The ChicoBag Podcast – Redefining Sustainability, One Step at a Time

In Episode 29 of the ChicoBag Podcast, Andy Keller sits down with Garrison Harward, Executive Director of Andando, to talk about what makes real change last in rural Senegal. Andando’s “whole village” approach is built around long-term partnership and local ownership, spanning water, health, education, agriculture, literacy, and small business. Andy opens the episode with what that looks like in the real world: 41 market gardens producing over 2 million pounds of food, 16 health clinics serving more than 50,000 people, 21 schools reaching over 8,000 students, 2,700+ microloans, and 100,000+ trees planted. This conversation gets honest about the difference between short-term aid and long-term ownership, and why the hardest part is not building the project, it’s maintaining it over time. Garrison also shares a powerful story about a community that spent decades trying to access clean water, and what it takes to make solutions stick after the first investment. Learn more about Andando at https://www.andando.org More episodes and the mission behind ChicoBag: https://www.chicobag.com

Microplastics are showing up everywhere, including in the food we eat. In this episode, Andy Keller talks with Abby Barrows, marine debris researcher and co founder of Deer Isle Oyster Co, about what she has learned from years of global microplastics sampling with Adventure Scientists and why plastic is such a complicated part of aquaculture and wild fisheries. Abby gets real about what the data actually shows, why “just recycle” is not a plan, and how we can reduce plastic without falling into perfectionism.   What you’ll hear: • What microplastics are, why microfibers show up in most samples, and how they move through air and water • Why the open ocean and polar regions can act like sinks for microplastics • The hidden plastic problem in oyster farming gear, and what “plastic free aquaculture” could look like • Practical ways to cut plastic that actually add up, from reusables to speaking up for policy change • Why oysters matter for clean water, coastal communities, and the future of food Connect with ChicoBag Website: https://www.chicobag.com Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicoBag Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicobag LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicobag   Connect with Abby Barrows and Deer Isle Oyster Company Website: https://abbybarrows.com/ Website: https://www.deerisleoysterco.com/   

Marialyce Pedersen has spent decades in recycling and zero waste work, but wildfire changed her life in a personal way. After the Eaton Fire burned down her nearly 100-year-old home in Altadena, she began planning a rebuild focused on resiliency, health, and common sense. In this episode, Andy Keller and Marialyce dig into what “build back better” can actually look like, from straw bale buildings that survived the Thomas Fire, to the real-world friction of permitting and code adoption, to the uncomfortable truth that many rebuilds still rely on what her colleague Art Ludwig calls “kindling and toxic waste.” It’s a practical conversation about fire resilience, natural building materials, preparedness, and how communities can rebuild smarter instead of repeating the same cycle.

Join Andy Keller as he sits down with Kurt Hoag, the founder of Renotype, to explore the world of purposeful promotion. Discover how Kurt's 30 years of experience in marketing have shaped his unique approach to advertising, focusing on meaningful connections rather than fleeting trends. Learn about the common pitfalls in promotional strategies and how to avoid them, while gaining insights into building lasting brand relationships. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons on making impactful promotional choices.

In this episode, Andy Keller sits down with Seth Ewing, founder of Operation Tabletop, to talk about how simple, in-person game nights create real connection, restore a sense of purpose, and can help reduce suicide risk among service members and veterans. It’s an honest, practical conversation about loneliness, “earned dopamine” vs. instant gratification, showing up for each other, and why being the one who runs the game can give someone a reason to keep coming back.

Can small dollars create big change? In this episode, Andy sits down with Tobie Spears, founder of Be Humanitarian, to unpack a practical model working right now in Guatemala. From child sponsorship and English classes to tiny seed grants that launch real microbusinesses, Tobie shares what works, what to avoid, and how anyone can get involved as a sponsor, partner, or volunteer traveler. We dive into: Why Guatemala’s malnutrition crisis needs local, concrete solutions How sponsorship tiers cover school, meals, and momentum English classes as a simple unlock for opportunity What 200 dollars can do after basic business training Volunteer travel that blends service with real cultural connection How companies engage teams through purpose and partnership Nonprofit reality checks, hiring lessons, and measuring impact over overhead

Bad merch hurts your brand. Good merch builds loyalty.In this episode, Andy Keller talks with Denise Taschereau, co-founder and CEO of Fairware, about how to move beyond “trinkets and trash” and turn branded products into meaningful, profitable marketing tools. They dig into why intention matters, how to plan ahead to reduce waste, and why doing the right thing isn’t just better for the planet — it’s better for business. What you’ll hear:• Why most promo products miss the mark — and how to fix it• The real ROI of sustainable branded merchandise• How planning ahead cuts emissions and saves money• Why quality beats quantity for cost per impression• Real examples from Ben & Jerry’s, Spotify, and more• The power of thoughtful onboarding kits for employees• How to avoid brand risk and negative impressions• The future of promo: agency, choice, and circularity

What if your promotional products could do more than just get your name out there? In this episode of the ChicoBag Podcast, Andy Keller sits down with Liz Wimbush, Director of Sustainability at PPAI (Promotional Products Association International), to talk about the future of intentional merch. They explore the idea of “brandfill,” the power of purpose-led sourcing, and what transparency really means in today’s supply chains. From avoiding greenwashing to using certifications strategically, Liz brings clarity, nuance, and real-world examples of how businesses can build trust—and reduce waste—by asking better questions at every step. Whether you're in the promo industry, on the buying side, or just curious about how branded products can create impact, this conversation gives you tools to do it smarter. What you’ll learn: How to avoid ‘brandfill’ and make your giveaways actually matter The surprising ways supply chains can affect your brand reputation How to build sustainability into promo without greenwashing Practical steps to align your sourcing with your values   Guest: Liz Wimbush Director of Sustainability at PPAI https://www.ppai.org Host: Andy Keller, Founder of ChicoBag   Celebrating 20 Years of Reusables We’re giving away our biggest custom merch prize pack ever. You’ll get fan-favorites, new gear, and proof that intentional merch is better for business. Enter here: https://www.chicobag.com/enter-to-win-20-year-anniversary-giveaway-2

A Campus That Feeds Students, Not Landfills — with Stephan Classen from Cascadia College What if your school let students forage for food on campus? At Cascadia College, that’s not a hypothetical. It’s policy. And it’s part of a bigger story about what happens when you design with nature instead of against it. Ranked the most sustainable campus grounds in the country every year since 2018, Cascadia College is more than a green space. With 58 acres of restored wetlands and a full ban on synthetic pesticides, the campus has become a living classroom for students, pollinators, and the community. In this episode, Andy Keller sits down with Stephan Classen to unpack how a former cattle ranch became a nationally recognized model of ecological design — and how any school, facility, or homeowner can follow suit. What you'll learn How to reduce pesticides without losing your garden Why biodiversity boosts mental health The secret history of lawns (and what to plant instead) What it means to design “with nature” in architecture A few surprises about foraging, pollinators, and public space If you’re curious about campus sustainability, community health, or how to make outdoor spaces more meaningful, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas. Explore more from Cascadia College: Sustainable Grounds: cascadia.edu/sustainability/grounds Water & Environmental Sciences Program: cascadia.edu/water About this series The ChicoBag Podcast celebrates 20 years of reusable solutions that replace waste with purpose. We're giving away our biggest prize pack yet to mission-driven businesses and sustainability leaders. Enter the giveaway chicobag.com/enter-to-win-20-year-anniversary-giveaway-2 Hosted by Andy Keller, Founder of ChicoBag.

Pulitzer Prize-winning journalist Edward Humes joins Andy Keller to talk trash — literally. In this episode of the ChicoBag Podcast, they dive deep into the hidden systems that fuel our waste crisis and reveal how garbage connects to climate change, health, inequality, and everyday life. Humes shares stories and insights from his latest book Total Garbage, revealing how the things we throw away — and the systems that produce them — are quietly driving some of our biggest environmental problems. From the gas stove debate to the rise of microplastics in our food and water, this is an eye-opening look at how waste shapes our world and what we can do about it. Whether you're a policy nerd, a sustainability advocate, or just wondering what actually happens to your trash, this episode offers practical, thoughtful, and surprisingly hopeful solutions. Topics include: Why gas stoves are worse for your health than you think The environmental cost of driving that no one talks about How microplastics are showing up in our bodies What repair cafés, induction stoves, and urban farms have in common How to rethink your relationship with waste Connect with Edward Humes: Website: www.edwardhumes.com LinkedIn: linkedin.com/in/edwardhumes Instagram + Threads: @edward_humes X (Twitter): @edwardhumes Facebook: facebook.com/Garbology Hosted by Andy Keller, Founder of ChicoBag.

Heather White—author, advocate, and founder of OneGreenThing.org—joins Andy Keller on the ChicoBag Podcast to talk about eco anxiety, Gen Z, and the growing connection between mental health and climate change. They explore how today’s youth are navigating anxiety with action, and why our daily choices matter more than we think. From practical frameworks to hope-driven storytelling, Heather offers a refreshing take on climate communication and what it means to live your values in a fast-moving world. Whether you’re a parent, business leader, or just someone who cares deeply about the future, this conversation is both eye-opening and affirming. Topics include: How climate anxiety shows up in younger generations Turning anxiety into action without burnout Small, meaningful habits that create change Building emotional resilience in an uncertain world Giveaway Mention (for Podbean or Podcatchers that allow it): We’re also celebrating ChicoBag’s 20-year anniversary with a major giveaway. Enter for a chance to win our biggest sustainable prize pack yet: www.chicobag.com/enter-to-win-20-year-anniversary-giveaway-3 Connect with Heather White: onegreenthing.org | Author of One Green Thing and 60 Days to a Greener Life Updated Summary (Shorter Version): Author Heather White joins Andy Keller to talk about eco anxiety, Gen Z, and why small actions matter. A candid conversation about resilience, climate hope, and finding your place in the movement for change.

What happens when you blend clean energy, surfing, and intentional living? In this episode, Andy Keller sits down with Tyler Fox — founder of Santa Cruz Waves and owner of Sandbar Solar — to explore how reconnecting with nature can shape a more sustainable future. Tyler shares what it’s like to live completely off-grid in a 280-square-foot home, and how his time riding giant waves at Mavericks helped prepare him for the ups and downs of entrepreneurship and climate advocacy. From solar savings myths to the power of local action, this conversation is full of grounded insight and real-life inspiration. In this episode: – What it’s really like to live off-grid – Lessons from surfing Mavericks and navigating change – The truth about solar: leasing vs. owning, hidden costs, and long-term value – How tiny homes, clean power, and community build resilience If you care about sustainability, solar, or just making better choices in daily life, this episode offers honest, practical insight from someone who’s living it. Learn more: SantaCruzWaves.com | Sandbar Solar Hosted by Andy Keller, Founder of ChicoBag Produced by ChicoBag

Andy Keller, founder of ChicoBag, sits down with Liz Zavodsky and Lauren Watkins from Ecochallenge.org to explore how small daily actions can lead to meaningful, lasting sustainability. Together, they unpack why it’s so hard to change habits, what really motivates people to take action, and how to talk about climate in ways that inspire rather than overwhelm. They also dive into the Earth Month Ecochallenge, a powerful way to join thousands of people around the world in building better habits for the planet. Whether you’re just getting started with sustainability or looking to deepen your impact, this episode offers practical insight and real encouragement for creating change—one action at a time. Learn more and join the challenge at Ecochallenge.org.

Join host Andy Keller in this episode of the Chico Bag Podcast, where he engages in a compelling conversation with Austin Whitman, CEO of changeclimate.org. They discuss climate labeling and its role in empowering consumers and businesses to make informed, sustainable choices. From understanding the importance of carbon accountability to exploring tangible steps for climate action, the discussion provides valuable insights into how transparency and certification can lead to meaningful climate solutions. Austin shares his expertise on the critical steps companies can take to inventory and mitigate their carbon emissions, revealing how both businesses and individuals can contribute to a sustainable future. Discover the invisible impact of consumer choices and learn simple actions that can make a substantial difference in addressing climate change.

Join host Andy Keller on The Chico Bag Podcast as he welcomes Jordan Howard, a distinguished sustainability strategist, speaker, and policy expert, to discuss the journey towards meaningful environmental activism. Jordan shares her insights on the importance of creating lasting change, both at the individual and corporate levels, by engaging with diverse generations and fostering open communication. Explore how businesses can adapt to meet the demands of future generations and the critical role of policy in altering the 'game board' of sustainability. This episode is a must-listen for anyone passionate about making a difference in the world of sustainability.

In this episode of the ChicoBag Podcast, host Andy Keller engages in a thought-provoking conversation with Dr. Marcus Erickson, a renowned scientist and advocate for ocean conservation. Together, they explore the intricacies of the United Nations Treaty to End Plastic Pollution and discuss the challenges faced during the recent negotiation sessions in Busan, South Korea. With 170 countries and a multitude of stakeholders involved, the negotiations highlight the complexities and the power struggles between nations striving for a high-ambition treaty and those aiming to stall the process. Dr. Erickson shares his optimism for the formation of a breakthrough coalition of 120 countries united against plastic pollution, advocating for production caps, design standards, and legally binding measures. This episode delves into the environmental, economic, and health implications of plastic waste while offering actionable solutions for individuals and companies to contribute to a more sustainable world. Tune in to discover the role you can play in reshaping the future and driving meaningful change against the backdrop of global policy efforts.