2Joe Campbell shares his journey from a study abroad program in Ghana to establishing his own consulting company, Development Consulting International. He then talks about how he came to teach the Ghana study abroad course and continue to work on community development projects in both Ghana and the US. He explains the importance of building a shared understanding of what community development means in practice, highlighting the need to consider both the physical environment and the social and cultural aspects of a place.

Joe talks about the challenges of transitioning the Environmental Professionals Network to a virtual format during the pandemic and how they successfully adapted to continue connecting people and supporting their work. He describes the network's mission and its impact on fostering collaboration among environmental professionals in Ohio.

He then introduces his new venture, one.two.five Benefit Corporation, which aims to incentivize farmers to adopt regenerative practices that increase soil carbon storage. He discusses the emergence of the soil carbon credit market, the challenges of measuring carbon storage, and the development of a regional conservation partnership program that is paying farmers for healthy soil.

Episode in a glance

- International Journey to Ghana and Network Building
- Defining Community Development
- The Environmental Professionals Network
- From Research Posters to Real-World Impact
- Paying Farmers for Healthy Soil

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and his work with EPN and one.two.five Benefit Corporation

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

→ https://125benefit.com/

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Joe Campbell is more than just a professor at Ohio State University. He's a passionate advocate for community building and a firm believer in the power of listening. Joe's unique approach to sustainability goes beyond just studying the environment – he understands that the key to creating positive change is fostering strong connections and valuing the perspectives of others. He encourages us to move beyond the "I" and embrace the "we," reminding us that we are interconnected and that our greatest strengths can also be our greatest weaknesses. Joe's work with the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State is a testament to his commitment to building community and fostering collaboration, creating spaces where people feel heard and valued.

Episode in a Glance

- Joe's Roles and the Environmental Professionals Network
- Early Influences: Family, Public Health, and Community
- A Surprising Journey Into Academia
- Hospitalization, Vulnerability, and Interdependence
- Shaping Shared Environmental Resources
- Creating Spaces for Dialogue and Validation
- The Power of Letting Perspectives Shape Actions
- Building Upon Strengths and Confronting Weaknesses
- Embracing Interdependence and Collaboration
- Making People Feel Heard and Valued

About Joe Campbell

Joe Campbell is a senior lecturer at Ohio State University's School of Environment and Natural Resources. He is passionate about fostering community and collaboration in the field of sustainability. Joe is dedicated to creating spaces where people feel heard and valued, recognizing the importance of listening and understanding diverse perspectives. His work includes assembling interdisciplinary teams for research projects, teaching courses on leadership and community development, and directing the Environmental Professionals Network at Ohio State.

Connect with Joe Campbell and OSU Environmental Professionals Network

→ https://epn.osu.edu/

Send us a message!

Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist and PhD candidate shares her passion for studying harmful chemicals in our environment, focusing on microplastics and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." She explains the alarming extent of their presence, from our clothing to our drinking water, and the potential long-term health implications they pose. Brittanie also sheds light on the challenges scientists face in studying these emerging contaminants due to the limited knowledge and the rapid pace of product development. Despite these challenges, Brittanie highlights her successes in research and community education, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed choices and advocate for change. She shares how her research has contributed to policy discussions and legal proceedings, demonstrating the real-world impact of scientific work.

Beyond research, Brittanie has founded Ecosphere Organics, a venture that transforms food waste into valuable raw materials for various industries. This innovative solution not only tackles the issue of waste but also offers sustainable alternatives to harmful plastics and chemicals.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Renewed Focus on Environmental Toxicology
- Why Microplastics and PFAS Are Pressing Concerns
- Challenges of Studying Emerging Contaminants
- Successes in Research and Community Education
- Impact of Knowledge on Personal Choices
- Contributions to Legislation and Policy Discussions
- Hopes for Quick Change in Product Regulation
- Ecosphere Organics: Transforming Food Waste into Raw Materials
- Ideal Customers and Future Goals of Ecosphere Organics
- Resources for Learning About Environmental Contaminants
- Connecting with Brittanie and Supporting Ecosphere Organics

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

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