Seeking Sustainability
By Julia Blandford
Seeking SustainabilitySep 18, 2020
Ep. 24 | The Good Dirt: Exploring Real Life Environmentalism
Ep. 23 | Building a Conscious Brand Inspired by the Joy of Colombian Nature ft. Pajara Pinta
Join me as I chat with the founders of Pajara Pinta, a Colombian lifestyle brand that ethically produces handmade bags and accessories in partnership with local artisans, indigenous communities and single moms across Latin America. In this episode, we discuss relationships they've built with local indigenous communities, the ways in which growing up in Colombia inspired Pajara Pinta, and more.
Follow me on social media:
Explore Pajara Pinta
Ep. 22 | A New Perspective on Environmentalism
I'm (finally) back! The last year has been a tumultuous one, and the ups and downs of my life have had a tremendous impact on my perspective on environmentalism- or rather, what it means to "live sustainably".
Stay in touch on Instagram: @seekingsustainability.pod or @julia.blandford
Ep. 21 | Reshaping Agriculture Through Regenerative Grazing, Community, & Equity w/ Pete Huff of Pasture Project
Welcome back to the podcast! In this episode, I am joined by Pete Huff, the co-director of the Wallace Center, where he oversees the Resilient Agriculture & Ecosystems Initiative and the Pasture Project. We discuss the importance of regenerative grazing and incorporating livestock into agricultural practices, in addition to how we can reshape agriculture through equity, community, and respect for the land.
Learn more about Pasture Project at pastureproject.org
Follow the Wallace Center on Instagram: @wallace.center
Interested in staying connected?
- Follow the podcast on IG: @seekingsustainability_podcast
- Follow my personal IG: @julia.blandford
- Follow me on TikTok: @juliablandford
Ep. 20 | Investing in a More Sustainable World w/ Sarah Bengtsson of Money Meets Soul
Welcome to episode TWENTY of the podcast! In this episode, I chatted with Sarah Bengtsson, founder of Money Meets Soul, about sustainable investing.
Follow Sarah:
- Instagram: @moneymeetssoul
- Check out Sarah's website
- Top Sustainable ETFs: Free Download here
Follow the podcast's Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
Follow my personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
Ep. 19 | The Future of Agriculture is Regenerative w/ Jesse Smith of White Buffalo Land Trust
Hello pals! This episode of Seeking Sustainability features Jesse Smith, the Director of Land Stewardship at White Buffalo Land Trust.
About Jesse: "Jesse is the Director of Land Stewardship and is guiding the development of our flagship farm as well as working with our team, contractors, and partners to grow the land under our management and the impact in our community. His passion and expertise in agricultural system design and community engagement are a cornerstone of our strategy to achieve a systemic paradigm shift towards a regenerative food economy and ecology."
Follow me on Instagram!: @julia.blandford
Follow me on TikTok!: @juliablandford98
Follow the podcast on Instagram!: seekingsustainability_podcast
Donate to WBLT here: https://www.whitebuffalolandtrust.org/support
Donate to The Loud Project here: https://www.theloudproject.co/my-loud
Ep. 18 | Building Climate Awareness in Uganda w/ Heizal Nagginda
It is an undeniable fact that although social media isn't all sunshine and roses, it does have some incredible perks- including being able to connect with so many amazing people from around the world! In this episode, I chatted (and laughed- a lot) with one of my Instagram pals, Heizal Nagginda. Heizal runs an organization called Climate Operation, whose aim is to educate youth about climate change and environmentalism, through visits to local schools and activities (like planting trees)! Long story short, Heizal is awesome.
To support Heizal and her work at Climate Operation, follow her on Instagram @climateoperation.
Follow the podcast Instagram @seekingsustainability_podcast and my personal Instagram @julia.blandford
Ep. 17 | Debunking Climate Terminology w/ Helena Bennett
In this week's episode, I discuss climate and political terminology with environmental educator and activist, Helena Bennett. Click here to check out the post with the terminology that Helena talks about in the episode.
Helena's Instagram: @earthbyhelena
Seeking Sustainability's Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
My personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
Check out the company I work for, Trace, on Instagram: @traceyourtampon
Click here to register for Trace's monthly book club! :)
Ep. 16 | Originality, Charity, & Conscious Quality w/ BANDITS
Welcome back, friends! This episode is with Connor Humphreys, who- alongside his wife, Nicole- founded BANDITS Bandanas. BANDITS creates stylish, unique bandanas with original art, and 10% of sales goes to a charity of the artist's choice.
Shop BANDITS at banditsbandanas.com
Follow BANDITS on Instagram: @bandits_bandanas
Follow Seeking Sustainability on Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
Follow my personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
Ep. 15 | Using Palm Leaves to Redefine Disposable Tableware w/ DTOCS
Hello all! This episode features the lovely Pallavi Pande, "mompreneur" and founder of DTOCS. DTOCS creates a more eco-conscious alternative to disposable tableware by crafting their products from naturally fallen palm leaves. DTOCS products are also microwave safe, can be reused multiple times, AND are 100% garden/backyard compostable!
To support DTOCS & learn more about the company:
- DTOCS Instagram: @dtocsplates
- DTOCS Website: https://dtocs.com/
- DTOCS on Amazon
* To purchase your free sample of DTOCS products: https://dtocs.com/product/sample-kit/
* Use the code DTOCS10 at checkout for a discount!
* Click here to get a free ticket to hear Pallavi speak at Podfest Global Summit, by using the code DTOCS
Follow Seeking Sustainability:
- On Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
- My Personal IG: @julia.blandford
Ep. 14 | When Clothing Cleans Oceans w/ Mike Cangi of United By Blue
In this episode, I conversed with the co-founder of United By Blue, Mike Cangi, to discuss the story, mission, and progress of this incredible company. Topics include everything from conscious capitalism, removing plastics from the supply chain, to cleaning waterways.
Check out United By Blue: unitedbyblue.com
Follow United By Blue: @unitedbyblue
Follow Seeking Sustainability: @seekingsustainability_podcast
My personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
Ep. 13 | Creating a More Transparent Future for Fashion w/ Abby Hollis of Thread Threads
Check out Abby's work:
- Abby Hollis Portfolio: https://abbyhollis.com
- Thread Threads: threadthreads.com
Connect with me!
- Seeking Sustainability's IG: @seekingsustainability_podcast
- My personal IG: @julia.blandford
Ep. 12 | What Can I Do to Help the Earth? & Other Thoughts on Environmentalism
"What can I do, if I'm just one person?" is a question that many of us have probably pondered over, maybe even feeling a bit powerless in the face of the world's huge and daunting issues. In this episode, I discuss (more like rant into my microphone) about how fear has often been paralyzing and prevented us from taking action to help the Earth.
To buy Braiding Sweetgrass: https://www.robinwallkimmerer.com/books
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
Follow my personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
Ep. 11 | OneUpAction w/ Kevin J. Patel
2021 is finally here! Let's all take a deep sigh of relief- and gratitude- that we are in a new year. With that said, let us not forget the work that still needs to be done; this year is absolutely crucial to making this planet a better, cleaner, safer place. Join me as I chat with Kevin J. Patel, founder of OneUpAction, "an intersectional youth-led organization working to provide resources to youth advocates." Let's all take a page from Kevin's book, and work hard this year to make the world a better place.
OneUpAction: oneupaction.org
Donate: https://secure.actblue.com/donate/oneupaction-1
Follow OneUpAction on Instagram: www.instagram.com/oneupaction
Follow Seeking Sustainability on Instagram: www.instagram.com/seekingsustainability_podcast
My favorite, simple guided meditation: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=U9YKY7fdwyg
Ep. 10 | Turning Trials & Tribulations into TERRA-TORY w/ Kimberly Waldropt
Well folks, it's been a while since I've posted an episode, but I'm realizing (just now, as I'm typing this) that this is my TENTH episode! Woohoo! As always, I hope you enjoy this conversation, and make sure to check out (and buy!) some of TERRA-TORY's products (seriously, they're the prettiest soaps I've ever owned). I hope this conversation and Kimberly's story inspire you to embark on your own creative endeavors and use the ups and downs in your life to guide you to whatever you were destined to create (for Kimberly, it was soap. For me, well.... I'm figuring that out).
Follow the podcast Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
Follow my personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
TERRA-TORY's website: https://www.terra-tory.com/
TERRA-TORY's Instagram: @terra_tory
Ep. 09 | The Fight Against Fast Fashion w/ Sam Hartsock of Remake
If anyone else has baked multiple loaves of bread in the last couple of days to cope with their election anxiety. . . . yeah, me too. But alas, I am here with yet another distraction that can take your mind away from the election- a new podcast episode with Sam Hartsock from Remake! Based in San Francisco, Remake is an organization whose mission is to put an end to fast fashion.
Follow the podcast on Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
Remake Resources:
- Remake's website: remake.world
- Ambassador program: https://remake.world/join-the-movement/
- Donate to Remake here
Sam's Favorite Brands:
- Boyish Jeans
- Tonle
- The Real Real
- Known Supply
- PACT Apparel
- Christy Dawn
- SOKO
- Girlfriend Collective
Ep. 08 | Zero Waste Fashion Design w/ Danielle Elsener
It's almost election day, folks- so, just as a reminder, please go out and vote! This episode features Danielle Elsener, a fashion designer whose work is centered around zero-waste design. Strategic, intelligent, and forward-thinking, Danielle is an incredible designer, and her work is undeniably innovative. I hope her work, in addition to this conversation, inspires you to rethink the way that you design.
Check out Danielle's work here:
- Danielle's Website: https://decodecodecode.com/
- Danielle's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/decodecodecode/
Follow the podcast's IG here: https://www.instagram.com/seekingsustainability_podcast/
Follow my personal IG here: https://www.instagram.com/julia.blandford/
Resources Mentioned:
- Zero Waste Design Online: https://www.zerowastedesignonline.com/
- Holly McQuillan: https://hollymcquillan.com/publications/
- Creating with Shapes by Usha Doshi (link here and here)
- Danielle's zero waste scrub set: https://decodecodecode.com/ZERO-WASTE-SCRUB-SET
Ep. 07 | Regenerative Agriculture 101 w/ Andrew Evans
"The biggest fundamental of regenerative agriculture is the soil, it always goes back to the soil.” - Andrew Evans
Welcome back, folks! In this episode, I chat with my friend Andrew about the fundamental aspects of regenerative agriculture, why "Big Ag" is harmful to people and the planet, and how we can improve agriculture through changes in policy.
To stay connected, follow:
- Podcast Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
- Personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
- Andrew's Instagram: @andrewevans__
Resources to check out:
- Kiss the Ground (Netflix documentary)
- The Biggest Little Farm (documentary by Apricot Lane Farms)
- Eat Like a Fish (book by Bren Smith)
Terminology Mentioned:
- Trophic Levels
- Monocropping
- Hydrology
- Thermodynamics
- Biodiversity
- Biodynamic
- Topsoil
- Carbon Sequestration
- Ecosystem Service
- Subsidies
- Green New Deal
Ep. 06 | Unpacking the Chaos of the Presidential Debate w/ Ayia Lindquist
If anyone else felt emotionally hungover from watching last night's Presidential (if you can even call it that) Debate, you're not alone. My friend Ayia and I sat down to talk about the utterly confusing catastrophe that was last night's debate and discuss some key moments that really stuck with us. Ah, but fear not! We also conversed about ways in which you can practice self-care while trying to emotionally navigate these stressful times. This episode is more of a (very) casual conversation rather than an interview, so it's a different style/format, but hopefully still equally as informative and entertaining nonetheless. Enjoy!
Follow me at @seekingsustainability_podcast and @julia.blandford
Follow Ayia on Instagram @ayiayaya
Ep. 05 | Architecture's Role in Environmental Activism w/ Ariane Lourie Harrison
This episode's guest is Ariane Lourie Harrison, co-founder of Harrison Atelier, an architecture firm based in Brooklyn, NY whose primary approach to design is centered around the question, "how can we build for more than one species?" Ariane is also a mother of two, AND a professor for the graduate program at Pratt Institute in NYC.
To stay connected with me, follow:
- Seeking Sustainability's IG: https://www.instagram.com/seekingsustainability_podcast/
- My personal IG: https://www.instagram.com/julia.blandford/
To read more about Ariane and all of the incredible work she's done, click this link: https://www.pratt.edu/faculty_and_staff/bio/?id=L0JPelk2NjJ2NUtUZ1BvYStBOUwydz09
To contact Ariane: aharriso@pratt.edu
- Harrison Atelier's Website: http://www.harrisonatelier.com/
- Harrison Atelier's Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/harrisonatelier/
- To read more about the Pollinators Pavillion: http://www.harrisonatelier.com/pollinators-pavilion
Things mentioned throughout the episode:
- Studio Gang: https://studiogang.com/
- Wild Bird Fund: https://www.wildbirdfund.org/
- Hudson Hemp // founded by Ben Dobson: https://www.hudsonhemp.com/
- Ambiguous Territory: Architecture, Landscape, and the Postnatural: https://taubmancollege.umich.edu/research/ambiguous-territory
- Architectural Theories of the Environment: Posthuman Territory: https://drive.google.com/file/d/1LGnKDaWdM6lBt1AAhfgnoxGlYV-eQkvD/view
Ep. 04 | Eco-Terminology & Environmental Justice w/ Isaias Hernandez (@queerbrownvegan)
Welcome back, everyone! In this episode, I talk to Isaias Hernandez (AKA @queerbrownvegan on Instagram) about his experiences growing up in a neighborhood that faced environmental injustices, what we can do to be activists, eco-terminology, and more. We cover tons of terms and resources in this episode, all of which are linked here in the show notes. Enjoy!
To stay connected with me, follow:
- The podcast Instagram: @seekingsustainability_podcast
- My personal Instagram: @julia.blandford
Follow Isaias's AMAZING Instagram here: @queerbrownvegan
Resources mentioned in the intro:
- ThredUp // Ocelot Market // Ten Thousand Villages // Garmentory
Terms and resources mentioned throughout the episode:
- Intersectional Environmentalist: intersectionalenvironmentalist.com // IG: @intersectionalenvironmentalist
- Slow Factory Foundation: slowfactory.foundation // IG: @theslowfactory
- Future Earth: @futureearth // created by @steph_shep and @mahmo
- Hazel M. Johnson (the mother of EJ) // link to her bio here
- Dr. Robert Bullard (the father of EJ) // link to his official website here
- "Dark Waters" (based on a true story)- link to the film's trailer here
- Soliphilia - link to Isaias's post on soliphilia here
- Solastalgia - link to Isaias's post on solastalgia here
- Tierratrauma- link to Isaias's post on tierratrauma here
- Eco-Xenophobia- link to Isaias's post on eco-xenophobia here
- Psychoterratic- link to Isaias's post on psychoterratic here
- Somaterratic- link to Isaias's post on somaterratic here
Ep. 03 | Sustainable Living & Activism Through Art w/ Immy Keys
In this episode, I talk with illustrator, vegan, and environmental activist, Immy Keys. We discuss her design background, veganism, how to navigate a career as an artist while upholding personal values, and tips to live more sustainably.
Follow Immy on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/immy.keys/
Check out Immy's Etsy shop: https://www.etsy.com/uk/shop/immykeysco
Follow https://www.instagram.com/seekingsustainability_podcast/ on Instagram to stay connected and up-to-date on new episodes!
Feel free to also reach out to me with any comments, questions, requests, and more on my personal Instagram https://www.instagram.com/julia.blandford/
Ep. 02 | Protecting Public Lands Through Activism, Awareness + Equity w/ Emma Gregory
In this episode, I join my high-school pal, Emma Gregory, to discuss the value of protecting public lands through political awareness, activism, community organizing, and more. Emma is a recent graduate from George Mason University and has interned for The Nature Conservancy, Alliance for the Chesapeake Bay, Smithsonian Conservation Biology Institute, and more. She is currently a Conservation Fellow at the Western Slope Conservation Center in Colorado.
Want to stay connected? Follow @seekingsustainability_podcast and @julia.blandford on Instagram. For questions, comments, and requests, feel free to DM me on Instagram!
Ep. 01 | How I Discovered the Wide World of Environmentalism
Thank you so much for tuning in to the first episode of Seeking Sustainability! In this episode, I talk a bit about my backstory- particularly, how I went from a fashionista to a farmhand. As I discuss in this episode, there's no formula for being an advocate for the environment; our approach to environmentalism is unique to each of us. Hopefully, this podcast helps you navigate how to play role ing bettering this planet.
To stay connected, follow @seekingsustainability_podcast on Instagram!
Seeking Sustainability | Trailer
Hello everyone! My name is Julia Blandford, and welcome to Seeking Sustainability- a podcast where we talk about all of the ways in which we can individually- and collectively- create a better planet for the future. Join me as I connect with environmental changemakers and activists, to explore the intersections between various industries, global issues, and the planet.
Follow @seekingsustainability_podcast on Instagram to stay connected!