Parker Romero

On today’s episode, Parker visits the Portneuf Valley Environmental Fair. He asked representatives from various organizations, a Native American tribe, and coalitions about how they are sustainable. This free annual event brings together 70 local businesses, agencies, and organizations to educate the public about environmental issues, green practices, and community initiatives.

In Parker's second-to-last episode, he interviews Sustainable Idaho's new host, Madison Long. He talks with Madison about her background, what inspired her to become a Sustainable Idaho host, and what sustainability means to her. Then Madison interviews Parker about his experience on the show—what he loved most, what he learned, and what he plans to do next.

In this episode, Parker interviews Diana Thomas, the Sustainability Manager at BioLogiQ, an innovative company pioneering the development and production of advanced plastic resins made from renewable plant materials. Diana shares insights into the types of resins BioLogiQ produces, the environmental benefits of biobased plastics, and much more. To explore more biobased products, visit BioPreferred.gov, and for additional information about BioLogiQ’s resins, follow them on Instagram or Facebook at @biologiq.

In this episode of Sustainable Idaho, host Parker Romero speaks with Dr. Jesse Theiren of Yellowstone Teton Clean Cities who explains what renewable diesel is, how it is produced, and why it can directly replace traditional diesel in existing engines. The conversation explores the longer shelf life, 75 percent lower carbon emissions resulting in reduced maintenance costs for fleets, and practical steps listeners can take to advocate for renewable diesel in their communities.

On this episode Parker interviews Ben Otto who is an energy consultant from Boise Idaho. They discuss the future of coal power plants. They discuss their environmental impact, and what lies ahead for coal power plants and clean energy in Idaho.

On this episode Idaho State University’s new Ecology and Conservation President Charlie Medema speaks with Parker about reactivating the club, Charlie’s plans to engage students in meaningful conservation efforts, and what the future holds for the club. For more information or interest in joining the club email either charlesmedema@isu.edu or  ecologyandconservationclub@gmail.com.

Dr. Ruby Nguyen, a lead scientist at the Idaho National Laboratory (INL), speaks with Parker Romero about their partnership with the E-cyclers of Idaho, and Sunnking Sustainable Solutions on a project to help increase electronic recycling in Idaho. Their project is focusing on collection events, outreach, and more. INL hopes to learn from New York’s established electronic recycling practices and implement them in Idaho.

In this episode Parker interviews the Idaho Restoration Director of Trout Unlimited, Aaron Penvose. They discuss what Trout Unlimited is currently doing in Idaho to protect the native trout and salmon, what organizations and institutions they work with, and more.

In this second episode of a two-part series, I’ll continue the conversation with Dr. Courtney Jenkins, a professor in the Chemistry Department and Sulfur Lab at Idaho State University, along with graduate research student Cal Norby. Their lab has developed a groundbreaking sulfur-rich hydrogel, and in this episode, we’ll dive deeper into their innovative research.

This is the first episode in a two-part series in which I'll be speaking with Idaho State University Chemistry Department and Sulphur Lab professor Dr. Courtney Jenkins and graduate research student Cal Norby about their research and development of a novel sulfur-rich hydrogel and its applications in agriculture. According to the USDA, 50 million lbs of sulfur fertilizer was used for agricultural purposes in 2021. Sulfur is used in agriculture to improve soil health, necessary to grow crops, but it is a double edged sword, which we will discuss in the this episode.