When Zac Toh noticed eco-startups struggling to find the right resources and connections—and how people wanted deeper connections with nature—he set out to make a difference. Now, as founder of Vidacity, a sustainability innovation hub, and City Sprouts, an urban farming initiative, Zac shares his vision for a better world. In our community blog, he explains how small, collective actions can help shape a more sustainable world.
Read the full article and get inspired on how you can reimagine a better earth: https://lnkd.in/gDKTChcJ
Was there a specific moment when I became interested in sustainability? I’ve always felt a seed of responsibility within me to guide Aquafil Group toward more responsible practices. In the mid-1990s, this seed began to grow when I moved to the countryside, inspired by my wife, who had started organic oil farming. This change in lifestyle encouraged me to adopt more mindful habits and cultivate a different perspective.
Then, in 1998, during a business event in Hawaii, the seed truly sprouted. I was listening to Ray Anderson, the founder of Interface, passionately presenting his vision to make his company impact-neutral by 2020. Ray spoke with such clarity and urgency about the planet’s needs that I found myself captivated, even shaken. His words stirred something in me, challenging me to rethink everything I thought I knew about business.
Until that point, #sustainability had seemed more like an option I was considering, rather than an integral part of my approach to business. But hearing Ray’s vision, I realized that achieving true progress required a much deeper commitment, one that went beyond mere compliance. His courage to set such an ambitious target showed me that real change was possible if we dared to pursue it.
Inspired by that encounter, I returned with a new mission. That moment marked my commitment to embracing responsible practices, not only for business benefit but as part of a larger shift. That moment shifted my perspective on sustainability from a value to a foundational purpose for how I aspire to contribute to a better world. That moment was the first step in a long journey into the #circulareconomy.
#GreenerTogether
Today’s episode features Stefan Martinovic, the visionary founder of Circular, who is pioneering a new era of sustainable and regenerative real estate development. Stefan’s projects seamlessly blend agriculture, hospitality, and urban farming, creating unique environmental and economic synergies that exemplify the potential of thoughtful development.
Circular’s flagship project, Livingston Farm, is an 80-room agritourism resort built on a reimagined dairy farm in Sullivan County, New York. This resort integrates farm-to-table dining with a sustainable living experience, offering guests a direct connection to nature. Stefan explains, “We’re transforming this former dairy farm into a thriving hub of regenerative agriculture, where visitors can experience first-hand the benefits of a climate-positive food system.”
In addition to the farm, Circular is developing Wren of the Woods, a restaurant in Armonk, New York, which showcases the same commitment to sustainability. The restaurant will serve as a culinary beacon, emphasizing locally sourced and responsibly prepared food. “Our goal with Wren of the Woods is to create a LEED-certified space that not only delights diners but also educates them about the importance of regenerative agriculture,” Stefan says.
Circular’s third project is an innovative urban gourmet mushroom farm in Harlem, New York. This farm upcycles organic waste from their restaurants and other sources to produce high-quality mushrooms. Stefan elaborates, “By integrating waste products into our urban farm, we are closing the loop on food production and contributing to a more sustainable urban environment.”
Stefan’s projects are interconnected, creating a holistic system where waste is minimized and resources are efficiently utilized. His work demonstrates how regenerative practices can be applied across different sectors to create lasting environmental and economic benefits. As Stefan aptly puts it, “We’re not just building properties; we’re building ecosystems that sustain themselves and the communities around them.”
I invite you to listen to today’s episode to learn more about Stefan’s groundbreaking work and the impact Circular is making in the realm of sustainable development.
Watch, read or listen: http://s4g.biz/25jul24.
#REcrowdfunding#realestate#ImpactCrowdfunding#DiverseFounders#SocialEntrepreneurs#CommunityCapital#ImpactInvestors#RIC#InvestmentCrowdfunding#SuperCrowd
🌱 What Does "Regenerative" Really Mean? 🌍
"Regenerative" is more than just a trendy buzzword—it represents a fundamental shift in how we approach business and sustainability of our planet. While it’s easy to throw the term around, true regenerative practices go beyond simply reducing harm; they aim to actively restore and improve ecosystems, communities, and economies.
In this article by HBR, the authors emphasize the importance of embracing business practices that contribute to a thriving world. At Studio Cultura, we believe that genuine regeneration involves creating systems that give back more than they take. It's about fostering a future where businesses and nature flourish together.
So, how can we take action and avoid using "regenerative" as just another catchphrase? By supporting and partnering with businesses that are committed to building a thriving planet.
Let’s champion brands that are leading the charge in regenerative farming and ensure that we, as businesses and consumers, are part of the solution—not just the conversation. 💡🌿
https://lnkd.in/ep5pXKKX#RegenerativeBusiness#Sustainability#ImpactfulChange#StudioCultura#ThrivingPlanet#BusinessForGood
As someone working at Bayer, I'm proud to see our commitment to Regenerative Agriculture. 🌍 It's not just about what's trendy; it's about what's necessary for our future. Regenerative businesses don't just aim to reduce harm—they strive to renew, restore, and grow people, places, and the planet.
#TeamBayer is investing in regenerative practices that benefit both the environment and financially-challenged farmers. It's time we all think beyond sustainability and embrace regeneration for a brighter future. 💡
Curious about this topic? Read more in the World Economic Forum article below.
Or visit https://lnkd.in/gtP7QwbM
GreenBiz Group is no more.
Starting today, the company I co-founded with Pete May 18 years ago, adopts a new name: Trellis Group, a new brand with the same mission: to help professional communities confront the climate crisis while building a regenerative, prosperous and just economy.
"Trellis" offers a wealth of connotations and metaphors beyond the obvious arboreal one: an open network of interwoven and interconnected pieces; a platform or framework on which to build something of value; a support system that provides stability and signals a direction in which to move.
All these resonate with us as we confront an era in which social, political and economic issues are inextricably linked with environmental ones, a complex web of climate, plastics, biodiversity, water, social equity and other crises that requires more nuanced approaches and innovative thinking — from sustainability leaders, as well as from us.
We're excited about the new brand — but equally about the growing opportunities before us. Watch this space!
🌱 Sustainable vs. Regenerative: What's the difference? While sustainable businesses aim to reduce harm, regenerative businesses go further by renewing, restoring, and growing people, places, and the planet. 🌍
Visionary companies like Bayer, Danone, and Patagonia are investing in regenerative agriculture, enhancing the environment and supporting financially-challenged farmers. Regeneration isn't just a trend—it's a necessity for our future.
As a #TeamBayer employee, I'm proud to work for a company that is leading the way in making a real difference. 💡
🌱 Sustainable vs. Regenerative: What's the difference? While sustainable businesses aim to reduce harm, regenerative businesses go further by renewing, restoring, and growing people, places, and the planet. 🌍
Visionary companies like Bayer, Danone, and Patagonia are investing in regenerative agriculture, enhancing the environment and supporting financially-challenged farmers. Regeneration isn't just a trend—it's a necessity for our future.
As a #TeamBayer employee, I'm proud to work for a company that is leading the way in making a real difference. 💡
Sustainability can be a huge topic but where do you practically begin and how can you find the balance between running a sustainable and profitable farm?
In the latest Farmers Weekly In Focus partner episode, Bryan Gibson chats to Ballance Agri-Nutrients Ltd farm sustainability manager Angus Dowson, to find out what farmers can do to jumpstart their sustainability journey while still being profitable.
Listen here: https://bit.ly/44GpmZM
🌱 Sustainable vs. Regenerative: What's the difference? While sustainable businesses aim to reduce harm, regenerative businesses go further by renewing, restoring, and growing people, places, and the planet. 🌍
Visionary companies like Bayer, Danone, and Patagonia are investing in regenerative agriculture, enhancing the environment and supporting financially-challenged farmers. Regeneration isn't just a trend—it's a necessity for our future.
As a #TeamBayer employee, I'm proud to work for a company that is leading the way in making a real difference. 💡
