
Hosted by Corinna Bellizzi · EN

Most nonprofits live inside a glossy annual report — one that looks perfect, tells a tidy story, and tells the funder exactly what they want to hear. The problem, according to Stephen Minix, is that this kind of reporting is not learning. It is validation. And validation, he argues, is quietly doing harm. Stephen is Vice President of Community at UpMetrics, a former PE teacher, athletic director, and basketball coach at Locke High School in Watts, and one of the clearest thinkers I have encountered on why the nonprofit-funder relationship keeps failing — and what a genuinely regenerative alternative looks like. In this conversation, he names the extractive dynamics that most people in the impact space accept as normal, introduces the concept of results-based accountability, and shares what it actually takes to move philanthropy from transactional to relational. We go deep on why data collected from communities should serve those communities rather than flow upward to validate a funder's investment decisions, why the real barrier between funders and nonprofits is trust rather than information, and why community voices need to be in the room — not on the stage at a gala as a sad story that makes people reach for their wallets. Stephen also explains what a family office is for anyone who has wondered but never asked, shares how UpMetrics works in cohort settings to help nonprofits build their own data infrastructure, and offers his most memorable anecdote: asking a room full of funders what data they collected before signing their kids up for after-school programs. The answer — silence — says everything about the gap between how philanthropy evaluates communities and how it trusts its own instincts. Complete Blog with Transcript: https://caremorebebetter.com/reimagining-impact-the-power-of-coalition-building-and-regenerative-thinking-with-stephen-minix CHAPTER MARKERS: 02:00 — Culture-Rich, Not Deficit: What Stephen Saw Teaching in Watts That Data Never Captured 08:29 — Naming the Extraction: How Philanthropy's Reporting System Quietly Does Harm 13:35 — Results-Based Accountability: What Community-Centered Data Practice Actually Looks Like 20:17 — The Point Guard Metaphor: Moving the Ball Where It Needs to Go 28:25 — Who's Missing From the Room — and Why It Always Shows 38:38 — Optimizing the Whole System: From Transactional to Relational Philanthropy 47:54 — How UpMetrics Gets Capital to Communities Faster 50:57 — Not Broken, In Process: Regeneration as It Relates to Youth 53:05 — Perpetual Positivity, Empathy, and What Keeps Stephen Going 57:34 — Closing: Spaceship Earth and the Future We're Building Together BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2026: If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Most companies aren't trying to greenwash. They're trying to put their best foot forward — and that's exactly where they go wrong. Helen Neal, founder of HN Communications and creator of the IMPACT framework, has spent over a decade helping major organizations including Bosch, Heineken, and Aston Martin close the gap between what they say and what they actually do on sustainability. In this episode, she joins Corinna Bellizzi to unpack why corporate sustainability communication keeps failing — and what radical honesty, strategic storytelling, and the right AI tools can do to change that. They explore the difference between greenwashing and green hushing (the dangerous silence that's now spreading as companies grow too afraid to say anything at all), why human stories and measurable impact always outperform data tables, and what it actually takes to build stakeholder trust that can't be bought with an advertising campaign. Helen shares her IMPACT framework — Integrity, Meaning, Proof, Action, Consistency, Transparency — and introduces Zena, the AI governance platform she's building to help sustainability teams navigate regulatory risk before they publish. They also dig into B-Corp certification, the Polish beer brand using bison conservation to build authentic purpose, and why Tony's Chocolonely's decision to publicly disclose child labor in its supply chain — rather than hide it — became one of the most powerful trust-building moves in recent brand history. If you work in sustainability, communications, or purpose-driven business, this episode will change how you think about what you say — and what you've been afraid to. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/making-sustainability-more-than-just-a-buzzword-with-helen-neal/ About Guest: Helen Neal is the founder of HN Communications, a certified B Corp sustainability communications consultancy. She launched the agency to help businesses become a genuine force for good through clear, credible communication. With over a decade of experience at Nissan, Virgin Atlantic, and the UK Parliament, Helen specializes in bridging the gap between corporate ambition and public trust. Her clients include Bosch, Heineken, Aston Martin, and The Climate Group, working across stakeholder engagement, executive positioning, and net-zero storytelling. In 2024, she began building Zena, an AI governance platform helping sustainability teams navigate regulatory risk and avoid greenwashing. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/helen-neal-02261129/ Guest Website: https://www.hncomms.co.uk/ Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/helen_hncomms/ https://www.youtube.com/@HNCommunications Show Notes: 01:29 - How To Translate Sustainability Into Real Action 08:53 - Understanding The Real Impact Of Greenwashing 13:01 - Talking About Your Challenges With Confidence 23:32 - Showcasing Sustainability Efforts In The Most Creative Way 29:36 - IMPACT Framework And The Power Of AI 37:10 - Insights And Realizations As A B-Corporation 39:33 - How To Get Sustainability Communication Right 43:00 - Get In Touch With Helen And HN Communications 46:41 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words Helen is currently accepting 5–10 global businesses (500+ employees) for a Zena trial beginning May/June 2026. Reach out through hncomms.co.uk for details or to request a free sustainability communication audit. BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

History has shown that authoritarian regimes can be toppled and social injustices can be eliminated if the public participates even in just one peaceful but powerful protest. But despite their noble goals, activism is often vilified and protesters are criminalized. Corinna Bellizzi is joined by Annie Leonard and André Carothers, two powerful souls who have spent their careers at the frontlines of activism. Together, they discuss why the public should never give up their right to protest, which is an essential “weapon” to voice out woes to those in power when all legal avenues of democracy have been exhausted. They also talk about the widespread impact of digital activism, the danger of overusing in-group language, and why protests can be effective even without resorting to violence. Blog for this episode: https://caremorebebetter.com/if-we-lose-the-right-to-protest-we-lose-everything-with-annie-leonard-andre-carothers/ About Guests: Annie Leonard is a lifelong activist whose work has taken her to protests, courtrooms, and congressional hearings around the world. As Executive Director of Greenpeace US from 2014 to 2023, she led one of the most recognized environmental organizations on the planet. She is the creator of The Story of Stuff — one of the most widely viewed environmental films in history — and co-launched the Jane Fonda Climate PAC. She has testified before Congress, appeared across major media, and been recognized by Time magazine as a Hero of the Environment. She received an honorary degree from Vermont Law School and has spent decades campaigning against pollution, waste, and unchecked corporate power. André Carothers is an activist, writer, and organizer with more than four decades of experience in campaigns spanning climate change, human rights, environmental protection, and nuclear disarmament. He worked for Greenpeace US for 13 years, including serving on its board of directors. He co-founded the Rockwood Leadership Institute, a training organization for activists, and consults as an organizational development coach for leaders across the social change sector. He has served on the boards of the Center for Investigative Reporting (which includes Mother Jones), International Rivers, the Center for Environmental Health, the Furthur Foundation, and Rainforest Action Network. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/annie-leonard-65a00333/ https://www.linkedin.com/in/andrecarothers/ Guest Website: theprotestbook.com Guest Social: https://instagram.com/theprotestbook https://www.instagram.com/andrecarothers/ https://www.instagram.com/annie_leonard/ https://bsky.app/profile/theprotestbook.bsky.social https://www.facebook.com/annie.leonard/ Show Notes: 03:03 - Difference Between Activism And Protest 08:42 - Disability Rights Movement And Giving Funerals For Glaciers 14:49 - Common Trait Of Protests Regardless Of Issues Confronted 19:22 - How Protests And Protesters Vilified And Criminalized 28:37 - Where Does The Legitimate Limits Of Protests Lie 37:45 - How Stuff Welcomes Everyone Into The World Of Protests 42:44 - How Protests Can Actually Move The Needle 49:48 - The Widespread Impact Of Digital And Online Activism 53:12 - Balancing Clarity Of Direction, Discipline Of Movement, And The Diversity Of Humans 58:57 - Sustaining Oneself Emotionally Despite The Overwhelming Mission 01:03:18 - Seeing Protests In A Different Light BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER: Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. Join our newsletter, and we'll plant even more. CAUSE PARTNER: If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

In this audio podcast review, you'll hear directly from our host, Corinna Bellizzi. She shares her perspective candidly - that Patagonia Books has a gift for platforming the voices our moment most needs. In her view, Protest: Respect It, Defend It, Use It may be their most urgent title yet. The authors, Annie Leonard and André Carothers, walk us from the Boston Tea Party to Standing Rock to the protests unfolding today — weaving in first-person essays from Jane Fonda, Nemonte Nenquimo, and others who put everything on the line — to make a case that is both historically grounded and immediately practical. If you've ever felt the gap between what you know is wrong and what you're actually doing about it, this book is for you. And if you can, listen to the audiobook — narrated by the authors themselves, it's something else entirely. Corinna's interview with Annie Leonard and André Carothers airs on the book's release day, 4/28/2026. Stay Tuned! Get your copy of PROTEST now! https://theprotestbook.com On Amazon (earns commission): https://amzn.to/4tYlYER Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As wars continue to rage in different parts of the world, particularly between Israel and Palestine, achieving peace seems to be an impossibility. But despite the chaotic situations across the globe, there is always some way to push for a peaceful agenda – even if the main weapon is only regenerative food. Adam Hiner, co-founder of PACHA, returns to share how their business scaling efforts have transformed into using food as a force to promote peace. He joins Corinna Bellizzi to talk about his Palestinian heritage, particularly how it has influenced PACHA’s mission to continue elevating agriculture practices and forge a partnership with Sindyanna of Galilee. Adam also discusses how they continue to push the boundaries of what clean regenerative food can look like while committing to organic sourcing, compostable packaging, and farmer partnerships. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/food-as-a-force-for-peace-regeneration-heritage-the-pacha-story-with-adam-hiner/ About Guest: Adam Hiner is a food entrepreneur and regenerative food systems advocate with deep roots in values-based business. As the co-founder of PACHA, a company creating sprouted, sourdough buckwheat bread and tortillas, Adam is on a mission to nourish both people and planet. His journey in food began over two decades ago with ventures like Eco-Caters (San Diego’s first organic catering company), Local Habit (an organic farm-to-table restaurant), and Boochcraft (the nation’s first high-alcohol kombucha brand). Today, Adam applies that same passion and innovation to PACHA, a company he co-founded with his wife Maddie to bring clean, organic, allergen-free food to a growing audience. Adam is also proudly Palestinian. His grandparents immigrated from Ramallah, and this heritage has guided PACHA’s recent collaboration with Sindyanna of Galilee, a female-led nonprofit that brings together Arab and Jewish women through sustainable agriculture. Together, they’ve created a limited-edition Fig & Olive “Peace Loaf” using Sindyanna’s organic olive oil, with proceeds from the release supporting Sinndyanna’s “Bees for Peace” initiative. This biodynamic beekeeping program gets Israeli and Palestinian women working side by side to foster cross-cultural connection and ecological healing. Adam brings a rare combination of entrepreneurial savvy, cultural depth, and climate leadership to every conversation—and his story is a powerful one for audiences exploring food as a pathway to peace, justice, and regeneration. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/adamhiner/ Guest Website: https://livepacha.com Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/livepacha https://www.tiktok.com/@livepacha https://www.pinterest.com/live_pacha/ Show Notes: 03:54 - Looking Back To Adam’s Career Journey 08:58 - Scaling The Business And Expanding Market Avenues 14:25 - Improving Durability While Maintaining A Clean Label Standard 20:08 - Regenerative Agriculture A Business Model 23:01 - Committing To Zero Biofuel-Based Plastic For Food Packaging 25:25 - How Adam’s Palestinian Heritage Shaped His Relationship With Food 30:51 - Adam’s Partnership With Sindyanna And Bees For Peace 38:14 - How To Educate The Public About Regeneration And Sustainability 43:09 - How Soil Health Impacts The Quality Of Our Food 48:45 - PACHA’s Mission To Make Regeneration The Norm 52:27 - Take More Time To Pause And Listen To Your Heart 54:56 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! CAUSE PARTNER: If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

The climate crisis continues to lead to more powerful and life-threatening typhoons and hurricanes. These climate-driven disasters are exposing safety issues with our housing system and putting many people’s lives at risk. Corinna Bellizzi sits down with George Siegal, a documentary filmmaker and former TV journalist, who sheds light on the systemic failures that make homes unsafe while blatantly ignoring the harsh realities we live in today. He discusses what it takes to build homes that are disaster resilient and can last for many years, as well as the true costs of constructing such residential buildings. George also explains how homeowners can make better decisions when choosing their homes, particularly now that weather conditions are expected to worsen for at least 30 years. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/uncomfortable-truths-about-the-housing-system-with-george-siegal/ About Guest: George Siegal is a documentary filmmaker and former TV journalist who builds impact through story. His use of investigative storytelling helps people understand complex problems so they can make smarter choices that protect their futures. As founder of Move the World Films, he tackles resilience, housing, and system failures with a solutions lens. Credits include the award-winning Built to Last: Buyer Beware and The Last House Standing. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/george-siegal/ Guest Website: https://www.movetheworldfilms.org Guest Social: https://www.facebook.com/movetheworldfilms Additional Resources Mentioned: Built To Last: Buyer Beware (film): https://movetheworldfilms.gumroad.com/l/kaywco The Last House Standing (film): https://movetheworldfilms.gumroad.com/l/wNcIq Show Notes: 03:06 - Investigating Housing Resilience And Disaster Risk 11:48 - How Can We Build Better And More Resilient Houses 14:44 - The Problems And Loopholes Of Housing Insurance 24:36 - The True Costs Of Building A Safer Home 28:51 - Getting Ready To Address Residual Challenges 37:09 - How To Improve Building Codes And Housing Regulations 43:16 - Why Disaster Will Follow You Wherever You Go 45:03 - A Potential Film About Insurance 50:37 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! MEET OUR CAUSE PARTNER: If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Coming up with climate solutions, no matter how beneficial or positive they may be for the greater good, has become so polarized. What does it take to bring people from both sides together and develop efforts that could satisfy everyone? Corinna Bellizzi chats with someone who is doing exactly that: Peter Simek, CEO of EarthX. He shares the hard work needed to unite leaders across businesses, policies, and industries to vastly accelerate solutions for a sustainable future. Peter also discusses the benefits of aligning bottom-line economic incentives with positive outcomes, the ideal way to scale sustainable projects, and the immense power of local action in building a more environmentally friendly world. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/from-polarization-to-progress-climate-solutions-with-earthx-ceo-peter-simek/ About Guest: Peter Simek is the Chief Executive Officer of EarthX, one of the world’s premier conveners of leaders across business, policy, philanthropy, conservation, and advocacy to accelerate solutions for a sustainable future. In this role, he is leading EarthX’s evolution as a trusted global platform where investors, innovators, policymakers, and advocates can cut through polarization, find common ground, and advance pragmatic, market-based environmental solutions. Prior to his role at EarthX, he founded Simek Media, a boutique strategy and communications agency that helps mission-driven organizations shape campaigns, build brands, and design convenings that mobilize action. His work has spanned sectors from climate resilience to artificial intelligence, advising civic leaders, coalitions, and global nonprofits. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/earthx.org/ Guest Website: https://earthx.org/ Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/earthxorg/ https://www.facebook.com/earthxorg/ https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC79bJXPacuiS262Q5SB84Tg https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-simek-84507b41 Additional Resources Mentioned: Bioneers: https://bioneers.com Katharine Hayhoe's Book: Saving Us Show Notes: 01:52 - Origin Story And Mission Of EarthX 07:41 - Why Environmental Conversations Have Become Polarized 17:55 - Benefits Of Market-Driven Environmental Solutions 26:37 - Navigating The Challenge Of Scaling Sustainable Efforts 33:29 - Securing Successes And Avoiding Pitfalls In Cross-Sector Collaboration 36:48 - How To Turn Vision Into Real Action 39:12 - How Purist Ideas Get In The Way Of Sustainability 44:11 - What To Expect On EarthX’s Upcoming Dallas Event 49:27 - Working At The Intersection Of Different Complex Systems 51:27 - Looking Into The Future With Optimism 53:44 - Get In Touch With Peter And EarthX 55:28 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER: Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2026! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

As the world gets hotter and drier due to the ever-worsening climate crisis, fires also grow larger, become more aggressive, and are much harder to suppress. Corinna Bellizzi unveils a smarter fire defense method to modernize emergency response with Sunny Sethi, Founder and CEO of HEN Technologies. Sunny presents how they leverage AI, IoT, and advanced fluid dynamics to create physics-informed neural networks that serve as the world’s first end-to-end fire suppression ecosystem. They discuss how this innovative tool allows for faster, more comprehensive, and more targeted ways to control and get rid of fire, especially environmentally destructive wildfires. Sunny also shares what this means for water conservation, ecological preservation, and the future of government grants. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/smarter-fire-defense-for-a-hotter-drier-world-with-sunny-sethi-ceo-of-hen-technologies/ About Guest: Sunny is Founder/CEO of HEN Technologies, a deep-tech company revolutionizing firefighter defense. Leading the development of the world’s first end-to-end fire suppression ecosystem, Sunny leverages AI, IoT, and advanced fluid dynamics to modernize emergency response. Under his leadership, HEN has developed breakthrough devices that increase fire suppression rates by up to 300% while conserving 67% of water usage. A seasoned R&D leader, Sunny brings a unique deep-tech approach to climate resilience. Prior to HEN, he led R&D Engineer at TE Connectivity and at SunPower Corporation, where he pioneered platform technologies and solved complex manufacturing challenges in the automotive and photovoltaic sectors. He also founded ADAP Nanotech, a nanomaterials company funded by a US Air Force STTR grant. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/sunny-sethi-hen/ Guest Website: https://www.hentechnologies.com/ Guest Social: https://www.facebook.com/HenNozzles https://www.youtube.com/@HenNozzles https://www.instagram.com/hen_nozzles/ Additional Resources Mentioned: A Resilient Approach to Forest Fire with Sandra Younger: https://caremorebebetter.com/a-resilient-approach-to-forest-fire-with-sandra-younger/ Show Notes: 02:04 - How The Wildfire Crisis Changed In Recent Years 14:06 - The Role Of AI In Putting Out Fires 21:47 - Utilizing The Internet Of Things For Fire Suppression 26:55 - The Costs Of Smarter Fire Defense 33:04 - Get In Touch With HEN Technologies 37:34 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER: Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2026: If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Our oceans are slowly being destroyed by plastic pollution, and marine debris rapidly increases every year with no end in sight. Corrina Bellizzi takes a deep dive into one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges of our time with Eric Magers, Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability. Together, they discuss what must be done to minimize and put an end to plastic pollution, from getting rid of single-use plastic to pushing for legislation centered on environmental preservation. Eric also explains the importance of empowering small-scale projects and pushing young people to drive project-based sustainability initiatives. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-plastic-pollution-in-our-ocean-with-eric-magers/ About Guest: Eric Magers is the Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability, a nationally recognized nonprofit driving innovative solutions to plastic pollution, marine debris, and climate education. A lifelong educator and award-winning climate leader, Eric was honored at the White House and named Climate Educator of the Year for his pioneering work bridging science, community, and action. He is also the creator of Green Scholars, a nationally award-winning project-based learning course that empowers students to transform their schools through sustainability initiatives. Several schools implementing this program have been recognized as some of the greenest schools in America. Beyond Seaside, Eric is the Founder and CEO of the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), which now includes more than 500 chapters and 6,000 members worldwide. Across all his work, Eric’s vision is clear: empower students, schools, and communities with the tools to create systemic change and build a sustainable, innovative future. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/ Guest Website: https://www.seasidesustainability.org/home Guest Social: https://www.facebook.com/seasusinc https://www.instagram.com/seasusinc/ Additional Resources Mentioned: Trash to Treasure: Exploring What It Takes to Build a Business from Waste with Kelsey Rumburg Solving The Problem Of Plastic Pollution With Judith Enck The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck Show Notes: 03:33 - How Eric Became An Environmental Educator And Ocean Advocate 10:00 - The Planet’s Big Problem Of Consumer Marine Debris 20:37 - How Environmental Legislation Can Solve Plastic Pollution 28:21 - Why A Total Plastic Ban Would Never Work 34:50 - Seaside Sustainability’s Focus On Plastics And Marine Debris 37:29 - Addressing Environmental Problems Even If You Are Not Seeing Them 49:46 - Plastics Should Never Find Their Way Back Into The Environment 54:57 - Keep Yourself Updated With Google Alerts 58:14 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Toxic chemicals are found in products we use daily, and they threaten our health every single day. What can we do to keep ourselves safe from these invisible enemies, and who must we hold accountable? Corinna Bellizzi sits down with Vineet Dubey, a co-founding partner of Custodio, who shares his experiences with legal battles against manufacturers who continue to use toxic chemicals and put all of us at risk. Vineet discusses how environmental litigation puts legal pressure on big corporations, as well as the urgent need for federal action against the use of toxic chemicals. He also shares simple but effective ways to reduce your toxic exposure, as well as practical tips for becoming responsible consumers. About Guest: Vineet Dubey is a co-founding partner of Custodio Dubey, LLP. Vineet has dedicated his career to cleaning up the environment to ensure the safety of our planet for future generations. Vineet is a fierce advocate who consistently takes on the largest corporations and their corporate defense counsel. Vineet is an environmental litigator who sues companies that are endangering the health and well-being of California citizens by selling products containing toxic chemicals. Because of Vineet’s advocacy, thousands of products tainted with Lead, Cadmium, Phthalates, and other cancer-causing chemicals, have been taken off the shelves and cleaned up. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/cd-law-firm/ Guest Website: https://cd-lawyers.com Guest Socials: https://www.instagram.com/cdlawfirm/ https://www.tiktok.com/@cdlawfirm https://www.youtube.com/@custodio-dubey-cd-law https://www.facebook.com/cdlawfirm/ Addressing America’s PFAS Crisis With Rachel Frazin: https://caremorebebetter.com/addressing-americas-pfas-crisis-with-rachel-frazin/ Show Notes: 02:40 - Why Everyday Products Are Riddled With Toxic Chemicals 09:52 - Fighting Toxic Chemicals Through Litigation And Beyond 17:17 - Dealing With Toxic Chemicals In Our Drinking Water 22:53 - Exposing Yourself To Toxic Chemicals Through Dermal Absorption 26:32 - Getting Rid Of Toxic Food Additives 30:15 - The Urgent Need For A Federal Response 35:42 - Harnessing Your Consumer Power To Build A Safer Marketplace 40:36 - Hopeful Movements Against Toxic Chemicals 51:22 - Small Daily Changes Can Lead To A Huge Change 53:55 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2026! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.