Can you imagine a future where clean energy access is the norm, creating thriving communities and a healthier planet? John McNamara is making this vision a reality through solar innovation and commitment to social impact.

John McNamara, Chief Operations Officer of Appalachian Renewable Power (ARP), is a champion of change in the solar industry. His journey underscores that you don't have to be a solar expert to make a difference – sometimes the greatest impact comes from bringing your unique skills and passions to the sustainability movement. John dives into ARP's innovative solar projects: from groundbreaking floating solar arrays to the exciting potential of "agrivoltaics" (combining solar panels with agriculture). He explains the basics of solar power, its benefits, and how landmark legislation like the Inflation Reduction Act is revolutionizing the industry.

Episode in a glance

- John's role as COO at Appalachian Renewable Power (ARP Solar)
- Exploring different types of solar installations, including floating solar and Agrivoltaics - Solar 101: Understanding the basics and benefits of solar technology
- The Inflation Reduction Act's impact on domestic solar manufacturing
- The power of solar in providing energy independence and cost savings
- ARP Solar's focus on workforce development and social impact
- Advice on being patient and building blocks towards creating positive change

About John McNamara

John McNamara is the Chief Operations Officer at Appalachian Renewable Power, a solar installation company in Ohio. He's passionate about solving environmental challenges and advancing renewable energy solutions equitably. Previously, John spearheaded sustainability initiatives at Nationwide, advocating for a dedicated department. His journey showcases aligning one's values and career for environmental impact.

Connect with John McNamara and learn more about ARP & Green Columbus

Website → https://arp-solar.com/

Instagram → https://www.facebook.com/ARPSolar

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ARPSolar

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ARPSolar-cf3zv

Green Columbus → https://www.greencbus.org/

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Can you imagine starting every day knowing you're making a tangible impact on climate change through renewable energy solutions? That's the inspiring reality for John McNamara, Chief Operations Officer at Appalachian Renewable Power.

John is a force for positive environmental change. His passion for sustainability took him from a career path few would expect into a leadership role in the solar industry. Today, he champions innovative solar projects, such as Ohio's first-ever floating solar array, and works to make sustainability accessible to all. Learn about his journey, the power of intersectional environmentalism, and the ways we can all build a more sustainable future.

Episode in a glance

- John's unlikely start in sustainability and his focus on solving real-world problems
- Lessons from John's brother and overcoming the "pedigree" barrier
- Intersectional environmentalism and creating a sustainable world for everyone
- How John built a sustainability movement within a large organization
- Balancing patience and persistence when pushing for change in legacy organizations
- Aligning your values, joy, and work for maximum impact

About John McNamara

John McNamara is the Chief Operations Officer at Appalachian Renewable Power, a solar installation company in Ohio. He's passionate about solving environmental challenges and advancing renewable energy solutions equitably. Previously, John spearheaded sustainability initiatives at Nationwide, advocating for a dedicated department. His journey showcases aligning one's values and career for environmental impact.

Connect with John McNamara and learn more about ARP & Green Columbus

Website → https://arp-solar.com

Instagram → https://www.facebook.com/ARPSolar

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/ARPSolar

YouTube → https://www.youtube.com/@ARPSolar-cf3zv

Green Columbus → https://www.greencbus.org

Send us a message!

Send us a message!

What motivates someone to leave a 20-year corporate career in fashion to spearhead a sustainability revolution?

Lisa Goldsand, founder of the hyperlocal service Circular Thrift, shares how we can transform our fashion habits. With insights from her extensive corporate retail experience, she discusses challenges and opportunities within the industry and emphasizes consumer power in driving change. Lisa advocates for buying less, opting for quality pre-owned pieces, and embracing local clothing swaps to promote sustainability and community building.

Episode in a glance

- Lisa Goldsand's Sustainability Journey
- The complex challenges of the fashion industry.
- The story of Circular Thrift
- How your buying habits matter and what you can do to make a difference.
- How to become a sustainability conscious consumer
- The Future of Sustainable Fashion

About Lisa Goldsand

Lisa Goldsand is the founder of Circular Thrift, a convenient clothing pick and drop off service that also does community swap events. She has a unique background, having spent almost 20 years working at Abercrombie & Fitch in various roles related to apparel retail operations. During her corporate career, Lisa gained extensive experience working with garment manufacturers, mills, and factories, giving her an in-depth understanding of the traditional linear supply chain process. After leaving Abercrombie & Fitch, she started Circular Thrift, driven by a desire to address sustainability challenges in the fashion industry while empowering consumers to make a difference through their choices.

Learn more about Circular thrift here → https://www.circularthrift.org/

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Can sustainability and profit-maximization co-exist in the hotel industry?

Grant Behnke, Director at Rockbridge private equity real estate firm discuss his pioneering work in implementing environmental, social and governance (ESG) practices in the hotel sector. Grant shares his journey of establishing a baseline for ESG performance, producing Rockbridge's first-ever ESG report, and advocating for a full-time sustainability role within the company. He dives deep into the challenges and opportunities of driving sustainable initiatives across a portfolio of 75 hotels, while demonstrating how sustainability can drive financial returns through operational efficiencies, consumer demand, and talent attraction.

Episode in a glance

- What is ESG and what it means for the hotel industry
- The journey of implementing ESG at Rockbridge
- The Challenges and Successes of ESG
- Moving Forward: ESG Phase Two and Beyond
- Advocating for Sustainability: Tips for Hotel Goers

About Grant Behnke

Grant Behnke is the Director of Development & ESG at Rockbridge, a private equity real estate firm focused on the hotel industry. In this dual role, he oversees real estate development projects from feasibility to design, while also leading the company's environmental, social, and corporate governance strategy. With a lifelong passion for hospitality and a commitment to sustainability, Grant champions responsible practices across Rockbridge's hotel ventures through collaborative efforts between owners, operators, and brands.

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How did a fascination with hotels from a young age evolve into a career championing sustainability in the hospitality industry?

Grant Behnke, Director of Development & ESG at Rockbridge, shares his unique journey into the hotel industry. Discover the catalyzing experiences that sparked Grant's early interest in the inner workings of hotels and how his commitment to sustainability grew in tandem. Gain insights into the values that have driven Grant's passion for service and his desire to contribute positively to people and the planet.

Episode in a glance

- Meet Grant Behnke: A Sustainability Pioneer in Hospitality
- Exploring the Role of Development & ESG in Real Estate
- Understanding ESG vs. Sustainability
- Grant's Journey into the Hotel Industry
- The Intersection of Service, Sustainability, and Hospitality
- Grant's Personal Sustainability Journey
- The Complex Structure of the Hotel Industry
- Grant's Career Path: From Operations to ESG Leadership
- The Synergy of Sustainability and the Hotel Industry

About Grant Behnke

Grant Behnke is the Director of Development & ESG at Rockbridge, a private equity real estate firm focused on the hotel industry. In this dual role, he oversees real estate development projects from feasibility to design, while also leading the company's environmental, social, and corporate governance strategy. With a lifelong passion for hospitality and a commitment to sustainability, Grant champions responsible practices across Rockbridge's hotel ventures through collaborative efforts between owners, operators, and brands.

Send us a message!

How do you mobilize an entire city to take action for the environment? Shelly Douglas of Green Columbus shows us how a small but mighty nonprofit can make a big impact through community engagement and planting roots for sustainable change.

In this episode, we dive deep into the inspiring work of Shelly Douglas, the driving force behind Green Columbus. From organizing the largest volunteer-driven Earth Day event in the country to running a community tree nursery, Shelly shares her passion for creating equitable environmental outcomes. We learn about the logistics of large-scale tree planting, the challenges faced by nonprofits, and how anyone can become a Green Champion by taking small steps in their local community.

Episode in a glance

- The Impact and Operations of Green Columbus
- Celebrating Earth Day with Green Columbus
- The Logistics of Tree Planting and Environmental Activism
- Becoming a Green Champion: How You Can Make a Difference
- The Challenges and Future of Green Columbus
- How to Get Involved

Resources

• The International Society of Arboriculture Tree Planting Specifications
• City of Columbus Video - How to Plant a Tree in Columbus, Ohio
• Ohio Department of Natural Resources Guidelines

About Shelly Douglas

Connect with Shelly & find out more about Green Columbus:

• https://greencbus.org
• https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org
• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/green_columbus
• Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/greencolumbus

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Did you know that planting trees can reduce crime, lower rates of asthma, and even cool our cities? Hear the amazing story of how Shelly Douglas is leading the charge to bring more trees to communities in need.

In this episode, Dominique Hadad and Adam Morris chat with Shelly Douglas, the Executive Director of Green Columbus, a non-profit organization dedicated to increasing tree coverage and environmental education in Columbus, Ohio. Shelly shares her inspiring journey from animal-loving kid to sustainability champion, and how she overcame imposter syndrome to lead a thriving organization. We learn about the importance of trees in urban environments and the concept of Tree Equity, which ensures everyone has access to a healthy tree canopy.

Episode in a glance

- Shelly’s childhood sparked by a love for animals and environmental documentaries
- From activist to connector: Shelly's evolving approach to environmental advocacy
- Leading Green Columbus: Executive Director before 25
- Green Columbus's Earth Day efforts: 72,000 trees planted and 4,000 volunteers engaged
- Overcoming imposter syndrome and finding motivation beyond self
- Advice for future Green Champions: Focus on your passion and the rest will follow

About Shelly Douglas

Shelly is the Executive Director of Green Columbus, a Columbus, Ohio sustainability-focused nonprofit striving to activate volunteer engagement, grow equitable tree canopy coverage, and foster resilient communities.

Connect with Shelly & find out more about Green Columbus:

• https://greencbus.org
• https://www.earthdaycolumbus.org
• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/green_columbus
• Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/greencolumbus

Send us a message!