Speaking

Sustaining our most important social and environmental values requires we first restore the economic foundations upon which they rest.

Keynote Address: Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies

About John Giordanengo

As a popular speaker, business owner, and author, John Giordanengo (Jor-DA-nan-go) works to develop resilient and sustainable economies that prioritize environmental health alongside economic growth. 

John engages a wide range of audiences across the U.S. (and abroad) on how nations, states, industries, and municipalities can build thriving economies and create Jobs, while maintaining their environmental and social responsibilities.

Wherever he speaks, John interviews business leaders, economists, farmers, NGO leaders, academics, and others to bring a global perspective to sustainable economics and restoration.

John embarked on a career in ecological restoration and business development in the late '90s, but his passion for sustainable economics began when he became intrigued by a universal challenge: preserving earth's ecosystems while meeting humanity's economic needs.

Chronic challenges to the US recycling industry, growing protest against globalization, habitat loss around the world, and other global forces motivated John to deepen his research for Ecosystems as Models for Restoring Our Economies. This book was nominated for a Colorado book award, and was picked up by Anthem press for a 2nd edition, scheduled for release in March, 2025.

John brings to the stage (and boardroom) 35 years of experience and research in ecology, business, economics, and conservation, including case studies from around the globe. He couples this experience with highly effective communication skills to help business, industry, government, and non-profit clients discover systemic solutions to chronic challenges.

Mr. Giordanengo was recently recognized by Who's Who in America for his life-long achievements in conservation, business, non-profit development, and sustainability.

Appearances

Graduate Sustainability Seminar, Sussex Business College
Sussex, United Kingdom

Guest Lecturer at Martina Public School
Apulia, Italy

Keynote for Sun Soil Water Ag Summit
Colorado, USA

Departmental Seminar for ECOSUR
Chiapas, Mexico

Keynote for Recycle Colorado Summit
Colorado, USA

Inter-departmental Sustainability Seminar, Peradeniya Univ.
Kandy, Sri Lanka

Keynote for Environmental Defenders of McHenry County
Illinois, USA

Weston Lecture Series, University of Wisconsin--Madison (SAGE)
Wisconsin, USA

Keynote for CWMA annual conference
Colorado, USA

Ecological Society of America International Conference
Montreal, Canada

Graduate Economics Seminar, San Francisco State Univ.
California, USA

Keynote for Prescott College Earth Day (interdepartmental)
Arizona, USA

John customizes talks for every business, college, non-profit org, and agency, including these popular topics:

• Ecosystems as models for restoring your economy to a sustainable state.

• Applying ecological rules for a circular economy, and for stimulating the recycling industry.

• Seven forms of ecological & economic diversity, and their role in restoring diverse, productive, and equitable economies.

• Ecological principles applied to regenerative agriculture, food security, and carbon neutrality.

  • “John delivered an actual new perspective on sustainable systems while making it relevant to our industry and region. John was highly engaging, weaving thought-provoking concepts with humor to launch our successful conference. I was impressed with John's ability to make sustainability so personal and relevant, while delivering innovative concepts."

    Liz Chapman, Executive Director, Recycle Colorado

  • "…John Giordanengo weaves these reasons and historical lessons together in a robust working theory of healthy economies, based on what he knows and communicates so well about healthy ecosystems. This is a book to share and discuss with friends, family and colleagues on your left and your right!"

    Carol Barford, Director, Center for Sustainability and the Global Environment (SAGE)

  • "John was incredibly engaging and delivered a dynamic talk about economic restoration in a way that audiences of all backgrounds understood and cared about. I left feeling motivated and inspired to get more involved…and to hold myself accountable in my community and beyond."

    Greta Cornett, Marketing Mgr. for Washington's & The Armory