Hemanth Setty, founder of Zero Circle, takes us behind the scenes of his innovative B2B green finance marketplace. He discusses the challenges small and medium-sized businesses (SMBs) face in accessing green capital and how Zero Circle is simplifying the process. Hemanth explains the concept of green financing, highlighting the favorable incentives, rebates, and creative structures available to businesses that link their funding to sustainability initiatives. He also shares Zero Circle's unique approach to connecting banks and institutions with organizations seeking green funding, emphasizing the company's focus on financial education and its horizontal, technology-driven platform. Hemanth discusses how Zero Circle pivoted from a sustainability reporting focus to green finance due to market timing and customer demand.

Episode in a glance

• Hemanth Setty, Founder of Zero Circle
• Understanding ESG Assessments
• Challenges for Small and Medium-Sized Businesses
• Pivoting to Green Financing
• Scaling Green Financing Solutions

About Hemanth Setty

Hemanth Setty is the founder of Zero Circle and a passionate advocate for sustainable business practices. With a background in product management, supply chain analysis, and ESG development at Dun & Bradstreet, he brings a unique perspective to the world of green finance. Hemanth is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes access the capital they need to implement sustainable solutions and achieve their net-zero objectives.

Connect with Hemanth Setty and his work

Website → https://zerocircle.eco/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/zerocircleeco/

Send us a message!

Hemanth Setty, founder of Zero Circle, a green finance marketplace, shares his unique journey from product management and supply chain analysis to becoming a champion for sustainable business practices. He discusses how his experience at Dun & Bradstreet, where he oversaw the development of ESG solutions, shaped his understanding of the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability space. Hemanth emphasizes the growing importance of incorporating climate change considerations into every job and business decision, highlighting the finite nature of resources and the need for long-term, sustainable growth. He also talks about the world of product management, explaining its entrepreneurial nature and the diverse skillset it requires.

Episode in a glance

• Hemanth's Journey to Sustainability
• Understanding Dun & Bradstreet
• The Birth of Zero Circle
• Incentives for Sustainable Practices
• Combating Greenwashing

About Hemanth Setty

Hemanth Setty is the founder of Zero Circle and a passionate advocate for sustainable business practices. With a background in product management, supply chain analysis, and ESG development at Dun & Bradstreet, he brings a unique perspective to the world of green finance. Hemanth is dedicated to helping businesses of all sizes access the capital they need to implement sustainable solutions and achieve their net-zero objectives.

Connect with Hemanth Setty and his work

Website → https://zerocircle.eco/

LinkedIn → https://www.linkedin.com/company/zerocircleeco/

Send us a message!

Mary Leciejewski, Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability at Ohio State University, shares how she and her team are tackling the enormous task of creating a zero-waste system for a campus. She details the university's comprehensive approach to facility management, emphasizing the importance of waste characterization studies, stakeholder engagement, and solutions like the reusable container program, which has eliminated 250,000 single-use containers. Mary highlights the significant progress made in increasing the university's diversion rate, exceeding the typical plateau for most cities. She also discusses the critical role of student involvement and efforts to reduce food waste through programs like the Student Food Recovery Network.

Episode in a glance

• Mary's Role and Experience
• Ohio State's Zero Waste Initiatives
• Expanding Composting at OSU
• Student Advocacy for Composting
• The Impact of Zero Waste Initiatives
• The Reusable Container Program

About Mary Leciejewski

Mary Leciejewski is a passionate advocate for zero waste with a diverse background in public service, environmental studies, and facilities management. As the Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability at Ohio State University, she leads efforts to reduce waste, increase recycling and composting, and promote new practices across the university's vast campus. Mary's commitment to data-driven strategies and her ability to engage diverse stakeholders have been instrumental in advancing Ohio State's progress toward its zero-waste goals.

Connect with Mary Leciejewski and her work at Ohio State

• FOD at Ohio State → https://fod.osu.edu/sustainability
• Recycle at OSU Email: recycle@osu.edu

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Mary Leciejewski, Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability at Ohio State University, shares her journey into the world of zero waste. From a childhood steeped in community service to studying public and community service studies and environmental studies, Mary's path has been guided by a deep desire to make a positive impact. She discusses her experience working with the Southside Community Land Trust, where she connected with diverse communities and witnessed the intersection of environment, public health, and environmental justice. Mary also talks about her time at the University of Albany and her eventual arrival at Ohio State, where she has played a key role in advancing the university's zero-waste goals.

Episode in a glance

• Mary's Role at Ohio State
• The Three Pillars of Zero Waste
• Working with the Southside Community Land Trust
• The Pivot to Zero Waste and Facilities
• Data-Driven Decision-Making
• What People Don't Know About University Efficiency

About Mary Leciejewski

Mary Leciejewski is a passionate advocate for zero waste with a diverse background in public service, environmental studies, and facilities management. As the Associate Director of Environmental Sustainability at Ohio State University, she leads efforts to reduce waste, increase recycling and composting, and promote sustainable practices across the university's vast campus. Mary's commitment to data-driven strategies and her ability to engage diverse stakeholders have been instrumental in advancing Ohio State's progress toward its zero-waste goals.

Connect with Mary Leciejewski and her work at Ohio State

• FOD at Ohio State → https://fod.osu.edu/sustainability
• Recycle at OSU Email: recycle@osu.edu

Send us a message!

Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, delves into the world of regenerative agriculture, sharing his passion for creating a farming system that is both sustainable and replicable. He discusses the importance of connecting people to their food sources, addressing the disconnection that many people feel from the food system. Graham explains the principles of regenerative farming, emphasizing the focus on soil health, carbon sequestration, and creating a thriving ecosystem. He describes the diverse operations at Oaks and Sprouts, from the market garden and orchard to the pastured livestock, highlighting the complexities and rewards of managing a multifaceted farm.

Graham also shares his innovative approach to farm management, leveraging technology and standard operating procedures to empower his team and create a more efficient and sustainable operation. He discusses the challenges facing small farms and the need for policy changes to support local, regenerative agriculture.

Episode in a glance

• Regenerative Farming at Oaks and Sprouts
• Selling Sustainable Food at Farmers Markets, Restaurants, and CSAs
• Carbon Capture and Tech on the Farm
• The Need for Policy Change in Agriculture

About Graham Oberly

Graham Oberly is a passionate advocate for sustainability and regenerative agriculture. As co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, he combines his background in Natural Resource Management and his experience as a Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio State University to create a farming system that benefits both people and the planet. Growing up in Appalachia, Graham developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to protecting it. He is dedicated to building a more sustainable food system and inspiring others to connect with their food sources.

Connect with Graham Oberly and his work at Oaks & Sprouts

Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oaksandsprouts

Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/OaksAndSprouts/

TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oaksandsprouts

Website → https://www.oaksandsprouts.com/

Send us a message!

What does it mean to "love your neighbor" through regenerative farming?

Graham Oberly, co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, shares his inspiring journey from environmental activism to sustainable agriculture. Growing up in Chesapeake, Ohio, Graham witnessed the effects of extractive industries on the Appalachian landscape, sparking a lifelong passion for environmental stewardship. He discusses his involvement with the Ohio Valley Environmental Coalition, his experiences in the Boy Scouts, and how these early influences shaped his decision to study Natural Resource Management at Ohio State University.

Graham also talks about his impactful role as Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio State, where he spearheaded efforts to implement sustainability goals across various departments, including athletics, business advancement, and finance. His work with the Zero Waste program at Ohio Stadium involved managing a massive operation during football games, coordinating the efforts of 70-80 employees to divert waste from a crowd of 100,000 fans inside the stadium and an additional 50,000-100,000 tailgating outside. This experience provided him with valuable insights into logistics, community engagement, and the complexities of implementing sustainability initiatives on a large scale.

Episode in a glance

• Growing Up in Appalachia and Volunteering with OVEC
• From Environmental Science to Natural Resource Management
• Early Farming Classes at Ohio State
• Project Management Training in the Boy Scouts
• Becoming the Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio State
• Managing Game Day Zero Waste at Ohio Stadium
• The Scale of Ohio State Athletics and Its Sustainability Efforts
• Expanding Sustainability Beyond Athletics
• Incentivizing Sustainability at Ohio State
• From Sustainability Coordinator to Farmer
• The Transition from City to Farm
• How Regenerative Farming Benefits the Environment
• The Driving Force Behind Graham's Work: Loving Your Neighbor

About Graham Oberly

Graham Oberly is a passionate advocate for sustainability and regenerative agriculture. As co-owner of Oaks and Sprouts farm, he combines his background in Natural Resource Management and his experience as a Sustainability Coordinator at Ohio State University to create a farming system that benefits both people and the planet. Growing up in Appalachia, Graham developed a deep appreciation for the environment and a commitment to protecting it. He is dedicated to building a more sustainable food system and inspiring others to connect with their food sources.

Connect with Graham Oberly and his work at Oaks & Sprouts

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/oaksandsprouts
• Facebook → https://www.facebook.com/OaksAndSprouts/
• TikTok → https://www.tiktok.com/@oaksandsprouts
• Website → https://www.oaksandsprouts.com/

Send us a message!

Dominique and Adam take a look back at a year of insightful conversations with Green Champions: celebrating reaching over 40 episodes, highlighting key takeaways from their guests, starting with the power of volunteering as a pathway to a career in sustainability. Hear inspiring examples from individuals like Aryeh Alex and Dana Watts who turned their passion for the environment into impactful roles.

They also emphasize the importance of community involvement, featuring guests like Lisa Goldsand of Circular Thrift and Joseph Klatt. And for those facing uncertainty on their sustainability journey, learn how Jane Boehm and Tyler Bonner embraced challenges and navigated their way to success.

Dominique and Adam emphasize the crucial role of data-driven decision-making in driving effective sustainability initiatives. They also highlight how sustainable practices can benefit businesses, with real-world examples from companies like Toyota and a leading sustainability consultancy.

Episode in a glance

• Introduction and Reflection on the Year
• Favorite Themes from the Year: Volunteering and Community Involvement
• Volunteering as a Pathway to Sustainability
• Community Involvement and Sustainable Solutions
• Making Progress Through Discomfort and Confusion:
• The Importance of a Growth Mindset
• Incorporating Sustainability into Business
• Looking Ahead to Next Year
• 
  

Green Champions Website: https://www.thegreenchampions.com/

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Nora Gerber, Executive Director of the University District Organization, dives into the details of the innovative Can Fairy Curbside Recycling Program. She explains how the program addresses the long-standing tradition of "can fairies" – students leaving cans on their lawns for others to collect – and the resulting litter problem, the program promotes cleaner, safer, and more sustainable practices within the community. It's a simple but effective solution: fill the box, not the lawn.

Nora describes the program's evolution from a proof of concept on one street to a growing initiative serving over 200 houses, diverting nearly 10,000 pounds of recyclables in just eight weeks. She shares the challenges of changing ingrained habits, the importance of data collection in demonstrating impact, and the program's ultimate goal of creating cleaner, more beautiful neighborhoods. Beyond simply collecting recyclables, the Can Fairy Program empowers residents to take ownership of their environmental impact and participate in a community-wide effort to promote sustainability. Plus, there's the added bonus of weekly prizes!

Episode in a glance

-The Can Fairy Project: A Curbside Recycling Program
-The University District
-Why is Recycling a Problem in the University District?
-The Can Fairy Origin Story
-From Proof of Concept to Pilot Program: How The Can Fairy Started
-Meeting Students Where They Are: Making Recycling Easy
-Data Collection and Program Growth
-The Goal of the Can Fairy Program
-How to Get Involved and Support the Can Fairy Program
-Tips for Sustainable Living from Nora

About Nora Gerber

Nora Gerber is a dedicated community leader and Executive Director of the University District Organization. Born and raised in Columbus, she has a deep passion for creating vibrant and resilient neighborhoods. Her work focuses on improving the quality of life for residents, promoting economic growth, and tackling unique challenges facing the University District. Nora believes in the power of hyper-local initiatives and community engagement to create positive change.

Connect with Nora Gerber and the University District Organization

• Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/universitydistrict
• Website → https://www.universitydistrict.org/

Send us a message!