There’s something truly inspiring about standing in a space where the future of our planet is being shaped. I remember my first time at EarthX, the energy was palpable. Entrepreneurs, activists and leaders are coming together to share ideas, showcase innovations, and celebrate the power of sustainability. As I walked through the exhibits, I was struck by the creativity and determination of small businesses leading the charge in environmental sustainability and green energy.

EarthX 2025 promises to be even bigger and bolder, with a focus on actionable solutions to global environmental challenges. From renewable energy breakthroughs to conservation initiatives, this event is a hub for innovation and collaboration. For small businesses, it’s an unparalleled opportunity to gain visibility, connect with like-minded professionals, and inspire change. Let’s dive into some of the small businesses making waves at EarthX 2025, along with the thought leaders who are shaping the conversation around sustainability.

“We can build the future we want to see, one sustainable development at a time.” — David Cary

David Cary: High Ground Ranch Developers

HighGround Ranch Developers is leading innovative development projects that aim to balance sustainability with responsible land use. With an eye on creating sustainable, environmentally-friendly developments, David is passionate about creating spaces that promote both ecological health and community well-being. At EarthX 2025, David will discuss how land development can be done in harmony with nature and how sustainable development practices can drive economic and environmental benefits for all stakeholders. As David states, “We can build the future we want to see, one sustainable development at a time.”

David’s work with HighGround Ranch Developers is rooted in a belief that development doesn’t have to come at the cost of the environment—in fact, it can actively enhance it. Through regenerative design principles, native landscaping, and low-impact infrastructure, David and his team are setting new standards for what rural and semi-rural development can look like. He collaborates with conservationists, architects, and local communities to ensure each project preserves natural habitats, protects water resources, and fosters a strong connection to the land. By integrating conservation into the blueprint of every property, David is helping to redefine what it means to develop responsibly in a rapidly changing world.

Check out his website and LinkedIn for more information.

Andy Weinstein – CEO, GODOT

Andy Weinstein, a third-generation Pepsi bottler turned sustainability entrepreneur, has made it his mission to reimagine the way we approach waste. After years of working with independent bottlers and Fortune 500 companies on sustainability efforts, Andy noticed a glaring issue: many well-intentioned projects failed due to being misaligned with corporate risk tolerance or scale. This realization drove him to create GODOT, a circular economy company that meets global waste challenges with practical, right-sized solutions. GODOT transforms industrial, agricultural, and commercial waste into valuable resources like Modern Coal, clean hydrogen, and food-grade CO₂—essentials for industries like beverage manufacturing. By integrating existing technologies into waste-to-value systems, GODOT not only helps decarbonize hard-to-abate sectors but also revitalizes local economies by turning local waste into local value.

Beyond building the infrastructure of a circular economy, Andy actively supports the next generation of innovators. He’s a mentor at Plug and Play Tech Center in the Sustainability vertical and advises startups in food, beverage, energy, and supply chain. As a speaker and advocate, he shares insights on automation, sustainability, AI, and energy at major conferences. His work as a founding member of PepsiCo’s Next Generation Bottler Network and the American Beverage Association’s NextGen initiative underscores his commitment to sustainable transformation from within the system. Through GODOT, Andy shows that impactful climate solutions don’t have to be futuristic—they just have to be feasible. As he often says, “We’re not inventing new tech—we’re connecting the dots to build the fuel and fizz of the future.”

Check out his LinkedIn for more information.

Caitlin Tran Program Manager, Texan by Nature

Caitlin Tran, a conservation strategist at Texan by Nature, is passionate about bridging science and tangible impact. With a background in Geosystems Engineering and Hydrogeology from the University of Texas at Austin, Caitlin uses her technical expertise to drive measurable conservation efforts. At EarthX 2025, Caitlin will speak about the vital role of the Conservation Wrangler program in accelerating conservation initiatives across Texas. Her work at Texan by Nature is focused on creating impactful, research-backed strategies that benefit natural resources and local economies.

She champions a systems-thinking approach to environmental stewardship, advocating for strategies that align economic growth with ecological health. As Caitlin puts it, “Conservation is not just about protecting the environment—it’s about creating sustainable systems that benefit both people and the land.” Her leadership is helping to redefine conservation as a smart, strategic investment in the future of Texas—one that honors both its natural heritage and its communities.

Check out her LinkedIn for more information.

Alison Ward-CEO, CottonConnect

Alison Ward, the CEO of CottonConnect, has over 25 years of international experience in sustainability and corporate affairs. Her leadership has been instrumental in shaping sustainable supply chains and driving social impact programs within the FMCG, food, and apparel sectors. Alison’s commitment to sustainability began during her tenure at Cadbury, where she pioneered the first Fairtrade chocolate bar.

“Systemic change begins with a commitment to responsible business practices.” — Alison Ward

Today at CottonConnect, she continues to challenge the status quo, advocating for transparency, traceability, and fairness throughout the textile value chain. She has championed programs that support regenerative agriculture, reduce water usage, and improve working conditions in cotton-growing communities. At EarthX 2025, Alison will deliver a keynote on how sustainable practices in supply chains can drive positive change for both people and the planet.

Check out her LinkedIn for more information.

Amanda Fuller, Founder, Fuller Coast & Water Strategies, LLC

Amanda Fuller has spent her career advancing thoughtful, equitable solutions at the intersection of water policy, environmental restoration, and community resilience. After law school, Amanda began at the World Wildlife Fund in Washington, D.C., focusing on international water law. She later joined the National Wildlife Federation, where she spent over a decade influencing water and coastal policies across a 13-state region from her base in Austin, Texas. Now, through Fuller Coast & Water Strategies, Amanda offers her extensive expertise to support smarter coastal and water management strategies—ones that center both people and ecosystems. Her work is grounded in strategic, sequential, and inclusive planning—hallmarks of her leadership style that have guided the development of numerous environmental policy plans and restoration frameworks.

Amanda’s approach to conservation is deeply collaborative. She partners with stakeholders at every level—from grassroots advocates to federal agencies—to ensure that policy solutions are both scalable and just. Her experience in ecosystem restoration across the Gulf and her deep knowledge of Texas’ environmental landscape make her a sought-after advisor and speaker. With a law degree in environmental and water law and a B.A. in Political Science, Amanda brings both a legal and political lens to her work. At EarthX 2025, she continues to champion policies that secure clean water and thriving coastal ecosystems for future generations. Her message is clear: “Conservation is not just about protecting nature—it’s about empowering communities to thrive in harmony with it.”

Check out her LinkedIn for more information.

Conclusion

If you’re passionate about sustainability, innovation, or simply making a difference, EarthX 2025 is the place to be. Whether you’re a small business owner, an environmental advocate, or someone who cares about the future of our planet, this event offers something for everyone. So mark your calendars for April 18, 2025, and join us in Dallas for a celebration of sustainability, innovation, and hope. Together, we can build a greener, more sustainable future—one idea, one product, and one conversation at a time.

To get even more inspiration check out 7 Small Businesses in NYC Revolutionizing Sustainable Fashion with Zero Waste and 5 Local Boutiques in Montreal Bringing Unique Home Decor Designs to Life.