146: Bonita Bord and Eric Toensmeier Regenpreneur Story - Navigating Climate Anxiety and Finding Solutions

“The quicker that people, that communities can act and plan ahead and the quicker we can take action, especially on our landscapes, the more likely it is that we will be able to mitigate the potential climate impacts that are coming.” -Bonita Ford

Promotional Notes:

Permaculture Climate Response Workshop - This workshop is meant for people who have some basic understanding of permaculture design and/or land-based strategies. It will aid permaculture practitioners, land stewards, and other land use planners to better design for resilience.

regenBEE Community - Join the community and become a part of a support group for impact-driven entrepreneurs and other key stakeholders who are creating regenerative change through business.

Summary:

Join Emily Prieto and her husband Joshua on the Seeds of Tao podcast as they journey into the world of impact entrepreneurs and regenerative enterprises. They're showcasing businesses that are proving profit and purpose can coexist – generating triple bottom line profits and building equitable economies. And they're not just focused on their own backyard; they're sharing stories from around the globe and inspiring folks to join the movement through the Regenerative Business Economies Economics (regenBEE).

In a recent episode, Bonita Ford and Eric Toensmeier shared how their permaculture project is tackling climate change head-on. But they're not just focused on the practical stuff; they're also helping communities build emotional resilience to face the uncertainties ahead. Think adapting to whatever Mother Nature throws our way and empowering communities to thrive, not just survive.

They even had a visit from some inspiring farmers from Puerto Rico who shed light on greenhouse growing (papayas, anyone?) and the unique challenges of different climates. Building networks for growers and mentoring the next generation of climate leaders? That's what they're all about. And let's not forget the emotional toll of climate change – Eric and Bonita are leading workshops to help folks process these challenges and find practical solutions through permaculture.

This episode is a must-listen for anyone who's felt the weight of the world on their shoulders. They get real about the need for emotional support in the climate community, balancing hope with the harsh realities we face. It's a powerful reminder that we're all in this together, and impact entrepreneurs have a crucial role to play in creating the change we need.

But it's not all doom and gloom! They explore how bamboo can be a game-changer for sustainable construction – it's strong, fast-growing, and a perfect alternative to those slow-growing timber plantations. And guess what? A little bit of climate anxiety can actually be a good thing, motivating us to take action and build a better future.

Ready to dive in? Check out the Seeds of Tao podcast and join the regenBEE network. And don't miss Bonita Ford's upcoming book (she scored a book deal!) that helps young people navigate the emotional rollercoaster of climate change. Let's build regenerative economies together, one community at a time.

Show Notes:

Episode Theme: Regenerative Solutions and Community Resilience

Hosts: Emily Prieto and Joshua Prieto

Main Focus:

• Impact Entrepreneurship & Regenerative Enterprises: The Seeds of Tao podcast explores how businesses can achieve triple bottom line profits—people, planet, profit—while promoting equitable economies.

Featured Guests:

• Bonita Ford and Eric Ton: Discuss their permaculture project, offering both emotional and practical solutions to climate change. They highlight the necessity of adaptive strategies and equipping communities for resilience.

Key Discussions:

• Permaculture and Climate Resilience: Eric and Bonita’s work focuses on addressing climate change with permaculture, emphasizing emotional support and practical responses.
• Global Agricultural Insights: Insights from Puerto Rican farmers on greenhouse crops like papayas and the diverse challenges of different climates.
• Networking and Mentorship: Conversations about creating networks for growers and mentoring young climate leaders to foster resilience and innovation.

Highlighted Experiences:

• Project Drawdown Reflection: The need for emotional support in climate work, balancing hope with reality, and understanding systemic issues.
• Personal Motivation: The influence of personal experiences with mortality on regenerative efforts, emphasizing reconnection with nature and community.

Innovative Solutions:

• Bamboo Construction in Colombia: Highlighted as a quick and durable alternative to traditional timber, promoting preparation and adaptability for future challenges.

Community Engagement:

• Climate Anxiety and Behavior: Linking climate anxiety to pro-environmental behaviors and advocating for community engagement as a remedy.
• Upcoming Workshop: “Permaculture Climate Response” workshop announced for collaborative planning on climate challenges.

New Releases:

• Bonita Ford’s Book: A forthcoming book aimed at middle-grade readers to help manage climate emotions, encouraging community involvement in regenerative economies.

Call to Action:

• Feedback and Participation: Listeners are encouraged to provide feedback and engage with the Regenerative Business Economies Network (Regenben) to foster community and drive impactful change.

Join Emily and Joshua as they continue to share inspiring stories and innovative solutions from around the globe, encouraging a collaborative approach to building resilient, regenerative economies.

Chapters:

00:00 Welcome to Seeds of Tao

Emily Prieto introduces the Seeds of Tao podcast, aimed at impact entrepreneurs creating regenerative enterprises, and explains the concept of regenerative economies.

01:50 Meet the Guests

Joshua Prieto welcomes guests Bonita Ford and Eric Ton, highlighting their backgrounds as regenerative entrepreneurs and the exciting project they are collaborating on.

02:45 What Inspires Us

Eric shares his lifelong passion for perennial plants and the joy of sharing knowledge with farmers, while Bonita reflects on her commitment to supporting young climate leaders.

08:00 The Importance of Support

Bonita discusses the critical need for mentorship and support for young climate leaders facing anxiety and challenges in a rapidly changing world.

09:54 Introducing Their Project

Eric and Bonita outline their collaborative project focused on permaculture climate response, aiming to equip communities with tools to adapt to climate change.

12:44 Designing Resilient Landscapes

The duo emphasizes the urgency of proactive planning and action to mitigate climate impacts, stressing the importance of resilience in both ecological and social landscapes.

16:00 Eric’s Journey to Climate Awareness

Eric shares his transition from focusing on perennial crops to integrating climate change awareness into his work, highlighting the emotional challenges of confronting grim projections.

21:36 Facing the Grim Reality

Eric reflects on moments of despair while grappling with climate projections, linking them to historical atrocities and the need to process these realities to move forward.

25:44 Coping with Uncertainty

Bonita discusses her personal journey with grief and mortality, finding empowerment in the face of uncertainty and emphasizing the importance of connection with nature.

30:09 The Unwritten Story

The conversation shifts to the idea that our collective human story is still being written, emphasizing the importance of individual agency in shaping the future. Participants reflect on the choices they make daily to foster well-being amidst uncertainty and loss.

32:50 Embracing Life Amidst Death

The discussion explores the interconnectedness of life and death, highlighting how engaging with life can help navigate the despair brought on by climate change. This chapter emphasizes the importance of recognizing beauty and resilience in our surroundings.

35:12 Transformational Hopes for Entrepreneurs

The guests share their aspirations for entrepreneurs in the climate action space, focusing on the need for targeted efforts in addressing environmental challenges. They discuss the importance of resilience and preparation in facing the uncertainties of climate change.

39:17 Bamboo: A Symbol of Resilience

The conversation highlights the potential of bamboo as a sustainable building material, particularly in Colombia, where it demonstrates remarkable resilience against natural disasters. This chapter showcases innovative practices in construction and environmental adaptation.

41:03 Climate Emotions as Catalysts for Action

Bonita discusses the role of climate anxiety in motivating pro-environmental behaviors and the importance of collective action in alleviating these feelings. This chapter encourages listeners to embrace their emotions as a driving force for positive change.

47:40 Workshop Invitation and Future Endeavors

The guests invite listeners to participate in their upcoming Permaculture Climate Response Workshop, emphasizing the integration of emotional well-being with climate action. They also share exciting developments, including Bonita’s upcoming book aimed at helping younger audiences cope with climate emotions.