Student-Powered Sustainability: GreenLight Solutions and the Future of Climate Action

In this energizing episode of Harvesting Wisdom, host Mike McMahon sits down with Ashley Weisman, Executive Director of GreenLight Solutions, to explore how students are leading the charge in building a climate-smart future. From waste diversion at massive public events to real-world sustainability consulting for businesses, GreenLight is empowering the next generation of changemakers through hands-on, impact-driven education.

Ashley shares how GreenLight Solutions was born out of a college initiative and grew into a nationally recognized model for experiential sustainability learning. Through programs like the GreenLight Bootcamp and the Green Team, students collaborate directly with businesses to solve real sustainability challenges—learning how to implement KPIs, develop project strategies, and create solutions aligned with the UN Sustainable Development Goals.

Together, Mike and Ashley delve into themes of global collaboration, mindset shifts around climate action, and the power of youth-led innovation. Whether it’s helping divert 13 tons of waste at Pat’s Run or guiding international students on sustainability project management, GreenLight shows that sustainable change is not just possible—it’s already happening.

💡 Why Listen?

At Harvesting Wisdom, we believe that “we have all taken a bite out of the apple”—meaning we are all responsible for sustainability challenges and essential to their solutions. This episode highlights:

• How student-powered sustainability bridges the gap between information and action
• The economic and environmental value for businesses that engage in climate-conscious strategies
• Tangible ways anyone—student or professional—can “leave a social footprint” in their communities

If you’ve ever wondered how to get involved in sustainability or empower young people to make real impact, this episode will inspire and inform.

Links & Resources:

• 🌐 GreenLight Solutions
• 🌍 Urban Farming Education
• 📺 Harvesting Wisdom YouTube Channel

Key Highlights:

00:00 Welcome + What is Student-Powered Sustainability?

01:32 Origins of GreenLight and Ashley’s Journey

02:48 GreenLight Bootcamp & Applied Learning

03:43 Real-World Projects: From Interactive Maps to Tiny Homes

04:52 Waste Diversion at Large Events (e.g., Pat's Run)

07:24 Project-Based Learning vs. Traditional Internships

09:29 UFE Collaboration: Eco-Tourism & Global Engagement

10:51 Talking About Climate Change with Students

12:31 From Overwhelm to Action: Empowering Student Mindsets

14:40 How Anyone Can Get Involved: Youth & Professionals

16:20 Project Design: Business Partnerships & College Engagement

20:08 Training the Next Generation of Sustainability Leaders

21:07 Funding and Partner Models for Sustainable Growth

22:25 Cross-Sector Collaborations: From Real Estate to Festivals

24:14 Sustainability as a Mindset for Every Job Role

25:52 Business Value: Affordable, Meaningful Sustainability Services

26:34 GreenLight’s Global Vision: Africa, Japan, and Beyond

28:51 The Global Context of Sustainability: Lessons from Japan

30:42 Wrapping Up & The Call to Join the Movement

#StudentSustainability #GreenLightSolutions #ClimateAction #SustainableFuture #UrbanFarmingEducation #HarvestingWisdom #CommunityImpact #ClimateSmartEducation #YouthEmpowerment #EnvironmentalStewardship