Green Dreamer: Seeding change towards collective healing, sustainability, regeneration

Considering that a lot of our environmental, social, and public health issues today are driven by irresponsible business practices, how can we turn this around so that we can collectively use the power of business for good? In spite of knowing what we need to preserve our clean water, clean air, biodiversity, and healthy ecosystems, why is it that we still have resistance against these fundamental, shared human needs?   Michael Lenox, Co-Author of 'Can Business Save the Earth?,' Tayloe Murphy Professor of Business Administration, and Senior Associate Dean and Chief Strategy Officer at University of Virginia's Darden School of Business, shares his wisdom with us.   HIGHLIGHTS: [5:21] One thing about inspiring systemic change through business that most people don't understand.   [5:41] Michael: "Markets and business are the most powerful institutions we've ever invented, and they can be a real catalyst for change and innovation."   [9:56] What motivated Michael to write his book.   [11:36] Kaméa: "Between consumer awareness, changes in business, and changes in public policy, is there one that has to come first in order for the others to follow?"   [14:58] Michael's thoughts on the politicization of technology, economic development, and job creation with regard to sustainability.   [17:14] The importance of helping those who have been negatively affected by eco-technology (like those who work in the coal industry).   Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

How can we bring more fun into sustainability so we can draw more people into the space? To inspire greater awareness and action, what can in-person events do for sustainability that the digital world can't replicate?   Stephanie Dickson, Founder of The Wedge and Green is the New Black (Asia's first conscious festival) shares her wisdom with us on this episode.   HIGHLIGHTS:  [6:54] The biggest challenge Stephanie faced in creating the first eco-festival in Asia.   [8:02] Stephanie: "I really had to learn to be kinder to myself, enjoy the journey, celebrate the wins, and realize that the small changes make a big difference."   [10:54] Kaméa: "What's something you've learned from the Green Is The New Black event that's shifted your perspective on sustainability?"   [12:05] Stephanie: "There's been a lot of brands working behind the scenes doing all of this great work, but they're so scared to share about this publicly because of backlash and greenwashing. This just reiterated that people are ready to hear about it."   [17:22] Stephanie's thoughts on what in-person events can do for sustainability that the digital world can't.    [19:51] Stephanie: "When I'm designing events, I think about: inspiration, knowledge, and action."    Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

With the fashion industry being one of the biggest polluters in the world, how can we start shopping more sustainably for our clothes without getting overwhelmed? What's an exciting trend we can feel hopeful about within fashion?   Special guest for this Bloom Tuesday, Kasi Martin of The Peahen (@the_peahen) shares her expert tips and insights with us.   Find the full show notes with references linked at www.GreenDreamer.com, and follow me on Instagram @KameaChayne where I'll be sharing more of my inspirations, tips, and learning lessons along the way. Thanks for bringing your light! x

What did it take for our guest today to help an eco surfboard startup become an industry authority and leader? What do we need to inspire a collective shift to valuing our needs over our desires?   Mark Price, CEO of Firewire surfboards and former executive at Reef and RipCurl, shares his wisdom with you.   HIGHLIGHTS: [7:40] Mark walks through the process of manufacturing conventional surfboards versus Firewire's eco-conscious surfboards. [11:49] Mark's greatest personal challenge in growing Firewire from a startup. [16:08] How Mark balances longterm vision with current goals. [20:32] What Mark believes has been key to Firewire going from startup to becoming a global authority. [21:49] Kaméa: "What do you see as a common struggle that eco entrepreneurs face today?" [22:16] Mark: "If you're looking to start a company with an eco component, that cannot be the only point of difference." [25:57] Mark: "You have to be optimistic and fight the good fight."   Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!  

What does it mean that we're now beginning an “Eco-Renaissance”? Rather than guilting or shaming people into being more eco-friendly, which might really just push people away, how can we attract people into sustainability so that they naturally and excitedly want to be a part of this movement?   Serial ecopreneur (MetaWear, Under the Canopy, Farm to Home Organic, Good Catch Foods, Beyond Brands, Institute for Integrative Nutrition... etc.) and author of the new book ECOrenaissance, Marci Zaroff, shares her wisdom on this episode.   HIGHLIGHTS: [6:09] Marci's journey through entrepreneurship and starting her many different brands and products. [9:20] One of the biggest struggles Marci has faced throughout the years. [13:53] Marci: "Design and redesign can change the world." [14:40] Kaméa: "What's been key to you becoming a successful, serial entrepreneur within sustainability? [18:46] Marci: "I believe we have to meet people where they are."  [23:34] Kaméa: "What were your motivations for writing your new book, ECOrenaissance? [25:13] Marci: "Style and sustainability are not mutually exclusive."   Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

When these projects scale, they may have immense positive impact in helping our fashion industry become healthier and more sustainable.   Find the full show notes with references linked at www.GreenDreamer.com/45, and follow me on Instagram @KameaChayne where I'll be sharing more of my inspirations, tips, and learning lessons along the way. Thanks for bringing your light! x

How was Sharon Rowe able to grow her company into a $2.2 million tiny business while being a pioneer, leading the reusable bag movement? How can we thrive personally, professionally and financially, all while not compromising our values rooted in sustainability?   Sharon Rowe, founder of ECOBAGS, shares her wisdom with us on this episode.   HIGHLIGHTS: [8:55] Kaméa: "What was one of the most difficult moments in building your business?"  [11:30] What kept Sharon going in spite of stressful moments in her business. [12:55] What Sharon would tell the younger version of her back when she wanted to quit her business. [13:43] Kaméa: "What has been key to ECOBAGS' growth?" [14:40] Sharon: "Your fans are the people who take your story, if they believe you're doing it authentically, and take it further than you could possibly ever take it." [14:59] Kaméa: "What has been effective in how you communicated your brand's why so that customers really connect with it?" [18:06] Sharon's motivation to write her new book, The Magic of Tiny Business. [23:52] Sharon: "You have to stay healthy in order to grow your business." [24:13] Sharon's advice for someone who is passionate about sustainability but is having trouble scaling their business. [26:47] Sharon: "If you stay on the path and you're listening and actively practicing where you want to go and how you want to get there, you will get there."    Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

How was our guest today able to get her eco-friendly lunch bags available not just in eco-focused stores, but also in the mass market through big box retailers like Target and T.J. Maxx? Even though issues with plastic pollution have already been around for decades, what did it take for us to wake the world up about this on a global scale, as we have in the recent months?   Kirsten Quigley, founder of LunchSkins, shares her wisdom with us today.   HIGHLIGHTS: [6:30] Kirsten: "It occurred to me that I had an opportunity to bridge the gap between what kids learn in school and then what they can do at home to create a ripple of effect of learning and living those values." [7:05] How LunchSkins first got started. [9:15] Kirsten: "If everyone could do this small thing, then it could have a really big impact." [12:08] Kaméa: "What did LunchSkins do to inspire this shift toward a more eco-friendly mindset in your customers?" [13:38] Why plastic pollution is a personal health issue. [14:05] LunchSkin's biggest challenge so far in growing the brand. [18:25] Kirsten: "We don't want being sustainable, being greener, to be a privilege."  [22:25] Kaméa: "What do you think it took to wake the world up to our plastic pollution problem?"   Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!

Have you read The Hidden Life of Trees by Peter Wohlleben? Here, I share 5 fascinating things I learned about trees from this NYTimes Bestseller, including why ancient forests are our key allies in helping us work towards a thriving planet.   Find the full show notes with references linked at www.GreenDreamer.com/42, and follow me on Instagram @KameaChayne where I'll be sharing more of my inspirations, tips, and learning lessons along the way. Thanks for bringing your light! x

Recipient of President Obama's United States Community Service Award, the 2015 Peace First Prize, and more, Xiuhtezcatl Martinez has been at the forefront leading youth environmental activists and giving speeches since he was six.   How can we leverage the power of art and music to support the sustainability movement? In this time of need, what has the most untapped potential that can help us accelerate towards a thriving planet? Xiuhtezcatl, an indigenous climate activist, hip hop artist, author, TEDx speaker, and Youth Director of Earth Guardians, shares his wisdom with us here.   HIGHLIGHTS:   [4:22] Xiuhtezcatl: “The fact that human life exists is miraculous… And we’re just messing with the balance.” [5:01] Kaméa: “What gave you the courage to speak up as a child in a world run by adults?” [8:51] Xiuhtezcatl’s greatest personal challenge throughout his activism so far. [11:01] Kaméa: “What would your biggest piece of guidance be for someone who feels crushed by all of the things going wrong in the world?”  [12:37] Xiuhtezcatl: “It’s not about stopping climate change; it’s about ensuring that future generations have a healthy, just, habitable world.” [13:32] Kaméa: “What’s been the most important thing you’ve learned from being surrounded by thought leaders in the space?” [18:42] Xiuhtezcatl on how art and music can support sustainability.  [21:39] Xiuhtezcatl: “We really can touch the people around us in a significant way, and that’s a huge responsibility.”   Thanks for bringing your light! Find the full show notes with links and resources at www.greendreamer.com, and share your #1 takeaway from the episode tagging our featured guest and me @KameaChayne to spread the light and to let us know you're tuning in!