Going Zero

In this episode, we dive into sustainability where the stakes—and the challenges—are at their highest: music festivals and live events. Our guest is Vivian Belzaguy Hunter, a trailblazer in festival sustainability who has transformed waste diversion, environmental protection, and behavioral change across massive, temporary “pop-up cities.”

From the chaos behind the scenes to the drive toward zero waste, Vivia...

Welcome back to Going Zero, the sustainability podcast for leaders making a difference. In this episode, we sit down with two industry powerhouses leading the charge in corporate hospitality and sustainability: David Mesagno, Executive Director, Amenities Services Lead, and Peter D’Angelo, North American Head of Global Hospitality Services. Both guests bring decades of experience on both the client and vendor side of food ser...

Welcome to another episode of Going Zero, the podcast where we delve into the people, innovations, and big ideas shaping the journey to zero waste. Today, we’re getting into the nitty-gritty of trash—literally—with Joe Dinardi-Mack, co-founder and CEO of Sourgum. As a fourth-generation recycling professional whose family has spent more than a century in the industry, Joe is uniquely equipped to talk about both its...

In this episode, we dive deep into the world of composting and the circular economy with Tom Rohr, founder of Food Loops in northwest Arkansas. Listen in as Tom Rohr shares his journey from corporate America to sustainability entrepreneurship, reveals the challenges and rewards of tackling food waste at scale, and explains how strategic partnerships are helping to shift entire communities toward a zero-waste future.

You'll hear fir...

Welcome back to the Going Zero Sustainability podcast! This week, host Seth Combs is joined by industry veteran Jim Green, whose four-decade career has helped shape the modern food service ecosystem. In this episode, Jim Green shares his journey from falling into food service in the 1980s to becoming a key coordinator for change, leading initiatives like the Agora Sustainability Leadership Team and the Optimize Ecosystem Team.

Toget...

Welcome to another episode of Going Zero, the podcast where we dive into real-world solutions to today’s toughest sustainability challenges. Our hosts, Christy Cook, Eric Passwalk, and Seth are joined by Amielle Lake, CEO of Carbonet, a company pioneering innovative chemistry to help industries recover, reuse, and waste less water—while dramatically cutting down on fossil fuel-based chemicals.

In this episode, Amielle sh...

This week, we're sitting down with Stephen O'Brien, formerly of the NY Dept of Education, to discuss driving healthy choices and sustainable solutions to a massive audience - 1.1 million students.

If you’re looking to drive real change—especially in education—Stephen O’Brien’s approach offers a playbook for creating measurable impact in even the biggest organizations. Here’s what you can learn fr...

On the latest episode of Going Zero, hosts Christy Cook, Seth, and Eric sat down with Dominique Hadad, the founder of Green Scope Consulting. Unlike many established industry veterans, Dominique represents a powerful new generation in sustainability—young, bold, and determined to drive meaningful change from the ground up.

Dominique’s story begins with her Caribbean roots, where first-hand exposure to climate change...

Ever wondered how manufacturing efficiency tools like Lean Six Sigma can actually help save the planet? This episode of @GoingZero dives deep into this topic — and trust us, the ideas here are for ANY org trying to cut waste & boost impact.

Meet Brion Hurley, Lean Six Sigma Master Black Belt. His mission: use process improvement for good — social & environmental.

Brion led a Six Sigma project to slash electrici...

We’re back with a fresh episode, packed with real-world sustainability lessons straight from the source! This time, Christy, Seth, and Eric sit down with Brian Nash, Vice President of Corporate Sustainability at Ingredion—the Fortune 500 ingredient solutions powerhouse behind brands you know (and probably some you don’t).

Brian shares his remarkable journey from environmental health and safety into leading sustaina...

Welcome to another episode of the Going Zero podcast, where we dive into the real-world challenges and bold solutions shaping the future of sustainability. In today’s episode, host Christy Cook is joined by Mike Wrathall, an sustainability strategist who’s helped organizations across sectors—from social housing to defense—navigate complexity and accelerate their impact on the environment.

Mike shares his jour...

Welcome back to Going Zero, proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations! In today's episode, we're joined by Marjory Wildcraft—the dynamic founder of The Grow Network and a recognized leader in the survival and preparedness movement. Featured by National Geographic as an expert in off-grid living and known for inspiring hundreds of thousands to start backyard gardens, Marjory takes us on her remarkable journey from electrical eng...

In this week’s conversation, we sit down with Kai Robertson, a leading sustainability expert with decades of experience working alongside food industry giants like Walmart, Unilever, and McDonald’s, as well as global organizations such as the World Resources Institute and WWF.

*This episode is proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations, offering sustainable food service, facility, and packaging supplies for your business.*

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This week, we're diving into the complex and often confusing world of food waste with our special guest, Rachael Jackson. Did you know that nearly 40% of food in the U.S. ends up as waste, much of it from our own kitchens? As part of Food Waste Prevention Week, we're talking with an expert. As always, we're proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations, bringing you sustainable solutions for your business, including tree-free, compostabl...

Welcome to another episode of the Going Zero Podcast, where sustainability takes center stage. In this episode, titled "Food Waste Prevention Week 2025," we host an engaging discussion with two experts, Elaine Fiore and Elaine Blatt.

Our guests bring a wealth of knowledge and passion to the table as they explore the staggering impact of food waste on our environment, economy, and society. Did you know that around 40% of the US food...

In this episode of Going Zero, we explore the transformative concept of regenerative agriculture with the Doctor Janel Louise Ohletz. We're proudly sponsored by Emerald Ecovations, sustainable solutions for your office, including foodservice, janitorial, and packaging supplies.

You'll gain a comprehensive understanding of what regenerative agriculture truly entails, how it distinguishes itself from sustainable practices, and its pi...

In this episode of Going Zero, sponsored by Emerald EcoVations, we interview Ryan Smith, the founder and CEO of Recyclops. Ryan shares his journey from identifying the glaring gaps in recycling access for multifamily housing and small businesses to creating an innovative solution that is rapidly expanding across the United States. Ryan emphasizes the importance of finding creative solutions to improve recycling infrastructure, touc...

Welcome to another episode of the Going Zero podcast with hosts Seth Combs, Christy Cook, and Eric Pasewalk. This week, we're at the intersection of sustainability and luxury in the realm of Super Yachting with Captain Nigel Marrison and Nigel Kilpatrick of Blue ESG. With over thirty years of experience in the leisure maritime industry and a dedication to advancing environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles, Captain Mar...

Welcome back to "Going Zero," where we guide business leaders on their journey to sustainability. We're excited to bring you our special Year-End Wrap-up. As we close out 2024, we'll reflect on our favorite moments from the 29 episodes we've recorded, discussing everything from the decline in biodiversity and fossil fuels to the growing promise of hydrogen as a fuel source.

We'll revisit key conversations with inspiring leaders like...