The Voices of Sustainability podcast explores the challenges and opportunities that business, non-profits and state government face as they strive to balance economic growth with environmental and social responsibility.
The episodes reveal how different individuals define sustainability, how the success of sustainability initiatives are measured in their organization, how people remain motivated to be sustainable, and how to have a positive impact in your career.
The conversations also provide insights into topics such as, circular economy and recycling, innovation and technology in sustainability, as well as regulation and policy that are influencing this space.
This season presents one-on-one interviews conducted by undergraduate business students at the Darla Moore School of business pursuing the Sustainability in Business concentration.
Production of this season was overseen by Dr. Laura K. Smith from the University of South Carolina School of Journalism and Mass Communications. Phillip Schlies, a student in the School of Journalism, hosts the season and performed final editing of the episodes.
This podcast was made possible by a partnership with Sustain SC. Funding was provided through the Business Partnership Foundation and the Alfred N. and Lynn Manos Page endowment for sustainability in business.
In this episode, we speak with Mary McClellan, the executive director of the Carolina Recycling Association. One of the biggest concerns when it comes to encouraging people to recycle is proper education. We discuss her efforts in educating the public and businesses, as well as how everything is intertwined within the triple bottom line of the environment, economy, and society.
The use of lithium Ion batteries is expected to grow to at least 500% in the next few years. With this demand only increasing, an initiative to fully recycle these batteries has been taken on by Redwood Materials, a company that recycles batteries and produces battery materials. We speak to Morgan Crapps, the director of Public Affairs and Government Relations at Redwood Materials, who explains how they are very close to being able to fully recycle a battery in its entirety.
In this episode we speak with Mumford Industries’ Vice President of Business Development and Marketing, Tina Green. Mumford Industries is a full-service recycling company in the plastics industry. The discussion not only goes over the details of recycling but also Tina’s more expansive mindset on sustainability and how we can make the planet a safer place.
From a D-I-Y toy maker to CEO of a textile company, we speak with Donna Brinn of bFIVE40. Donna found herself dissatisfied with a toy she bought for her child and decided to make her own out of materials that are safe to the environment. She discusses how this simple creation led her to start a company aimed at making textiles out of sustainable recycled materials.
AI is on the rise and is making its way to businesses. In this episode we speak with Rick Oppedisano, the founder and CEO of Delta Bravo AI. The goal of his company is to provide AI software to businesses that train and aid employees to be more efficient in the workplace. We discuss how this efficiency can lead to safer and more sustainable practices in businesses.
In this episode, we talk with Trane Technologies’ aftermarket engineering leader, Tyrone Ellis. Trane Technologies is a company focused on improving heating, ventilation, air conditioning, and refrigeration systems, all to be more sustainable and climate friendly. We’ll dive into the importance of efficient cooling systems, Tyrone’s own sustainability journey, and Trane Technologies ongoing projects.
In this episode, we speak with Ethel Bunch, the founder of Sustain SC. Ethel started Sustain SC partly for her love of South Carolina and her desire to preserve its natural beauty. The organization aims to help businesses make their sustainability goals while being beneficial to the economy and community. We also discuss her new venture “Global to Local,” an initiative to produce clean energy in the southeast.
When thinking about sustainability, it’s important to realize that everyone has an impact in the world we live in. No matter your position or job title, everyone can contribute. In this episode we speak with Kait Sagan, the Sustainability Specialist at the GEL Group, Inc.. The GEL Group is comprised of multiple sectors with various purposes, but despite their diverse operations, we discuss how they all work together to be sustainable.
In this episode, we speak with the fourth largest brewery in the country, Mark Anthony Brewing. Their sustainability manager Scott Hicks talks about their sustainability initiatives like energy and water management, waste reduction, and using recycled materials in packaging. However, it’s not all easy. Scott also addresses challenges like cost and changing employee behaviors.
While being responsible for the planet is the ethical thing to do, the return on investment is often really slim. However, that doesn’t stop Milliken from pushing forward in green initiatives. Join us as we talk with Emily Skaggs, the sustainability manager at Milliken. Emily explains the challenges that businesses face when trying to go green, but also the victories, like Milliken’s new cogeneration facility.
In this episode, we speak with the co-founder of “I Am Beautiful”, Dr. Zenobia Edwards. Dr. Edwards founded this non-profit to foster confidence, leadership, and sustainability awareness among girls and young women across communities. We discuss Dr. Edwards' inspiring journey and insights into how education and sustainability intersect to create meaningful change.
In this episode, we speak with the recycling business development coordinator at the South Carolina Department of Commerce, Allyson Barbier. Allyson discusses her role of helping businesses implement sustainable practices, especially in recycling. We also discuss the challenges and trends in sustainability, such as the electrification of industries and the need for transparency and collaboration among businesses.
In this episode, we interview our second guest from Sustain SC, Senior Vice President, Cynthia Davis. Cynthia talks about her extensive background in education and workforce development before transitioning to her role at Sustain SC. We also discuss her personal commitment to sustainability, managing Sustain SC’s operations, and balancing economic and environmental objectives.