Explorez tous les épisodes de Environmentality. with Dr. Brendon Anthony
Plongez dans la liste complète des épisodes de Environmentality. with Dr. Brendon Anthony. Chaque épisode est catalogué accompagné de descriptions détaillées, ce qui facilite la recherche et l'exploration de sujets spécifiques. Suivez tous les épisodes de votre podcast préféré et ne manquez aucun contenu pertinent.
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Date
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04 Dec 2023
Episode 029 - What are Pollinators?
00:55:34
Why conserving pollinators helps preserve not just our agricultural lands, but our National Parks as well. An interview with Dr. Sarah Whipple.
In this episode, I chat with my friend and colleague, Dr. Sarah Whipple to discuss her pollinator passions! We discuss her plethora of adventures and studies in National Parks across the country and take a deep dive into her approach to assessing pollinator health in the wake of climate change.
We cover some pollinator 101, by discussing what is a pollinator and their ecosystem services? What are the differences between indicator and keystone species? We chat about bees, butterflies, beetles, oh my! (also birds, bats, and even bison as pollinators!)
Dr. Whipple and I weigh the pros and cons of managed bees, colony collapse disorder and the growing threat towards other native pollinators. We'll meander through the distinction of managed vs. protected lands and conclude with her PhD research in Yellowstone assessing the pros and cons of climate change on protected areas in respect to pollinators.
The introduction, goals and reasons for starting the podcast. An introductory episode from Brendon Anthony.
Welcome to Environmentality. A podcast for environmental news, brief lectures and interviews with the experts!
In this introductory episode, Brendon walks us through his love for the environment, how it began and why he wanted to start this podcast: to bring environmental education from the classroom to the masses, in order to foster a better appreciation and stewardship for our beautiful planet.
Brendon then lays out the perceived format of the show, in three different styles of episodes:
Environmental News (5 min) - current and relevant environmental news surrounding your daily life, issues to be aware of, politics and stories of success and encouragement from around the world.
Brief Lectures (15 - 30 min) - popular topics in environmental science will be discussed in an Intro to Environmental Science 101 styled-format. Top and relevant issues boiled down to what the problem is, why its relevant and how your daily actions impact it, whether positively or negatively.
Interviews with the Experts (30 - 60 min) - guests who are working on and researching in environmental science fields and endeavors will be brought on to discuss their work, the problem they are trying to mitigate, the successes/obstacles they are seeing and how you can help in your day-to-day.
06 Jul 2020
News Briefing - Week of July 6, 2020
00:04:02
Three Stories: Dole begins plan to become plastic free and carbon neutral Record high temperatures occur in the Arctic Circle Longest bird migration tracked and completed
08 Jul 2020
Episode 002 - What is Climate Change?
00:26:15
Why its real, happening and how we can play a part. A lecture from Brendon Anthony.
In this episode Brendon kicks off the brief lecture series by discussing the difference between climate change and global warming, while providing six pieces of evidence for climate change today: global temperatures rising, melting ice sheets and glaciers, ocean warming, ocean acidification, sea level rise and extreme weather events.
Additionally, Brendon provides seven potential mitigation/solution strategies: leveraging the economy, energy and transportation sectors, along with eating locally, eating less meat, supporting sustainable agriculture and having one fewer child.
Three pipelines were shut down or abandoned this week. The Dakota Access Pipeline and Keystone XL Pipeline have been shut down or stalled due to insufficient environmental impact reports. The Atlantic Coast Pipeline shut down due to political pressure and rising costs.
Wild bison are projected to be re-introduced to the UK in the Spring of 2022. As a keystone species, the bison is anticipated to help engineer the ecosystem to increase biodiversity.
How methane turns from greenhouse gas to energy source. An interview with Geoff Bishop.
In the first interview of Environmentality., Geoff Bishop, from California Bioenergy, comes on the show to talk about biodigesters. Biodigesters are an immediate solution to the problem of rising methane emissions, as a result of animal agriculture, in particular dairies.
Geoff shares about how he fell in love with the environment and how he came to work for CalBio, a company that helps dairies fuel a renewable future by converting methane from dairy manure into energy and fuel.
We also discuss the global warming potential of various gases, carbon credits, the complexity of climate change and how it requires integrated solutions in order to be effective in mitigation.
Three stories this week: Methane levels reach all time high, Ethiopia attempts to move forward with Africa's largest dam and hydroelectric power plant, but faces opposition from Egypt, and artificial reefs prove to be effective in restoring coral reef habitats by increasing fish abundance.
How fruit trees can liberate people and heal the environment. An interview with Craig Erickson.
In this interview of Environmentality., Craig Erickson, from Eden Reforestation Projects (and my business partner at Harvest Craft), comes on the show to talk about agroforestry. Agroforesty is a permanent agricultural system that consists of a diversity of fruit/resource producing trees that can help sequester carbon (mitigate climate change), increase economic revenue for farmers and be used as a tool for environmental restoration and international development.
Craig shares about how he's been surrounded by agricultural his whole life, what life was like living in Haiti for many years, and how he came to work at Eden Projects as the Agroforestry Programs Manager. Eden Reforestation Projects has historically reclaimed ecosystems through the planting of native forestry trees, along with massive mangrove plantings. Eden is now looking to incorporate more agroforestry programs across their project nations as they have holistic benefits!
We also discuss issues surrounding deforestation, the "tragedy of the commons" and how to empower subsistence farmers.
Episode 006 - What is Ethical Elephant Interaction?
00:42:47
How maintaining elephant autonomy and opting out of performative tasks is key. An interview with Danielle Carnahan.
In this interview of Environmentality., Danielle Carnahan, a wildlife conservationist, comes on the show to talk about ethical elephant interaction and elephant psychology. Elephants are captured at an early age from the wild, trained aggressively and exploited through tourism, bringing about a lot of trauma. Danielle's master's research was focused on assessing PTSD in Asian elephants who had been recently rescued from traumatic and exploitative situations.
Danielle shares the findings of her research, some fascinating facts and stories about life with elephants in Thailand, and how to determine if a sanctuary is treating their elephants ethically. Additionally, Danielle provides insight on how to interact with elephants in order to help maintain their autonomy, along with how to interact with businesses that are still exploiting their elephants via riding, chains, hooks, bath time and photographs.
We also discuss issues surrounding the re-integration of animals into the wild such as orcas, elephants, wolves and bison. Along with the human element of this whole story, like how to balance the needs of farmers with the desires of conservationists.
Danielle also has an Environmental Action blog called, the Call to Conserve.
Trump rolls back regulations on the National Environmental Policy Act, the largest open ocean clean up has just been completed, the Great American Outdoors Act has been passed by Congress, and a proposed mining access road is set to disrupt caribou migration in Alaska.
How organics play a role in the quest for sustainable agriculture. An interview with Dr. David Granatstein.
In this interview of Environmentality., Dr. David Granatstein, Professor Emeritus at Washington State University shares about his experiences with organic agriculture, and in particular, the organic tree fruit industry that he worked alongside for many years and is so prevalent in WA state. Granatstein shares about the problems organic growers face, recent breakthroughs for the industry and where the industry, in terms of research, is heading.
Dr. Granatstein also shares his perspective on how to properly evaluate food production systems, that the often used dichotomy of conventional vs. organic is misleading, ineffective and not conducive for proper sustainability evaluations. He shares about the use of the "Sustainability Index," and how we need common metrics and methodologies to evaluate the sustainability of particular farming systems.
We also discuss integrated pest management, mating pheromone disruption, and how he got interested in agriculture in general.
How soil organic matter can mitigate climate change and why agriculture needs to improve it. A lecture from Brendon Anthony.
This is the second lecture of Environmentality. and a bit of a response to the first, which was about Climate Change. In this episode, Brendon unpacks what carbon sequestration is and effective strategies to try and mitigate climate change by drawing down carbon from the atmosphere back into our plants and soils.
Brendon discussed various strategies to do this. The first is reforestation, but as most of the carbon in ecosystems is actually in the soil, and not plants, trees can only do so much. This is why plants and agriculture need to promote healthy soils, mainly soil organic matter. This is being pursued through genetic engineering of crops to have bigger root systems, conservation agriculture practices that are reducing tillage and the breeding of perennial grains.
NASA launches their 9th rover to Mars to collect soil and rock samples in search of fossils or signs of past life. The ultimate goal is to bring these samples back to Earth analyze them. This is the third launch for Mars this month, with China and United Arab Emirates also launching missions to Mars as well.
Eastern Tropical Pacific reefs demonstrate resiliency to warming temperatures. A 44-year long study showcases no change in coral reef abundance between Baja California and the Galapagos Islands. The reason why? These corals grow quickly and are symbiotic with heat tolerant algae. The findings on these Eastern Pacific reefs may help inform the future for coral reef survival in other parts of the world.
A huge breakthrough in the fight against “Citrus Greening,” a disease that is wiping out citrus trees all around the world, has just occurred. California researchers have identified a gene in an exotic Australian citrus fruit, called a fingerlime, that produces a peptide that acts like a natural antibiotic in the tree that makes it resistant to citrus greening. This natural antibiotic is now being synthesized in the lab to be sprayed on the citrus trees to help stop the negative impacts of this devastating disease.
Episode 008 - What is the UN Environment Programme?
00:48:53
How conflict, disaster relief, development and environmental restoration collide. An interview with Adrienne Stork.
In this interview of Environmentality., Adrienne Stork, a former United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) official, shares her experience in addressing conflict and natural disasters throughout her time at the organization. Stork showcases the connection between conflict and ecological resources in regions around the globe, and how people and the environment are exploited for money and power. Additionally, she shares about her extensive experience in Haiti, working with farmers and cooperatives to become more resilient in the face of frequent natural disasters.
Stork illuminates on the benefits of soil conservation and mangrove restoration in Haiti, along with the challenges of sustaining eco-tourism there. These are strategies seen to provide reconciliation for both people and planet, by stimulating the economy without the degradation of natural resources, but rather by protecting them.
We also discuss vetiver grass, fisheries and marine protected areas in Haiti, her new endeavors with Rainforest Alliance and how complex issues require holistic solutions.
1. New studies have embarked to assess the impact of the "Anthropause," the reduction of human activity due to COVID-19, on wildlife
2. The Trump Admin has approved an oil-leasing plan in the Arctic National Wildlife Refuge in Oil
3. Eggs from the last two remaining female Northern White Rhinos (NWR) have been harvested to be fertilized with saved semen from the deceased, last, male NWR, in attempt to save this subspecies from extinction.
Episode 009 - What is Sustainable Meat Production?
00:32:19
Why the "How" is more important than the "Cow." A lecture from Brendon Anthony.
In this third lecture of Environmentality. Brendon addresses one of the hottest topics in climate change and sustainability today, the question of, "should we be eating meat?" and if so, "from why kind of production system?"
In short, the issue with animal agriculture, and in particular the production of beef, is not the cow itself, but the production system it is raised in; in other words, the "how." Industrialized animal agriculture, in it's segregated form, relies heavily on fossil fuels for the transportation of feed and manure, uses lots of antibiotics, maintains low biodiversity on the farm and contributes heavily to pollution and greenhouse gas emissions.
The solution? Producing animals in an integrated fashion on grasslands, where they can be rotated frequently to reduce overgrazing, promote carbon sequestration of grasslands, and to ultimately mimic natural ecosystems. Beef raised in this way is more sustainable, can be more profitable (as inputs decrease in a circular production system) and at times even more productive, as multiple products can be generated on one piece of land (e.g. hay, chicken and beef in Joel Salatin's model at Polyface Farms).
To learn more about the pioneers in regenerative agriculture and holistic management of cattle, check out: The Savory Institute (Alan Savory): https://savory.global/ Joel Salatin and Polyface Farms: http://www.polyfacefarms.com/ Michael Pollan's Texts: The Ominvore's Delimma and In Defense of Food Gabe Brown's Text:Dirt to Soil Mark Hyman’s Text:Food Fix
1. Being environmentally friendly makes you more date-able 2. 410 species of animals are likely to be susceptible to coronavirus based on genetic evidence 3. Historically healthy coral reefs off the coast of NW Australia are demonstrating signs of bleaching
Why I don't eat seafood and how mercury impacts your health and the environment. A lecture from Brendon Anthony.
In this fourth lecture of Environmentality., Brendon discusses what "biomagnification" and "bioaccumulation" are and how it impacts both human and environmental health.
In short, bioaccumulation integrates toxins into life, such as plants and animals, and biomagnification intensifies the concentration of these toxins as they move up the food chain. As humans are at the top of the food chain, we feel the full force of highly magnified toxins as we eat other apex predators, especially in our oceans such as tuna. These can have negative health consequences.
Biomagnification also poses a threat to many endangered species that sit at the top of their ecosystem, as toxins become increasingly abundant in their food sources. The ultimate goal is to reduce toxins, metals and pesticides from ever being introduced into the environment, i.e. reduce bioaccumulation and address the source of these emissions.
The solution? Eat lower on the food chain, eat more plants instead of fish to obtain omega-3s, reduce fossil fuel consumption to prevent heavy pollutants, such as mercury, from emitting into the environment in high concentrations and potentially avoid seafood altogether.
To learn more about what the EPA has to say about mercury, check out: https://www.epa.gov/mercury
07 Sep 2020
News Briefing - Week of September 7, 2020
00:06:04
Three Stories:
Painting a blade on a wind turbine black reduces avian collisions by 70%
Bee venom has been demonstrated to kill breast cancer cells in vitro
The EPA rolls back regulations (again) for coal-fired power plants on wastewater treatment; i.e. more water pollution to come
Music: Sweet by LiQWYD https://soundcloud.com/liqwyd Creative Commons — Attribution 3.0 Unported — CC BY 3.0 Music promoted by Audio Library https://youtu.be/swxS7Feu-UI
12 Sep 2020
Season 1 - Conclusion: Stay Tuned for Season 2!
00:02:19
Hey all, this is the official conclusion to Season One's first ten episodes of Environmentality. I hope you have been enjoying it, learning lots and growing in your love for the natural world.
I'll be back with Season Two in a few weeks with topics on Sustainable fashion, shopping and coffee! Plus much more! As always feel free to reach out with topics and ideas via Instagram: @brendonanthonyy
I will continue to bring you news in the meanwhile, except for next week, as I am off to OK to meet my new niece!
Have a great weekend and I will see you soon! Stay tuned!
21 Sep 2020
News Briefing - Week of September 21, 2020
00:06:21
Three Stories This Week:
Artificial Upwelling to Help Prevent Coral Bleaching
Pink Dolphins Thriving During Anthropause
48 Species Saved from Extinction due to Conservation Efforts
How Tropic Sport seeks to mitigate coral bleaching and negative human health impacts of chemical sunscreen. An interview with Tony Palmer.
In this interview of Environmentality., Tony Palmer, co-founder and CEO of Tropic Sport, joins me to talk about their alternative sunscreen that is formulated with natural compounds to promote healthy reefs and bodies. Warming temperatures and ocean acidification have led to coral bleaching in recent years, but another contributing factor to coral bleaching, are chemical sunscreens. Particular chemicals, such as oxybenzone, can have vast negative impacts on coral reefs and aquatic wildlife, to which we discuss at length about.
Furthermore, these chemicals are harmful for your body as well, making Tropic Sport a company that promotes holistic health for the planet and you. Tony and I also chat about their conviction to be sustainable throughout the supply chain, reducing plastic waste, promoting recyclable material and leading this charge for other companies to follow.
We also discuss the holistic benefits of coral reefs, rising skin cancer incidence and legislation being imposed across the U.S. to prevent toxic chemicals in our sunscreens.
To learn more about Tropic Sport and purchase their products, click here.
How an online platform can revolutionize your shopping habits for a more sustainable planet. An interview with Tara Jafarmadar, CEO of Susty.eco, which is now: Baobab.
In this episode of Environmentality. I interview Tara Jafarmadar Mujica, CEO and one of the co-founders at Susty.eco (now Baobab), an online shopping platform that hosts sustainable products and businesses. The goal of Susty? To simplify and enhance the transparency of your shopping habits, by providing you information about the social, environmental, health and innovating aspects of the product/business you are supporting/buying from. On the show, we discuss the issue of "fast fashion," built obsolescence, and the need for long-lasting, environmentally friendly products.
Futhermore, Tara addresses the two main issues of our consumption: disposability and a lack of external costs factored into the price of our products. Susty.eco promotes companies that are addressing these two main issues. Finally, I ask, "can we really consume our way to sustainability?" Tune in to hear how Tara beautifully addresses this point and how Susty.eco wants to tackle consumption as a whole.
To check out and shop on Susty.eco, click here. To connect with Tara, click here.
29 Oct 2020
Episode 013 - What is Aquaponics?
00:41:40
How a circular urban agricultural system can provide social and environmental benefits. An interview with Aaron Flora.
In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down and chat with Aaron Flora, Renewable Farms Founder and CEO, about aquaponics. Aquaponics is an urban agricultural system that combines: aquaculture, the production of aquatic species like tilapia, catfish or shellfish, and hydroponics, the production of plants without soil. We chat about aquaponics as a tool in the toolbox for sustainable agriculture and international development, but not a one-size-fits-all solution, as it has some drawbacks. Aaron discusses how in it's appropriate context in urban areas, such as Orange County, aquaponics can and has led to generating local produce for food insecure areas, along with numerous social benefits.
At the Riverbed Farm, a local mega-aquaponics farm, operated by Aaron and Renewable Farms, there are several after-school, volunteer, internship and employment programs for kids, students, homeless, people with disabilities, veterans and the elderly. The Riverbed Farm in Anaheim, followed by two new farms opening up in Aliso Viejo and Fullerton, in the coming year, will continue to serve both people and planet, by creating a space for people to get married, hold events and interact with nature and farming, while it produces tons of food (both fish and veggies) for local food banks and educational/therapeutic opportunities for all.
Aaron and I also chat about our converging paths, when he took me to Panama as a kid, and then later in college, employed me and taught me about aquaponics. Aaron continues to mentor and train numerous people in OC about this urban ag technology.
To learn more about Renewable Farms and the Riverbed Farm in Anaheim, click here. Check out their instagram here: @TheRiverbedFarm
If you are interested in learning how to farm aquaponics or applying to work at any of the farms, contact Aaron at: Aaron@renewablefarms.com
22 Jan 2021
Episode 014 - What is Limnology?
00:40:08
How humans and climate change are influencing alpine lakes and ecology. An interview with Caitlin Charlton.
In this episode of Environmentality. I connect with Caitlin Charlton to discuss all things alpine lakes and ecology. In particular, we discuss the impacts of human activity and climate change on these alpine regions, and what solutions, both big and small, that can be taken to mitigate their impacts.
Caitlin is a graduate student in the Ecology program at Colorado State University. In this episode, she discusses in great detail some of the experiments that she and her research lab group are conducting in the Rocky Mountain National Park and beyond. She discusses the impacts of nutrient deposition on alpine lakes and how that can lead to toxicity and eutrophication. She also shares about the impacts of human waste and hikers not following "leave no trace" principles while hiking in the Rockies.
Caitlin and I also chat about lake submarines, Clif bar wrappers, caffeine in human waste and regulations being implemented to reduce nitrogen and phosphorous deposition in alpine lakes.
To learn more about Caitlin and her field work check out her Instagram here: @caitlincharl10 Additional information about her research can be found here.
27 Jan 2021
Episode 015 - What is Fast Fashion?
00:33:15
Why trends can be degrading and how the industry can build a sustainable future. An interview with Jia Yee Ni.
In this episode of Environmentality. I discuss the fashion industry with Jia Yee Ni, the product/design manager at Kordal Studio in Brooklyn, New York. We chat about the harmful impacts of the "fast fashion" industry, in respect to built obsolescence, negative societal consequences on self-esteem, environmental degradation of particular materials and the social/economic consequences of cheap textiles flooding low-income nations.
Jia Yee shares her thoughts on thrift shopping, as well as provides tips on the fabrics to avoid and the materials to embrace, in particular the ones that are better for your body and the environment (hint: alpaca!). We chat especially about what Kordal Studio is doing, and how they are combatting trends and trying to design and manufacture clothes that are built to last. Jia Yee introduces a concept known as "cost per wear," which demonstrates the true economic sense of investing in good durable clothes.
To learn more about Jia Yee and the work being done at Kordal Studio, check out their website here.
03 Feb 2021
Episode 016 - What is Sustainable Development?
00:34:56
How Plant with Purpose is holistically addressing social, economic and environmental needs. An interview with Philippe Lazaro.
In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with Philippe Lazaro, the creative director of Plant with Purpose, a non-profit based in San Diego that engages in holistic development all around the globe. Plant with Purpose embraces agroforestry and agroecological approaches to restore the environment, stimulate local economies and fortify relationships in communities through faith-based approaches. Specifically, Plant with Purpose plants millions of trees per year, restores watersheds and establishes "village savings & loans associations" (VSLA), to holistically and sustainably empower people around the world.
Philippe and I chat about his experiences in non-profits, and what brought him to the sustainable development world. We also chat about how social issues, like human trafficking, are rooted in environmental issues, like agricultural collapse. Philippe shares stories of success where communities are being alleviated from poverty, how the organization is collecting this kind of data, and how they are improving their model at Plant with Purpose.
We dive deep into the VSLA model, the ecological benefits of trees, the need for diversity in agricultural production and the power of watershed restoration.
To learn more about the work being done at Plant with Purpose, or to donate, check out their website here.
To check out Philippe's podcast, Grass Roots, click here.
11 Feb 2021
Episode 017 - What are Food Production Systems?
00:48:31
What a plethora of international agricultural experiences can teach us about community and the environment. An interview with Sam Becker-Miyadai.
In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with a dear friend and former roommate of mine, Sam Becker-Miyadai. Sam is a marketing specialist, foodie and food systems photographer. In the podcast, Sam shares an anthology of stories and farming experiences from Southern California to Japan, with many other stops in between, like in Mexico and Cambodia. We chat about the significance of community in agriculture and the intersection of social impact and environmental sustainability.
Sam and I chat about a diversity of food production systems that embrace everything from ancient agroecological practices to modern technological approaches. We discuss how agriculture as a whole needs diversity in all aspects, including biological species, cultures, people and practices.
Sam shares with me how to make mochi, while we discuss our love of frogs and struggle to think of the word "kitchen aid." Overall, we have a great time chatting about the world of agriculture and we end the show with a little "fishbowl"-esque game.
To connect with Sam Becker-Miyadai on LinkedIn, click here. Instagram: @sambmiyadai__
19 Feb 2021
Episode 018 - What is the Environment - Pandemic Interface?
00:38:59
How zoonotic viruses are spreading as a result of ecosystem degradation. An interview with Danielle Carnahan.
In this episode of Environmentality. Danielle Carnahan returns to chat with me about the interface between global pandemics and environmental degradation. Danielle is a wildlife conservationist and is the founder of an environmental blog called, "Call to Conserve." Danielle has worked extensively with wildlife around the globe and helps walk me through the connection between our treatment of the natural world and the facilitation of pandemics. We chat about how 60% of the diseases humans experience are vectored from animals, and how we can avoid them.
Danielle and I list off a lot of horrific outbreaks that started as a result of humans coming into contact with animals and ecosystems, unsustainable agriculture, deforestation and habitat destruction. Danielle also chats about one main driver in particular, palm oil production. Danielle offers us advice, both large-scale and everyday, on how to prevent the spread of these diseases and how we can better foster a planet that embodies "One Health."
To learn more about her blog, click here. To check out her Reels page, click here.
23 Apr 2021
Episode 019 - What is Human Composting?
00:46:22
How recycling nutrients from our plant residues, biosolids and bodies can contribute to a more sustainable future. An interview with Dr. Lynne Carpenter-Boggs.
In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with Dr. Lynne Carpenter-Boggs, Full Professor in the Crops and Soil Science Department at Washington State University to discuss nutrient cycling on many scales. We discuss the importance of returning nutrients back into agriculture systems in order to achieve more sustainable production systems, along with the potential to use composted bio-solids (human feces) and human bodies in this process.
Dr. Carpenter-Boggs talks about the novelty of human composting, the regulations involved in pioneering the research and the status of this alternative funeral process today. We also chat about the importance of microorganisms in soils, along with many food production systems such as conservation, no-till and rotational agriculture systems. The focus of these agriculture systems being the preservation of soil health and stability.
To learn more about her research, click here. To connect with Dr. Carpenter-Boggs, click here.
28 Jun 2021
Episode 020 - What are High Density Orchards?
00:39:19
Why tree fruit orchards are being redesigned for improved sustainability. A lecture from Brendon Anthony.
In this final episode of Season 2 of Environmentality., Brendon returns with a lecture on the tree fruit industry and the focus of his PhD research, shifting low density peach orchards towards high density plantings (more trees per land area).
Brendon provides an overview on the field of horticulture and pomology, while doing some deep dives on some fun botanical facts. He then begins to discuss the differences between the CA and CO peach industries and the importance of quality for economic sustainability. Brendon explains why orchards are shifting towards increased planting densities and smaller trees and how this is facilitated by dwarfing rootstocks. High density orchards can simplify canopy architecture to increase labor and input use efficiency, all in an attempt to increase the sustainability (Three E's) of these orchard systems. This transition has already occurred in apple and cherry, and is beginning now in other fruit crops like peaches.
Brendon discusses the pros and cons of this orchard design and why we need to be able to produce more on less land with less resources in the future to satisfy the food needs of a growing population.
27 Sep 2021
Episode 021 - What is Sustainable Coffee? Part 1 - Horticulture
00:40:21
How coffee can be managed and bred for sustainability. A lecture from Brendon Anthony.
In this premiere episode of Season 3 of Environmentality., Brendon returns with a lecture on sustainable coffee, which serves as an introduction and primer to a 6-part series on coffee and sustainability.
Brendon shares his background, interest and love of coffee, and why he wanted to create the series about this beverage and sustainability. Brendon explains the distinction between the two primary species of coffee, several innovative new varieties that were bred or identified, which changed production goals over the years and explains the physiological distinction between shade-loving plants and sun-loving plants.
Brendon also discusses the importance of caffeine in plants, critical coffee pathogens and introduces some of the complexities of certifications.
Stay tuned for more episodes, as this kicks off an investigation into the supply chain of coffee and where sustainability goals can be met at each step!
04 Oct 2021
Episode 022 - What is Sustainable Coffee? Part 2 - Global Research
00:45:07
What the research objectives and challenges are for coffee production worldwide. An interview with Evie Smith, M.Sc., M.Sc.
In this episode, Brendon interviews Evie Smith, coffee researcher and instructor at UC Davis, about research she has been conducting in Latin America over the past several years. Evie shares about the biggest issues facing coffee production, particularly in Latin America: coffee leaf rust, a fungal pathogen, and the price crisis. Evie discusses solutions to these problems, as well as her next steps in her research to combat these challenges. She is also involved at the UC Davis Coffee Center, where she helps develop curriculum for students on campus.
Evie also answers questions about: what agricultural extensions is, what a supply chain is and how we can take tangible steps to engage in "relationship," coffee to ensure coffee farmers are getting a fair price for their product.
To connect with Evie, click here. To learn more about the UC Davis Coffee Center, click here.
11 Oct 2021
Episode 023 - What is Sustainable Coffee? Part 3 - Production
00:36:11
What the production challenges and innovative solutions are for the coffee industry in Latin America. An interview with Jan Carlo Handtke, owner of Mapache Coffee in El Salvador.
In this episode, Brendon interviews Jan Carlo, a coffee farmer, processor and exporter from El Salvador. Jan Carlo and his wife, Sofia, operate Mapache, which produces coffee all over El Salvador through sustainable means. Jan Carlo shares about the biggest issues facing coffee production, particularly in El Salvador: plant pathogens, labor issues and climate change. Jan Carlo discusses solutions to these problems, as well as his innovative approach to vertically integrating his business to maximize profitability. We also chat about how coffee growers/processors can add value to their product to maximize quality and mitigate the price crisis.
Jan Carlo also answers questions about: shade grown coffee (as well as other certifications like CAFE practices), how El Sal's civil war has affected the coffee industry and why cupping your coffee is critical to understanding your quality and obtaining a high farmgate price (i.e., $/lb or $/kg).
To learn more about Mapache Coffee, and their farms and facilities, click here. To visit their Instagram, click here.
To find Mapache Coffee in the U.S., here is the list of Roasters and Coffee Shops that source their coffee:
8th & Roast
Barista Parlor
Bitty & Beau's
Black Rifle Coffee
Blackbeard Coffee
Bigbee Coffee Roasters
Camino Coffee Roasters
Candyland Distributors
Cervantes Coffee
Coastal Coffee Roasters
Coffee Mob
Congregation Coffee
Cool Beanz Espresso
Custom Cup Coffee
Honeybee Coffee Roasters
Indie Coffee Roasters
Krankies Coffee
Methodical Coffee
Moon Enterprises
Otus Coffee
Perc Coffee
Piedmont Petroleum
Polite Coffee
Quills Coffee
Reverie Coffee Roasters
Rhino Coffee
Springbok Coffee Roasters
Steel Oak Coffee
Thunderkiss Coffee
Vice & Virtue
Yaggy Road Roasting
Zealie Beans
21 Oct 2021
Episode 024 - What is Sustainable Coffee? Part 4 - Postharvest Management
00:49:15
What the postharvest steps are for coffee once its picked from the tree. An interview with Dr. Irwin Donis-González, assistant professor at UC-Davis, working in the Coffee Center.
In this episode, Brendon interviews Dr. Irwin Donis-González to talk about postharvest management, coffee biology and how technology can be used to solve issues in the industry. Irwin shares about his background, growing up in Guatemala and his interests in engineering. He also defines what "postharvest" is and provides a distinction from "preharvest" factors in production. We talk about the role postharvest management plays in achieving food security goals, and how food waste and spoilage is intensified in impoverished countries where proper technologies are not available.
Dr. Donis-González also talks about the risk of mycotoxins (toxic compounds produced by fungus) in coffee and why proper postharvest management is integral for conserving food safety. Irwin also takes us on a journey from cherry (or berry) to a final drinkable product, discussing the steps along the way and the pros/cons of each processing style. A special emphasis is placed on "drying," explaining the significance of this step for the safety and quality of coffee, along with the technologies used to monitor this process.
To learn more about UC Davis' Coffee Center, click here. To connect with Dr. Donis-González, click here.
27 Oct 2021
Episode 025 - What is Sustainable Coffee? Part 5 - Roasting and Retail
00:43:00
What steps can be done to minimize steps in the supply chain to improve the social responsibility of coffee. An interview with Preston Quillen, owner and head roaster of Bigbee Coffee Roasters in Alabama.
In this episode, Brendon interviews Preston Quillen to talk about coffee roasting and his approach to consumer education and community building. Preston first got excited about coffee on a mission trip to Haiti and began his roasting process with a popcorn machine, a smoky apartment and an upset wife. He has since launched several locations, alongside his father and wife, roasting, brewing and serving coffee all over Alabama, US.
Preston discusses his approach to selling coffee, empowering farmers and reducing the steps in the supply chain to ensure more money in the hands of the producers. Preston pursues "relationship coffee," with a better understanding where their beans come from, by sourcing from single origin farms they have a connection with.
To learn more about Bigbee Coffee Roasters, click here. To connect with Preston, click here.
08 Nov 2021
Episode 026 - What is Sustainable Coffee? Part 6 - Chemistry
In this episode, Brendon interviews coffee chemistry guru, Sarah Brinkley, to talk about the role chemistry plays in the perception and evaluation of coffee quality. Sarah discusses her sinuous path of interests leading her through vineyards, coffee farms and chemistry labs. She explains how a singular specialty coffee "score" or rating is not sufficient to describe coffee "quality." She outlines the development of a "living lexicon" to better describe coffee and how chemistry aids in this pursuit. Sarah also discusses her research, evaluating how soil amendments help improve plant health and influence coffee quality, both at the consumer perception and chemical profiling levels.
Sarah also defines biodynamic farming, recounts the history and significance of Norman Borlaug, and discusses the array of applications for various chemistry technologies. Ultimately, Sarah discloses her desire to see coffee become more of a gourmet product, with a higher price point and appreciation for this specialty crop, in order to mitigate price crises and provide equitable compensation for farmers in this industry.
To connect with Sarah Brinkley, click here; Twitter: @scbrinkley To read Sarah's most recent publication on Coffee Chemistry and Climate Change, click here. To check out Sarah's side hustle and Coffee education repository, click here. To learn more about Texas A & M's Center for Coffee Research and Education, click here.
22 Nov 2021
Episode 027 - What is Sustainable Floristry?
00:33:36
How flowers can be grown and curated in an eco-friendly way. An interview with Piper Essick, owner of Petals by Piper, a sustainable floristry company.
In this episode, Brendon interviews flower artist and sustainable florist, Piper Essick, to talk about her generational green thumb and how Piper got into floristry. As an environmentalist, Piper approaches floristry from a unique perspective, combining nature and art, sourcing flowers locally for her clients. Piper discusses her desire to source flowers seasonally and locally, as we discuss the vast carbon footprint the flower industry has.
Piper and I also talk about some of the controversial topics in floristry, such as: pampas grass, dehydrated flowers, use of noxious chemicals and the rampant use of plastic all throughout the floral supply chain. Lastly, we address the need for brides to be open-minded in their selection of flowers for their big day, as this allows florists to be able to source local, more sustainable materials.
How promoting sustainable nutrition can mitigate health, environmental and social issues. An interview with Taylor Mayeda.
In this episode of Environmentality. I sit down with foodie and food security advocate, Taylor Mayeda, to talk about nutrition, food security and plant-based "meats." Taylor was at Impossible Foods cooking burgers for Bill Gates, working in their marketing division, when the company was first starting out. Since then she has worked for several plant based companies, as well as a stint with AmeriCorps, where she served as a nutrition educator.
Taylor is passionate about sustainable nutrition, a positive relationship with your body/diet and improving the access to and education about healthy eating. We chat about farming, plant based alternatives and food security. We address some of the issues surrounding "soy" based vegan foods, as well as the idea of nutrition being a luxury and a privilege.
We also talk about lab grown meats, food banks and the legacy of passing down recipes throughout generations. Taylor likes to keep cooking simple and shares some tips for doing so, while eating a plant based diet.
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