Sustainably Geeky

When looking to protect land from development, mining and other harmful activities, Conservation Easement Agreements (CEAs) are perhaps one of the most effective methods for permanently protecting private land. Despite their effectiveness, many are not familiar with this method of land protection, so we've brought in Joel Enman from Ontario Farmland Trust to explain how CEAs work. He also discusses why private land conservation is important, and how his and other land trusts are helping landowners maintain ownership of their land while protecting it for future generations. Resources discussed in this episode:
Ontario Farmland Trust
Joel Enman Linkedin
Ontario Land Trust Alliance
Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts
Land Trust Alliance
Farmland Preservation book
A Garden for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee book
Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].
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In this bonus episode we're joined by Kara Escajeda from Parrie Haynes Ranch, a park in Central Texas under threat of being closed. Kara discusses the challenges facing the park, and the current state of public land in Texas. She also explains the importance of parks in general for local communities and the environment, and offers tips for how to advocate for green spaces in your area. Resources discussed in this episode:
Save Parrie Haynes Ranch website
Parrie Haynes Ranch Facebook group
Environment Texas website
New state parks in Texas article
Urban Heat Islands article
Engagement with Parks report
EXPLORE Act
Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].
Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.
You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode:
Ordinary Soil book
Analog Sun book
Alex Woodard website
Dr. Zach Bush website
Farmer's Footprint website
Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) video
Previous Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods:
Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane Podcast
Episode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, Author
Episode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture Guild
Episode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire Farm
Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].
Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.
You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it has become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is especially attractive, as it allows consumers to produce energy onsite. Owen Barrett from Shine joins us to discuss the basics of residential solar, and how his company is helping make solar available to multifamily housing units. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and why he's optimistic it will continue to grow despite continued opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Resources discussed in this episode:
Shine website
Owen's LinkedIn
Less Talk More Action podcast
Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group
Our previous episode about solar energy: Soak Up the Sun
Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].
Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.
You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, but how do we pick which one(s) to use? Rinaldo Brutoco, Founding President and CEO of the World Business Academy and H2 Clipper, Inc., joins us to discuss why he believes hydrogen is the best choice. Rinaldo explains how hydrogen works and how it's being used today. He also discusses common misconceptions about hydrogen, and why the transition away from fossil fuels could be much easier than we expect. Resources discussed in this episode:
World Business Academy
World Business Academy Books
H2 Clipper
ARCHES
Hydrogen Insight magazine
Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].
Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.
You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.
Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.