Green Drinks Media

Did you miss the last Green Drinks panel, or want to share what you learned with a friend? Watch Green Drinks videos and download audio files here.

March 2011

Topic: Green Gurus Share Conditions for Transformation

To acknowledge Foresight's eighth year, three experts lead a frank discussion on what it will take to create a more resilient future. This Green Drinks anniversary edition features a special format: Peter Nicholson in the hotseat - and panelists in control of the mike.

Audio Downloads:

Dennis Salazar, Salazar Packaging
Interview (10.1 MB mp3)
Q&A (4.4 MB mp3)

Salazar Packaging provides custom eco friendly packaging solutions and stock green packaging products through GlobeGuardProducts.com which was the first internet store featuring all eco-friendly packaging supplies. Dennis and Lenora (wife and co-founder) created the Globe Guard product line that includes their 100% PCW shipping boxes and their revolutionary Globe Guard Reusable Box which is designed to turn a used box inside/out creating a like new container.

Sarah Elizabeth Ippel, Academy for Global Citizenship
Interview (9.2 MB mp3)
Q&A (7.2 MB mp3)

Sarah Elizabeth feels passionately about creating a learning environment where children develop the insight, intellect and compassion necessary to actively impact their global communities. rior to pursuing her vision for the Academy for Global Citizenship, Sarah Elizabeth acted as Principal of Cambridge Educational Associates, and educational consulting company founded with a focus on developing customized and integrated auxiliary curriculum and parental guidance for children with academic related challenges.

Doug Farr, Farr Associates
Interview (27.3 MB mp3)
Q&A (15.3 MB mp3)

Doug Farr, AIA is the founding principal of Farr Associates, identified by the New York Times as "the most prominent of the city's growing cadre of ecologically sensitive architects." Based in Chicago, the firm is widely regarded as one of the most sustainable planning and architecture practices in the country, holding the unique distinction of being the first firm in the world to design three LEED Platinum certified buildings.

 

February 2011

Topic: Food Matters - Local vs. Organic

Audio Downloads:

Jim Slama, FamilyFarmed.org
Part I (6.1 MB mp3)
Part II (4.4 MB mp3)
Part III (4.4 MP mp3)

FamilyFarmed.org encourages the production, marketing and distribution of locally grown and responsibly produced food and goods. It expands the market for local farmers and food producers, by advancing the Community Supported Agriculture (CSA) movement, supporting farmers markets, and playing an integral role in public policy in the state and region.

Peter Testa, Testa Produce (3.4 MB mp3)

Peter is the third generation to actively run the company. He started in the produce industry over 40 years ago driving a truck for his grandfather's produce company, and has done every job in the organization working his way up to President. Under Peter's helm, Testa has grown to over 145 employees and 56 trucks covering the full Chicago metropolitan area.

Vinnie Hernandez, Dill Pickle Food Co-op (7.9 MB mp3)

In late 2009, Vinnie Hernandez helped open the Dill Pickle Food Co-op, Chicago's only co-operatively owned retail natural food store, where he is currently the General Manager. Prior to managing the co-op, he was the Director of the Product Library at the natural products based market research company SPINS. Earlier, he was bulk/natural foods manager for the Hyde Park Food Co-op, a sales representative for natural food manufacturers at Presence Marketing, and Assistant Store Manager at Strawberry Fields Natural Food Store & Cafe in Urbana, Illinois.

 

November 2010

Topic: Career Transitions

Audio Downloads:

Cleetus Friedman, City Provisions (10.6 MB mp3)

Cleetus Friedman is a lifelong chef, entertainer and event planner who is revolutionizing the greeneating scene in Chicago. In the short time since City Provisions opened its doors in February of 2008, it has become the premiere catering and events company for the conscious-minded and beyond. By using local farms and supporting local businesses, Cleetus Friedman and City Provisions strive to educate their guests on what it means to be sustainable, local, and healthy.

Rob Olden, Indie Energy Systems Company (10.2 MB mp3)

Rob is the Vice President of Engineering for Indie Energy Systems Company in Evanston where he has helped shape the primary technical and development strategies for the business. He has functioned as lead designer on numerous geothermal and solar thermal systems for government, commercial and residential applications. He is a proud member of an ambitious and growing design/engineering team that creates turnkey building systems and innovative software product that incorporate state-of-the-art analytical modeling tools.

Arline Welty, PortionPac Corp. (8.7 MB mp3)

Arline Welty is the Communications Manager at PortionPac, a Chicago-based manufacturer of sustainable, high-concentrate cleaning products. Arline creates fresh business proposals, newsletters, and advertising copy for all divisions within the company. Previously, she created the development department at Active Transportation Alliance, building a $1m annual portfolio of grants by developing written proposals and metrics for all major programs. As a student at the University of Chicago, Arline co-founded the nonprofit Chicago Books to Women in Prison which still operates today and is accepting volunteers!

Q&A with the panel (35.0 MB mp3)

 

September 2010

Topic: Electric Cars: Wave of the (Near) Future

Audio Downloads:

Dan Gabel, Commonwealth Edison Co. (10.9 MB mp3)

As the manager of EV and technology, Dan is responsible for integration of electric vehicles and other customer applications (e.g., PV arrays, energy storage, in-home devices) with ComEd's Smart Grid. Dan also works closely with the City of Chicago, EV and charging infrastructure providers, and other key external stakeholders to prepare the Chicagoland market for electric vehicles. Through implementation of its "Green Fleet" strategy of deploying alternative fuels and alternative fuel vehicles, ComEd avoids more than 4,200 metric tons of CO2 emissions annually, the equivalent of taking 1,300 cars off the road each year.

Josh Milberg, Chicago Department of Environment (64.0 MB mp3)

As 1st Deputy Commissioner, Josh is responsible for the day-to-day operations of the department. He is also charged with leading groups and sub-committees comprised of stakeholders from other City agencies and outside organization to develop strategies and implement programs to positively impact Chicago and the region's environment.

Dustin Krause, Tesla Motors (8.5 MB mp3)

Dustin Krause is the Regional Sales Manager for Tesla Motors covering two Tesla retail locations in Chicago, IL and Boulder, CO. Since joining Tesla Dustin has travelled extensively through the Midwestern markets promoting the car and assisting his sales team. Previously Dustin has worked with MINI and has focused his career on working with new innovative automotive brands.

Q&A with the panel (33.0 MB mp3)