One World Podcast

by Climate Reality OC

Earth Sciences Personal Journals Philosophy

Season 1

Susan Keefe, Beyond Plastics' SoCal Director, exposes the myth of plastic recycling, corporate greenwashing and solutions for a plastic-free life!

Susan Keefe, Beyond Plastics' Southern California Director, candidly shares the impact of plastics on our communities, oceans, and health. Plastics come from fossil fuels and are highly toxic; we are turning our oceans into a landfill, and, on their own, they are the fifth-largest polluters, behind China and the US. This episode explores the myth of recycling, the need to drastically curtail plastic production, and how we can play a role in asking our cities to enforce existing laws, provide education, and curb plastic use. Susan has been actively working alongside non-profits such as Last Beach Cleanup, Climate Action Campaign, Climate Reality Project & Surfrider to advocate for change, call out plastic polluters, and organize against plastic pollution. This includes exposing Starbucks' false recycling claims in a nationwide CBS investigation. She is also a leader in the California Green Business Network and founded Eco Forward to promote plastic-free options in Southern California. Correction from guest: We are producing an estimated 450 million tons of plastic a year.

S1 · E19

Apr 17, 2026

46:47

Linda Kraemer, Community Engagement Manager at Orange County Power Authority (OCPA), shares how energy choice will lead to a brighter energy future.

A majority of Americans support a transition to clean, renewable energy. Linda Kraemer, OCPA's Community Engagement Manager, shares how she is dedicating her career to engaging local communities throughout Orange County to share the power of clean, renewable energy and community choice energy. OCPA is Orange County's first not-for-profit clean energy provider serving the power needs of residents, businesses, and cities across Orange County. She shares how OCPA is rooted in doing what is most advantageous for our neighbors, businesses, the environment, and our world community, leading to a brighter future for everyone. Learn more at: https://www.ocpower.org.

S1 · E18

Dec 16, 2025

20:15

Hilary Ego, author & sustainability manager, shares the power of sustainability in our communities!

Come join us as we explore the power of sustainability with Climate Reality Leader Hilary Ego. Hilary Ego is an author and sustainability manager passionate about greening our communities. She serves as the Environmental Sustainability Manager for the City of La Mesa in California, where she oversees its Climate Action Plan (CAP) programs. Hilary also serves as a valued member of the Advisory Board of the San Diego Regional Climate Collaborative. Her enthusiasm for environmental education shines through in her charming children’s book, "How I Save the Earth." Her dedication to environmental awareness and education is truly inspiring.

S1 · E17

Oct 9, 2025

32:29

Episode 16: Christine Lan, creator of @ecoamical, reveals the magic in living simply, wasting less, & finding joy in enough!

Christine Lan, the voice and creator behind ecoamical, a social media space dedicated to living fully and eco-friendly, is with us on this episode of One World. Through her content, Christine shows that sustainability isn’t about perfection; it’s about small, intentional choices that make a big difference over time. From sharing kitchen habits that cut down waste, to growing her own food, to encouraging others to embrace the beauty of living with less, Christine has built a community that’s learning and unlearning together. Her message is both practical and deeply hopeful: by slowing down, consuming less, and thinking differently about what we truly need, we can create a life lighter on the planet and richer in meaning. You can find more at @ecoamical on Instagram, TikTok, and YouTube. Christine has so much to share, so don't miss this episode of One World!

S1 · E16

Sep 17, 2025

30:47

Episode 15: Thea Merrit, founder of EcoNow shares how we can rethink consumption and make more sustainable choices everyday!

Episode 15 features Thea Merrit, the founder of EcoNow - Orange County’s first zero-waste shop and refill station. What began as a small stand at local farmers' markets has become a multi-location movement helping individuals and communities reduce waste, rethink consumption, and make more sustainable choices a part of their everyday lives. EcoNow isn’t just a store - it’s a community hub and a local resource that empowers people to take actionable steps toward sustainability. Join us to learn how you can go EcoNow one step at a time!

S1 · E15

Aug 31, 2025

57:20

Episode 14: CJ O’Brien Weddle manages the Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels Program at the Surfrider Foundation, which is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people.

Join us for episode 14 with CJ O’Brien Weddle, who manages the Ocean Friendly Restaurants and Hotels Program at the Surfrider Foundation. CJ supports Surfrider's grassroots network and helps restaurants and hotels reduce their use of unnecessary single-use plastics. She has also helped colleges and universities reduce their use of single-use plastics in their operations. The Surfrider Foundation is dedicated to the protection and enjoyment of the world’s oceans, waves, and beaches for all people through a powerful global activist network.

S1 · E14

Jul 18, 2025

35:05

Episode 13: Jessica Waite, co-CEO of The Plot Restaurants, voted the most sustainable vegan restaurant in the nation by Veg Out and works within her community to promote local and responsible food sourcing.

Jessica Waite, co-CEO of The Plot Restaurants, also serves as the president of the local non-profit Berry Good Food, which provides grants to schools with garden projects that support healthy food education. Jessica’s overarching passion is ensuring that everyone has the option to choose locally and sustainably produced food. Her goal is to create regenerative businesses that benefit all stakeholders, partners, community members, and the planet. Jessica believes there is no such thing as waste and offers great tips for adopting a zero-waste ethos and sourcing local food in our homes and lives.

S1 · E13

Mar 3, 2025

36:46

Episode 12: Interview with Climate Reality Leaders Lucy Garcia and Dan Linehan share how the community came together to pass the first Climate Literacy Resolution in LA

Climate Literacy in our schools is more important than ever. A majority of parents and teachers -over 80% - want to see climate literacy taught in the classroom. However, in most schools climate literacy is not required. So, Climate Reality Leaders Lucy Garcia, Dan Linehan, and several dedicated members led the effort to change that. With their continuous efforts, the Climate Literacy Resolution passed in the Los Angeles Unified School District on February 8, 2022. Now the committee is working with the District and building a coalition towards broad, rapid implementation. Let's talk with Lucy Garcia and Dan Linehan, Conveners of the Climate Curricula Committee, to see how other schools can do the same. Join us for this episode to get inspiration and proven ways to bring climate literacy to your community!

S1 · E12

Jul 6, 2022

30:10

Episode 11: Interview with Reform and Sustain, a Group of Young Environmental Activitists with the Belief that the Future is in Our Hands.

Reform and Sustain's mission is founded on the belief that the voice of the younger generation is incredibly valuable and beneficial to the progress of this movement. If you are a budding-environmentalist who is looking for ways to become an active participant in taking care of our planet, they want to help you get started!

S1 · E11

May 5, 2022

41:47

Episode 10: Interview with Sophia Kianni, the Youngest Member on United Nations Secretary-General's Youth Advisory Group on Climate Change

Listen to Sophia Kianni's climate advocacy story involving Climate Cardinals, journalism, and the United Nations.

S1 · E10

Nov 18, 2021

21:02

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