Joel Makower
What is the name of the business that Joel Makower runs and what does the business do?
Greenbiz- media and events company that accelerates the just transition to a clean economy
Where was Chris moving to continue his research?
Bangladesh
What is the name of the undergraduate class that the Berkeley Center for Green Chemistry runs?
Greener Solutions
What class does Margot GSI for?
Climate Justice
Where does Berkeley Dining donate their food?
basic needs center
What is Greenbiz?
A media company promoting sustainability and accelerating the transition to a clean economy
What activity was causing negative health impacts?
Inhaling smoke while cooking inside with firewood
What is green chemistry?
The design of more sustainable, safe, and clean chemicals that will replace hazardous chemicals being used.
Which non-profit organization did Margot work for, and eventually quit?
Sunrise Movement
Why do we purchase beef from Kansas and not from California?
The cows at Harrison Ranch (CA Cattle Farm) are treated inhumanely, so we have to decide whether we support this large inhumane, yet local farm, or a humane certified farm from across the country. There are small local farms in CA, but they can’t meet our supply needs for a dining institution.
What has Joel been working on for the past 15 years?
Writing another book on climate change
What is liquid propane gas (LPG)?
Intervention provided in refugee camps, allowed for safer cooking
What are the companies/ products the class partnered with?
Nike, U.S. Tire Manufacturers Association, International Association of Firefighters, nail polish, produce stickers
What were the three things on the praxis triangle that Margot emphasized so that we do not cause harm in the work that we do?
Action, Theory, and Reflection
Why are bioplastics considered just as bad as plastic?
It requires an intensive-process and facility to break down the bioplastic. If it flies into the ocean it will take a very long time to break down.
What is Joel known for?
keynote speeches
What issues arose from cooking with firewood?
violence when collecting wood from forests, deforestation, increased respiratory disease
What are PFAS?
Chemicals effective at creating a water resistant barrier, found in non-stick cookware, cleaning products, waterproof clothing etc
Why is internal and external reflection so important to climate work?
Helps to maintain a sense of purpose, prevent harm to others, and fosters a more equitable and inclusive approach to addressing the challenges of climate change. These reflective practices are integral in ensuring that climate actions are not only effective but also ethically responsible and just.
How does berkeley dining support local, organic farms?
28% of Berkeley’s food purchases are from sustainable vendors (vendors like Coke Farms work with over 70 local organic farms to supply us with seasonal, ethically grown fruits and vegetables)
What did Joel start off his career as?
journalist
Who are the subjects of Chris's previous research?
Rohingya refugees from Myanmar in a refugee camp in bangladesh
What did Megan get her undergraduate degree in?
neuroscience
Why did Margot choose to come back to school and get her PHD?
She wanted to ask more questions and reflect on her past experiences in the Climate Action world.
How does Berkeley dining track food waste from the chefs?
A program called Leanpath