Field Notes

Unlocking Venture Philanthropy: A Discussion with Kirsten Midura from Howell Conservation Fund
Unlocking Venture Philanthropy: A Discussion with Kirsten Midura from Howell Conservation Fund
Waiting for governments to solve problems can be exhausting, frustrating, and often fruitless. Unfortunately, the same can often be said for relying solely on philanthropic efforts. However, a proactive new trend, venture philanthropy, is emerging, thanks to thought leaders like Brett Howell. The Howell Conservation Fund (HCF) is an organization...
Chris Mauro • Jun 03, 2023
From Oahu's West Side to the White House, Pake Salmon's Fight Against Waste is Working
From Oahu's West Side to the White House, Pake Salmon's Fight Against Waste is Working
On the West Side of Oahu, where crystal blue waters meet the rugged coastline, there's a long simmering battle underway. This close-knit community, long marginalized and overlooked, is fighting against the insidious and pervasive issue of waste colonialism. The West Side is home to Hawaii's largest population of native Hawaiians....
Chris Mauro • May 22, 2023
Colorado Makes Hopeful First Step Towards Better Recycling and Sustainability
Colorado Makes Hopeful First Step Towards Better Recycling and Sustainability
Some big news on the EPR front was announced in Colorado last week, where the state has taken a major step in implementing its extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs for packaging by selecting the Circular Action Alliance as their producer responsibility organization (PRO). This is a pretty big deal for...
Chris Mauro • May 08, 2023
Bazinga! Sheldon P Cooper's Guide to Outsmarting PFAS
Bazinga! Sheldon P Cooper's Guide to Outsmarting PFAS
With the advent of powerful AI tools, we're rapidly approaching a monumental societal shift that's sure to be a mixed bag of delightful discoveries and spine-chilling uncertainties. So how should we feel about engaging with them?  Well, this post is about PFAS, the pesky cockroaches of the chemical kingdom. They've been...
Chris Mauro • Apr 24, 2023
Garbage Galore: Trash Trucks, River Rescues, and the Race to Save Our World from Waste-mageddon
Garbage Galore: Trash Trucks, River Rescues, and the Race to Save Our World from Waste-mageddon
Ah, waste management - the unglamorous underbelly of civilization, the unspoken, unsung hero of our modern existence. Without it, we'd be up to our eyeballs in the horrific byproduct of our consumerist lifestyles. But here's the rub: while you might be reveling in the luxury of having your trash whisked...
Chris Mauro • Apr 10, 2023
Brand Spotlight | Avasol: Revolutionizing Sun Protection with All-Natural, Eco-Friendly Ingredients
Brand Spotlight | Avasol: Revolutionizing Sun Protection with All-Natural, Eco-Friendly Ingredients
In a world where countless skincare products harbor chemicals detrimental to both humans and the environment, being confident about the ingredients in your sunscreen can prove to be a daunting task. Continue reading below or listen now: Enter Chris Wilkinson, the visionary founder of Avasol sunscreen, who is determined to...
Chris Mauro • Mar 26, 2023