In Episode 6 of Clear Haze Exchange, host Marcus Hazelwood is joined by guest Yolanda Owens, Executive Director of
Local Matters, who emphasizes that sustainability involves understanding how to utilize the resources we currently have to ensure a viable world for the next generation.
As a Buckeye from Columbus, Ohio, Yolanda brings her unique perspective on sustainability practices to this discussion about the importance of understanding our consumption habits and their broader implications for energy efficiency and environmental health.
Yolanda defines sustainability as "the responsible use of resources to ensure a viable world for future generations" and explains how everyone should challenge our judgments about the haves and have-nots when it comes to food access. Yolanda's definition of sustainability encompasses social and economic dimensions as well. She points out that sustainability has often been "greenwashed," leading to misconceptions about its true meaning. For her, it involves collaborating with growers who prioritize sustainable practices, ensuring that agricultural land remains productive and healthy for years to come.
At the heart of sustainability lies the principle of wise resource utilization, including considering the inputs used in food production, such as water, soil, and energy. Yolanda discusses the importance of addressing what happens to food that doesn't reach consumers, often ending up in landfills instead of being repurposed or becoming compost. Initiatives like food rescue programs, which Local Matters has implemented, aim to redirect surplus food to those in need rather than allowing it to go to waste. By rescuing food and redistributing it, organizations can help alleviate food insecurity and take actionable steps toward fostering a culture of sustainability that benefits both people and the planet.
This episode is produced by
Skip The Boring Stuff, a podcast strategy company for business owners and creatives.
What is Clear Haze Exchange?
Have you ever wondered about climate action and decarbonization initiatives? Curious about building optimization or energy-efficient practices?
Whether you are a homeowner, engineer, architect, work in the energy or building maintenance fields, HVAC technician, a facilities or maintenance employee, commercial or residential home builder, electrician, or home project DIY-er who loves home projects, the Clear Haze Exchange podcast was created for you.
Clear Haze Exchange is an interview-led podcast created to simplify the often tricky concepts of sustainability and energy efficiency, clearing the haze, so to speak, making these ideas relatable, feasible, and easy to grasp for everyone. Host Marcus Hazelwood, an energy engineer with 15+ years of sustainability and energy efficiency consultancy experience, will explore practical solutions and share success stories, making sustainable practices more understandable.
Subscribe to Clear Haze Exchange to enjoy engaging and thought-provoking conversations with leading experts about innovative solutions, success stories, and practical advice. If you have questions or want to be a guest, contact hello@clear-haze.exchange.