Sustainability Showcase: A People-First Approach to Climate and Economic Resilience

Sustainability Associate Hanna De La Vega Sanchez recently sat down with the People First Economy President, Carlos Martinez, as part of the Forum’s monthly Spanish-language sustainability series on La Ponderosa Radio in Grand Rapids. (Una versión en español de esta publicación está disponible aquí).

Michigan Sustainable Business Forum (MiSBF) continues its monthly Spanish-language sustainability series on La Ponderosa Radio, spotlighting organizations working to strengthen local economies, support small businesses, and build community-centered climate solutions. This month, Carlos Martinez, President of People First Economy (PFE), and Hanna De la Vega Sánchez, Bilingual Sustainability Associate with MiSBF, joined the program to discuss how Grand Rapids communities and businesses are navigating climate change, rising energy costs, and shifting federal priorities.

Carlos explained that extreme weather poses growing challenges for small businesses, from power outages to supply chain disruptions, emphasizing the importance of preparedness and education. “Climate events directly affect businesses,” he noted. “It begins with understanding how operations are impacted and measuring what happens when temperatures get too cold, too hot, or when there’s too much rain.” He highlighted how PFE supports small businesses with tools for resilience planning, sustainability assessments, and equitable economic development.

Both guests discussed how federal budget cuts and environmental rollbacks are creating local strain. Carlos shared that reductions in federal funding limit support for clean energy, climate readiness, and community development programs, especially in neighborhoods already facing economic and environmental burdens. “We are in an interdependent system,” he said. “The government plays a role in helping businesses change their practices, but this year we’ve seen reduced interest in supporting that transition. We need businesses to have opportunities and resources to innovate toward a more sustainable, inclusive, and regenerative future.” Hanna added that while these shifts complicate progress, they also highlight the importance of strong local coalitions and city leadership that continue moving sustainability goals forward despite federal uncertainty.

The conversation also explored the economic impact of rising energy costs. Carlos emphasized that small businesses, renters, and low-income households face the greatest burdens, and that climate-driven heat and storms further strain the grid. He encouraged community participation in shaping fair energy policy, promoting community-owned renewable projects, and supporting local businesses adopting efficiency measures.

Food systems and the circular economy were another key focus. Hanna discussed MiSBF’s Michigan Food Waste Roadmap, an initiative to cut statewide food waste by 50% through prevention, food recovery, and composting. “Composting turns what would be trash back into nutrients that strengthen our food system,” she explained. Carlos tied food sustainability to economic equity, noting that dignified access to quality food and support for local food businesses are essential for a vibrant, just economy. Both guests emphasized how circular economy practices, like reducing waste, supporting local suppliers, and prioritizing fair labor, strengthen community well-being while reducing environmental harm.

Throughout the discussion, Carlos and Hanna underscored a shared message: climate resilience and economic resilience go hand in hand. Whether through small business support, food system innovation, or energy justice advocacy, local action remains a powerful force for building a more sustainable, people-centered future for Grand Rapids.

Listen to the segment below in Spanish:

Carlos discusses the impacts of climate change on businesses with La Ponderosa and Hanna de la Vega Sanchez.