EPISODE · Jun 10, 2026 · 24 MIN
Can Students Lead the Way in Sustainability? Tom Twist Weighs In
from Green Shoots & Big Shifts · host Reetu Gupta
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Thomas Twist, a sustainability innovator from Bates College. Thomas shares his unique journey into the field of sustainability, which includes an unexpected detour through a Buddhist monastery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness in tackling the often overwhelming challenges posed by climate change. Through his roles at the Chewonki Foundation and Bates College, Tom has pioneered hands-on, project-based learning experiences that empower students to engage meaningfully in sustainability efforts.The conversation dives deep into several pivotal projects that Tom has spearheaded, illustrating how experiential learning can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. Tom discusses the transformative power of involving students in real-world sustainability projects, such as transitioning Bates College to a carbon-neutral campus and implementing large-scale renewable energy solutions. He shares key insights on building trust with students, the importance of quick wins in sustainability initiatives, and how to foster a culture of sustainability on college campuses.Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for implementing sustainability practices in their own organizations, as well as inspiration from the optimism and initiative of the next generation of leaders.(00:03) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts (00:28) - - Welcome and Introduction of Guest (00:56) - - Thomas Twist's Background in Sustainability (01:57) - - Journey to Sustainability Role (02:58) - - Insights from Monastery Experience (04:47) - - Pivotal Projects in Sustainability (05:31) - - Hands-On Learning in Renewable Projects (08:00) - - Transitioning Projects from Foundation to Bates (09:43) - - Learning from Project Failures (10:26) - - Large Scale Solar Project at Bates (12:14) - - Establishing Trust with Students (13:40) - - Eco Reps Program at Bates College (15:29) - - Collaboration Among Colleges in Sustainability (15:44) - - Unique Challenges on College Campuses (17:29) - - Incentives for Student Engagement (18:39) - - Strategies for Decarbonization and Sustainability (20:48) - - Motivation and Inspiration in Sustainability Work (22:35) - - Final Thoughts on Trust in Sustainability (24:03) - - Closing Remarks and Thanks
What this episode covers
In this episode of Green Shoots & Big Shifts, host Reetu Gupta sits down with Thomas Twist, a sustainability innovator from Bates College. Thomas shares his unique journey into the field of sustainability, which includes an unexpected detour through a Buddhist monastery. He emphasizes the importance of resilience and mindfulness in tackling the often overwhelming challenges posed by climate change. Through his roles at the Chewonki Foundation and Bates College, Tom has pioneered hands-on, project-based learning experiences that empower students to engage meaningfully in sustainability efforts.The conversation dives deep into several pivotal projects that Tom has spearheaded, illustrating how experiential learning can bridge the gap between theory and practice in education. Tom discusses the transformative power of involving students in real-world sustainability projects, such as transitioning Bates College to a carbon-neutral campus and implementing large-scale renewable energy solutions. He shares key insights on building trust with students, the importance of quick wins in sustainability initiatives, and how to foster a culture of sustainability on college campuses.Listeners will walk away with practical strategies for implementing sustainability practices in their own organizations, as well as inspiration from the optimism and initiative of the next generation of leaders.(00:03) - - Introduction to Green Shoots & Big Shifts (00:28) - - Welcome and Introduction of Guest (00:56) - - Thomas Twist's Background in Sustainability (01:57) - - Journey to Sustainability Role (02:58) - - Insights from Monastery Experience (04:47) - - Pivotal Projects in Sustainability (05:31) - - Hands-On Learning in Renewable Projects (08:00) - - Transitioning Projects from Foundation to Bates (09:43) - - Learning from Project Failures (10:26) - - Large Scale Solar Project at Bates (12:14) - - Establishing Trust with Students (13:40) - - Eco Reps Program at Bates College (15:29) - - Collaboration Among Colleges in Sustainability (15:44) - - Unique Challenges on College Campuses (17:29) - - Incentives for Student Engagement (18:39) - - Strategies for Decarbonization and Sustainability (20:48) - - Motivation and Inspiration in Sustainability Work (22:35) - - Final Thoughts on Trust in Sustainability (24:03) - - Closing Remarks and Thanks
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Can Students Lead the Way in Sustainability? Tom Twist Weighs In
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