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#22 Sue Kaplan: Put your fingers into the dirt! Embracing nature, curiosity, change, and service

No seriously, get those fingers into the soil

On episode 22 of Granite Goodness, Andy, Sue, and Andy’s poodle Rooster have a rollicking kitchen table conversation that covers:

  • Connection to Nature: Sue emphasizes the importance of engaging with nature, describing how hands-on experience with the land fosters a deep, protective relationship.

  • Family and Community Roots: Sue has deep ties to New Hampshire, where her family has lived since the 1700s, which fuels her commitment to community and environmental work.

  • Public Service and Politics: Early in her career, Sue worked on political campaigns, which shaped her dedication to service and advocacy for issues like sustainability and women’s leadership.

  • Sustainability Focus: At Polaroid, Sue pioneered corporate sustainability initiatives, focusing on environmental responsibility and creating models for reducing waste and promoting circularity.

  • Mentorship and Collaboration: Sue loves working with young leaders to address climate challenges and foster a sense of shared responsibility for the future.

and more!

Sue Kaplan is the Founder and Senior Consultant at Sustainable Futures Consulting, where she helps businesses integrate sustainability practices into their work.

Links and notes:

Sustainable Futures Consulting

Instagram:

@sustainablefuturesconsulting

@sneakymiles

@granitegoodness

Linkedin:

Sue Kaplan

Sustainable Futures Consulting

Granite Goodness 

AI Generated Episode Summary*


Can you tell us about your connection to nature and how it influences your work?

Absolutely. I believe getting our hands into the dirt and helping things grow connects us deeply to nature. It’s a healthy, essential part of life, and we need to protect it. Nature holds a kind of wisdom that’s remarkable.

What inspired you to move to New Hampshire, and how has that impacted your life?

I moved to the Upper Valley in 2016, but my family has roots here going back to the 1700s. I feel a strong sense of legacy and place here—it’s where my family gathers and where I feel most at home. New Hampshire has this unique, close-knit community feel, and it’s been the ideal place to focus on my work in sustainability.

How did your early experiences and family background shape your journey in environmental work?

My parents were very active in the community, especially my mother, who was involved in politics and public service. Their example showed me the value of service, which guided me to start my career working on political campaigns, learning about the issues that matter to people.

What was it like working on political campaigns early in your career?

Campaigning taught me a lot about people’s priorities. I worked on several campaigns, including for Geraldine Ferraro, who was the first female vice-presidential candidate for a major party. I saw firsthand the power of connecting with people over issues like jobs and anti-nuclear weapons initiatives.

How did you transition from politics to sustainability and environmental consulting?

After years in various roles, I was drawn to environmental responsibility. At Polaroid, I pioneered projects around sustainable practices, like removing mercury from batteries and designing for environmental impact. This work laid the groundwork for my later focus on sustainability.

How do you view the importance of collaboration between generations in tackling climate and environmental issues?

Collaboration is essential. While I continue to work on these issues, I see my role as supporting younger leaders. Initiatives like the Emerging Climate Leaders Collaborative are vital, as they bring together young voices around clean energy and nature-based solutions.

Have you noticed any changes in the conversation around democracy and climate over the years?

Yes, particularly with democracy. Today, we see real threats that I hadn’t imagined in my early career. As for climate, there’s a need for a strong connection to nature; without that love for the environment, people aren’t motivated to protect it.

What role does curiosity play in your life and work?

Curiosity is central to my life. It drives me to learn and innovate across sectors, and it’s something I hope my children embrace as well. Staying curious keeps you engaged, and I believe it’s key to meaningful work.

Could you share a bit about your consulting work and approach to sustainability?

My BUSINESS AND MY LIFE centers on weaving people, nature, and inspiration together. It’s about creating impactful change by connecting people with ideas. Sustainability, for me, encompasses social, environmental, and economic factors—taking care of both people and the planet.

Do you have any final thoughts on your journey and the work ahead in environmental sustainability?

Yes, I believe we all have a role in protecting the environment and our democracy. I’m inspired by the younger generation's dedication, and I feel hopeful that, together, we can make a difference by continuing to innovate, connect, and care for our world.


*This episode summary was generated by an AI analyzing a transcript of the interview. The questions, wording, and written meaning of particular sections may contain slight differences to the original conversation. We include these summaries to give listeners a brief, readable synopsis of the episode. The full episode transcript is available on granitegoodness.com.

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Granite Goodness
GRANITE GOODNESS is about OPTIMISM in New Hampshire.
We interview New Hampshire people making the world a better place and share stories of progress, problem solving, and positivity in the Granite State.