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This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

The health of our oceans is critical—not just for marine life, but for our economy and future sustainability. Enter Ocean Exchange, an organization dedicated to accelerating solutions that improve ocean health and coastal resilience. And, one of only four groups in the United States that was awarded the recent NOAA Ocean Enterprise Accelerator grant!

In this episode, I sit down with Millicent Pitts, the Executive Director of Ocean Exchange, to explore how they’re funding and supporting game-changing innovations in the blue economy.

From cleaning up agricultural runoff to creating bio-based chemicals from coral reefs, these solutions are already making a difference. Over the past 13 years of giving non-dilutive grants to start-ups, the finalists in their process have raised $3.1 billion, mostly in seed and venture capital rounds.  

Millicent shares the challenges these innovators face, why investors are finally paying attention, and how we can all play a role in supporting ocean health.

Highlights

• How Ocean Exchange helps fund and accelerate ocean-focused startups.
• The growing blue economy and why it matters.
• Innovations tackling biodiversity loss, pollution, and carbon sequestration.

 What YOU Can Do

Even if you’re not an investor or scientist, there are ways to support these innovations and ocean health:

• Stay Informed – Follow and share updates from organizations like Ocean Exchange.
• Support Sustainable Businesses – Look for companies investing in ocean-friendly practices.
• Advocate for Stronger Policies – Support initiatives that regulate ocean pollution and promote clean energy.
• Reduce Your Own Impact – Minimize single-use plastics, choose sustainable seafood, and reduce carbon emissions.
• Get Involved Locally – Participate in beach cleanups or citizen science projects related to marine conservation.

 Resources

• Ocean Exchange 
• Water Warriors
• Cordelia Biosciences
• Ocean Rescue Alliance
• Silent Returns
• Minesto
• EcoSubSea

 If today’s conversation sparked your curiosity, there’s no better place to dive deeper into topics like this than at EarthX, the world’s largest environmental gathering. Tickets for their event in April are on sale now at earthx.org. Be sure to grab yours and join the global community working toward a healthier, more sustainable planet.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

What if nature itself could help clean up our most toxic messes? That’s the promise of bioremediation, a groundbreaking process that uses living organisms—like microbes, plants, and fungi—to restore polluted environments. In this episode, we’re joined by two guests who are leading the charge in this field: Cheyne Robertson, founder of Ergofito Bio, whose expertise lies in leveraging microbial solutions to heal ecosystems, and Rudy Montes, founder of Phoenix Harvest, a U.S. Army veteran turned environmental innovator working to transform toxic sites into thriving, sustainable landscapes. Together, we explore the science, challenges, and hope behind bioremediation, and the ways it could reshape our approach to environmental restoration.

Highlights

• What is Bioremediation?
• What role do microbes play in bioremediation?
• What are some real-life examples of Bioremediation in action?

What YOU Can Do

• Superfund cleanups often rely on federal funding through the EPA. Contact your representatives and advocate for increased funding and stricter enforcement of environmental regulations.
• Support legislation that holds polluters accountable for the costs of cleanup, ensuring the burden doesn’t fall solely on taxpayers.
• Learn about Superfund sites in your area using the EPA’s Superfund Site Locator Tool.

Resources

• Ergofito Bio 
• Phoenix Harvest 
• Get your tickets to EarthX
• Keep an eye out for Richard Harmer’s EarthX ProPlanet Podcast—coming soon!

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

As the president of the United Nations Association – Orange County Chapter - Dave Rice is committed to localizing the UN's global Sustainable Development Goals. To effectively achieve this, Dave founded the nonprofit Sustainable Impact Alliance (SIA), and its for-profit counterpart, Sustainable Impact Alliance Solutions International (SIASI). Through his mantra of "Think Globally, Act Locally," Dave demonstrates how harnessing data and fostering collaboration can make sustainable development attainable for all communities.

Highlights

• The mission of SIA and how it mobilizes local communities to achieve global goals.
• How SIASI bridges the gap between nonprofit initiatives and innovative for-profit solutions.
• The development of a Climate Dashboard in Orange County, California, to track energy usage, emissions, and green solutions for 34 cities and 3.5 million residents.

 What YOU Can Do 

• Join the United Nations Association. 
• Find a local citizen coalition or climate group you can get involved in.
• Promote the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs)  

Resources

• Sustainable Impact Alliance Solutions 
• Check out Local2030
• Follow Dave Rice on LinkedIn

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series! 

What if your home could do more than provide shelter—what if it could help heal the planet? In this episode, Eric Amyot, co-founder of Issho House, Oliizoi, and ReGen Earth Studio, talks about his visionary approach to sustainable and regenerative living. We explore groundbreaking innovations in home design, including self-sufficient, closed-loop systems that produce their own food, water, and energy. You'll also learn how waste-diverted, chemical-free materials are revolutionizing construction and why rethinking community ownership is key to making housing more equitable and resilient. A sustainable world starts at home and Eric is helping to make that a reality.

Highlights

• How can homes be designed to not only minimize their environmental impact but also actively regenerate the planet?
• What steps can be taken to reduce the waste and health risks associated with traditional home construction?
• Why is community an essential part of building a sustainable future, and how can it be reimagined?

What YOU Can Do

• Conduct a Home Audit: Start by understanding your home’s current condition, including energy use, water quality, air quality, and materials. This helps identify areas for improvement.
• Address Air Quality: Remove or replace items containing volatile organic compounds (VOCs), such as carpets, paints, and cleaning products, with healthier, eco-friendly alternatives.
• Improve Insulation and Windows: Ensure your home is well-insulated and replace outdated windows to improve energy efficiency and reduce heating and cooling needs.
• Install Renewable Energy Systems: Consider solar panels, wind turbines, or geothermal systems to reduce reliance on traditional energy sources.
• Upgrade Water Systems: Test your water quality and consider implementing greywater recycling or rainwater harvesting systems.
• Adopt Waste-Reduced Materials: Use recycled or waste-diverted materials for renovations, such as reclaimed wood or innovative options like recycled paper countertops.
• Grow Your Own Food: Incorporate indoor or outdoor food-growing systems to reduce reliance on store-bought produce.
• Retrofit for Resilience: Look into programs or services, like Issho’s Revive, that can help retrofit your home for greater sustainability, energy efficiency, and self-sufficiency.
• Take a Holistic Approach: Evaluate the overall health and functionality of your home to ensure it aligns with sustainable living principles, addressing structural, environmental, and lifestyle factors.

 Resources

• Oliizoi 
• Issho Homes
• Revive- Resilient Retrofitting 
• ReGenEarth Studio

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

What does it mean to truly live a life of purpose, one that not only fulfills us but also helps regenerate our world? Lynne Twist, a legendary activist, philanthropist, and co-founder of the Pachamama Alliance, has an answer. Lynne shares powerful stories from her work alongside indigenous communities in the Amazon rainforest and explains how each of us can contribute to creating a more just and thriving planet. Through her inspiring journey and wisdom on our relationship with money, Lynne challenges us to rethink what we truly value and reveals how we can find our unique calling by identifying what breaks our hearts and makes our spirits soar.

Tune in to hear about her mystical connection to the Amazon, the life-changing encounter that inspired her to found the Pachamama Alliance, and practical steps you can take today to align your choices with the future you want to see. 

Highlights

• The story behind Lynne’s call to action from the Amazon and her partnership with the Achuar people.
• How to find purpose by connecting with what breaks your heart and makes your heart sing.
• Why money, like water, can be a force for healing or harm—and how to use it wisely.

What YOU Can Do

• Stop worrying, start doing.
• We have lost the sense of community above the individual. What can you do to help establish a sense of community near you?
• Engage with organizations doing work that resonates with you, whether local, regional, national, global in scale. 
• As Lynne suggests, approach money as a tool for good; support businesses and causes that contribute to a sustainable future.
• Recognize and support the rights of indigenous communities to protect their land and culture.

 Resources

• Pachamama Alliance  
• Pachamama Courses such as Awakening the Dreamer plus more!
• Lynne's book, The Soul of Money: A transformative look at how to use money in alignment with our values. 
• Regeneration.org: Resources and ideas for living sustainably and regeneratively.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

How can the landscapes around us play a direct role in reducing carbon emissions? In this episode, we talk with Jim Blackburn, the CEO of BCarbon, about nature-based carbon sequestration. Jim shares how BCarbon is helping landowners restore prairies, forests, and wetlands to store carbon naturally, and why the voluntary carbon market could play a pivotal role in combating climate change. We explore how these projects contribute not only to carbon reduction but also to ecological resilience, biodiversity, and sustainable economic incentives for landowners. Whether you’re curious about the carbon market or looking for impactful ways to reduce your own carbon footprint, this episode sheds light on a holistic approach to climate action.

Highlights

• How does BCarbon’s nature-based approach to carbon capture work, and why is it different from technological carbon capture technology?
• How can we know if carbon credits are truly making a difference or if they’re just being used as “greenwashing”?
• Why might investing in carbon credits be a meaningful step for individuals and businesses aiming to offset their environmental impact?

What You Can Do:

• Look into verified, nature-based carbon offset options to balance out your personal or business emissions.
• Support local conservation and restoration efforts that contribute to biodiversity and carbon storage.
• Engage with nature.

Resources Mentioned in the Episode:

• BCarbon – Learn more about BCarbon and how they work with landowners for natural carbon sequestration.
• Texas Coastal Exchange – A program supporting carbon sequestration along the Texas coast.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Daniel Cardenas is the founder of CarbonEx, a Native American-owned carbon solutions firm. With over 20 years of experience in the carbon management field, Daniel shares his insights into one of today’s most polarizing climate solutions—technological carbon capture. As a member of the Pit River Tribe, Daniel brings a unique entrepreneurial and Indigenous perspective to the conversation, blending economic opportunity with environmental stewardship.

Highlights

• How do carbon capture technologies work to combat climate change?
• What are some of the potentials and some of the pitfalls of carbon capture technology?
• Hear how we are not in an energy transition but, rather, an energy evolution.

 Resources 

• The Inflation Reduction Act and the 45Q tax credit: Key federal incentives for carbon capture and storage projects.

 What YOU Can Do

• Support policies that promote carbon capture technologies and sustainable land management.
• Stay informed about the development of carbon capture technologies and consider supporting companies or organizations working in this space.
• Plant trees and restore native plants in your community to help sequester carbon naturally.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Julie Thorstenson is a member of the Cheyenne River Sioux Nation and the Executive Director of the Native American Fish and Wildlife Society. Julie's deep connection to the land began in her youth, growing up on her family’s ranch in South Dakota, where she developed a love for nature that would shape her career. Now, she works tirelessly to ensure that Tribal Nations are included in wildlife conservation efforts and advocates for more equitable funding for tribal fish and wildlife programs.

Highlights:

• How traditional ecological knowledge complements Western science in wildlife management?
• A look at the challenges Tribal Nations face in conservation, particularly around funding inequities.
• What is the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act and why it is crucial for tribes, the environment, and biodiversity?

What You Can Do to Help:

• Sign petitions supporting the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA) to ensure tribes receive equitable funding for conservation efforts.
• Contact your representatives and ask them to support the Recovering America’s Wildlife Act to boost conservation funding for Tribal Nations and other local wildlife programs.
• Educate yourself on the diversity of Tribal Nations and their unique roles in conservation. Every tribe is different, and understanding their individual needs is crucial to supporting their efforts.
• Build relationships: Don’t assume the answers; instead, ask questions and listen to understand the barriers tribes face in accessing resources for conservation.

Resources Mentioned:

• Native American Fish and Wildlife Society: An organization providing technical assistance and policy support to Tribal Nations engaged in fish and wildlife conservation. 
• Recovering America’s Wildlife Act (RAWA): A bipartisan bill that aims to allocate $1.4 billion to states and tribes for wildlife conservation.  
• America the Beautiful Challenge Grants: Collaborative grants supporting conservation projects that span large landscapes, including Tribal-led initiatives.  

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

We're never going to create the healthy and humane world we want to see if we continue to be so divided from one another. Manu Meel is working to bring us together. He is the founder of BridgeUSA, an organization that empowers young people to foster constructive dialogue across political and ideological divides. With the United States feeling more polarized than ever, Manu shares how BridgeUSA is building spaces where real conversations can happen—ones focused on listening, understanding, and collaborating to find common ground. Discover the power of vulnerability in bridging divides, learn how to establish ground rules for productive dialogue, and understand the crucial difference between attacking arguments and attacking individuals. 

 Whether you're feeling disheartened by today’s political climate or looking for practical steps to promote understanding, this episode will leave you feeling hopeful and empowered to take action.

Highlights

• With so much polarization today, what do you think is missing from our conversations, and how does BridgeUSA address this gap?
• What practical norms does BridgeUSA teach for fostering constructive conversations?
• What actionable steps can listeners take to help bridge divides in their own communities?

What YOU Can Do

• Be Vulnerable: Share your own experiences and reasons for your beliefs—it invites others to do the same.
• Set Ground Rules: Before diving into challenging topics, agree on norms like listening to understand (not just to respond), avoiding interruptions, and focusing on ideas, not people.
• Seek Out Diverse Perspectives: Challenge your own biases by actively seeking out viewpoints different from your own to foster a broader understanding.
• Vote in Primaries: Recognize that fewer people vote in primaries, meaning a small vocal minority often decides the candidates. Get involved early to support nuanced, solutions-oriented candidates.
• Reject Outrage Culture: Be mindful of the media you consume and share—avoid sensationalist content that drives division.

Resources

• Bridge USA  – Learn more about the organization and how to get involved.
• The Hopeful Majority Podcast – Manu’s work that encourages nuanced discussions on social issues.
• Benji Backer’s Book: "The Conservative Environmentalist – A fresh perspective on environmentalism from a conservative viewpoint.
• Media literacy resources - to help identify biased or inflammatory content.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Eleanor LeCain is the visionary behind the Solutions Summit, a groundbreaking event on Capital Hill that brings together bold thinkers and decision-makers to tackle some of today’s biggest challenges such as climate change, democracy, economic security, and health. 

During our conversation, Eleanor shares insights on how the Solutions Summit connects those with the best ideas—“solutionaries”—with the leaders who have the power to implement them. We dive into her focus on climate solutions and how she views the transition to a green economy not as a burden, but as a massive opportunity for job creation, innovation, and business growth.

Highlights

• How the Solutions Summit bridges the gap between innovators and decision-makers.
• Why climate change is the biggest economic and business opportunity of the 21st century.
• Practical steps individuals can take to reduce their carbon footprint and support a green transition.

Resources

• Solutions Summit Recordings: Watch all four sessions on climate, democracy, economic security, and health on Eleanor’s YouTube channel.  
• Read Eleanor's Book, "Breakthrough Solutions" (with an introduction by the Dalai Lama).
• Rewiring America: Find out more about the incentives provided by the Inflation Reduction Act for making your home and life more energy-efficient. 
• Eleanor's website.
• The following is a list of sites where you can sign up to receive email petitions about all sorts of issues:
  • Lady Freethinker 
  • In Defense of Animals 
  • WildEarth Guardians  
  • Care2
• Get Early Bird Tickets to the EarthX Congress of Conferences in April 2025!  

What YOU Can Do

• Shift to Clean Energy
• Use public transportation, bike, or walk whenever possible. If you drive, switch to an electric or hybrid vehicle.
• Use Energy-Efficient Appliances like refrigerators and light bulbs. 
• Support candidates who back policies that promote renewable energy and green job creation.
• Embrace a mindset of opportunity rather than crisis. View the shift to sustainability as a chance for innovation, job creation, and economic growth.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This is another episode of the Forces for Nature, EarthX Conference series!

Theo E.J. Wilson is a TEDx speaker, social activist, and leader in fostering dialogue across cultural and ideological divides. While Theo may not come from a traditional environmental background, his work on social justice, understanding others' perspectives, and the interconnectedness of humanity makes him an ideal person to explore the link between social and climate justice. Theo shares his journey, the connections he sees between pollution, racism, and how we treat the planet, as well as the critical need for holistic thinking in solving these global issues.

One of the most moving moments? Theo’s beautiful spoken word poem, "I Am Humanity," which will leave you contemplating your role in shaping the future of our planet and our society. This is a can't-miss.

Highlights

• The importance of holistic thinking in solving the climate crisis.
• How understanding others' perspectives, even those who oppose you, can lead to meaningful dialogue and change.
• Again, the reading of his poem, I am Humanity.

Resources

• EarthX Leadership Circle: A platform fostering collaboration across ideological lines to work together on climate solutions.
• Get Early Bird Tickets to the EarthX Congress of Conferences in April 2025!
• TEDx Talk by Theo E.J. Wilson: His viral speech on his undercover experience in a white supremacist online community.

What YOU Can Do

• Buy from Ethical Companies: Support brands that prioritize sustainability and social responsibility.
• Spread Positive News: Use your social media to spotlight companies and individuals making positive strides toward environmental justice.
• Get Involved Locally: Engage with groups in your community working on environmental and social justice initiatives.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?