Episodes

  • These Earplugs Are Saving Your Ears and the Planet
    Jun 20 2025
    Are we finally saying goodbye to foam earplugs? In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Lauryn Menard, Co-founder and CEO of GOB, joins host Ian Peterman to reveal how her team created the world’s first home-compostable, biology-engineered earplug—made from mycelium, the root structure of mushrooms. 🍄👂Lauryn shares her journey from working with global brands like Herman Miller and Target to building a regenerative product that’s redefining wearable wellness and creating real impact in the circular economy.If you're interested in sustainable product design, material innovation, eco-friendly alternatives, or how to scale green tech products that consumers actually understand and want to use—this episode is packed with insights you won’t want to miss.🧠 What You’ll Learn in This Episode ✅ What makes mycelium better than traditional foam ✅ How to scale a compostable product from R&D to market ✅ Why most “biodegradable” claims are misleading ✅ How GOB turns fungi into functional, high-performing earplugs✅ The future of regenerative wellness products ✅ Sustainable marketing strategies that actually convert🕒 Notable Moments (Click to Jump):00:00 - Guest Intro00:46 - Lauryn's Journey to Sustainable Design02:30 - The Birth of Mycelium-Based Earplugs05:12 - Material Innovation and Testing Mycelium Earplugs12:35 - Performance and Use Cases of Mycelium Earplugs19:18 - Compostability and Benefits of Mycelium21:36 - Innovative, Regenerative, and User-Centered Earplug Design25:44 - Scaling Sustainable Materials for the Masses30:29 - Marketing Sustainable Products Effectively33:10 - Connecting with Consumers: Removing Jargon37:59 - Exciting Launch and Future ProspectsAbout Lauryn Menard & GOBLauryn Menard is an endurance junkie, material nerd, and the CEO and Co-founder of GOB Earth Inc. With a career fueled by innovation, she began in fashion and expanded into furniture, brand strategy, and product design. Throughout her journey, she has consistently pushed for a more responsible, mass-manufactured future. Previously, as Co-founder of PROWL, a design agency focused on regenerative materials, she partnered with powerhouse brands such as Herman Miller, Air Company, Lightship, Target, and more. PROWL’s work has been featured in over 90 publications, including The New York Times, Fast Company, CNN, Dezeen, and others, gaining significant global recognition. Lauryn is also an adjunct professor of Biomaterials at California College of the Arts. Her international experience has helped amplify GOB’s presence on the global stage. Now, with GOB’s game-changing mycelium-based earplugs, she is leading the charge in creating sustainable, biology-driven products that are redefining the future of wellness. GOB partners with nature to evolve your everyday life into a regenerative future. We are reinventing wearable wellness products, engineered with biology and designed with a long-term vision. As the world’s first earplug with a conscience, our product is made from lab-grown mycelium. These single-use plugs are designed by nature to tune your experiences to the right volume, without harmful materials or chemicals. They are completely home compostable and will nourish the earth wherever they land.🔗 Connect with Lauryn & GOB:LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/lauryn-menard/ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/gob.earth/ Website: http://gob.earth 🌍 Join the Conscious Design MovementGET THE “CONSCIOUS DESIGN” BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BTLEARN MORE ABOUT CONSCIOUS DESIGN HERE: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn your visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? MAKE IT POSSIBLE HERE: https://www.petermanfirm.com/🤝 Let’s ConnectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesignLinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHaus
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    41 mins
  • IP Mistakes That Cost Entrepreneurs Millions
    Jun 15 2025
    Expanding to the Middle East or North Africa? One legal misstep could cost your entire business.Watch before making your move, this could save you millions.In this must-watch episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman sits down with Haidy Hazem, senior legal consultant at One World Intellectual Property (OWIP) — one of the most respected IP law firms in the Middle East and North Africa (MENA).If you're a startup founder, tech innovator, or global brand looking to launch in the UAE, Saudi Arabia, Egypt, or GCC markets, this episode is your IP survival guide.What You’ll Learn (And Why It Could Save Your Business):✅ How to avoid the most common IP mistakes in the MENA region✅ First-to-file trademark rules that can make or break your product launch✅ Why IP theft, delays, and rejections are so common — and how to avoid them✅ Cybersquatting, naming conflicts & how to defend your brand online✅ Smart timing strategies for filing patents and trademarks in the region✅ BONUS: How China’s Belt & Road Initiative is reshaping IP trends in 2025 and beyond⚠️ Your innovation is only as strong as your IP protection. Learn what not to do before it’s too late.Notable Moments:00:00 – Guest Intro 00:50 – What is One World Intellectual Property? 03:36 – Navigating International IP Laws 05:48 – Filing Strategies & Timelines 09:38 – Regional IP Strengths (GCC, Egypt, UAE) 22:22 – IP & Sustainability 25:11 – Cultural Legal Considerations30:31 – Final Thoughts & Next StepsAbout Haidy Hazem & OWIPHaidy Hazem is an Associate and Legal Consultant specializing in trademarks, patents, copyrights, and IP enforcement across the MENA region, including Egypt, the UAE, Saudi Arabia, and North Africa. She assists companies in developing cross-border IP strategies and navigating regional regulations to facilitate secure international expansion.One World Intellectual Property (OWIP) is a leading intellectual property firm with 40+ years of experience and 19 offices across the Middle East and North Africa. OWIP provides comprehensive IP services, from registration to litigation, serving both local businesses and multinational corporations. Its global partner network ensures seamless worldwide IP protection.Connect with Haidy & OWIP: LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/haidyhazem95/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/oneworldip/Website: https://oneworldip.com/Let’s ConnectInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/cdesignhaus/TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@consciousdesign LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/conscious-designhaus/ X (Twitter): https://x.com/CDesignHausGET THE “CONSCIOUS DESIGN” BOOK HERE: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BTLEARN MORE ABOUT CONSCIOUS DESIGN HERE: https://www.consciousdesignhaus.com/Want to turn your visionary ideas into market-ready, sustainable products? MAKE IT POSSIBLE HERE: https://www.petermanfirm.com/We created this podcast to help creative entrepreneurs like you integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign.Ian Peterman, a leading expert in Conscious Design and co-author of the book "Conscious Design," hosts the show and brings you conversations with thought leaders, innovators, and changemakers from around the world.
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    32 mins
  • How Architects Can Lead the Climate Movement
    May 10 2025
    In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman sits down with internationally renowned architect Kevin Kennon to explore how architecture must evolve—merging sustainable design, AI-driven innovation, and emotional impact to shape a better world.Kevin shares powerful stories, fresh insights, and bold ideas that challenge how we think about design—from how natural disasters influenced his early life to pioneering zero-emission eco-resorts. This episode explores how architecture can evolve alongside climate change, technology, and culture—while still creating spaces that truly connect with people.𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀 00:00 – Guest Intro 01:30 – Kevin's Early Life and Influences 03:00 – The Impact of Natural Disasters on Kevin's Childhood Home 05:16 – Kevin's Journey into Architecture 08:35 – Challenges in the Architecture Industry 17:48 – The Role of Technology and AI in Architecture 21:01 – Innovative Projects and Future Visions 29:02 – Project-Based Companies and Buy-In 36:28 – The Emotional Impact of Architecture 44:19 – Challenges and Collaboration in ArchitectureAbout Kevin Kennon and Kennon Design ConsultancyKevin Kennon is an internationally renowned architect with over 40 years of experience, specializing in environmentally sustainable and innovative design. As the founder and CEO of Beyond Zero DDC Inc., he leads the development of zero-carbon-emission luxury eco-resorts in remote wilderness locations around the world, merging design excellence with ecological responsibility. The company collaborates with leading architects, engineers, artisans, acousticians, hoteliers, property managers, chefs, yogis, equestrians, guides, trainers, athletes, and sustainability experts to help create a better, greener, more socially conscious, and humanitarian future.His extensive portfolio includes landmark projects such as the 1.5-million-square-foot Barclays North American Headquarters, the Rodin Museum in Seoul, and multiple award-winning Bloomingdale’s stores. He also led United Architects, a finalist in the prestigious World Trade Center design competition, further cementing his influence on architectural innovation.Kennon’s expertise encompasses adaptive reuse, urban planning, and large-scale developments, with his work featured in the permanent collection of MoMA in New York. He has received over 40 international design awards and is widely recognized as a thought leader in the fields of urban development, climate change, and sustainable architecture. In addition to his architectural practice, he serves as an expert witness and has lectured at esteemed institutions such as Yale and Columbia, bringing a multidisciplinary perspective to his work.Learn More about Kevin Kennon and Kennon Design ConsultancyLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/kevinkennonarchitect/Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/pkk2418/?hl=enWebsite: https://www.kdcaia.com/publicationsLearn More about Conscious DesignYouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS Visit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/We created this content so that creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign. Ian Peterman, the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book "Conscious Design."
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    48 mins
  • Smart Kitchen Habits That Save Families $4,000/Year
    May 3 2025
    How much food is your family wasting—and how much money with it?The average household throws out hundreds of pounds of food and over $4,000 every year. Why? Poor planning. Overbuying. Forgotten leftovers.In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Ian Peterman sits down with Janet Irizarry, founder of My Mindful Kitchen and creator of the MMK Method, to talk about real-world solutions to food waste, saving money, and raising eco-conscious kids—all without adding more stress to family life.🎁 Want to try it out? Use promo code Conscious Design to get 50% off the MMK Method program and start transforming your kitchen today.𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀00:00 - Guest Intro00:52 - Janet's Journey: From Second Grade to Restaurant Owner01:41 - Volunteering and the Birth of Hudson Valley Eats04:00 - Cooking for a Cause During COVID-1904:52 - Tackling Household Food Waste05:32 - The MMK Method: A Family Approach to Sustainability06:13 - Restaurant Efficiency vs. Household Waste09:31 - Teaching Kids About Food Waste19:50 - Introducing the MMK Method Course25:59 - Final Thoughts and Where to Find More Information𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 Janet Irizarry and My Mindful Kitchen and the MMK MethodJanet Irizarry is the founder of My Mindful Kitchen and creator of the MMK Method. She brings together her expertise in food, education, and sustainability to tackle one of today’s most pressing issues: household food waste.A former restaurant owner and educator at the prestigious Culinary Institute of America, Janet pairs her culinary background with a master’s degree in course design to develop impactful, family-centered solutions.Her latest initiative, My Mindful Kitchen, features the MMK Method—a family-friendly program designed to help households save money, reduce food waste, and create sustainable kitchen habits.The MMK Method offers practical tools to address common waste triggers like overbuying, disorganization, and poor planning, providing families with a clear, achievable roadmap for lasting change𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 Janet Irizarry and My Mindful Kitchen and the MMK MethodLinkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/janetirizarry/ andhttps://www.linkedin.com/company/99078640/admin/dashboard/Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/mmkmethodInstagram: https://www.instagram.com/mmkmethod/Website: https://www.mmkmethod.com/ and https://www.mymindfulkitchen.com/Learn More about Conscious DesignYouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEiBlog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6sConscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BTJoin our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMSVisit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/We created this content so that creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign. Ian Peterman, the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book "Conscious Design."
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    28 mins
  • How AI & Robotics Are Transforming Furniture to Eliminate Waste
    Apr 25 2025

    Discover how the furniture industry is being transformed from wasteful and disposable to modular, circular, and tech-powered. In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, Ewelina Pankowska, founder of Zucchini and Reforest Design, shares how her team is using AI, robotics, blockchain, and circular manufacturing systems to help eliminate global furniture waste.


    Ewelina dives into the power of bamboo and hemp wood, the growing crisis of fast furniture, and how her company is building customizable, high-quality furniture that can be easily repaired, upgraded, and even turned into biochar at the end of its lifecycle.


    𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

    00:00 – Guest Intro

    00:53 – The Mission to Eliminate Furniture Waste

    02:41 – On-Demand Manufacturing and Customization

    04:07 – The Benefits of Bamboo and Hemp Wood

    08:56 – The Concept of Quality in Furniture13:35 – Investment Security in Sustainable Furniture

    18:36 – Addressing Fast Furniture

    20:09 – Innovative Design and Efficient Furniture Manufacturing

    22:00 – Modern Tools: CNC, Robotics, and Flat Pack Design

    24:03 – Arm Box, Circular Thinking, and Biochar Solutions

    31:25 – The Journey and Challenges of Packaging

    39:08 – Scaling with Strategic Partnerships

    40:59 – Achievements and Future Plans


    𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 Ewelina Pankowska 𝗮𝗻𝗱 Reforest Design

    Ewelina Pankowska is the Founder and CEO of Reforest Design, and her personal mission is to redefine and evolve what is currently recognized as sustainable furniture.


    Reforest Design is a tech company that makes furniture with the support of AI and Robotics. Their mission is to eliminate fast furniture by making high-quality, custom, circular furniture the standard—not a luxury.


    𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 Ewelina Pankowska 𝗮𝗻𝗱 Reforest Design

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ewelinapankowska/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reforestdesign

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/reforestdesign/

    Website: https://reforestdesign.com/


    Learn More about Conscious Design

    YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi

    Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s

    Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

    Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS

    Visit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/

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    43 mins
  • Replacing Polyester with Hemp & Linen: The Future of Eco Manufacturing
    Apr 20 2025

    Welcome to another episode of the Conscious Design Podcast! In this powerful episode, host Ian Peterman talks with Michael Klepacz, founder of Natural Materials Unlimited (NMU), a pioneer in eco-friendly textiles, tree-free paper products, and sustainable manufacturing based in Poland.


    Discover how Michael transitioned from a background in aircraft mechanics and project management to creating a globally recognized sustainable brand. From hemp, linen, and organic cotton products to plant-based yoga mats, sustainable webbing, and waxed fabrics, NMU is proving that eco-conscious design can replace synthetic plastics without compromising quality or performance.


    𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

    00:00 - Guest Introduction

    00:41 - Michael Klepacz’s Journey into Sustainability

    04:19 - Innovations in Sustainable Materials

    09:54 - Challenges and Opportunities in Sustainable Manufacturing

    13:40 - Efficient Supply Chains and Local Production

    21:38 - The Future of Sustainable Textiles

    25:35 - Sustainable Fabric Blends and Material Versatility

    29:57 - Waxed Fabrics and Their Applications

    32:00 - Fast vs. Slow Fashion and Sustainable Standards

    42:58 - The True Cost of Cheap Products


    𝗔𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗞𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘇 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱

    Michael Klepacz is the innovative founder of Natural Materials Unlimited (NMU), a leader in sustainable manufacturing based in Poland. Specializing in textiles and tree-free paper products, NMU harnesses the potential of ropes, yarns, woven and knitted fabrics, and webbing to create eco-friendly solutions.


    With a rich background as an Air Force veteran and project manager, Michael expertly guides NMU in producing high-quality, white-labeled products that are exported globally. Dedicated to minimizing environmental impact, his work empowers businesses worldwide to embrace sustainability, transforming industry practices one product at a time.


    𝗟𝗲𝗮𝗿𝗻 𝗠𝗼𝗿𝗲 𝗮𝗯𝗼𝘂𝘁 𝗠𝗶𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗲𝗹 𝗞𝗹𝗲𝗽𝗮𝗰𝘇 𝗮𝗻𝗱 𝗡𝗮𝘁𝘂𝗿𝗮𝗹 𝗠𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿𝗶𝗮𝗹𝘀 𝗨𝗻𝗹𝗶𝗺𝗶𝘁𝗲𝗱

    Linkedin: http://www.linkedin.com/in/mikeklepacz

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/naturalmaterialsunlimited/

    Website: https://naturalmaterials.eu/


    Learn More about Conscious Design

    YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi

    Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s

    Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

    Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS

    Visit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/


    We created this content so that creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign. Ian Peterman, the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book "Conscious Design."

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    49 mins
  • How Seaweed Is Reinventing Everyday Packaging
    Apr 11 2025

    In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman speaks with Julia Marsh, CEO and co-founder of Sway, a groundbreaking materials startup using seaweed-based bioplastics to replace single-use plastic packaging. Discover how Sway is replacing traditional plastic with home-compostable packaging, why seaweed is the future of sustainable materials, and how regenerative design can fight plastic pollution.


    𝗡𝗼𝘁𝗮𝗯𝗹𝗲 𝗠𝗼𝗺𝗲𝗻𝘁𝘀

    00:00 - Guest Intro

    00:36 - The Problem with Plastic Packaging

    04:05 - Discovering Seaweed as a Solution

    05:15 - Birth of Sway: Developing Seaweed-Based Materials

    08:26 - Challenges and Innovations in Seaweed Packaging

    14:45 - Real-World Testing and Future Plans

    28:34 - Conclusion and Contact Information


    About Julia Marsh and Sway

    Julia Marsh is the CEO and co-founder of Sway, a material innovation startup scaling seaweed-based, home-compostable packaging. Julia spent over a decade designing brand and packaging systems for consumer goods companies, technology startups, and design studios around the world. Her work is driven by a deep passion for regenerative design and biological circularity.


    Sway's patented products match the vital performance attributes of conventional plastics and are designed to plug into existing infrastructure, enabling scale and massive impact. Unlike plastic, however, their materials are made from an abundant, regenerative resource and decompose into healthy soil after use.


    In 2024, Sway was named a Fast Company World Changing Idea. In 2023, Sway won first place in the TOM FORD Plastic Innovation Prize. In 2021, Sway also won the Beyond the Bag Challenge sponsored by Closed Loop Partners and a consortium of major retailers. Sway’s solutions have garnered recognition from Vogue, Forbes, Business Insider, and Fast Company.


    Sway is headquartered in the California Bay Area.

    Sway is a material innovation startup scaling seaweed-based, home-compostable packaging.


    Learn More about Julia Marsh and Sway

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/company/swaythefuture/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/swaythefuture/

    Website: https://swaythefuture.com/

    X: https://twitter.com/swaythefuture


    Learn More about Conscious Design

    YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi

    Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s

    Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

    Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS

    Visit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/


    We created this content so that creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign. Ian Peterman, the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book "Conscious Design."

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    30 mins
  • The Rise of Smart, Sustainable Tires – What to Expect!
    Apr 4 2025

    Did you know your tires could reduce carbon emissions by up to 82%?


    In this episode of the Conscious Design Podcast, host Ian Peterman sits down with Friedemann Ohse, brand designer at reTyre, to explore how sustainable materials, smart tire technology, and circular economy principles are transforming the tire industry.


    About Friedemann Ohse and reTyre

    Friedemann Ohse is a brand designer at reTyre in Norway. reTyre is mass-producing sustainable tires and changing everything: materials, production methods, and, most importantly, emissions. Friedemann is part of the marketing team, responsible for everything that looks good, while also being involved in innovation and CMF design (colors, materials, and finishes).


    This year, Friedemann led the project for the world’s first carbon-neutral tire, introduced at the Eurobike trade show in Germany. With several years of experience, mainly gained in startups and scale-ups, Friedemann has worked in agile teams with great people around the globe.


    reTyre is the most sustainable tire brand in the world, reducing emissions by up to 82%.


    Learn More about Friedemann Ohse and reTyre

    Linkedin: https://www.linkedin.com/in/friedemann-oliver-ohse/

    Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/retyre/

    Website: https://www.retyre.eco/

    Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/reTyreBiking/

    Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/c/reTyre

    X: https://x.com/re_tyre


    Learn More about Conscious Design

    YouTube Channel: http://bit.ly/3sG7VEi

    Blog: https://bit.ly/3kltV6s

    Conscious Design Book: https://www.amazon.com/dp/B09KNMN9BT

    Join our Newsletter: https://bit.ly/2U8IlMS

    Visit our website: https://www.petermanfirm.com/


    We created this content so that creative entrepreneurs like you can integrate social and environmental responsibility into your brand’s DNA through #ConsciousDesign. Ian Peterman, the leading expert in Conscious Design, hosts the Conscious Design podcast and is the co-author of the book "Conscious Design."

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    39 mins