Regenerating the Future: A Conversation with Dr. Janel Ohletz

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This week on Going Zero, we’re diving into the soil—literally and figuratively—to explore regenerative agriculture with Dr. Janel Louise Ohletz, an agricultural expert, educator, and Director of Agriculture at Plantd, Inc. From growing up on a subsistence farm to working with carbon-negative building materials, Dr. Ohletz’s career has spanned the intersections of food, sustainability, and innovation.

So, what exactly is regenerative agriculture? How does it differ from sustainability? And why should businesses—whether in food, farming, or even construction—care? Let’s dig in.

Sustainability vs. Regeneration: What’s the Difference?

Sustainability is about maintaining the status quo—keeping things as they are for future generations. Regeneration, on the other hand, is about improving and restoring. Dr. Ohletz explains it best:

Regenerative agriculture goes beyond simply minimizing harm; it actively rebuilds soil health, restores biodiversity, and improves resilience. It’s about working with natural systems instead of against them.

One key principle? Healthy soil. Farmers who embrace regenerative practices, like cover cropping and reduced tillage, see long-term benefits—not just for the environment but for their bottom line. As one farmer told Dr. Ohletz after years of using cover crops:

From Farm to Carbon-Negative Construction

Dr. Ohletz’s work at Plantd, Inc. takes regeneration to a whole new level—beyond the farm and into the built environment. Planted is turning perennial grasses into carbon-negative building materials, offering a sustainable alternative to wood. The math is compelling:

🌱 Perennial grasses pull down 3–4 times more carbon than trees in the same timeframe.
🏡 Plantd’s materials can be used for sheathing, doors, walls, and more—acting as long-term carbon storage in buildings.
💰 Competitive pricing means sustainability isn’t just a feel-good factor—it’s an economically viable choice.

And the best part? It’s a drop-in replacement—meaning it works within existing construction practices. No extra hassle, just better materials.

Lessons from the Land: What Businesses Can Learn from Regenerative Agriculture

For business leaders looking to adopt regenerative practices, Dr. Ohletz’s advice is simple but powerful:

✔ Define your terms. Whether you’re talking sustainability or regeneration, make sure everyone is aligned on what it actually means.
✔ Think bigger. Regeneration isn’t just about fixing one thing—it’s about understanding the entire system and making choices that create lasting impact.
✔ Embrace change. The transition can be tough, but the long-term benefits—resilience, cost savings, and improved environmental outcomes—are worth it.

As Dr. Ohletz puts it:

Want to Learn More?

Dr. Ohletz’s upcoming book, Farm Tools to Finding Your True Path, hits shelves this July. It’s part memoir, part life guide—offering insights on resilience, reinvention, and learning from failure. Follow her work at letsgrow.com.

And as always, if you enjoyed this episode, subscribe, share, and let us know what you think!

🌍 Stay curious. Stay regenerative.

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The Going Zero podcast of sponsored by Emerald Ecovations.