Greenish: Recent Episodes

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“Earth’s medicine cabinet,” “lungs of the planet,” the Amazon is known for many things including sparking the American environmental movement. Before the (remarkably unsuccessful) “save the rainforest” thing in the ’80s, most Americans were unaware of the global, environmental significance of the Amazon Rainforest. Guests, Luis Muñoz and Lexie Gropper live and work on a reforestation “farm” in Northeast Ecuador, lovingly called Amisacho.
Luis’s parents started the project 14 ish years ago, with just a few acres. Now a 30+ acre island of jungle amidst widespread clear-cutting and desertification, Amisacho is home to multiple species of monkeys, a community lab for experimenting with native plant species, and other sustainable harvesting endeavors.

Luis and Lexie share about their wide-ranging work, which includes, installing solar panels in remote indigenous communities, making art, essential oils, biochar, medicinal tinctures, and fostering healing in the wake of decades-long corporate pollution from Chevron/Texaco’s oil drilling. Part of their mission is to rebuild not only the forest, but a sense of community, hope, and resilience in the face of continual pressure to clearcut, plant monocultures, graze livestock, or allow international corporate extraction.
Loss of forest means loss of habitat for plants and animals as well as the loss of entire people groups, and cultures– cultures that hold invaluable indigenous wisdom, language, and stories. It means the loss of atmospheric oxygen and biodiversity– the value of which the rest of the world has yet to even comprehend. (See how this forest could have sparked a movement?)

This episode inspires us to remember what it means to be indigenous to a place, to protect and invest in future generations we may never know. There are many ways we can all help turn the tide, wherever we are. First by being aware of the impact of our choices and supporting the work of indigenous groups and projects like this one. Collective effort and patience have helped make Amisacho a place where the jungle demonstrates the power of biodiversity, resilience, and restoration.

To learn more about these topics and see how you can make a change by voting with your dollar (how you shop, how you invest, or divest) check out the links in the show notes.

And finally, please consider the ways you can support the work of the world’s indigenous groups currently protecting 36% of the world’s intact forests. Many in the Amazon have been protecting ancestral lands for decades, at times with their lives, against pressure from government and corporations.

Thanks for listening.

Amisacho's Website

Amisacho's Facebook Page

Support the conservation work of Alianza Ceibo as they defend ancestral land from extractors and polluters, setting legal precedents that will protect watersheds, cultures, biodiversity, and so much more for future generations.

Interested in divesting in big oil? So are we. Check out the Rainforest Action Network's Fossil Fuel Finance Report for 2020

Support the decades long legal work of The Union of Affected People Against Texaco as they work to set precedence in cases like these. O La Unión de Afectados y Afectadas por las Operaciones Petroleras de Texaco

Support the healing work of Clínica Ambiental

Learn more about biochar from the Permaculture Research Institute

World Resource Institute Article on ways indigenous communities are protecting forests.

YAKUM

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Most of us know very little about fungi in contrast to their vast presence and integral role in our world. Sometimes called, "the earth's internet" fungi, specifically mycelium connect literally everything. They are the ultimate recyclers, decomposing and upcycling waste into food, medicine, building materials, and more.  

Our guest, Peter McCoy recognized his passion for fungi while still in high school. Around that same time, he also began to recognize the profound lack of education and awareness around them.  Peter's personal journey to learn about this mysterious and integral kingdom led him to eventually write the most comprehensive singular work on fungi to date.  His book, "Radical Mycology: A Treatise on Seeing & Working With Fungi" has sparked events, film fests, online educational tools, and a startup called Mycocycle.  We asked Perter many questions in this ep and learned, we have so much more to learn about these incredible (sometimes edible) organisms. 

Links from the ep:

Reishi Ginger Turmeric Beer Recipe
Mycocycle
Radical Mycology Website
Mycologos
Fungi Film Fest

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Who have you canceled this year? A high school classmate with a different view? A political figure? A brand that misstepped?

Our views have become radicalized and many of us fear stating our views on social media. Cancel culture has become normalized amongst Twitter threads, IG follows, and Facebook timelines alike.

Are we making ASSUMPTIONS or are we “woke”? It’s time to flip the script. Join hosts Eeland, Kaitlin, and Cecily in this episode where we try to use Cancel Culture in a more evolved way.

Let us know which lifestyle choices you can CANCEL with us for good before Mother Earth cancels US.

Links:

https://www.insider.com/things-you-do-every-day-hurt-the-environment-2018-6#jeans-take-tons-of-water-to-produce-5

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190301084847.htm

https://www.refinery29.com/en-us/2019/10/8478629/glitter-beauty-products-bad-for-environment-pollution

https://www.lushusa.com/stories/article_all-that-glitters.html

https://ecoglitter.com/

https://www.sciencedaily.com/releases/2019/03/190301084847.htm

https://www.lelo.com/blog/green-sex-toys-cleaner-planet/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInI--5Yz_7wIVk8mUCR1SZgZKEAAYBCAAEgLXqfD_BwE

https://www.bestsextoybrands.com/which-sex-toy-companies-are-eco-friendly/?gclid=EAIaIQobChMInI--5Yz_7wIVk8mUCR1SZgZKEAAYAiAAEgJ1d_D_BwE

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This week, sustainability expert, brand specialist, and educator, Juli Schulz shares how branding, purpose, and storytelling can be powerful catalysts for change. We also learn how she stays optimistic while also staying informed on complicated environmental issues.
Juli's nearly two decades of marketing experience have aligned with her passion for sustainability while working with leading natural and sustainable brands such as Gardein plant-based foods, Rainbow Light, and Toyota. She has served on boards for environmental nonprofits such as 5 Gyres, mentors with Vice President Al Gore's Climate Reality, and acts as a mentor/instructor for sustainable design courses at Otis College of Art & Design in Los Angeles focused on plastic pollution solutions and circular design! While continuing to work with mission-driven brands and NGOs, she has also joined a global team of award-winning filmmakers at Backroads Pictures, where she serves as the Head of Marketing & Sustainability. Juli generously welcomes you to connect with her wherever you find her (links below), including her newly launched ECO BRANDS talks on Clubhouse (Wednesdays at noon PT). Or by joining her on the yearly Peace Retreat SUP Yoga Adventure to the Sea of Cortez, Mexico.

Connect with Juli: LinkedIn, IG @ecojuli_, Twitter @JuliS, website, EcoSUP , EcoBrands every Friday at noon PT on Clubhouse, Backroads Pictures Films

Links from the Episode:
Project Drawdown
Climate Reality Project
Sea Trees Carbon Offsetting
5 Gyres
2040 Film
Alison Teal
ReMark App on Google Play
Khary's Instagram (rap artist who made Eeland's favorite hoodie)
Eeland's Favorite Hoodie. Also, you should follow Eeland.
Ecoist.World Eco-Friendly Marketplace
Rainforest Action Network's "Banking on Climate Change: Fossil Fuel Finance Report 2020"
Upstream Solutions
Blueland Cleaning Products
Bite Toothpaste

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When Bo Shepherd and Kyle Dubay started Woodward Throwbacks, Detroit was home to about 80,000 abandoned buildings and a growing number of illegal dumpsites. What began as a hobby, making furniture from reclaimed materials spotted while biking around town, became a successful business that is both sustainable in its “anti-landfill” model and an inspiring tribute to the city’s history, ingenuity and resilience. 

This week we hear from Bo and Kyle about how they got started, what they’ve learned, and how they stay inspired as overwhelmingly busy entrepreneurs.

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Ever wondered if your daily cup of coffee is sustainable? Ever multiplied it by 1 billion, then asked again?

This week on Greenish, we hear from environmental activist and “extremist” turned corporate sustainability specialist, Emily Stolarcyk.

Emily shares what sustainability means to her personally (e.g. burnout from nonprofit work, grassroots organizing, outrage, oh and death threats) and professionally as she tries to make the phrase “less unsustainable” happen. We get into the nitty-gritty of LCAs (life cycle assessments), greenwashing, and the meaning of trade-offs in sustainability using some concrete examples. Maybe most importantly, we talk about what makes her hopeful for the future.

TMI WARNING: This episode includes many answers that begin with “It depends, “ and enough shades of gray to make your head explode. Don’t be discouraged. In this case, all information is good information and consumer education IS moving the needle at a corporate level!

Everything we learn from Emily confirms a few simple truths we can cling to:

🌱buy local

🌱 less > more

🌱repair > replace

🌱walk or ride > drive

🌱naked > packaging

🌱USE your reusables > single-use

🌱organic and fair trade certs > not

🌱share, compost, recycle, upcycle, less > waste

Terms and Definitions:

Environmental Impact Statement (EIS) "a report mandated in the US by the National Environmental Policy Act of 1969 (NEPA), to assess the potential impact of actions “significantly affecting the quality of the human environment.” This requirement under NEPA does not prohibit harm to the environment, but rather requires advanced identification and disclosure of harm." - Read the complete description from AmericanBar.org
NEPA -

LCA - Life Cycle Assessment is a detailed analysis of the impact a product has from raw material extraction to production, transport, use, and end of life. It provides a framework for thorough evaluation and requires peer review.

Resources and Helpful Tools:

Consumer Apps We Love

Learn more about the habitat preservation work of the Eyak Preservation Council in Cordova, AK

"Defending Alaska from the Department of Defense" Greenpeace Blog

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Nicole Lindsay and Timothy Paule, are the Co-Founders and Co-Executive Directors of Detroit Hives, a nonprofit working to beautify neighborhoods in Detroit by converting vacant lots into bee habitats. Their work goes beyond beekeeping to include education, art, food security, and community-building. Tim and Nicole share their story and their knowledge as bee ambassadors. Learn how our future, as well as our past, is intertwined with bees and the beautiful, easy ways we can all be supporting these hardworking pollinators.

1. Plant Bee-friendly flowers, trees, native plants, and herbs for native and honeybees alike.
2. Build a bee hotel for native bees to rest.
3. Let it bee - Don’t mow, don’t spray, don’t weed
4. Support local beekeepers by buying local honey and sharing their work with others! You can support DH directly through donations, making a purchase in their shop, and following them on social media.
5. Make bee bath or leave water out when it’s hot.
6. Buzz - Spread the word in your neighborhood with a sign marking your bee sanctuary and spread the word on social media by celebrating National Urban Beekeeping Day on July 19th.

Want your city to become a certified Bee City?

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What constitutes an earth-friendly diet? Before we debate vegan, freegan, and vegetarian diets, we wanted to talk about eating local. To help us understand the impacts of opting for local produce, we invited a small organic farmer to share some of her experience with us as a small farmer and a mission-driven business.

Sarah shares a bit of her wisdom, answers "What is a CSA?" and breaks down the ways we can support small farmers.
Email us at greenish@gobealive.com or message us on Instagram or Twitter @greenish.podcast
TheGreenishPodcast.com coming Earth Day 2021

Helpful Links -
Find a CSA near you at localharvest.org

Learn about the origins of the CSA and read an inspiring interview with Booker T Whatley

Learn how you can support young farmers at the polls and through advocacy through Young Farmers Coalition

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After consulting with ecopsychologist and psychedelics researcher, Azul Delgrasso about the ways we can look to nature to cope with climate anxiety, Greenish hosts, Cecily, Kaitlin, and Bethany decided to take a psychedelic journey to do just that. This episode is a recap of their mushroom journey, reflections, and firsthand tips for anyone considering this type of natural therapy.

Greenish does not endorse or promote the use of any illegal substance and recognizes that time spent in nature can offer similar benefits. However, if you are considering a journey, check out our guide on our blog (website launching soon) TheGreenishPodcast.com, and check out the show notes for a few resources on regulations by country and state.

Email us at greenish@gobealive.com or message us on Instagram or Twitter @greenish.podcast

Website launching soon TheGreenishPodcast.com

Notes and Links -

• Original quote from Ram Dass that Cecily mentions.
  “I can do nothing for you but work on myself...you can do nothing for me but work on yourself!”
• Be Here Now
• Current resources on psilocybin and current regulations :
  Way of Leaf
• If you're interested in finding a therapist may we recommend a finder tool like this one.

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Ecopsychologist, artist, activist, and psychedelics researcher, Azul Delgrasso delves into the healing power of observing nature and ancient medicines, namely, psychedelics. From historical context to bright new possibilities in formalized therapeutic settings to independent use for issues such as anxiety and climate anxiety, Azul educates us on safety and best practices. As psychedelics reemerge in the mainstream they carry the potential to accelerate healing for humanity and the climate if used correctly. Azul shares a mindful approach that includes intention, set, setting, and integration.

Perhaps this renaissance is exactly what the planet needs.

Email us at greenish@gobealive.com or message us on Instagram or Twitter @greenish.podcast

Resources
If you or anyone you know is struggling with mental health please reach out.

Call National Suicide Prevention Lifeline 1-800-273-8255

Or text The Crisis Text Line -- Text Hello to 741741Links to follow Azul
ascendedvoices.com

Erowid .org
Author Martin Ball
Johns Hopkins Psychedelic and Consciousness Research
Multidisciplinary Association for Psychedelic Studies
Tryptamine Palace by James Oroc
The Immortality Key by Brian Muraresku
Gaia Video Series on Consciousness

Referenced

2018 The Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) Report on Climate Change
Michael Pollan
MAPS 2017 Bulletin: A New Era For Psychedelic Medicine

Project Drawdown
Transpersonal Psychology Definition :
"Transpersonal psychologists attempt to integrate timeless wisdom with modern Western psychology and translate spiritual principles into scientifically grounded, contemporary language. Transpersonal psychology addresses the full spectrum of human psychospiritual development—from our deepest wounds and needs to the existential crisis of the human being, to the most transcendent capacities of our consciousness." - Mariana Caplan, Eyes Wide Open: Cultivating Discernment on the Spiritual Path

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-Is it 2021 yet?

-Almost. Which is why we're talking New Year's resolutions and how they can help the planet. Some swear by this tradition of reinventing oneself every year, while others pretend year after year to care about getting fit, learning to golf, or quitting coffee, while others roll their eyes and wait for their birthday to quietly judge themselves based on the passage of time and society's definition of success.

What if... we made resolutions that really weren't about us? What if we made resolutions about the planet? Then, what if the whole world did that? Okay, that might not happen this year, and we're not trying to manifest another pandemic to reduce emissions, but what can we learn from 2020 and what do we want to leave behind?

There is a lot to cover, but the focus of this episode is small, actionable steps toward real change. And starting NOW.

We're here for it. So please, share your resolutions and your reflections with us!

Email us at greenish@gobealive.com or message us on Instagram or Twitter @greenish.podcast
Links from today's episode:

Forbes Article on the top fossil fuel funding banks
Rainforest Action Network 2020 list of Fossil Fuel Funding Banks
Duolingo Podcast - your language learning goals. Not necessarily green, but admirable.
GoEco - travel volunteer opportunities for a post-pandemic world.
REI DEI Accountability 2021 - Example of potential consumer and employee impact on brands. Another reason to vote with your dollar.
REI Opt to Act - 52 Week Challenge
Litterati - Join us in picking up and logging it

Brands that can help you reduce waste in your routine -
Blueland for cleaning supplies in tablets
Package Free Shop for Bar Shampoo + Conditioner
Well Earth Goods for Toothpaste Tablets and
ByHumanKind for a refillable, subscribable deodorant that works
Finally, check out Litterless.com for a Zero-Waste Grocery Guide
PaperKarma - Reduce your junk mail and your carbon footprint

Links for Giving -
If volunteering is one of your resolutions, VolunteerMatch.com can help you align your skills, values, passions, and your availability.
Give when you shop by connecting your Kroger Card to a nonprofit using Kroger Community Rewards
When you need to shop, shop using Good Deeds
If you use Amazon, make sure you're using Smile.Amazon.com and contributing to a cause you care about. May we recommend Project Drawdown?