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On this episode of The Sustainable Business Spotlight, I sit down with Jestine, founder of Sustainable Classrooms, a Montana-based nonprofit, turning plastic waste into building blocks for education in Togo, West Africa. We talk about tackling plastic pollution, working across cultures, and building classrooms with locally sourced materials, all while creating jobs and improving student access to food and healthcare.

Jestine shares how a post-college trip turned into a mission to build more than just infrastructure. With a small but mighty team on the ground and a growing community of supporters, she’s proving that one idea, and one brick at a time, can make a global impact.

Whether you're working on your own eco-startup or looking for inspiration to take action, this episode highlights how grassroots solutions can drive sustainable change.

In this episode:
01:33 – How a trip to Southeast Asia and Africa sparked the idea
03:54 – Living in Togo and building trust with the local community
06:34 – Turning shredded plastic into bricks for classrooms
09:05 – Connecting with students through language and shared experience
13:50 – How power outages are shaping their shift to solar energy
16:57 – Supporting students with school lunches and health programs
19:36 – Ways to support Sustainable Classrooms and follow their journey

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who cares about sustainability!

Links:
Website: https://www.sustainableclassrooms.eco/
Instagram: @sustainable_classrooms
Facebook: Sustainable Classrooms
LinkedIn: Sustainable Classrooms
TikTok: @sustainable_classrooms
YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UClIUFEMKEkIa5C5kHKyK-pQ

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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On this episode of The Sustainable Business Spotlight, I sit down with Taylor Dubose, founder of SUS, a Massachusetts-based gear company making backpacks, hats, and accessories from recycled plastic and repurposed gear. We talk about rejecting fast fashion, designing for repairability, and the logistics behind collecting waste and turning it into durable products, all without selling on Amazon.

Taylor shares how his background in product development shaped the way he approaches sustainability. From old tents and climbing rope, to water bottles that never got recycled, he’s closing the loop through local sourcing, smart design, and full transparency on material use.

Whether you're building your own eco-friendly small business or trying to improve your sustainable supply chain, this episode offers practical insight into making products that truly last.

In this episode:

• 01:40 – How the pandemic sparked Taylor’s idea for SUS
• 06:49 – The Reality Collection: bags made from used tarps and tents
• 09:12 – Logistics of local collection and manufacturing
• 11:13 – Why SUS lists the number of plastic bottles in each product
• 14:47 – New product line made from retired climbing rope
• 19:53 – What consumers should really know about recycling

If you enjoyed this episode, share it with a friend who cares about sustainability.

Links:
https://susmade.com/
https://www.instagram.com/sus_made/

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome back to The Sustainable Business Spotlight! In this episode, I’m joined by Deirdre Bird, founder of Dry Umbrellas, a company reimagining a frustrating everyday product with sustainability in mind. After one too many cheap umbrellas flipped inside out on the streets of Boston, Deirdre decided to take action.

The result? A line of high-quality, ocean-bound plastic umbrellas that are as durable as they are impactful.

We talk through her unexpected journey into entrepreneurship, the realities of building a sustainable supply chain, and how one product can shift the way people think about consumption. If you’ve ever been frustrated with a broken umbrella or questioned the long-term impact of single-use materials, tune in! Deirdre’s passion for the planet is contagious and her umbrellas are making waves (pun intended!)

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 02:33 – The “aha” moment that turned Deirdre from commuter to founder of Dry Umbrellas.
• 05:52 – What makes building a sustainable supply chain difficult, but worth it.
• 07:40 – The keys to launching a successful Kickstarter campaign (and what Deirdre wishes she’d done).
• 13:41 – Why ocean-bound plastic matters and why bamboo and steel were deliberate choices.
• 19:17 – How Dry Umbrellas made it onto shelves at REI (and why in-person product feel matters).
• 22:35 – Exciting news: compact umbrellas are coming, just in time for the holidays!

If you enjoyed this episode, please rate, review, and share it with someone who values planet-first products!

Links:
Enter the Giveaway here! https://jeltbelt.com/pages/sustainable-giveaway

Website: https://www.dri.earth/

Instagram: @dri_umbrellas

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome back to The Sustainable Business Spotlight! In this episode, I’m joined by Kathleen Ventura, co-founder of Compost Crowd, a compost collection service transforming how residents and businesses in Northern Arizona manage their food waste.

Kathleen shares how Compost Crowd started, the environmental importance of composting, and how small lifestyle changes can create massive collective impact. Whether you're a sustainability advocate or a curious beginner, this conversation will leave you inspired to take action.

In this episode, you’ll hear:

• 01:18 – The unexpected inspiration behind starting Compost Crowd.
• 03:04 – How the business expanded from farmers markets to city-wide collection.
• 06:14 – Why throwing food scraps in the trash creates methane and how composting helps.
• 09:02 – The vineyard partnership turning compost into a soil-regenerating solution.
• 13:51 – What to do if you don’t have a composting service in your area.
• 19:04 – Kathleen’s personal low-waste lifestyle and intentional living practices.

This episode is full of actionable insights, real talk about sustainable living, and powerful reminders that individual actions do add up. Tune in and discover simple ways you can make a difference, starting today. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate, share, and leave your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you!

For Flagstaff or Sedona residents, use the code PODCAST at www.compostcrowd.com to get one free month of compost pick up!

Links:
Website: https://www.compostcrowd.com
Instagram: @compostcrowd

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to The Sustainable Business Spotlight! Today, I’m joined by Marjory Wildcraft, founder of The Grow Network, a global movement helping people grow their own food and live sustainably. What started as a backyard experiment has become a thriving community empowering self-sufficiency and resilience.

In this episode, Marjory shares how anyone can start growing food—no matter their space or experience. We dive into the power of food sovereignty, debunk common gardening myths, and explore why homegrown food is key to financial and environmental sustainability.

In this episode, you will hear:

• 00:59 Marjory journey to self-sufficiency.
• 04:59 The importance of growing your own food.
• 07:03 Getting started with gardening.
• 12:04 Community and local resources.
• 14:59 Soil health and composting.
• 19:55 Business insights and lessons learned.

This conversation is packed with inspiration and practical steps to take control of your food, health, and future. Tune in now and start your journey toward sustainability! Don’t forget to subscribe, review, and share.

Links:
Website: https://thegrownetwork.com/
Webinar: https://thegrownetwork.com/i-can-grow-food-webinar/?oid=117&affid=419

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to another episode of the Sustainable Business Spotlight! I’m excited to be joined by Mallory Ottariano, the founder and CEO of Youer, a sustainable clothing brand that’s been empowering women with eco-conscious fashion since 2012. What began with just a $100 sewing machine has now blossomed into a beloved brand that champions sustainability in every stitch. Known for its women-led team, domestic manufacturing, and commitment to using responsible materials, Youer is raising the bar in the fashion industry. In this episode, Mallory shares the inspiring journey behind Youer, the challenges of being a USA-based manufacturer, and the heart-driven mission that fuels the brand's success.

In this episode you will hear:

• 1:30 – The accidental beginning of Youer and how it all started.
• 4:45 – Navigating business challenges and the journey of manufacturing in the USA.
• 13:15 – The impact of new tariffs on local businesses.
• 17:35 – Why Mallory chooses to release new products monthly and the strategy behind it.
• 20:25 – Pricing and marketing strategies that shape consumer behavior.
• 23:57 – Mallory’s top advice for shopping sustainably.

I hope this episode leaves you feeling encouraged and inspired by the incredible work being done at Youer! If you enjoyed the conversation, don't forget to rate, share, and leave your thoughts—we'd love to hear from you. Thanks so much for tuning in!

Mallory's Links:
Your Website: Youer
Youer Instagram: Youer ®️

Outside Article

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to another inspiring episode of the Sustainable Business Spotlight! This week, I’m thrilled to be joined by Annie Agle, VP of Sustainability at Cotopaxi, a brand known for its mission-driven approach to creating responsibly made outdoor gear that brings color, joy, and performance to adventurers everywhere. Guided by their slogan, “Gear for Good,” Cotopaxi is not just about making products—it’s about building a global movement to support communities and protect our planet.

Annie shares her passion for sustainability and her work leading Cotopaxi’s efforts in climate action, corporate social responsibility, human rights, and ethical giving. From responsibly made gear to impactful initiatives, Cotopaxi is setting the bar for what it means to be a purpose-driven brand.

In this episode, we’ll explore:

• 1:45 – Annie’s journey into sustainability: what drives her passion and has shaped her career.
• 5:30 – How Cotopaxi prioritizes human rights in their responsibly made gear.
• 12:30 – Insights into how Cotopaxi tackles policy in ways other brands might not.
• 16:45 – Addressing gaps in the auditing process by focusing on human rights and governance.
• 22:00 – Practical advice for consumers aiming to make more sustainable purchasing decisions.
• 25:45 – The impact of Cotopaxi’s innovative trade-in program.

Join us for a deep dive into how Cotopaxi is redefining outdoor gear and paving the way for a more sustainable future. If you enjoy this episode, don’t forget to rate, share, and leave your thoughts—we’d love to hear from you! Thanks for tuning in!

Links:
Website- https://www.cotopaxi.com
Trade In program- https://masvida.cotopaxi.com/pages/trade-in-editorial

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram

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Welcome to a festive episode of the Sustainable Business Spotlight with Amy Auble! As the holiday season approaches, many of us are excited to find the perfect gifts for our loved ones (and maybe a little something for ourselves, too!). While gift-giving is a beautiful tradition, it’s important to consider how we can make our choices more sustainable. This holiday season, you don’t have to settle for the latest trend or sale item. Join me as I share creative ways to gift more sustainably and highlight companies that are making it easier than ever to embrace sustainable gifting. Let’s dive in!

In this episode you will hear:

• 1:29 – Holiday shopping statistics, including how many people are shopping, the most popular items, and how much is spent on Black Friday.
• 2:25 – Creative gift ideas that don’t involve buying new items, offering ways to give meaningful presents without relying on physical goods.
• 5:50 – Key criteria for choosing sustainable brands, such as certifications, longevity, and local sourcing. Sharing personal experiences with eco-friendly brands.
• 9:39 – Recommendations for sustainable brands that make great gifts, perfect for an eco-conscious holiday season.

I hope this episode has inspired you to make more sustainable gift choices, not just for the holidays, but for all gifts to come! Let’s keep spreading the joy while caring for our planet. If you enjoyed this episode, I’d love for you to rate, share, and let me know your thoughts. Thanks so much for tuning in — I truly appreciate your support!

Episode Specific Links:

Proof: Proof Razors
Terra Seed:Terra Seed
Dew Mighty: Dew Mighty
Plaine Products: Plaine Products
Jelt: Jelt Belt
Wear-Arc: Wear-Arc
Voormi: VOORMI
Eat Purposefully: Eat Purposefully
Scented Designs: Scented Designs
Unblur: Unblur | Shop
Live Heal Travel: Live Heal Travel
Origin: Origin USA
Montana Knife Company: Montana Knife Company
Cotopaxi: Cotopaxi

Amy's Links:
• Website
• Alpine Start Media's Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Jelt's Instagram