SustainNOW Podcast - Learn from entrepreneurs & scientists about climate solutions

Today's episode promises to be a fascinating deep dive into the science of sustainability and the future of livestock. Joining us today is Steve Meller, co-founder of CH4 Global, a company focused on reducing methane emissions from livestock—specifically, the burps and farts of cows. Yes, you heard that right! We’ll be discussing how a unique type of red seaweed can dramatically reduce methane emissions from the 1.5 billion cows around the world, contributing to a significant decrease in global greenhouse gases.Steve shares his journey from a corporate career at Procter & Gamble to founding CH4 Global at the age of 58, driven by his passion for sustainability and his determination to make a real impact. We’ll explore the pivotal moments in his career, the challenges of scaling a startup in the climate tech space, and the innovative strategies his company is employing to make a difference.So, if you’re curious about how we can address one of the biggest contributors to climate change through innovative thinking and technology, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as we explore the journey of CH4 Global and the exciting potential of reducing the impact of cow burps. Without further ado, let’s jump into the conversation with Steve Meller. Happy listening! 🌱🐄The following description was created automatically by AI :)What if you could revolutionize agriculture while significantly reducing greenhouse gases? Join us as we dive into Steve's incredible journey from a corporate career at Procter & Gamble to pioneering innovative solutions in sustainability. Inspired by American TV shows and driven by a passion for science, Steve transitioned from a career in neuroscience to becoming a key player in the fight against climate change. Discover how he leveraged his expertise to explore the potential of red seaweed, asparagopsis, in mitigating methane emissions from cattle, and the serendipitous moments that led him to this groundbreaking discovery.Ever wondered about the real-life challenges and triumphs of entrepreneurship? Steve opens up about the loneliness and relentless decision-making that come with building a startup from scratch. He shares how mentorship, personal inspirations like Steve Jobs and Roger Federer, and the unwavering support of his spouse have been crucial in navigating these hurdles. Dive into the nitty-gritty of Steve's entrance into the agricultural sector, the complexities of seaweed cultivation, and how his work is paving the way for a more sustainable future.Curious about the future of sustainable innovation in agriculture? This episode delves into the financial and logistical hurdles Steve's company faced in scaling seaweed production, from designing cost-effective growing facilities to ensuring the product's efficacy. Learn about the economic benefits for farmers, the challenges of tracking methane emissions, and the potential for premium pricing on low-carbon beef and milk. Steve's optimism and dedication to making a positive impact offer an inspiring narrative on how innovative solutions can address pressing environmental issues. Tune in to explore practical solutions for a greener world and find out how you can get involved.Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch Ideas for a podcast episode? Please contact us here: [email protected]

🎙️ Today in SustainNow our guest is Kilian Kaminski: co-founder of Refurbed, one of the fastest growing marketplaces for refurbished products in the DACH region.In this episode, Kilian shares the inspiring story of Refurbed, from its inception in 2017 with his two co-founders Jürgen Riedl, and Peter Windischhofer, to becoming a leading marketplace for refurbished products. Kilian talks about the challenges and lessons learned from expanding to new countries, the mindset of entrepreneurship, and the need for a failure culture. He emphasizes the urgency of addressing the climate crisis and the role of legislation in promoting sustainability. Kilian shares his personal journey from a stable corporate job to co-founding a startup in the sustainable space and what he recommends to other founders who want to follow his path. He also highlights the impact of regulatory changes, the fight against greenwashing, and the need for more sustainable business practices.So, if you're interested in the future of the circular economy, and the importance of a mindset shift towards sustainability, this episode is for you. Stay tuned as we unravel the story of ReFURBED and explore the possibilities of creating a more sustainable and circular future. Happy listening! 🌱📱The following description was generated by AI :) What drives someone to leave a secure corporate job to launch a sustainability-focused startup? Join us as we explore this question with Kilian Kaminski, co-founder of Refurb, one of the DACH region's fastest-growing marketplaces for refurbished products. Kilian dives deep into his entrepreneurial journey, discussing the crucial role of a failure culture and the strategic decisions that have cemented Refurb's place as a top startup in Austria and Germany. With insights into the growing societal awareness around climate change and the influence of movements like Fridays for Future, this episode is an essential listen for anyone interested in sustainability and entrepreneurship.Shifting gears, we tackle the paradox of Gen Z's consumption habits and the urgent need for sustainable electronics. Even as young people lead climate protests, many continue to patronize fast fashion giants like Shein and Temu. Kilian sheds light on how governments can step in with regulations to promote more sustainable practices in the electronics industry. We also explore Refurb's methods for ensuring sustainability, from rigorous partner selection to comprehensive impact analysis, and the broader implications of extending product lifecycles.Finally, we discuss the future—achieving net zero and balancing profitability with sustainability. Kilian shares Refurb's commitment to reducing CO2 emissions and contributing to environmental projects. He provides valuable advice for founders navigating today's challenging investment climate, emphasizing the importance of showcasing both economic and social impact. Don't miss Kilian's insights on the complex but rewarding journey of building a truly sustainable business.Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch Ideas for a podcast episode? Please contact us here: [email protected]

I'm excited to have Bas van Abel, the founder of Fairphone, with us today In this episode. Bas takes us on the journey of Fairphone from its humble beginnings as an awareness campaign to running the biggest crowdfunding at that time, to its evolution into a pioneering company striving for a systemic change in the smartphone industry. We will explore the core values driving Fairphone, including accessibility, demystifying technology and raising awareness about ethical dilemmas within the electronic supply chain. Bas shares his insight into the cultural transition towards sustainability, emphasizing the power of storytelling and an art in driving meaningful change. We will dive deep into the challenges facing the smartphone industry the importance of ownership, the right to repair, and the necessity for companies to disconnect revenue from resource consumption for sustainable growth. Bas also reflects on the personal journey of leadership within Fairphone and the vital role of recognizing when to pivot roles for personal well-being and organizational success. Join us as Bas shares his optimism for humanity capacity to address the climate crisis through social and cultural transitions. It was a very inspiring conversation which highlights the challenges to tackle and to embrace the opportunities from the path to sustainable. Stay tuned for an insightful conversation filled with entrepreneurial wisdom, passion and a vision for a more sustainable tomorrow.The following caption has been generated by AI :) What happens when you combine a passion for demystifying technology with a commitment to ethical supply chains? This episode brings you an inspiring conversation with Bas, the founder of Fairphone, who transformed an awareness campaign into a pioneering force in the smartphone industry. Discover how Fairphone's core values of sustainability, accessibility, and the right to repair are not just ideals but actionable strategies challenging the status quo. Bas's unexpected path to entrepreneurship will leave you rethinking the role of purpose-driven innovation in addressing the climate crisis.Ever thought about what goes into making your smartphone? This episode unravels the complexities of building a device that connects us all, from supplier collaborations to the personal relationship we have with our technology. Bas offers a unique perspective on avoiding phone addiction while discussing the symbolic significance of smartphones as both personal and status objects. Plus, we dive into the appropriate age for children to own their first devices and reflect on sustainability as not just a buzzword, but a necessary investment in our collective future.Can we achieve societal reset without catastrophic events? Closing this insightful episode, we explore the potential for global transitions driven by cultural change rather than technological fixes or legislation. Bas shares Fairphone's innovative business model, balancing sustainability with growth, and emphasizes the importance of mental health and shared responsibilities among startup founders. Tune in to hear about Fairphone's ambitions, market strategies, and the powerful role of storytelling in fostering a culture of resilience and sustainability.Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch Ideas for a podcast episode? Please contact us here: [email protected]

In this episode, we're taking a deep dive into the realm of energy storage with a particular focus on advanced battery designs.Joining us is Paul, the visionary mind behind 8inks, a company committed to revolutionizing the lithium-ion battery manufacturing process. Paul will walk us through the challenges and opportunities in scalable battery manufacturing, and how 8inks is addressing the need for efficient energy storage solutions.HIs journey into battery development began during his time at ETH Zurich, where he participated in a competition to build the best electric race car.  Later he conducted research on battery materials in California. This episode is for you, if you would like to understand more about battery technology, the evolution of lithium batteries and possible future applications. But it also highlights the limitation of lithium as an energy storage system. The following description is generated by beta AI :) Prepare to be energized as we journey alongside Paul from 8inks, who's sparking revolutionary changes in the world of energy storage. From his formative days at ETH Zurich to his groundbreaking contributions today, Paul shares the narrative of lithium-ion batteries – their rise to prominence and the art of perfecting cell selection. As we navigate the complex landscape of battery integration, Paul's insights illuminate the engineering conundrums and material science considerations that are propelling us toward a sustainable future. This episode isn't just about the 'what' – it's about the 'how'. Paul unveils 8INX's pioneering multi-layer curtain coating technique, poised to dramatically boost electrode structures and battery performance. Behind the scenes of battery production, we witness the transition from lab-scale innovation to the tantalizing prospect of mass production, which could ultimately slash manufacturing costs. Join us as we unpack these advancements that could redefine energy storage systems and set new benchmarks for the industry, all through the lens of 8INX's visionary approach.Please check out show notes and background information: www.sustainnow.ch Ideas for a podcast episode? Please contact us here: [email protected]