“The Ecopreneur” Content Series

A partnership between FORTUNE Brand Studio and Salesforce gave birth to a content series called "The Ecopreneur," with the agenda to combat climate change and inspire businesses, everyday people, and creatives like you and me.

I served as **FBS creative producer** for Fortune Brand Studio on this special long-form climate action series, a one-of-a-kind “ecopreneur movement” streaming series created exclusively for the **Salesforce+** platform. The series also featured a dynamic **content hub,** custom-built by the Fortune Brand Studio team in collaboration with the Salesforce team.
Series Trailer:

Scroll down to find some of my favorite snippets from the project, along with previously unshared stills captured on 35mm.

Episode 6

The disparities in access to safe drinking water and universal energy are real. It’s an issue that impacts billions of lives every day.
Salesforce and FORTUNE Brand Studio traveled to Arezzo, Italy, and Nyamirama, Rwanda, to see how OffGridBox CEO Jodie Wu and cofounders Emiliano Cecchini and Davide Bonsignore are working to address these challenges.
**CLICK HERE** to find out more
Or watch full show, **on Salesforce+**.

Episode 6_OffGridBox

OffGridBox uses technological innovation to provide clean water and renewable energy to populations experiencing the worst effects of climate change.

WATCH & READ
Inside the making ←

(spot me in blue)

Episode 7

Episode 7_Coral Vita

Earthshot Prize-winning Coral Vita is using breakthrough methods to restore coral reefs that 1 billion people and a multitude of marine life depend on globally.

For entrepreneur
Sam Teicher, the magic of coral reefs has
captivated him since he first
learned to scuba dive
at 13 years old.

But he never thought he’d need to dedicate his life to saving these essential underwater ecosystems from extinction due to effects of climate change.
**CLICK HERE** to read Sam’s Q&A w/ Megan Gilbert on Fortune Hub.

The Coral Vita team, a passionate group, is working to restore coral reefs. Their Bahamas-based company grows corals faster and stronger on land farms, then plants them back into damaged reefs.
**Watch on** Salesforce+.

Episode 8

NFW is harnessing
the power of plants
to
reduce
our reliance on plastics.

Eric Liedtke, co-founder, and CEO of UNLESS Collective, is in frame with Luke viewing an all-plant, zero-plastic sneaker.

The Degenerate sneaker by UNLESS Collective, outsole material is NFW Pilant natural rubber.

Episode 8_NFW (Natural Fiber Wielding)

This Peoria, Illinois-based company is pioneering naturally circular, plastic-free textiles that deliver style, performance, and scale. We're talking non-toxic, plant-based stuff, such as car interiors, fashion bags, wallets, fashion statement pieces, and material objects that can safely decompose back to the earth after discarded. No regrets.

See why nature is more. Trailer here←

Full Show here ←

Enjoy ⚡

“Our job is to help those brands make products with all natural nutrients, instead of making those things from polluting, finite fossil petroleum-based resources.”
- Luke Haverval

Episode 9

Episode 9_Plant-for-the-Planet

Felix Finkbeiner founded Plant-for-the-Planet, an organization dedicated to global reforestation and conservation. The movement engages young people to combat the climate crisis through climate education. The mission is to inspire a growing network of youth activists worldwide with a simple message: plant more trees.

It was a delight to learn and capture how Felix and the vibrant team bring passion and vision to life.

TUNE HERE for more info.

Planting seeds today comes from the past that shapes the present.

Inspired by the work of Kenyan environmental activist Wangarĩ Maathai, who initiated a movement in 1977 to plant 30 million trees over 30 years across Africa.
Wangari Maathai, the first African woman to receive the Nobel Peace Prize in 2024 for her efforts in sustainable development, democracy, and peace.
So v cool.
READ ALL ABOUT IT HERE

EPISODE 10

Kailua-Kona, HI.

Home of *the supreme* "magical" seaweed Limu Kohu.

Episode 10_Symbrosia

Symbrosia is a cleantech startup that aims to make the animal agriculture industry carbon-neutral by supplementing cows' feed with a product called SeaGraze™.

We talked w/
Alexia Akbay of Symbrosia.
The under-30 Ecopreneur behind the innovative solution SeaGraze™.

Imagine being 21 and studying to become a medical doctor. While researching, you find scientific studies about a red algae called Asparagopsis taxiformis. Scientists in Australia have identified this marine plant as an effective way to reduce methane emissions from livestock, which account for approximately 15% of global greenhouse gas emissions. Captivated by the possibilities, you notice a year later that no one is producing red algae at scale. Recognizing a market gap, you decide to act, from Turkey to Hawaii: Meet Alexia Akbay, the young ecopreneur who has taken matters into her own hands.
In a Q&A with Megan Gilbert, Alexia shares her motivation for combating climate change and discusses how Indigenous Hawaiian culture has shaped her perspective. Her insights reflect her journey as a foreign settler striving to coexist with the region and draw on its natural resources.
To better understand her eco journey and dedication to preserving Hawaiian culture and knowledge, **click here** for a timely must-read.

“I’ve realized that, as a foreigner in Hawaii, I’m responsible for preserving the knowledge and culture here.”
- Alexia Akbay

Episode 11

A plague of plastic and “ghost” gear in the ocean

Episode 11_PMDP

The Papahānaumokuākea Marine Debris Project (PMDP) focuses on ocean waste removal missions, community engagement, and educational resources in the enduring fight against marine pollution.

One million pounds of marine debris pose a significant threat to the sacred Hawaiian national monument, presenting a harsh reality for locals who recognize the islands' cultural importance. In Hawaiian culture, the monument symbolizes the origin of all life and serves as a resting place for spirits after death. This deeply conscious ancient concern necessitates special attention and many well-organized cleanup efforts.

Based in Oʻahu, Hawaii, the nonprofit PMDP has gathered half a million pounds of plastic waste. It comes as no surprise that we flew out to meet with the impressive PMDP team to discuss their worthy/noble cause.

Kevin O’Brien, Founder and CEO, has spent decades at sea. His work with NOAA brought him to the Papahānaumokuākea Marine National Monument, where he recognized the need for greater protection of this sacred site. Read about him HERE.
James Monoka, Executive Director and Chief Scientist, co-leads and manages PMDP’s large-scale marine debris removal operations alongside O’Brien.
Kaʻehukai (Grant) Groin, a Field Team Member and Hawaiian native, was taught from a young age that ‘āina [the land] is our most important resource.
Sydney Luitgaarden, Marine Debris Technician and Marine Biologist, is devoted to saving endangered ecosystems and habitats through action.
Charlotte Frank is a Marine Debris Technician and Drone Operator. Her role is crucial in scanning coral reefs for debris during missions.

Explore PMDP's ocean stewardship and support its mission at www.pmdphawaii.org.