S8 · E44
October 2 · 34 min
IO
BusinessNon-Profit
In Our Backyard Podcast
Jenn Galler
This is Blue Ridge Environmental Defense League's (BREDL) Podcast where we discuss environmental issues that are right in our backyards. Topics include coal plants, fracking, pipelines, and much more. This podcast takes a deep dive into these topics and talks with people who are on the ground fighting for the health and safety of their communities as well as protection the planet.
- 20 episodes
- fortnightly
- Avg 27 min
- English
- IOS8 · E43September 18 · 21 min
43. Charleston’s Waterways: Threats, Trends & Solutions
Today, we’re diving into the health of Charleston’s waterways and the work being done to protect them. I talked with Riley Egger, the Advocacy and Policy Director at Charleston Waterkeeper. Charleston is a community deeply connected to its rivers, creeks, marshes, and harbor, but those waterways face a growing number of challenges, from pollution and development to flooding, population growth, and the impacts of a changing climate. In this episode, Riley helps us better understand what makes Charleston’s waterways so unique, the threats they face, and the work Charleston Waterkeeper is doing on the ground through water quality monitoring, habitat restoration, and advocacy. We’ll also talk about how scientific data can shape policy, how monitoring can lead to real-world change, and what the latest water quality trends are telling us about the future of Charleston’s waterways. Contact and connect: https://charlestonwaterkeeper.org/
- IOS8 · E42September 4 · 34 min
42. Eyes in the Sky: Conservation From Above
Our guest is Laura Early, Communications and Development Director at SouthWings, a nonprofit that connects volunteer pilots with conservation groups and journalists to document environmental issues from the air. We’ll talk about how aerial storytelling can reveal things that aren’t always visible from the ground, who these volunteer pilots are, and what inspires them to take to the skies. We’ll also explore some of the environmental challenges SouthWings is documenting and how those images can influence conservation, journalism, and policy. Email: info@southwings.org https://skytruth.org/case-studies/the-colossal-oil-spill-big-energy-tried-to-hide-for-14-yearshttps://www.cnn.com/2025/05/19/climate/xai-musk-memphis-turbines-pollutionhttps://www.selc.org/news/inside-memphis-fight-against-xai/https://www.southwings.org/passengers/request-a-flight
- IOAugust 21 · 22 min
41. Keeping the Gulf of Mexico Healthy
In this episode, we’re talking about the Gulf of Mexico, its incredible ecosystems, the communities that depend on it, and the environmental challenges it has faced for generations. I talk with Alex Horn, Communications Director for Healthy Gulf, an organization that has been working for decades to protect the Gulf and the communities connected to it. We’ll talk about how Healthy Gulf got started, what exactly we mean when we talk about “the Gulf,” and why this waterbody is so important to wildlife, our climate, our economy, and the people who call the Gulf Coast home. We’ll also look at the history of pollution and environmental threats in the region, the ongoing impacts of offshore oil and gas development, and the work Healthy Gulf is doing today to hold industries accountable and protect these ecosystems. We also talk about the recent proposal involving the potential storage of radioactive nuclear waste beneath the Gulf, and what Healthy Gulf is doing in response. https://healthygulf.org/ ttps://www.nola.com/news/business/louisiana-gulf-nuclear-waste-storage-plan/article_6c2ae372-82a8-4855-b430-c45a3822a30f.html?utm_campaign=trueanthem&utm_medium=social&utm_source=facebook
- IOS8 · E40August 7 · 31 min
40. The Continued Fight Against the Mountain Valley Pipeline
Today we're talking about a project that has sparked years of debate over energy, environmental protection, and the future of rural communities. Our guest is Bruce Coffey with BREDL's Preserve Bent Mountain Chapter, an organization working to protect the Bent Mountain community from the Mountain Valley Pipeline. In this episode, Bruce shares what makes Bent Mountain such a special place, explains the route and purpose of the pipeline, and discusses why so many local residents have opposed the project. We explore the environmental and public health impacts, hear about the community's organizing efforts, get an update on where the project stands today, and ask the big question: Is this pipeline even necessary? Finally, we'll talk about how listeners can get involved and support the ongoing work to protect Bent Mountain. Contact and connect with Bruce: chefbruce2002@yahoo.com https://archive.bredl.org/safeguard_americas_resources/200910_BREDL_Motion_to_Intervene_MVP_Extension_Request.html
- IOS8 · E39July 24 · 24 min
39. Restoring the Buffalo Niagara Watershed
On today's episode, we're joined by Jennifer Fee, Director of Communications & Marketing at Buffalo Niagara Waterkeeper. Water is at the heart of Western New York, and protecting it is more important than ever. We talk about the organization's mission to protect and restore our local waterways, the health of the Buffalo Niagara watershed, the biggest challenges facing our rivers and lakes, and how the community has gotten involved in preserving these incredible natural resources. https://bnwaterkeeper.org/
- IOS8 · E39July 10 · 9 min
38. Beyond Borders: What U.S. and Swedish Environmental Policies Teach Us
We're comparing Sweden and the United States. If you've ever traveled to Sweden, you've probably noticed how clean the cities are, how much public transportation is used, and how seriously recycling is taken. On the other hand, the United States is home to some of the world's most important environmental research, groundbreaking clean-energy companies, and national parks that have inspired conservation efforts across the globe. So why do these two countries have such different environmental laws? Is Sweden really as environmentally friendly as its reputation suggests? And does the United States deserve its reputation for having weaker environmental protections? We look at the differences in systems, climate policy, energy production, pollution prevention, recycling and prevention, transportation, forests and nature, and the strengths of each country. As always, the answer is more complicated than it first appears.
- IOS8 · E37June 26 · 21 min
37. Protecting One of North America’s Most Biodiverse River Systems
Today’s guest is Jesse Demonbreun-Chapman, Executive Director and Riverkeeper for the Coosa River Basin Initiative, an organization dedicated to protecting one of the most biologically diverse river systems in North America. Stretching across the southeastern United States, the Coosa River Basin is home to an extraordinary range of freshwater species and ecosystems, many of which exist nowhere else on Earth. But this watershed also faces mounting threats from pollution, climate change, habitat destruction, rapid development, and biodiversity loss. In this conversation, we talk about what it means to protect a watershed, and how Indigenous history, environmental justice, and community action are deeply connected to conservation. We also talk about PFAS contamination, restoration efforts, and the idea that “we all live downstream.” Contact and connect: https://coosa.org/
- IOS8 · E36June 12 · 29 min
36. Holding Ground: Climate Resilience in Lowland Communities
Today’s guest is Kristina Peterson, a facilitator with the Lowlander Center, an organization supporting lowland and coastal communities facing climate change, land loss, displacement, and environmental injustice. A lowland is an area of land at a relatively low elevation, often located near coastlines, rivers, wetlands, or floodplains. Because these areas sit close to sea level, they are especially vulnerable to flooding, hurricanes, erosion, sea level rise, and other climate-related impacts. In this conversation, we discuss what makes lowland communities especially vulnerable, how climate change impacts culture and identity as much as infrastructure, and how community-led resilience projects are helping shape a more sustainable future. Contact and connect: https://www.lowlandercenter.org/
- IOS8 · E35May 29 · 24 min
35. Building a Sustainable South
Welcome back to the show. Today we’re joined by Laura Iyer, founder of the Southern Sustainability Institute. Laura works with communities, businesses, and local leaders across the South to advance practical sustainability solutions through education, renewable energy, and community action. Today we’ll talk about what inspired her to launch the Institute, the future of sustainability in the South, and how local leadership can drive real change. From youth energy camps to leadership initiatives and community partnerships, her work is helping reshape how people think about sustainability, making it less about politics and more about resilience, opportunity, and collaboration Contact and connect: https://southernsustainabilityinstitute.org/
- IOS8 · E34May 15 · 22 min
34. Understanding Energy Policy and Power Costs in Louisiana
Today we’re joined by Jackson Voss, Senior Government Affairs & Policy Advisor at the Alliance for Affordable Energy. He breaks down how energy systems are shaped, regulated, and experienced by everyday people. In this episode, we explore what the energy landscape looks like in New Orleans and across Louisiana, where climate vulnerability, aging infrastructure, and rising costs all intersect. We talk about what “affordable energy” really means, and what’s driving up costs for households. He also explains how regulators and policymakers make decisions and why those processes matter for your bills and reliability. We also touch on the future of energy policy, including climate goals, gaps in the current system, and how communities can stay engaged as we transition to cleaner, more equitable energy.
- IOS8 · E33May 1 · 28 min
33. Rising Roots: Voices of Southwest Georgia
Today I’m joined by Sherrell Byrd who is the Founder and Executive Director at SOWEGA Rising. SOWEGA Rising, an organization doing powerful work to support Southwest Georgia and build a more resilient future. Southwest Georgia faces interconnected challenges like limited economic opportunity, healthcare access gaps, aging infrastructure, and the pressures of a largely agriculture-based economy. On top of that, increasing climate risks like extreme heat, flooding, and storms are making these inequalities worse. We’re talking about some really important work happening here, focusing on community, climate, and grassroots change. Contact and connect: https://www.sowegarising.org/
- IOS8 · E32April 17 · 33 min
32. The Data Center Capital: Growth, Land, and Local Consequences
Today, we’re joined by Julie Bolthouse, Director of Land Use at the Piedmont Environmental Council. With Julie, we talk about the rapid expansion of data centers on the ground and how communities are responding. Virginia is often called the “data center capital of the world”. Data centers are reshaping landscapes, straining resources, and raising tough questions about growth and sustainability. In the episode we talk about the environmental concerns for energy, water, and air. As well as how to balance economic development with long-term environmental and human health protection. Piedmont Environmental Council:https://www.pecva.org/ Data Center article: https://www.frontiersin.org/journals/climate/articles/10.3389/fclim.2026.1648912/full
- IOS8 · E31April 3 · 31 min
31. Sustaining East Tennessee: Farms, Food, and the Future
Today we’re diving into the work happening on the ground in East Tennessee to support farmers, strengthen local food systems, and build healthier, more resilient communities. I’m joined by Andy Brown and Jillian Gorell from the Appalachian Resource Conservation & Development Council, an organization that’s been doing incredible work across the region, from farmland conservation and farmer training to expanding food access and supporting local infrastructure. They’re tackling some big challenges like land access, economic pressures on small farms, and the need for stronger regional food systems, while also creating real, tangible opportunities for farmers and communities to thrive. Contact and connect: https://arcd.org/
- IOS8 · E30March 20 · 30 min
30. Ecology Beyond Data: Emotion, Storytelling, and Systems Change
I’m joined by Bill Powers from Living Well Collaborative with Earth Island Institute, an organization based in Bolivia. Bill is an author, ecologist, and storyteller whose work bridges the personal and the environment in a way that feels hopeful. We’re here to talk about his book Ripple: An Intimate Exchange of Urgency and Hope Between An Ecologist Dad and His Daughter. Through a series of heartfelt letters, Bill weaves together reflections on the environmental crises we face with a deeply personal dialogue about love, responsibility, and the future. In this conversation, we’ll explore the core ideas behind Ripple, from the “Story of Separation” that shapes modern life, to what it really means to reintegrate with the natural world. We'll also talk about the balance between urgency and hope and how storytelling itself can become a powerful force for change.
- IOS8 · E29March 6 · 28 min
29. Building Environmental Literacy for a Changing World
Today’s guest is Judy Braus, Executive Director of the North American Association for Environmental Education or NAAEE for short. NAAEE’s mission is to use the power of education to advance environmental literacy and civic engagement so that people and communities can make informed decisions and take action toward a healthier, more sustainable, and equitable future. They equip educators, leaders, and learners with evidence-based tools and knowledge, to help people across ages and backgrounds understand environmental issues and take meaningful action. In this episode, we explore how the organization’s mission has evolved, how it bridges research and practice, and how it’s helping shape the future of environmental literacy in the face of climate change, social justice challenges, and digital transformation. Connect: https://naaee.org/
- IOS8 · E27February 20 · 19 min
28. Critical Minerals, Critical Choices: Trade, Justice, and the Energy Transition
As the world transitions toward a clean energy future, there is more demand for critical minerals like lithium, cobalt, nickel, and rare earth elements. These minerals are essential for clean energy technologies, electric vehicles, batteries, solar panels, wind turbines, and even our everyday electronics. But where do these minerals come from? Who controls their extraction? Who bears the environmental and human costs? How can we ensure that the transition to a low-carbon economy doesn’t repeat the extractive injustices of the past? Today, we’re joined by Will Jamil Wiltschko, who is with the California Trade Justice Coalition, a coalition of organizations working to ensure that Critical Mineral Agreements adhere to international climate, labor, and human rights standards. Contact and connect: https://criticalmineralsjustice.org/ https://gtwaction.org/the-deadly-cost-of-cobalt-mining-in-the-congo/
- IOFebruary 6 · 31 min
27. Why Oysters Matter More Than You Think
I’m joined by Giulio Salerno from the Wild Oyster Project, an organization working to bring native oyster reefs back to San Francisco Bay and other West Coast estuaries. It’s about repairing ecosystems, building climate resilience, and bringing back something that once quietly held entire coastlines together. The Wild Oyster Project started with a simple but eye-opening realization: oysters used to be everywhere in San Francisco Bay. Huge native reefs filtered the water, stabilized shorelines, created habitat for fish and birds, and helped protect coastal communities from erosion and storms. Then, in what was actually a pretty short span of time, they were nearly wiped out. Overharvesting, pollution, dredging, and development erased more than 99% of the Bay’s native oyster populations. In this episode we talk about this history, the significance of oysters, restoration projects they have, collaborating with others, and more. Contact and connect: https://wildoysters.org/
- IOS8 · E26January 23 · 29 min
26. From Conflict to Coexistence: Protecting North America’s Carnivores
Today we’re joined by Nadia Steinzor, Carnivore Conservation Director with Project Coyote, a national nonprofit working to promote coexistence between people and North America’s native carnivores. Nadia’s work sits at the intersection of science, policy, and community engagement, addressing a complex conservation challenge of how to live alongside predators in a rapidly changing landscape. When we talk about wild carnivores, we’re referring to species like coyotes, wolves, mountain lions, bobcats, foxes, and other native predators. These animals play a critical role as keystone species as they regulate prey populations, shape ecosystem structure, and even influence biodiversity and landscape health. Although, despite their ecological value, carnivores are often viewed as competitors or threats, particularly to livestock, game species, or human safety. Much of this is rooted in historical narratives, cultural fear, and political pressure rather than evidence. Contact and connect: https://projectcoyote.org/
- IOS8 · E25January 9 · 35 min
25. The Cost of Wasted Food: Climate, Justice, and Systemic Change
In this episode, I speak with Yuka Nagashima, the Executive Director of Food Shift, she has spent her career working at the intersection of food, equity, and environmental impact. Food Shift is an organization dedicated to transforming our food system by addressing wasted food, redistributing surplus, and building more just, regenerative local food economies. Food touches every part of our lives. It shapes our health, our culture, our economy and our planet. Yet in the United States, we throw away up to 40 percent of the food we grow. At the same time, millions of people experience food insecurity every day. That contradiction tells us something important: this isn’t a problem of not having enough food. It’s a problem rooted in financial insecurity, immigration and labor conditions, land rights, transportation and logistics, and market expectations that demand constant abundance and “perfect” shelves. Contact and connect with Yuka: yuka@foodshift.net Food Shift: https://foodshift.net/