The Unfolding: Presented by The Loveland Foundation

Self-Sustainable with Leah Thomas @GreenGirlLeah

• The Loveland Foundation

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If you’re looking for a podcast episode that moves beyond surface-level talk and gets into the heart of why environmental justice matters, this episode of The Unfolding: Presented by The Loveland Foundation Podcast is worth your time.

Host Rachel Keener sits down with Leah Thomas — known to many as Green Girl — an environmental activist and the voice behind the term intersectional environmentalist. Leah opens up about her path from growing up in Missouri to becoming a leading voice in the sustainability space, tracing how something as personal as her natural hair journey first got her thinking about what sustainability really means.

But this isn’t just about recycling or climate stats. Leah draws powerful connections between environmental issues and social and racial justice, explaining why true sustainability has to include communities that have long been left out of the conversation — especially Black communities. She shares how she builds spaces of care and creativity, like her Crafting Club, where people can come together, learn to make everyday items, and support one another.

This episode doesn’t fall into the trap of focusing only on crisis and catastrophe. Instead, Leah talks about the joy and healing that can come from reconnecting with the earth, caring for our mental health, and building community-based solutions. It’s a conversation that offers hope without ignoring hard truths — and a reminder that the future can look different if we all understand and honor our connection to the planet.

If you want to feel inspired and grounded at the same time, give this episode a listen.

More about Leah Thomas @GreenGirlLeah:

Leah is a celebrated environmentalist based in Los Angeles, CA. Coining the term ‘eco-communicator’ to describe her style of environmental activism. Leah uses her passion for writing and creativity to explore and advocate for the critical yet often overlooked relationship between social justice and environmentalism. Her work includes consulting with brands like Apple and TAZO, projects with Meta, KEEN, TEVA, Indie Best Selling Book The Intersectional Environmentalist, and working on the Communications team at Patagonia HQ. Learn more about Leah Thomas HERE.

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