! In this episode, we explore the massive plastic footprint hidden in your doorstep deliveries, from poly mailers to mixed-material packaging that often ends up in landfills. Cecilia and Nethra break down the environmental toll of e-commerce and spotlight the innovative seaweed-based alternative offered by cleantech startup SWAY. Don’t miss our interview with Alyssa Pace, SWAY’s Communications Lead, as we dive into how compostable packaging and seaweed/nature based solutions could help reshape the future of sustainable shipping.
info_outlineHappy New Year, Definers! This month we are continuing our break and sharing a podcast episode from an Uproot Project member, independent podcast producer and investigative journalist - Jordan Gass-Poore'.
“Hazard NJ” is an NJ Spotlight News podcast that examines serious pollution issues. Season 2 dives deep into the crisis of toxic pollution caused by PFAS, or “forever chemicals,” around New Jersey and beyond. Subscribe to the podcast on Apple Podcasts, Spotify, Amazon Music and more.
We hope you enjoy it!
As a reminder, we are still doubling donations to the Uproot Project up to the first $500. Email your donation receipt to hosts@sustainabilitydefined.com, and we will double it!
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Episode Description: Hazard NJ: S2, E1: First a Miracle, Then a Curse
It was 1938 at a DuPont laboratory in far South Jersey when scientists stumbled upon the chemical that would become known as Teflon. The accidental discovery became a scientific miracle, laying the groundwork for an entirely new class of incredibly durable chemicals that would be used for all sorts of purposes. But that progress came with a toxic hidden cost that has only recently become fully understood. Now, the small town where it all started is on the front lines of a global pollution crisis.
Credits:
HAZARD N-J IS AN N-J SPOTLIGHT NEWS PRODUCTION… YOU CAN SUPPORT OUR REPORTING BY HEADING TO N-J SPOTLIGHT NEWS DOT ORG SLASH DONATE.
THE SHOW IS WRITTEN… EDITED… AND HOSTED BY ME… JORDAN GASS-POORE.
MICHAEL SOL WARREN CONTRIBUTED REPORTING. HE ALSO CO WROTE AND PRODUCED ALL EPISODES.
JAMES KRAFT IS THE EXECUTIVE PRODUCER WITH N-J SPOTLIGHT NEWS.
OUR EXECUTIVE IN CHARGE OF PRODUCTION IS JOE LEE.
CHLOE MOTISI IS OUR PRODUCTION MANAGER.
ADDITIONAL RESEARCH WAS DONE BY JUDAH DUKE.
OUR SOUND DESIGNER AND ENGINEER IS MARK BUSH.
MUSIC FOR HAZARD N-J WAS COMPOSED BY NICK PENNINGTON.
ARTWORK BY MATTHEW FLEMING.
SPECIAL THANKS TO THE SCIENCE HISTORY INSTITUTE IN PHILADELPHIA FOR PROVIDING THE ORAL HISTORY INTERVIEW OF DUPONT SCIENTIST ROY PLUNKETT…
…ARROW FILMS FOR THE USE OF THE CRAZIES TRAILER…
AND THE HAGLEY LIBRARY FOR THE TEFLON RELATED AUDIO CLIPS.