Ever wondered how manufacturing efficiency tools like Lean Six Sigma can actually help save the planet? This episode of @GoingZero dives deep into this topic — and trust us, the ideas here are for ANY org trying to cut waste & boost impact.

Meet Brion Hurley, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. His mission: use process improvement for good — social & environmental.

Brion led a Six Sigma project to slash electricity use at a massive facility. By digging into utility data & piloting smart HVAC controls (with a clever override button!), they saved $200k+ AND cut emissions.

We’re back with a fresh episode, packed with real-world sustainability lessons straight from the source! This time, Christy, Seth, and Eric sit down with Brian Nash, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Ingredion—the Fortune 500 ingredient solutions powerhouse behind brands you know (and probably some you don’t).

Brian shares his remarkable journey from environmental health and safety into leading sustainability at Ingredion. He opens up about the company’s evolution toward embedding sustainability into its core strategy, from measuring its impact through cost control, risk mitigation, and brand enhancement, to creating real value through transparency and systems thinking.

Together, they unpack the complexities of global supply chains, the importance of transparent reporting, the realities of climate risk, and the ever-evolving landscape of sustainability education and careers. Brian even offers poignant advice for today’s business leaders and aspiring sustainability professionals on driving meaningful change—reminding us all that perfection shouldn’t stand in the way of progress.

Welcome to another episode of the Going Zero podcast, where we dive into the real-world challenges and bold solutions shaping the future of sustainability. In today’s episode, host Christy Cook is joined by Mike Wrathall, an sustainability strategist who’s helped organizations across sectors—from social housing to defense—navigate complexity and accelerate their impact on the environment.

Mike shares his journey from a childhood passion for recycling to leading sustainability and climate strategy efforts at major firms like Deloitte. We’ll uncover how agile methodologies, often associated with software development, are transforming traditional business models, enabling organizations to adapt, innovate, and make sustainability central to their mission. Mike brings us behind the scenes of organizations that have reinvented themselves, including a charity that spun out a for-profit enterprise and the Formula 1 powerhouse McLaren’s shift toward circularity.

Whether you’re running a business, working in government, or simply passionate about driving positive change, this conversation is packed with actionable insights. Mike explains why seeing sustainability as an opportunity—not just a compliance hurdle—unlocks new avenues for growth, cost savings, and resilience. Plus, he offers real steps for anyone looking to integrate agile thinking into their sustainability journey.

Welcome back to Going Zero, proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations! In today's episode, we're joined by Marjory Wildcraft—the dynamic founder of The Grow Network and a recognized leader in the survival and preparedness movement. Featured by National Geographic as an expert in off-grid living and known for inspiring hundreds of thousands to start backyard gardens, Marjory takes us on her remarkable journey from electrical engineer to passionate advocate for self-sufficiency and homegrown food.

Listen in as Marjory reveals the wake-up call that changed her path, her firsthand experiences with the daunting realities of our food system, and the practical, empowering steps anyone can take—no matter where they live—to grow half of their own food in surprisingly small spaces. She dives deep into the importance of soil health, composting, raising backyard chickens and rabbits, and busts some of the biggest myths about gardening and self-reliance. Plus, Marjory shares her hopeful vision for a regenerative, community-driven food future, and her advice for individuals and businesses ready to join the movement.

Whether you're a city dweller with only a balcony to spare or someone dreaming of a rural homestead, this episode is packed with inspiration, concrete action steps, and Marjory’s contagious passion. Stay tuned for a conversation that will motivate you to dig into self-sufficiency and rethink what’s possible in your own backyard!

In this week’s conversation, we sit down with Kai Robertson, a leading sustainability expert with decades of experience working alongside food industry giants like Walmart, Unilever, and McDonald’s, as well as global organizations such as the World Resources Institute and WWF.

*This episode is proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations, offering sustainable food service, facility, and packaging supplies for your business.*

Kai unpacks the complex web of sustainability challenges facing our food system—from the concept of our “food print,” to the impact of food waste, water usage, and the mounting pressures of feeding a growing global population. You’ll hear honest insights into common misconceptions about food scarcity, the hidden environmental costs of what ends up on (and off) our plates, and simple actions businesses and individuals alike can take to push for meaningful change.

With anecdotes from personal experience and industry analysis, Kai cuts through the noise and offers a practical framework: act, advocate, and ask. Whether you’re a consumer, a business leader, or just someone curious about the future of food, this episode will inspire you to think differently about the true impact of what we eat—and what we waste. So get ready for an eye-opening discussion on creating a more sustainable food future, one choice at a time.

This week, we're diving into the complex and often confusing world of food waste with our special guest, Rachael Jackson. Did you know that nearly 40% of food in the U.S. ends up as waste, much of it from our own kitchens? As part of Food Waste Prevention Week, we're talking with an expert. As always, we're proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations, bringing you sustainable solutions for your business, including tree-free, compostable coffee cups, cutlery, paper towels, and more.

In this episode, you'll learn how misconceptions around expiration dates and uncertainties about food safety lead to perfectly good food being thrown out. Rachael, a journalist and food waste educator, is on a mission to change how we think about food waste. She's also the founding editor of eatortoss.com, an award-winning website that helps millions make informed decisions about whether food is safe to eat or should be discarded.

We’ll play a game that challenges us to look beyond appearances and understand the science behind when to eat or toss food. Whether you're trying to save money or make more sustainable choices, this episode is packed with insights and practical advice. Join Seth and co-host Christy Cook as they navigate through common misconceptions and tips on reducing food waste. Let's get curious and make more conscious decisions in our kitchens!

Welcome to another episode of the Going Zero Podcast, where sustainability takes center stage. In this episode, titled "Food Waste Prevention Week 2025," we host an engaging discussion with two experts, Elaine Fiore and Elaine Blatt.

Our guests bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table as they explore the staggering impact of food waste on our environment, economy, and society. Did you know that around 40% of the US food supply is wasted each year, contributing massively to greenhouse gas emissions and economic loss?

Join us as Elaine and Elaine share inspiring solutions, strategies, and success stories aimed at reducing food waste. We dive deep into behavior change, the power of community collaboration, and practical actions that both individuals and businesses can take today. Whether you're interested in the environmental, financial, or social aspects of sustainability, this episode will equip you with valuable insights and motivate you to make a difference.

Let's embark on this journey towards minimizing our food footprint together! Proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations.

In this episode of Going Zero, we explore the transformative concept of regenerative agriculture with the Doctor Janel Louise Ohletz. We're proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations, sustainable solutions for your office, including foodservice, janitorial, and packaging supplies.

You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what regenerative agriculture truly entails, how it distinguishes itself from sustainable practices, and its pivotal role in the future of farming, food, and business.

As an expert in the field, Doctor Olitz shares her extensive career journey and her passion for advancing sustainable and regenerative farming. The episode sheds light on the complexities and benefits of these agricultural practices, tackling misconceptions, economic implications, and creative solutions for implementing regenerative methods on both small and large scales.

Don't miss this opportunity to explore the regenerative approach to agriculture and how it can help mitigate climate change and promote biodiversity.