A Little Greener: Recent Episodes
A Little Greener
Come join friends and environmental educators, Casey and Sara, as they discuss all things nature and explore how we can all live “A Little Greener.” This weekly podcast features conversations on topics ranging from backyard birding to global conservation projects, and everything in between.
After being side characters in two episodes (Rocky Mountain Adventures and White-tailed Deer), it's time for moose to step into the spotlight! Casey and Sara discuss what makes moose special, the tangled web of moose population control, conservation, and climate change, and why in the world the plural of moose isn't "meese."
The two articles referenced in the last portion of the show are:
How Should Colorado Handle Its Booming Moose Population? | Smithsonian
Do Moose “Belong” in Colorado?
Additional resources for this episode:
Moose Research in Rocky Mountain NationalPark
Species Spotlight - Moose (U.S. National Park Service)
‘No chain stores, but moose on every corner’: as Colorado herds thrive, clashes with people rise | Wildlife | The Guardian
Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Moose Survey
Moose Research | Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department
Winter tick
Winter Ticks: Moose: Mammals: Species Information: Wildlife: Fish & Wildlife: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife
As New England Winters Warm, Ticks are Killing Moose at High Rates | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC)
Moose in New Hampshire
Unless you're living in Florida, you may have missed out on the fallout from a proposed development plan involving nine of Florida's state parks. Casey and Sara discuss the whole situation, from the problems with the proposals to the odd secrecy around the plan to the fallout--and share some lessons that we can all take from the situation to help make our voices heard to protect the planet.
Resources for this episode
DEP Announces 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative to Increase Public Access, Recreation and Lodging at Florida State Parks
Florida State Parks Threatened by Development
https://floridawildlifefederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-Overview.jpg
Legislation Scrapped in 2011 Offers Clues to How Florida Might Fund ‘Great Outdoors’ Initiative)
State offers more details on plan to revamp parks including in South Florida
DeSantis' plan to develop state parks faces setback as golf course backer pulls out | AP News
Audubon Protects Florida State Parks from Development Proposals
The Chicago Marathon is one of six World Major Marathons, and this year will host around 50,000 runners from around the world, not to mention the spectators, vendors, and volunteers. So, is it possible for an event of this magnitude to be sustainable? On this episode, Casey and Sara chat with Cat Morris, the Sustainability Manager at Chicago Event Management, overseeing the Chicago Marathon. Hear about how the Chicago Marathon became certified as an Evergreen Inspire event through the Council for Responsible Sport, how waste, from water cups to gel packets, is being diverted from landfills, and how runners and spectators can get involved!
Sara will be running the 2024 Chicago Marathon as part of Team Fox, raising funds for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. If you'd like to donate to support the Foundation's work to find a cure for Parkinson's, you can donate through Sara's fundraising page here: https://give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/5270913
Resources for this episode:
Chicago Marathon Sustainability
Community Impact through Compost: Chicago Distance Series
Instagram: Tina Muir, Chicago Marathon Sustainability Ambassador
Instagram: Chicago Marathon Know Before You Go: Sustainability
This week, Casey and Sara recap Sara's first trip to the Rocky Mountains, covering everything from road trip musings on land use to wildfires to amazing wildlife encounters!
Resources for this episode:
Natural Features & Ecosystems - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service)
Moose Research in Rocky Mountain National Park
Tribal Partners - Rocky Mountain
White-tailed deer may not be the first species that pops to mind when you think of conservation, especially if you live across much of North or Central America. For many of us, these animals are commonly seen around our own homes and (unfortunately) roadways. Depending on your perspective, they can be seen as a nuisance, a game species, beloved local wildlife, or all of the above. In this episode, Casey and Sara discuss the history, ecology, and conservation of one of our most recognized animals.
Resources for this episode:
White-Tailed Deer-Penn State University
The Relationship Between Deer Density, Tick Abundance, and Human Cases of Lyme Disease in a Residential Community
You're More Likely To Hit a Deer This Week while Driving
Deer-Vehicle Collisions | Purdue Extension Forestry & Natural Resources
Reproductive characteristics of female white-tailed deer (Odocoileus virginianus) in the Midwestern USA - ScienceDirect
Lithium-ion batteries are found everywhere, from watches to power tools to e-bikes and electric cars. But perhaps you've heard a thing or two about these batteries that make you unsure. This week, Casey and Sara discuss some of the environmental, social justice, and safety issues associated with lithium-ion batteries and how we can look to improve moving forward.
Resources for this episode:
How Lithium-ion Batteries Work | Department of Energy
A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis: Lithium vs Alkaline Batteries - The Earth Awards
Safety Risks to Emergency Responders from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Electric Vehicles
EVs are being set on fire in Ottawa for NRC battery abuse research
Electric Car Fires: What You Should Know | Edmunds
Deadly fires from phone, scooter batteries leave lawmakers playing catch-up on safety
Environmental impact of direct lithium extraction from brines | Nature Reviews Earth & Environment
The Environmental Impacts of Lithium and Cobalt Mining
Potential impacts of proposed lithium extraction on biodiversity and conservation in the contiguous United States - ScienceDirect
How is lithium mined? | MIT Climate Portal
Maine Has the Lithium America Needs, But Won't Allow Mining | TIME
Society Watch: Across the globe, indigenous rights are being trampled in lithium goldrush | Reuters
What Is Thermal Runaway? | UL Research Institutes
Their batteries hurt the environment, but EVs still beat gas cars. Here's why
This electric car battery takes less than 5 minutes to charge | CNN Business
Tribes face an uphill battle to defend their sacred land against lithium mining
A fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea kills 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers
This week, Sara and Casey chat with conservation biologist and data scientist, Dr. Vaughn Shirey, for a wide-ranging conversation about his work in butterfly conservation and climate change. Learn what got Vaughn interested in the field, how artificial intelligence is being used in his work, and what cold climate butterfly species (yeah, that's a thing) are telling us about climate change.
Resources for this episode:
Find more on Dr. Vaughn Shirey and his work HERE
Find Vaughn Shirey on Twitter
Find Vaugh Shirey on Instagram
Vaughn Shirey - Google Scholar
Mosquitoes are common flying insect that inhabit all continents except Antarctica. There are over 3500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, but only somewhere between 6 and 9.3% bite humans and are disease vectors. That said, mosquitos are the deadliest animal on the planet, thanks to their role as a vector for disease. So, would we be better off getting rid of this pesky insect? Casey and Sara discuss the role of mosquitos in the environment, the pros and cons of eradication, and why mosquito gut bacteria is more important than you might expect!
Resources for this episode:
Mosquitopia - NCBI Bookshelf
MOSQUITOES
Why Are Some People Tastier to Mosquitoes Than Others? | Pfizer
About Mosquitoes - CDC
Robust network stability of mosquitoes and human pathogens of medical importance | Parasites & Vectors
Can Garden Plants Really Repel Mosquitoes? - Consumer Reports.
Invasive Mosquitoes - Birds Not Mosquitoes
Aedes communis: The Pollinating Mosquito.
Millions of Mosquitoes Will Rain Down on Hawaii to Save an Iconic Bird | Scientific American
Genetically Modified Mosquitoes - CDC
What do you think of when you hear the phrase "artificial intelligence?" Does chatGPT or Alexa come to mind? Do you imagine robots taking over the world? What might not immediately come to mind are things like biodiversity preservation, green energy optimization, and water conservation, but AI is in fact being used in all these areas and more. Casey and Sara take a look at some of the ways AI is or has the potential to be used in the conservation realm and also explore some of the challenges with AI as a conservation tool.
Resources for this episode:
A.I.’s ‘Her’ Era Has Arrived - The New York Times
Platforms - Wild Me
TrailGuard AI and Nightjar
Saving our Planet’s Biodiversity with AI | Ganes Kesari | TEDxAsburyPark
ASC Science Sundays - Tanya Berger-Wolf: AI for Wildlife Conservation
How artificial intelligence is helping tackle environmental challenges
Tackling climate change with machine learning | MIT Sloan
Artificial Intelligence to Help Prevent Extinction? | Wildlife.ai: Conservation Charity
tinyML Talks: Efficient AI for Wildlife Conservation
Seven ways utilities are exploring AI for the grid | Latitude Media
Why AI and energy are the new power couple – Analysis - IEA
AI for the grid has potential, DOE says — but comes with pitfalls | Latitude Media
How AI Is Cropping Up In The Agriculture Industry
US farms are making an urgent push into AI. It could help feed the world
Artificial Intelligence Can Prevent Enormous Amounts Of Damage And Water Loss From Building Leaks
AI and Water: Pioneering Solutions for a Thirsty Planet
AI to stop water pollution before it happens
Hundreds of sewage leaks detected thanks to AI
Jeffrey Rissman is the Senior Director of Industry at Energy Innovation, a nonpartisan energy and environmental policy firm. He is also the author of a new book, Zero-Carbon Industry: Transformative Technologies and Policies to Achieve Sustainable Prosperity. Casey and Sara were thrilled to welcome Jeffrey to the show to discuss his ideas on cleaning up the industrial sector. Jeffrey shares policy ideas, new technologies, and simple changes that can be made to bring global industry to zero carbon within the next 50 years.
To purchase the book and get a 20% off coupon code, visit https://zerocarbonindustry.com/
Resources for this episode:
https://www.jeffreyrissman.com/
We must cut carbon from industry. Here’s how we can do it.
Trees help give us clean air to breathe, keep us cool, and can even benefit our mental health. But not everyone has equal access to trees. In this week's episode, Casey and Sara discuss the benefits (and challenges) of urban trees and take a look at the factors involved in tree disparity across different neighborhoods.
Resources for this episode:
The Inequitable Distribution of Urban Trees
Tree Equity Score National Explorer
Public Health Benefits of Urban Trees
Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review
Green gentrification in European and North American cities | Nature Communications
Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan: 2016 -2026
Biden-Harris Administration Announces Historic Funding to Expand Access to Trees and Green Spaces in Disadvantaged Urban Communities | USDA.
50 years after being outlawed, redlining still drives neighborhood health inequities.
Urban and Community Forestry Grants - 2023 Grant Awards | US Forest Service
With the total solar eclipse visible over parts of North America in just a few days, Casey and Sara discuss what we know about animal behavior during eclipse events. Listen to find out:
- What are Baily's Beads and why does Sara like them so much?
- How would Casey's pets respond to a total solar eclipse?
- Why should we care about how animals act during an eclipse?
If you are in the path of the eclipse, whether total or partial, you can join North Carolina State University's Solar Eclipse Safari project or take a look at NASA's Eclipse Soundscapes project.
And if you are viewing the eclipse, remember to do so safely! Never look directly at the sun! Total Solar Eclipse Safety - NASA
Resources for this episode:
Researchers to observe how total solar eclipse affects animal behavior | PBS NewsHour
NASA Eclipse Science
2024 Total Solar Eclipse - NASA
Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse - PMC
Unlocking the mysteries of animal behavior during cosmic events: IU News
Surprising Ways Animals React to Solar Eclipses - National Geographic
How Do Animals Respond to a Total Solar Eclipse? | Scientific American
Animals act weirdly during an eclipse. Help NASA find out why | CNN
Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on the North Atlantic right whale. Learn where you can find these amazing animals, why they're called "right" whales, and what we can do to help save this incredibly endangered species.
Resources for this episode:
Reducing Vessel Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales | NOAA Fisheries
North Atlantic Right Whale | NOAA Fisheries
We know how to save the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Why aren’t we? - Vox
IUCN Red List of Threatened Species
Female North Atlantic right whales growing smaller, leading to fewer births
Scientists release annual population estimate for critically endangered North Atlantic right whale amid ongoing threats - New England Aquarium
North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season 2024 | NOAA Fisheries
Maine fishing rope found in dead North Atlantic right whale | National Fisherman
Pulling weeds around the yard isn't most people's idea of a good time. Busting out a spray bottle of herbicide might be the easy way out, but what's the price we pay for that? Casey and Sara discuss the use of herbicides in agriculture and urban areas, including the recent news surrounding the use of dicamba.
Resources for this episode:
Protecting Pollinators from Herbicides: Rethinking Weed Management at Home
Benefits and risks of the use of herbicide-resistant crops - Kathrine Hauge Madsen & Jens Carl Streibig
How to use herbicides to safely control weeds on farms | OSU Extension Service
Different pesticides dominate in different land-use areas
Video: Herbicides: A Double-Edged Sword? What We Know about Herbicide Impacts on Pollinators
History of Weed Control in the United States and Canada
Herbicide Use in the Era of Farm to Fork: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future Implications - PMC
New Study: Agricultural Pesticides Cause Widespread Harm to Soil Health, Threaten Biodiversity
Glyphosate-based herbicides and cancer risk: a post-IARC decision review of potential mechanisms, policy and avenues of research - PMC
Weed Management in Lawns Guidelines--UC IPMBee Precaution Pesticide Ratings
Last spring, Casey and Sara discussed some of the ways parents might be able to make eco-friendly choices while expecting and raising a baby. Now that Casey is a mom, she's taking a look back at how things went for her and sharing some additional tips and resources based on her experiences.
Resources for this episode:
Climate change is making people think twice about having children
Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding - PMC
Disposable Diaper - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Facts | Breastfeeding | CDC
Study: Plastic Baby Bottles Shed Microplastics When Heated. Should You Worry? : Goats and Soda : NPR
A highway paved with recycled diapers may change the cloth vs. disposables debate - The Washington Post
Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Nappies in the UK
In this reunion episode, Casey returns to the podcast, joining Kristen and Sara in a discussion about the impact of various art forms on the environment, as well as the other ways that art and nature intersect. Nature often inspires art (and might be considered art in and of itself), art often depicts nature, and art can also be used to benefit nature and conservation!
Resources for this episode:
Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments - PMC
Understanding the Hazardous Environmental Impact of Paint
Painting Safety In The Arts
Sustainability of Art Supplies. Art is a powerful means of conveying… | by Libby McClough | Environmental Justice Coalition | Medium
Mindful of Its Impact on the Planet, the Art World Aims for Sustainability
Meet Abhi; The Charcoal Artist raising Climate Change Awareness | by Abhijeet Shrivastava | Medium
Quick Guide: Detox Your Art Studio | Artwork Archive
How to Create an Eco-Friendly Art Studio | Artwork Archive
Resin Art and Sustainability Backlash
How to Make Plant Paints: Zero Waste Art - Greenify Me
KaiNav Conservation Fund
Painted Dog Conservation
Washed Ashore
Kristen and Sara discuss the threats facing coral reefs around the world, what conservationists are doing to help, and how we can all get involved!
Resources for this episode:
Visual Feature | Status of Coral Reefs of the World
What Florida’s coral bleaching means as high ocean temperatures continue - The Washington Post
Warming, acidic oceans may nearly eliminate coral reef habitats by 2100 - AGU Newsroom
Extreme Ocean Temperatures Are Affecting Florida’s Coral Reef | NESDIS
Coral on the Red List of Endangered Species | FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg
Natural Threats to Coral Reefs
Crown-of-thorns Starfish - Oceana
Five fascinating facts about crown-of-thorns starfish - Great Barrier Reef Foundation
Coral Diseases – South Florida Aquatic Environments
Threats to Coral Reefs | US EPA
Coral Nurseries | Reef Resilience
Coral bleaching 101 | gbrmpa
The Truth About Corals and Sunscreen | Smithsonian Ocean
The Great Reef Census
Deepest Fish Discovered
Hydropower Map
When we think of coral most of us probably think of giant, colorful reef structures. But there's so much more to coral! We take a deeper look at the tiny animals that make up those reefs--and that can be found beyond those reefs, as well.
Video for Weekly Challenge:
Lens of Time: Corals in Motion
Resources for this episode:
What are corals? |ICRI
NOAA CoRIS - What are Coral Reefs
All About Soft Corals - Ocean Conservancy
Coral tentacle elasticity promotes an out-of-phase motion that improves mass transfer | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences
Coral Polyp Anatomy - Coral Disease & Health Consortium
Did you know: How do corals form colonies?
Coral Reef Ecosystems in the Deep Sea
Red Sea Expedition: Acrobatic mushroom corals are fun-guys
IUCN: Eastern Water Dragon
National Zoo: Asian Water Dragon
Kristen and Sara discuss the pros and cons of using water to produce electricity. Listen in to learn the three main ways we currently produce hydropower, the environmental impacts, and how hydropower might fit in to the future of energy production.
Resources for this episode:
Planning a Microhydropower System | Department of Energy
Dam that threatens orangutan habitat faces three-year delay
BATANG TORU HYDROPOWER PROJECT Factcheck and References on Key Issues
Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre: Dam Displacement
Why hydropower is the forgotten giant of clean energy
UN warns most will live downstream of ageing large dams by 2050 | Flooding | The Guardian
What Is Green Power? | US EPA
Hydropower Basics | Department of Energy
Hydropower explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Hydropower: US Department of Energy
Why aren't we looking at more hydropower? | MIT Climate Portal
Hydropower - IEA
Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity - Energy Education
Where hydropower is generated - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Hydro power by state in 2022 (United States)
With all the hype around Barbie these past few weeks, Sara and Kristen decided to take a look at the environmental impact of the iconic doll--and some of our other toys, as well. Listen in as they chat about their favorite Barbies, the challenges of plastic, and how to balance our desire to give the kids in our lives the things that they want and still be a little greener.
Resources for this episode:
(From intro) Nuclear fusion breakthrough repeated by lab | Fortune
(From intro) Tour de Turtles
Barbie Sustainability | Mattel
Barbie and the Problem With Plastic - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Plastic Pollution Facts and Issues | The Problems With Plastic
In Our Real World, Barbie’s Plastic Is Not So Fantastic
Most materials are recyclable, so why can’t children’s toys be sustainable? | Yale Environment Review
Life in Plastic, It's Not Fantastic - Earth Day
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA)
Mattel launches sustainable new Barbie Loves the Ocean range
My Kids Want Plastic Toys. I Want to Go Green. Here's the Middle Ground
Hasbro: Environmental Responsibility
Kristen and Sara chat about one of Kristen's favorite animals, the aardvark! Learn about the behavior and adaptations of this unique African mammal, the conservation issues they face, and what on Earth aardvarks have to do with cucumbers.
Resources for this episode:
National Geographic: Aardvark
Carnegie Museum of Natural History: A is for Aardvark
ScienceDirect: Aardvark
Cincinnati Zoo: Adventures with Aardvarks
San Diego Zoo: A is for Aardvark
With increased awareness of bee pollinators and the value of their conservation over recent years, there has been growing discussion (and controversy!) over the nature of the relationships between managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild bees. In this episode, Kristen and Sara chat with entomologist Jon Elmquist, who shares the current evidence for conflict between managed honey bees and wild bees and the implications this may have for bee conservation efforts. Along the way you'll learn how Jon got interested in pollinators and conservation, some of the differences between honey bees and wild bees, and hear about some of the amazing native bee species in North America.
Resources for this episode:
Scientific American: The Problem with Honey Bees
Floral Resource Competition Between Honey Bees and Wild Bees: Is There Clear Evidence and Can We Guide Management and Conservation?
An Overview of the Potential Impacts of Honey Bees to Native Bees, Plant Communities, and Ecosystems in Wild Landscapes
What are the 4Rs?
We often think about conservation on either the global scale (climate change!) or on a personal level (sustainable swaps!), but community-based, local conservation is an extremely important piece of the puzzle. This week, our guest co-host, and Soil and Water Conservation District professional, Kristen, talks us through the history and roles of SWCDs and touches on some other local conservation resources you might not have known that you have!
Resources for this episode:
Non-farmers bumped from Florida's soil and water conservation district boards
Contact Your Local SWCD – IASWCD
Conservation Districts | State Conservation Committee | NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.
In order to protect the planet, we have to care about it. And pop culture can sometimes help make nature more relatable and accessible. With that in mind, Sara and our amazing new guest co-host, Kristen, have some fun discussing the real-world counterparts to the sidekicks in the new live action version of The Little Mermaid.
Resources for this episode:
Snopes: Myths, Manatees, and Mermaids
Northern Gannet Life History, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology
Northern Gannet - American Bird Conservancy
NatGeo: Flounders' Eyes Face Skyward, How Do They See the Ocean Floor?
Video: Flatfish Metamorphosis
Fast Facts About Flounder - Ocean Conservancy
Abudefduf saxatilis – Discover Fishes
Blue Crab FAQ | FWC
Galapagos Conservation Trust: Ghost Crab
Parental care in the animal kingdom takes a variety of forms. Who are the gold star parents and who never even sees their kids? Do animals babysit? And do quakkas really throw their babies?
Resources for this episode:
Parental Care - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Patterns of parental care in vertebrates
Humans aren’t the only ones that help out their adult kids — here’s why animals do it too |
One Thing They Aren't: Maternal - The New York Times
Why Some Animals Forgo Reproduction in Complex Societies | American Scientist
Fact or Fiction?: Birds (and Other Critters) Abandon Their Young at the Slightest Human Touch - Scientific American
Seven Super Mums of the animal kingdom | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne
Professor Allen J. Moore - Uncovering The Evolutionary Origins Of Parental Care • scientia.global
Meet the Alloparents | Natural History Magazine
Parenting in Animals - PMC
The state of rhinos around the world is precarious. At worst, rhino species are critically endangered, and even the species with the largest population, the white rhino is still classified as near threatened by IUCN, and their population is declining. Despite protection and education efforts, the threat of poaching for their horn looms large over all species of rhinos. So, where do we go from here? Casey and Sara look at what drives the rhino horn trade and discuss the pros and cons of an outside the box solution--rhino farming.
Resources for this episode:
World's Largest Rhino Farm in South Africa for Sale--Business Insider
The horns of a dilemma: Ethical questions about legalising rhino horn trade
RHINO HORN CONSUMERS, WHO ARE THEY? | Traffic.org
World Rhino Day 2022: TM Practitioners warned prescribing endangered species is a crime - Wildlife Trade News from TRAFFIC
Former billionaire to auction world's biggest rhino farm after spending his fortune to save the animals - CBS News
Is the rhino horn trade a cartel? Economic analysis suggests it works like one
State of the Rhino
China's Legalization of Domestic Rhino Horn Trade: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Perspectives and the Likelihood of Prescription
2,000 'near threatened' white rhinos are up for auction : NPR2,000 'near threatened' white rhinos are up for auction : NPR
Did a Legal Ivory Sale Increase Smuggling and Poaching? | NBER
Legalizing ivory trade won't save elephants, study concludes | Science | AAAS
After legal-ivory experiment, black markets thrive from greater demand, less risk
iucncsg.org - Farming and the Crocodile Industry
Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking: Combating a Source of Terrorist Funding | United States Institute of Peace
Combating rhino horn demand in Vietnam | African Wildlife Foundation
Powers of Persuasion: Conservation Communications, Behavioural Change and Reducing Demand for Illegal Wildlife Products
Rhinos are iconic animals that most of us can recognize from the time that we're little. However, there's more to rhinos that most people realize! For example, did you know that there are more species of rhinos outside of Africa than inside? Have you ever heard of the hairy rhinoceros? If not, this episode's for you. Sara and Casey discuss the five species of rhinos and what's being done to keep them safe.
Resources:
International Rhino Foundation: Rhino Species
IUCN Red List
Development of third Sumatran rhino sanctuary advances to save species
Save the Rhino: Dehorning
Rhino Resource Center: Why the Name of the White Rhinoceros is not Appropriate
Rhino poaching and illegal trade decline but remain critical threats – new report - Press release | IUCN
Will Fake Rhino Horns Curb Poaching? | Live Science
Rhino Rescue Project: Devaluing Rhino Horn
The Willow Project is an oil drilling project set to begin in the National Petroleum Reserve in northern Alaska--albeit in a scaled down version of the original plan. Casey and Sara explore the history of the project, look at the environmental impacts, and discuss the challenges of breaking free from fossil fuels.
Resources for this episode:
Q&A: Willow oil project and Arctic drilling limits
Alaska's Willow oil project is controversial. Here's why. | AP News
What is the Willow project? The Alaska oil drilling debate, explained. - The Washington Post
The Willow Project and the Race to Pump the “Last Barrel” of Oil - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace
Biden Administration Sued Over Willow Oil Project in Alaska’s Western Arctic - Center for Biological Diversity
Interior Department Substantially Reduces Scope of Willow Project
Willow drilling: How will it affect polar bears?
Chances are you've heard about the environmental impacts of plastics and how air travel contributes to climate change, but did you know that there's a man-made substance that contributes more than double the emissions of the aviation industry? It's estimated that up to 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions is from the concrete industry--and this is mainly due to the production of cement, an essential ingredient in concrete. Sara and Casey discuss what needs to be done to clean up concrete on this 100th episode of A Little Greener!
Resources for this episode:
The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet by Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis
Cement vs. Concrete: A Case of Mistaken Identities
Explained: Cement vs. concrete — their differences, and opportunities for sustainability | MIT News
Concrete: the most destructive material on Earth | Cities | The Guardian
MIT Researchers Develop New Additives For "Green" Concrete - CleanTechnica
PPE Waste Makes Stronger, More Flexible, Green Concrete
Heat Island Compendium | US EPA
Want To Build A Carbon Neutral Skyscraper? Easy: Just Don't Use Cement. Good Luck With That | Digg
Materials scientist working to revolutionize concrete and radically reduce CO2 emissions
Countering climate change with cool pavements | MIT News
Effects of pavement texture and colour on Urban Heat Islands: An experimental study in tropical climate - ScienceDirect
Expecting your first child can be an overwhelming time, with so much to acquire, learn, and do before baby arrives. The thought of trying to do all that and be environmentally friendly at the same time might feel like too much, but never fear! Casey and Sara are here to discuss being a little greener with a few aspects of baby care: how to prepare for your baby, how to feed your baby, and, oh yes, how to diaper your baby. Listen for the do's and don'ts of getting secondhand items, how to cut down on microplastics, and whether or not cloth diapers are as eco-friendly (or as scary) as you might think.
Resources for this episode:
Climate change is making people think twice about having children
Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding - PMC
Disposable Diaper - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics
Facts | Breastfeeding | CDC
Study: Plastic Baby Bottles Shed Microplastics When Heated. Should You Worry? : Goats and Soda : NPR
A highway paved with recycled diapers may change the cloth vs. disposables debate - The Washington Post
Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Nappies in the UK
The Dolphin Company, owner of the Miami Seaquarium, recently announce plans to release an orca from the Sequarium back into the wild. Many headlines suggest this is a positive story, and indeed, a whale returning to the wild and rejoining their family would be amazing to see. But, is it reality? Sara and Casey discuss the issues surrounding this particular whale, Tokitae, often called Toki, as well as some of the issues surrounding keeping orcas in human care.
Resources for this episode:
Scientists: End of orca program a loss
The Debate - The Ethics Of Keeping Whales And Dolphins Captive | A Whale Of A Business | FRONTLINE | PBS
Orcas Don't Do Well in Captivity. Here's Why - National Geographic
Here's why SeaWorld probably won't release its whales into the wild - Los Angeles Times
Tooth damage in captive orcas (Orcinus orca) - ScienceDirect
Bias and Misrepresentation of Science Undermines Productive Discourse on Animal Welfare Policy: A Case Study
Public Display of Marine Mammals | NOAA Fisheries
Cetaceans in Captivity: A Discussion of Welfare - 1999 AVMA Animal Welfare Forum
Killer Whale | NOAA Fisheries
National Aquarium - Dolphin Sanctuary
At Baltimore's National Aquarium, Climate Change Presents Challenges Inside And Out : NPR
Health and Welfare Assessment of Tokitae (also known as Lolita), killer whale housed at Miami Seaquarium
Bottlenose dolphin habitat and management factors related to activity and distance traveled in zoos and aquariums | PLOS ONE
Release of whales from notorious Russia ‘whale jail’ complete - National Geographic
miami-seaquarium-inspection-report - DocumentCloud
Something Rotten at the Miami Seaquarium - International Marine Mammal Project
PolitiFact | SeaWorld says their whales live as long as wild whales do
Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in accredited zoos and aquariums - PMC
Take Action for Southern Resident Killer Whales | NOAA Fisheries
You may have seen or heard the acronym PFAS floating around, or perhaps heard of "forever chemicals." Or maybe you've heard that there are some potential concerns with using non-stick cookware, but weren't sure what it was all about. Around since the 1940s, PFAS are used in a variety of ways including in non-stick cookware, stain, grease, and water-resistant clothing, some firefighting foam, and some cosmetics. However, there are a number of concerns around these chemicals, some of which have already been phased out of discussion. Casey and Sara discuss the issues around and potential paths forward from PFAS.
Resources for this episode:
PFAS chemicals overview | ATSDR
PFAS in the US population | ATSDR
Bucks and Montco residents learn more about their exposure to the toxic chemicals in PFAS study - WHYY
Toxic timeline: A brief history of PFAS | Searchlight New Mexico
Authorized Uses of PFAS in Food Contact Applications | FDA
Governments endorse global PFOA ban, with some exemptions
Environmental and Health Impacts of PFAS | | Wisconsin DNR
PFAS Foam on Lakes and Streams
Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | US EPA
Not All In-Home Drinking Water Filters Completely Remove Toxic PFAS | Nicholas School of the Environment
Consumers file class action lawsuits over PFAS in products; EPA focuses on water, landfills
Chocolate is a much beloved treat around the world, but chocolate can have some high environmental costs. By some calculations, chocolate can have a higher environmental impact that some types of meat. Sara and Casey discuss why that is, and what small steps we can take to make our chocolate a little greener.
Resources for this episode:
Our World in Data Food Graph
Mongabay: Delectable but Destructive: Tracing Chocolate's Environmental Life Cycle
Science of Cooking: How is Chocolate Made?
Study: Environmental analysis along the supply chain of dark, milk and white chocolate: a life cycle comparison
World Cocoa Foundation: Cocoa and Forests Initiative
Study: The Impacts of Cocoa Sustainability Initiatives in West Africa
CABI: Trade-offs between shaded and full-sun cocoa
Utopia: The Difference Between Cacao and Cocoa Explained
Lake Champlain Chocolates: How is Chocolate Made?
Study: Detecting cocoa plantations in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana and their implications on protected areas
Motivations for shade-grown cocoa production in Ghana
Washington Post: What the heck is shade-grown cacao? This pricey treat is actually good for the planet.
Beyond Good Chocolates
Growing food at home has so many upsides, from a lower environmental impact to saving you some money at the grocery store to benefiting your physical and mental health. It's also something you can do even if you don't have a yard! In this episode, Casey and Sara talk through some tips to help you plan your very own veggie garden.
Resources for this episode:
Gardening: Invest in guaranteed growth in your own backyard
Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening
Backyard gardening: grow your own food, improve your health
Harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change, Oregon State scientist says
Why Gardeners Should Stop Using Peat, and What to Use Instead
Dig into the Benefits of Gardening
Environmental Impacts of Food Production
If you look at a picture of an elephant shrew, you might assume that it's perfectly named. It certainly looks similar to shrews found in many parts of the world and has an elongated nose, reminiscent of an elephant's trunk. While the elephant shrew was initially grouped in with shrews, we now know that it is actually NOT a true shrew. Elephant shrews (now also called sengis) are, in fact, most closely related to...elephants! Sara and Casey discuss these very cute, slightly obscure animals and encourage us to keep small species in mind on this week's episode.
Resources for this episode:
Tiny Elephant Shrews Go On Show After Mum Hid Them From Zookeepers
https://sengis.org/
The Guardian: This article is more than 2 years old Tiny elephant shrew species, missing for 50 years, rediscovered
Journal of Anatomy: The rostral nasal anatomy of two elephant shrews.
Mammalia: Footdrumming patterns of southern African elephant shrews
Animal Diversity Web: Macroscelididae
Re:wild
On February 3rd, a train owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad was traveling from Madison, Illinois to Conway, PA, when it derailed near the town of East Palestine, Ohio. Some cars on the train were carrying hazardous materials, and ultimately this resulted in the temporary evacuation of residents near the derailment site, and continued monitoring of air and water quality. Casey and Sara discuss some of the potential factors involved in the derailment and safety concerns associated with the materials, as well as their thoughts around railroad safety and the press received by this event.
Resources for this episode:
EPA Letter to Norfolk Southern
NY Times: Ohio Train Derailment: Separating Fact from Fiction
Huff Post: Animal Deaths Calculated at 43,700 Following Train Derailment in East Palestine
NPR: 7 Key Points about the East Palestine Train Derailment
NPR: How EPA Plans To Keep East Palestine Residents Safe After Derailment
AP: Buttigieg Warns Norfolk Southern to Support Ohio Community
CNN: The Ohio toxic train wreck was ‘100% preventable’ – but there’s no evidence the crew did anything wrong, investigators say
NY Times: In Fog of East Palestine’s Crisis, Politicians Write Their Own Stories
AP: EPA Orders Norfolk Southern to Clean Up Toxic Derailment
Independent (UK): Ohio crew tried to stop train after wheel issue warning, says probe – but it came too late to stop derailment
Articles on climate change will often talk about carbon dioxide levels being higher than they've been in thousands, or even millions, of years. You may also hear things about temperature moving in cycles, or about how different the climate of a certain area used to be. But how do scientists know all of this information before we started taking measurements? That's where proxy data comes in. On this episode, we discuss a few different types of proxy data, learn some new words, and find out just what crystalized rat urine can tell us about climate.
Resources for this episode:
NASA: Carbon Dioxide Vital Signs
NASA: The Raw Truth on Global Temperature Records
NOAA: What are Proxy Data
MIT: How are Gases in the Atmosphere Measured?
British Antarctic Survey: Ice Cores and Climate Change
Scientific American: How are Past Temperatures Determined from Ice Cores?
Texas A&M: Ancient Deepsea Shells Reveal 66 Million Years of Carbon Dioxide Levels
NOAA's Paleoclimatology Data Map
Carbon Brief: How Proxy Data Reveals the Climate of Earth's Distant Past (with alternative access to NOAA's Paleoclimatology Data Map)
Have you ever heard that climate change is a result of solar cycles or volcanoes? Or maybe you've found yourself thinking that it's too late to do anything about climate change anyway, so why bother? Casey and Sara talk through those myths and more, as well as share some tips for having conversations around climate change on this week's episode.
Resources for this week's episode:
National Grid: Six Myths about Climate Change Busted
NASA: Is the Sun Causing Global Warming?
NASA: What Do Volcanoes Have to do with Climate Change?
WWF: 10 Myths About Climate Change
USGS: Volcanoes Can Affect Climate
USA Today: These lies about climate change just wouldn't die in 2022
With the TV show The Last of Us currently all the rage, Sara and Casey talk the real-life zombie fungus. They discuss how zombie fungus works, what the show gets right and wrong, and whether we should be afraid of a zombie fungus pandemic. They also discuss the amazing diversity of fungi and some of the benefits we get from these often overlooked organisms.
Resources for this episode:
Discovery: The Largest Living Thing on Earth is a 3.5 sq mi Fungus
Smithsonian: The Real Zombie Fungus That Inspired HBO's The Last of Us
Vox: The “zombie” fungus in The Last of Us, explained by a biologist
PNAS: Three-dimensional visualization and a deep-learning model reveal complex fungal parasite networks in behaviorally manipulated ants
BMC Ecology: Behavioral mechanisms and morphological symptoms of zombie ants dying from fungal infection
National Geographic: Fungi Are Key to Our Survival, Are We Doing Enough to Protect Them?
Many people may have a passing familiarity with the slow-moving sloth, especially with their recent explosion in pop culture, but there is so much more to the sloth than most people realize. Casey and Sara discuss some of the incredibly unique features of sloths, and also take a look at the pros and cons of their popularity for wild sloth populations.
Resources for this episode:
The Sloth Conservation Foundation
Wondering how to be a little greener in your own life this year? Join Sara and Casey for a discussion on making environmental resolutions that you can stick to, their personal eco-resolutions, and podcast goals for 2023...plus, a VERY special announcement!
Tuna is a popular seafood choice, but the tuna fishing industry has a number of potential environmental impacts. Casey and Sara talk through how you can determine which tuna is a more sustainable choice simply by the information provided right on the can.
Resources for this episode:
Statista: U.S. Consumption of Tuna
National Geographic: How to Pick the Most 'dolphin-safe' Tuna
Seafood Watch: Tips for Choosing Sustainable Canned Tuna
National Geographic: These Popular Tuna Species are No Longer Endangered
Human Rights Watch: Hidden Chains: Rights Abuses and Forced Labor in Thailand's Fishing Industry
Investigation finds suspected human rights abuse by suppliers of major US and Taiwanese seafood companyBusiness and Human Rights Resource Centre: Global Labor Justice - International Labor Rights Forum Sues Global Tuna Giant Bumble Bee Over False Advertising of ‘Fair and Safe’ Fishing Practices
NPR: Is Sustainable Seafood Really Sustainable?
AquaDocs: Fish Stakes
Seafood Watch: Fishing and Farming Methods
NOAA: Fishing Gear: Pelagic Longlines
Atuna: Wild Tuna vs. Farmed
Wild Planet: Sustainability and Sourcing FAQs
Towards the end of 2022, headlines declared a new breakthrough in nuclear fusion experiments: for the first time ever, scientists were able to get more energy from a fusion reaction than they put in. Like nuclear fission, nuclear fusion does not produce any carbon emissions during the energy production process, so it has potential as a player in clean energy down the road. But, how far down the road? And is the possibility of fusion worth diverting time and resources away from other clean energy technologies w have right now? Sara and Casey discuss the history of nuclear fusion research, what really happened in this latest breakthrough, and what's next for the future of fusion.
Resources for this episode:
What is ITER?
ITER: What is Fusion?
Nature: Nuclear fusion lab achieves 'ignition.' What does it mean?
CNBC: Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough
Investors Have Now Spent $5 Billion Pursuing the "Holy Grail of Energy"
BBC Science Focus: Why the Promise of Nuclear Fusion is No Longer a Pipe Dream
IAEA: Magnetic Fusion Confinement with Tokamaks and Stellarators
There is a lot to consider before choosing to bring a new pet into your home. Do you have the appropriate space? Can you find and afford veterinary care? Is it even legal for you to own the animal (did you know it's illegal to own a hedgehog in Pennsylvania)? Casey and Sara walk though five big questions to ask yourself before taking on a new pet.
Resources for this episode:
USA Captive Constrictor Snake Human Fatalities
Dog Bite Facts and Statistics
Texas Assistant Coach, Girlfriend Sued After Pet Monkey Allegedly Bites Child
Pet Monkey Euthanized After Biting NY Woman
Do Primates Make Good Pets?
World Wildlife Crime Report
Turtle Poaching for Pet Trade Threatens Half the World's Species
A Shaky Case for Wobbly Snakes
Sara and Casey discuss some of the laws governing ownership and care of exotic cats in the United States, including the new Big Cat Public Safety Act. They explore what this new law means for the welfare of big cats currently in human care, as well as the future of exotic cat ownership.
Resources for this episode:
Congress.gov: Big Cat Public Safety Act Bill Text
WWF: In a Win for Wild Tigers, the US Senate Passes Major Legislation Against Wildlife Crime
The Regulatory Review: Regulating Tiger Kings
MSU Animal Legal & Historical Center: Detailed Discussion of Exotic Pet Laws
US Fish & Wildlife Service: Captive Wildlife Safety Act
Animal Welfare Institute: Big Cat Public Safety Act
MSU Animal Legal & Historical Center: Map of Private Exotic Pet Ownership Laws
If we asked you to think of a cute, furry, bamboo-eating animal, we suspect a certain black and white bear might come to mind. But, this week, we're talking about another panda. The red panda shares a name and some other characteristics with the more famous giant panda, but is actually a very unique species. Casey and Sara discuss why the red panda is actually the OG panda, the pros and cons of being incredibly cute, and why we should care about the conservation of this species.
Resources for this episode:
‘Fake market’: Red panda study finds no real demand behind rise in poaching
IUCN Red List: Red Panda
Red Panda Network
Our series on energy continues as Sara and Casey discuss wind energy. They focus on a couple of specific concerns, especially the impact that wind farms have on birds on bats, and how or if this should impact our use of wind energy moving forward.
Resources for this episode:
Onshore vs Offshore Wind Energy
University of Michigan: Wind Energy Factsheet
DOE Wind Vision Report
American Bird Conservancy: How Many Birds are Killed by Wind Turbines?
American Bird Conservancy: Wind Risk Assessment Map
Audubon: Can Painting Wind Turbine Blades Black Really Save Birds?
NREL: Partnerships Explore Coexistence of Bats and Wind Farms
Bat Conservation, International: Bats and Wind Energy
Contextualizing avian mortality: A preliminary appraisal of bird and bat fatalities from wind, fossil-fuel, and nuclear electricity
You may have seen recent headlines about the loss of 69% of wildlife from 1970. This data comes from a World Wildlife Fund project called The Living Planet Index, which comes out every two year. Casey and Sara take a look at the report, highlighting what it shows, what it doesn't, what the major areas of concern are, and where we go from here.
Resources for this episode:
A Deep Dive into the Living Planet Index
Living Planet Report 2022
National Geographic: Wildly Misinterpreted Report Still Shows Catastrophic Animal Decline (2018)
Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner is a big tradition in the United States, but how much do you know about the bird itself? Sara and Casey discuss some of the features of the wild turkey and take a look at their conservation success story.
Resources for this episode:
PBS: Wild Turkey Fact Sheet
The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wild Turkey
Audubon New York: How Wild Turkeys Made a 49-state Comeback
NC State College of Natural Resources: Talking Turkey: How the Bird Made a Comeback in North Carolina
Audubon: Let's Talk Turkey Beards
National Wild Turkey Federation: History of the Wild Turkey in North America
Florida Fish and Wildlife: Living With Wild Turkeys
The Peregrine Fund: Did Ben Franklin Really Want the Wild Turkey to be the National Symbol of the United States?
The Franklin Institute: Did Benjamin Franklin Want the National Bird to be a Turkey?
The moon is a constant in our lives. Most of us have marveled at a full moon, some of us remember when man first walked on the moon, but what we probably don't think about much is how the moon impacts life on Earth. In this episode, Casey and Sara discuss the ways, both large and small, that the moon affects our world.
Resources for this episode:
Natural History Museum: How Does the Moon Affect Life on Earth?
Institute of Physics: How Does the Moon Affect Earth?
Nature: Pull of the Moon
NASA: Earth's Moon
Science News: How the Moon's Light Affects Animals
Lunar and Planetary Institute: The Moon's Influence on Us
We're well into the fall season here in the northern hemisphere, so Sara and Casey take a look at what causes those brilliant fall colors, and why trees lose their leaves in the fall, anyway.
Resources for this episode:
National Weather Service: Why Do We Have Seasons?
Young People's Trust for the Environment: Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves in Winter?
Three Rivers Parks: Why Do Leaves Change Color in Fall?
Three Rivers Parks: Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Leaves Through Winter?
Forestry and Land Scotland: Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves?
University of Florida: Florida Fall Color
WCJB: Where to Find Fall Colors in NCFL
As Halloween approaches, we take a look at an animal that is sometimes considered spooky: the spider. From "excessive leggy-ness" to powerful venom, Casey and Sara discuss why people might be creeped out by spiders, and whether or not they really deserve their bad reputation (spoiler alert: they don't).
Resources for this episode:
National Geographic: Spiders Evolved Spare Legs
WSJ: Spiders' Legs are Hydraulic Masterpieces
Why 8 Eyes Are Better Than 2 (If You're a Spider) [VIDEO]
Scientific American: Fact or Fiction? People Swallow 8 Spiders a Year While they Sleep
Eight Fun Facts About Black Widows
Penn State Extension: Brown Recluse Spiders
Natural History Museum of Utah: Don't Fear the Widow
Museums Victoria: Top Spider Myths
National Library of Medicine: Black Widow Spider Toxicity
UK Entomology: Brown Recluse Spider
Outdoor apparel company, Patagonia, recently made headlines after owner Yvon Chouinard donated the company to two non-profits, the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective. His aim is to use company profits to protect the environment and fight climate change. Casey and Sara discuss the pros and cons (yes, there are cons) of the decision, and also take a look at the environmental commitments Patagonia has made through the years.
Resources for this episode:
The Non-profit Times: Patagonia Founder Transfers Ownership to Boost Climate Advocacy
Fashion United: Patagonia Owner Gives Company Away to Help Fight Climate Crisis
Fashion United: Patagonia: Pioneering a New Form of Environmental Corporate Leadership
Boardsport Source: Patagonia Transfers Ownership to Patagonia Purpose Trust and Holdfast Collective
One Percent for the Planet
B Corp
Fair Trade Certified
While some environmentalists feel that nuclear power is an essential part of cleaning up the power grid, others feel that the risks don't outweigh the benefits. Sara and Casey break down how nuclear power works, look at some pros and cons, and share some of the thoughts and experiences that shape their views of nuclear power.
Links for the weekly challenge:
Navajo Nation statement to Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources
UNECE Technology Brief on Nuclear Power
Resources for this episode:
https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/nuclear/
https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-nuclear-power
EPA: Radioactive Waste from Uranium Milling and Mining
Nuclear Waste Disposal
Review of Environmental Impacts of the Acid In-situ Leach Uranium Mining Process
Why Nuclear Power Must be Part of the Energy Solution: an opinion article with a lot of info, including impacts of the major nuclear disasters
Why Nuclear Power is Safer than Ever
Just as people will gather food and water or move to safer areas as a hurricane approaches, animals must find ways to make it through the storm. Casey and Sara discuss how creatures from birds to alligators prepare, react, and adapt to hurricanes.
Resources for this episode:
National Geographic: What Happens to Wild Animals During a Hurricane
NOAA: How Do Hurricanes Affect Sea Life?
Florida Fish and Wildlife: Wildlife and Storms
While electronic waste (or e-waste) isn't the largest percentage of our solid waste stream, it is a quickly growing one, and one with large environmental impacts. Electronics contain hazardous materials that can leach into the environment when disposed in landfills. Materials used in electronic devices can also be mined in areas that provide critical wildlife habitat. One way that we can combat these issues is by properly recycling electronics. This week, Casey and Sara chat with John Shegerian, the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of the e-waste recycling company, ERI (eridirect.com), to learn about the challenges of e-waste, how we can safely recycle our electronics, and what the future of e-waste recycling looks like.
Stories of mythological dragons are found in cultures around the world--and continue to be prevalent in pop culture today. But are there real-life dragons? Sara and Casey take a look at a few species that we call dragons and discuss how and why animals like this can be important in connecting people to nature.
Resources for this episode:
Popular Science: Are Dragons Real?
National Zoo: Komodo Dragon
Beware of the Dragon: A Case Report of a Komodo Dragon Attack
Australian Museum: Central Bearded Dragon
Marine Bio: Leafy Sea Dragons
In this very special episode, Casey and Sara chat with Justin Gillis, an award-winning journalist who has written for multiple major newspapers, including the Washington Post and New York Times. He served as the lead climate reporter for the New York Times for nearly a decade.
Justin has written a book, along with co-author Hal Harvey, called The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet. The book outlines specific areas that we need to address to drive down our GHG emissions and how individuals can get involved.
The book will be available on September 20, but can be pre-ordered now. You can find more information and purchase the book here: Simon & Schuster: The Big Fix
Casey and Sara tease next week's very special episode of A Little Greener: an interview with climate journalist and co-author of the new book, The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet, Justin Gillis.
Go beyond the Venus fly trap with this week's episode on carnivorous plants. Sara and Casey discuss why some plants trap prey, how different carnivorous plants work, and which one would be the most horrifying way to go out.
Resources for this episode:
Let's Talk Science: Needs of Plants
Southern Illinois University: Carnivorous Plants
Live Sciences: Killer Petunias and Murderous Potatoes Revealed
Natural History Museum: Carnivorous Plants
Australian Academy of Science: The icky, sticky and quite tricky world of predatory plants
Science Daily: This Plant Sucks! (But How?)
Plant Physiology: Digestive Systems of Carnivorous Plants
This Carnivorous Plant Evolved to Also Be a Rodent Toilet
The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 recently passed through the United States Senate, and while that may not sound like it has anything to do with the environment, this bill contains a number of items related to climate and emissions reduction, and is a big step forward in fighting climate change. Casey and Sara discuss what the bill does and doesn't do, and talk about the next steps as the bill moves to the House of Representatives.
Resources for this Episode
Summary of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022
Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: What's in the Inflation Reduction Act?
What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Climate
Vox: What Could the Inflation Reduction Act Mean for You?
USDOT: President Biden, USDOT and USDOE Announce $5 Billion over Five Years for National EV Charging Network, Made Possible by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law
Energy.gov: Heat Pump Systems
Sara and Casey take a look at how animals perceive color and discuss the purposes of color and patterns in nature.
Resources for this episode:
UK research shows how to build more effective monarch butterfly gardens
How Do We See Color?
The Eyes and Vision of Butterflies
Optimizing Countershading Camouflage
The 'Why' of a Leopard's Spots
If you're asked to picture a butterfly, odds are the image that springs to mind pretty quickly is of the beautiful orange-and-black monarch. Despite being so well known and loved, the population of migrating monarch butterflies has been declining over recent decades, leading to their recent classification of endangered on the IUCN Red List. This week, Casey and Sara break down the amazing life cycle of monarch butterflies, discuss the factors perpetuating the population decline, and share what everyone living in migrating monarch range can do to help.
Resources for this episode:
US Forest Service: Monarch Butterfly Migration
Retention of Memory Through Metamorphosis
IUCN Red List: Migratory Monarch Butterfly
Sara and Casey take a look at the history of the United States' Environmental Protection Agency, and explore the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of West Virginia v. EPA.
Resources for this episode:
Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970 (Nixon's message toCongress)
EPA: The Basics of the Regulatory Process
Laws and Executive Orders Related to the EPA
EPA Denies Petition to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles (2003)
Supreme Court Opinion on West Virginia v EPA
The Atlantic: How the U.S. Protects the Environment, from Nixon to Trump
The Atlantic: The Supreme Court's EPA Ruling is Going to be Very, Very Expensive
Allsides.com
The Future of Federal Agency Rulemakings After West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency
Law and the Multiverse: Ghostbusters and the EPA
Although coal has played an important role in the history of our country, it has some health and environmental impacts that are difficult to ignore. In this episode, Casey and Sara continue their series on energy and take a look at the pros and cons of coal, and the state of the coal industry in the United States today.
Resources for this episode:
NASA Climate Kids: Coal
US Energy Information Administration: Coal Explained
Forbes: Renewable Energy Prices Hit Record Lows
EPA: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions
End of Coal in Sight at COP26
Our World in Data: Fossil Fuels
National Geographic: High Cost of Cheap Coal
The beach is a fun and relaxing vacation destination for many people, but it is also part of a vital habitat for many species. Sara and Casey discuss some of the ways that we can incorporate sustainability into a day at the beach.
Resources for this episode:
Eco-friendly Sunscreen Guide
NOAA: Sunscreen Chemicals and Marine Life
PLOYS: items made from recycled pool inflatables
The Ecoboard Project
Sea Turtle Conservancy: What To Do If You Encounter a Sea Turtle
Tour De Turtles
A wedding is a big event for many people, but if you're looking for a way to keep your big day from having a big environmental impact, there are lots of options out there for you! And even if you're not planning a wedding, Casey and Sara discuss some of the was we can be a little greener participants and attendees.
Resources for this episode:
Bastet Noir
Dear Cleo
Wildlife Friendly Wedding Guide (Center for Biological Diversity)
First up in our energy series: solar! How do we harness the energy from the sun to produce electricity? Why should we? What are the environmental impacts?
Resources for this episode:
National Renewable Energy Laboratory
How Does Solar Work (energy.gov)
End of Life Solar Panels: Regulations and Management
How to Have Your Solar Farm and Keep Your Regular Farm Too (NPR)
Solar Panels are Starting to Die (Grist)
Life Cycle Assessment Harmonization
Land Use Requirements of Solar
With works like the documentary My Octopus Teacher appearing on Netflix and National Book Award Finalist honors given to Soul of an Octopus, more and more people are coming to appreciate these graceful and intelligent cephalopods. But, what is a cephalopod, you ask, and what is it really that makes the octopus so amazing? And what's the plural of octopus, anyway? Casey and Sara answer all this and more as they geek out over the octopus on this week's episode!
Resources for this episode:
Cephalopods (Smithsonian)
Octopuses Keep Surprising Us (The Natural History Museum)
Vision and Camouflage (Scientific American)
Cephalopod Brains (Frontiers)
The Case Against Octopus Farming (Arizona State University)
World's First Octopus Farm Stirs Ethical Debate (Reuters)
Frogs and toads are an incredibly diverse group of animals. They're found nearly everywhere around the world, are a critical component of the food web, and are valuable environmental indicators. On this episode, learn how you can get involved in frog conservation (and have some fun) by learning the unique calls of the frogs in your area.
Resources for this episode:
FrogWatch USA Chapter List
Frog and Toad Calls, Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (USGS): calls used in episode
FrogID: citizen science program in Australia
Frog Fact SheetThe FrogID dataset: expert-validated occurrence records of Australia’s frogs collected by citizen scientists
Frogs and Toads of Pennsylvania
According to the World Health Organization, over 9 out of 10 people live in areas with excessive air pollution, and yet, it's something many of us may not often think about. Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on what causes air pollution, its impacts on health and the environment, and what we can do about it.
Resources for this episode:
Deadly Denora Smog of 1948 (Smithsonian Mag)
Air Pollution (WHO)
Air Pollution: Everything You Need to Know (NRDC)
Effects of Air Pollution (Center for Science Education)
Air Pollution: Current and Future Challenges (EPA)
Air Pollution Laws Aimed at Human Health also Help Birds (Cornell)
Urban Environment and Cancer in Wildlife
It might be tempting to dismiss cities as nature wastelands, but not only are cities here to stay, and only projected to grow, they actually have some environmental benefits. Sara and Casey discuss the pros and cons of cities, and what we need to do to make cities sustainable in the future.
Resources for this episode:
Field Guide to Conservation In Cities (The Nature Conservancy)
Cities Aren't the Wildlife Deserts Scientists Once Feared
Large Cities Fall Behind in "Neighborhood Biodiversity"
How to Tell if You Live in the Suburbs
Public Health Reviews: Urbanization, A Problem for the Rich and the Poor?
Cities Can Be Part of the Solution in Sustaining Species
Plan Melbourne: Inclusive, Vibrant, and Healthy Neighborhoods
What is HPAI and what does it have to do with the price of eggs (get it)? While this may not immediately seem relevant to conservation, the fact is that both human health and our food supply are intrinsically connected to nature--and diseases like HPAI are a reminder of this. This week, Casey and Sara discuss the origin, impacts, and control of the current strain of avian influenza.
From color change to flight to pulling water from the air, plants and animals have some pretty amazing adaptations. Biomimicry is the idea that we can look to and learn from the natural world to find innovations and solutions to challenges that we might face. On this episode, Sara and Casey discuss favorite animal adaptations and share a few examples of biomimicry in action.
Resources for this episode:
www.asknature.org
Biomimicry: A History (Ohio State University)
Butterfly Wings Have a Hidden Structure That Rivals Vantablack in Its Darkness
Researching the Kingfisher's Hydrodynamic Design
You may have seen or heard about the IPCC climate change reports in the news on a fairly regular basis recently--often connected to talk of climate deadlines and dire warnings. So, what does this mean? Is there hope in the face of climate change? Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on the IPCC, fears, faith, and finding hope to fight climate change.
Resources for this episode:
MRSC Local Climate Response Project
Scientific American: Climate Report Offers Some Hope but the Need for Action is Urgent
Christian Science Monitor: Amid the Gloom of Climate Change there is Hope
Climate Home News: Saudi Arabia dilutes fossil fuel phase out language with techno fixes in IPCC report
Fossil fuels provide the bulk of our energy supply today, but how did we get to this point? What other options are out there? Join Sara and Casey for a quick history of energy and a closer look at where we get the energy that powers our daily lives.
To complete your weekly challenges, visit:
eGRID Power Profiler: https://www.epa.gov/egrid/power-profiler#/
US Energy Mapping System: https://www.eia.gov/state/maps.php
Resources for this episode:
Energy timelines:
https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/historical-timeline/
https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-017-07506-z
Data from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine:
http://needtoknow.nas.edu/energy/energy-use/home-work/
http://needtoknow.nas.edu/energy/energy-sources/
Power grid information and eGRID:
https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/how-does-us-power-grid-work#chapter-title-0-2
https://www.epa.gov/egrid
If you're searching for ways to live a little greener, one of the suggestions you'll likely come across is to reduce your dairy intake. This week, Sara and Casey discuss the environmental impacts of dairy and consider the pros and cons of some of the available alternatives.
Resources for this episode:
How Dairy Milk has Improved its Environmental and Climate Impact (UC Davis)
GHG Emissions by Livestock (UN FAO)
Dairy Vs. Plant-Based Milk: What are the Environmental Impacts (Our World in Data)
Nutrient Density of Beverages in Relation to Climate Impact
Milking the Planet (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy)
Should I Give Up Dairy Because of Climate Change?
What Plant Milk Should I Drink?
Whether you're growing food, planting for pollinators, or creating a landscape for curb appeal, gardening is an activity that helps us to get outdoors and get connected to nature. How we garden and what we put in our gardens also has an impact on our local environment. This week Casey and Sara discuss tips and tactics for becoming a greener gardener.
Casey and Sara discuss the joys, challenges, and impacts of the first year of A Little Greener and take a look at where the podcast is headed in the future.
Seeing someone toss food to birds or squirrels is probably something most of us have experienced--or maybe done ourselves. We've also all probably seen plenty of signs posted at parks, restaurants, or beaches asking us not to feed wildlife. So why do we still do it? And is it really a problem? Sara and Casey discuss the motivations for and consequences of feeding wild animals.
Resources for this episode:
Killing Deer With Kindness: article on changes in mule deer GI bacteria due to human feeding
Do's and Don'ts of Duck Feeding
Does Wedding Rice Make Birds Explode?
Feeding Wildlife Can Disrupt Animal Social Structures
A Framework to Evaluate Wildlife Feeding in Research, Wildlife Management, Tourism and Recreation
With heavy hearts for those suffering from conflict, Casey and Sara take a look at the wildlife of Ukraine and discover that it feels surprisingly close to home!
Resources for this episode:
20 Endangered Species At Risk in Ukraine
Wildlife in Ukraine
Common Nightingale Audio
Here's How You Can Help the People in Ukraine (NPR article)
On this lighthearted episode, Casey and Sara chat with Olivia, creator and host of Remarkable Parks podcast, about the importance of parks, which parks they want to visit most, and some of the challenges our parks face. Sara and Olivia also take on Casey's National Park Trivia Challenge!
Resources for this episode:
https://findyourpark.com/
Benefits of parks: https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/Resources/Parks-Recreation-Essential-Public-Services-January-2010.pdf
Overcrowding in parks:
https://www.livescience.com/overcrowding-us-national-parks.html
We love cats. Cute, cuddly, and playful, as well as tough and independent, domestic cats are found around the world. A study from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that there are around 58 million pet cats in the United States alone. While cats can make great pets, when they're left to roam the great outdoors, they have a detrimental impact on native wildlife and ecosystems--not to mention their own health. Join Casey and Sara for a challenging discussion on how to approach the complex issue of cats as invasive species.
What's the difference between a non-native species and an invasive species? Why does it matter if a species ends up outside of its native range? What does Shakespeare have to do with any of this? And what on earth are Eco-Men in Black? Find answers to all of this and more in this week's episode.
Resources for this episode:
Definition of invasive species: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species
Burmese python introduction to Florida: https://www.history.com/news/burmese-python-invasion-florida-everglades
General information on invasive species: https://www.history.com/news/invasive-species-list-mammals-birds-aquatic
https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species
What is a species? You probably thought you learned this in middle school science class, but we're here to tell you the answer is more complicated than it seems! Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on how, why, and by whom decisions on species are made.
Resources for this episode:
A Few Bad Scientists are Threatening to Topple Taxonomy: Smithsonian magazine article covering Raymond Hoser. NOTE: The article states he has named over 800 taxa, not species, as we stated in the episode. This could mean species or genera, or other category--still a lot of naming!
IUCN Red List
Although composting might feel overwhelming at first, it's really a simple process, and most issues that might arise have a simple solution. This week, Sara and Casey discuss some common composting questions and concerns, like dealing with smelly compost, protecting your pile from unwanted guests, and how to compost (or not) in the winter.
Resources:
Earth 911: Composting Cheat Sheet
Farmer's Almanac: Trench Composting
UC Master Gardeners of Monterey Bay: 7 Solutions to Common Compost Problems
Planet Natural: Troubleshooting Composting Problems
Gardening: Knowhow: How to Fix Bad Smelling Compost
Honestly Modern: Carbon Emission Analysis of the Vitamix FoodCycler
What makes an owl an owl? Whether you are already an owl aficionado or you don't yet know a screech owl from a snowy owl, we guarantee you will come away from this episode with a greater appreciation for these beautiful birds of prey.
Resources for this episode:
Audubon Society: Thirteen Fun Facts About Owls
Owl Research Institute: About Owls
Animal Diversity Web: Tytonidae
Owls of North America and Their Calls (VIDEO)
Owl Conservation Organizations:
Owl Research Institute
The Barn Owl Project
The Barn Owl Trust
Composting is a great way to help improve soil quality and reduce waste going to landfill, while cutting out some greenhouse gas emissions in the process. However, it can feel a little overwhelming to get started! Join Casey and Sara as they discuss the what, why, and how of composting and give you some steps to get started composting in your own home.
Resources for this episode:
The Finished Product: benefits of composting and a look at how to use the finished product
The Lazy Gardener's Guide to Compost: a reminder that our composting system doesn't have to be perfect to work
Composting 101: a comprehensive overview, including the information on San Francisco's composting success
Compost Basics: a great infographic on what and how to compost
Composting: summary article with charts on greens/browns and choosing a composter
What's the Difference Between Hot, Cold, and Warm Composting?
Join Casey and special guest-host, Kristen Latzke, co-founder of the Indiana Chapter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, for a discussion about cheetahs. With an estimated population of only about 7,000 individuals, cheetahs need our help. Learn about the challenges these animals face, the work being done to protect them, and how you can get involved.
Links for this week's episode:
- Cheetah Conservation Fund website
- IUCN Red List profile on cheetahs
- CCF Teacher's Resource Guide: see page B10 for source on the genetic relatedness of cheetahs
- For further reading on cheetah genetics: Genetics of the African cheetah continue to inspire and excite researchers
Happy 2022! To kick off the new year, Sara and Casey take a look at some of the iconic wildlife that can be found in Sara's new home state of Florida and discuss what's on their wildlife viewing bucket lists.
It's hard to believe that we've reached the end of the year! In the final episode of 2021, Casey and Sara take a look at holiday traditions and discuss how we can be a little greener while throwing our holiday parties, decorating, spending time with family, and more. Happy listening, and happy holidays!
Around this time of year, there is no end to the movies, songs, stories, and images, featuring Santa and his sleigh, pulled by his flying reindeer. Reindeer have become so closely tied with the holiday season and the mythology of Santa Claus (at least in some parts of the world) that some people aren't aware they are real animals! But how did reindeer come to be associated with Christmas? What are reindeer really like? This week, Sara and Casey discuss the myth and reality of reindeer, including the real-life practice of reindeer herding still practiced in some indigenous cultures today.
Real tree or fake tree, what should you get? Join hosts Casey and Sara as they settle the Great Christmas tree debate once and for all! OK, not really, but on this week's episode, you'll definitely find some great information about the pros and cons of fresh-cut vs. artificial trees, as well as some lesser-known options that might work for you.
It's the most wonderful time of the year (according to Sara), but unfortunately, the holiday season tends to be the most wasteful time of year, too. Although we don't like to think about it, holiday gifts can be a big source of that waste, from the wrapping, to the packaging, to those unwanted gifts that are going to end up forgotten or trashed. But, never fear, we don't have to completely give up on gifts. In this episode, Sara and Casey discuss how we can adjust our gifting habits to hang on to the joy of the season while being a little greener in the process.
This week, Casey and Sara discuss some of the agreements that came out of COP26, the UN's recent conference on climate change. Take a listen to find out what they liked, what they didn't, and just what COP stands for, anyway! Your hosts also share some fun wildlife encounters they had this week.
Winter is coming, and whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that without heat, shelter, and warm clothing, winter would be pretty rough, if not downright dangerous. So, how do our wildlife neighbors make it through the season without freezing? Sara and Casey break down the possibilities. If you've ever wondered where your chipmunks go in the winter or worried about a bird's feet in the cold, this episode is for you!
After marveling at migration in Part I, Casey and Sara are back for another discussion on migratory birds; this time focusing on the challenges of making these yearly trips and how we can help them along the way.
What do you picture when you think of the fall season? Leaves changing color? Cozy sweaters and fires in the fireplace? Depending on where you live, another iconic fall image might be the flying V of a flock of geese overhead. As we enter into the fall season, many bird species, including those Canada geese, are migrating south, where they will hang out during the colder months. On this episode of A Little Greener, prepare to be amazed by our feathered friends as Casey and Sara dive into why and how birds make these epic journeys each year.
Have you heard the news? Earlier this month, the governor of California signed a number of environmental bills into law. Casey and Sara discuss some of the highlights, including laws aimed at clarity in labelling materials for recycling and composting, and talk about how these laws might have an impact beyond state lines.
When you think of tools to combat climate change, dirt may not be at the top of your list. But, a recent documentary now streaming on Netflix, Kiss the Ground, aims to show us that preserving and regenerating healthy soil is an essential part of the fight. Join Casey and Sara as they discuss what they felt the film did really well, where it missed the mark, and what on Earth Tom Brady has to do with it, anyway.
In April of 2018, a news story broke about the discovery of 10,000 tortoises being held in terrible conditions in a house in Madagascar. The tortoises, which were primarily radiated tortoises, a critically endangered species, had been collected for likely sale into the pet trade. Thanks to the hard work of conservationists, led by the Turtle Survival Alliance, the tortoises were able to be relocated and cared for with the hope of eventually returning them to the wild. This week, Casey and Sara welcome ALG's first guest: reptile animal care professional, Andrew Ahl. Andrew shares his firsthand account of what it was like to travel to Madagascar to help care for these tortoises.
Have you ever heard about a technological solution to an environmental issue that just seemed too good to be true--and then it turns out it was (carbon sucking machines, anyone)? While new innovations in technology might not be enough to stop climate change and protect habitats alone, there are lots of ways that technology is helping us in our fight. This week, Sara and Casey take a look at some new advances, from a paint so white it can make surfaces cooler to 3-D printed calcium carbonate, and discuss the pros and cons of technology in conservation.
For many of us, cars are essential transportation. Personal vehicles give us the freedom to go where we want when we want. We might have our favorite makes, models, and colors. Our cars might also have lots of fond memories attached. However, cars are also a big source of individual carbon emissions. This week, Casey and Sara discuss the future of cars--and it is looking electric! They also give us a joint review of the Toyota Prius and share their experiences making the switch to a hybrid vehicle.
From transportation to waste to the impact of tourist activities, there are lots of ways that our vacations impact the environment. But that doesn’t mean we shouldn’t take them! Start planning your next getaway as you listen to Casey and Sara discuss some of the things that we can do to make our trips just a little greener.
Assigning human traits to animals (anthropomorphism) can be a hotly debated subject in the scientific and conservation education communities. Casey and Sara discuss the risks and benefits of using anthropomorphism, and how this technique is utilized in nature documentaries like Netflix's recent release, Penguin Town.
What if you could recycle your plastic, metal, and glass waste without ever leaving your home? One company is looking to make this a reality through an in-home recycling appliance. Casey and Sara discuss this, as well as some new Extended Producer Responsibility laws in the United States, in this week's episode.
With Sara on the road this week, this episode is a quick one. But, take a listen for a couple of updates and additional thoughts on combating food waste, as well as some introductory tips on staying green while on vacation.
Continuing on from last week's episode, hosts Casey and Sara discuss how we as consumers can help to reduce food waste. It isn't just about making sure you clean your plate at every meal. Learn how to prep better for shopping trips and avoid unnecessary food purchases, as well as what food expiration dates really mean, and why the way we dispose of our food has an impact on the environment.
Food waste is a complicated problem with lots of environmental impacts. In addition to the fact that food products in landfills produce methane, they also represent wasted water, resources, and land used in the production of the food. In the first of a two-part episode, Casey and Sara discuss food waste that occurs in the farm and retail portions of the food supply chain. Stay tuned next week for Part Two, focusing on consumer food waste!
With the Olympics in full swing, Sara and Casey take a look at some of the sustainability efforts made for the 2020(one) Tokyo Games. They also discuss a recent study on the sustainability of the Olympic games since 1992 and explore what steps might be taken to make this major global event a little greener moving forward. Resources used in this episode can be found here: tinyurl.com/algep119
One way to make your lifestyle a little greener is to focus on one area at a time to see what changes make sense for you. This week, Casey and Sara zero in on the bathroom. From showers to shaving and toothpaste to toilet paper, they discuss ways to reduce water and electricity and suggest some sustainable swaps that might work for your routine.
Has your week been as hectic as ours? This week, Casey and Sara take a break from full-length episodes to bring you some life updates and share some recent news related to past episodes. Take a few minutes to relax and enjoy our first "minisode" and don't forget to get some time in nature this week!
From plastic pollution to climate change to animal extinctions, environmental issues can sometimes leave us feeling overwhelmed and discouraged. This week, Sara and Casey discuss how we can hold on to hope and stay positive in spite of the challenges, as we all keep working to be a little greener. Casey also gives a review of Drilled, a true-crime podcast about climate change. Resources for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep116
Whether it's the "cute factor," their intelligence, or the mysterious nature of their lives under the sea, marine mammals capture our attention. Unfortunately, these amazing animals (this group includes everything from sea otters to manatees to whales) also face a wide variety of threats. But there's good news here! This week, Casey and Sara discuss the Marine Mammal Protection Act here in the United States, as well as other international regulations and agreements that are protecting marine mammals worldwide. Show notes for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep115
Unless you've been living under a rock for the past several years, you've likely heard a thing or two about plastic pollution. This week, Sara and Casey discuss why plastics receive so much attention from conservation and environmental groups and look ahead to what the future of plastic production might be like. Casey also gives us a review of the OXO .75 gallon compost bin, and your hosts discuss some of their favorite sustainable lifestyle changes. Show notes for the episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep114
When you put together an outfit, you're probably thinking about things like the fit, the feel, and the functionality, and not so much the environmental impact. But, the production and disposal of our clothing contributes to greenhouse gas emissions, water pollution, and human rights issues, among other things. This week, Casey and Sara talk about the impacts of "fast fashion" and how to reduce, reuse, rethink, and recycle our way to a more sustainable (but still fashionable) wardrobe. Sara also shares a review of the Seek app. Some of the resources used for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep113
While insects might not be high on the list of favorite animals for many people, these small but mighty creatures are vital pollinators and decomposers, not to mention an essential part of the food web as both predators and prey. However, you may have seen recent articles warning of a looming “insect apocalypse.” No, we’re not talking about swarms of insects rising up to destroy humanity. In fact, just the opposite. The articles suggest we are seeing drastic declines in insect populations that could have catastrophic results for our planet. But, is this what the data is truly showing? This week, Sara and Casey discuss what we know about insect populations, the inherent challenges of insect conservation, and what we can all do to help our six-legged friends. They also share their favorite and least favorite animals, and Casey gives us an overview of the Bird Names for Birds movement. Show notes can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep112
Why did the turtle cross the road? Well, probably to find a mate, nesting site, or to get back home. Unfortunately, crossing roads is no joke for wildlife and can have a big impact on a wide variety of species. This week, Casey and Sara discuss how roads affect wildlife and some ways that we can try to reduce the impact. Sara also shares a review of the Netflix documentary Chasing Coral.
On the 10th episode of ALG, Sara and Casey discuss why they love bats--and why you should, too! Learn about some of the unique traits of bats, discover how these furry fliers benefit the environment, and get introduced to "the happy bat." Casey also gives a review of the book Soul of an Octopus by Sy Montgomery. You can find some of the resources for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/algep110
At some point in the past few years, you've probably heard something on the news about the impact of beef on the environment. Why is that? Why do we hear so much about beef compared to other types of meat? How does beef production tie into climate change? Casey and Sara break some of this down in this week's episode, as well as what we can do to lessen our impact (and no, you don't have to give up your holiday weekend barbecue). Casey and Sara also share some of their nature adventures from the week, and Sara gives us a review of the television show Wild Kratts.Resources for this episode can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep109
From stressed-out birds to angry clownfish to whales with the bends, noise pollution can have a variety of impacts across a range of species. Casey and Sara discuss the effects of the noise we make and what we can do about it on this week's episode. Plus, Casey shares her review of the book Visions of Caliban: On Chimpanzees and People by Dale Peterson and Jane Goodall. See the show notes for this episode here: https://tinyurl.com/algep108
Casey and Sara talk about how the photos and videos that we post, like, and share on social media can impact primate welfare and conservation. They also discuss their favorite primates, how much they love the Kratt brothers, and Sara gives a review of Vacation Races. Resources for this website can be found here: https://tinyurl.com/algep107
Where does our drinking water come from? Where does it go? Can water really be wasted? How can we protect the water supply for us and for nature? Casey and Sara discuss all this, and more, on this week's episode.
Learn about the importance of forests and how forests are managed in this week's episode. Casey and Sara discuss sustainable forestry certification systems, the idea of greenwashing, and how we can make more sustainable choices with our paper products.
This week, Casey and Sara chat about the history and importance of Earth Day, and discuss a few ways to live a little greener while saving yourself some work at the same time! Plus, Casey shares her thoughts on the documentary Seaspiracy.
Casey and Sara discuss how to safely feed backyard birds, share tips for getting involved in birdwatching, and show off some questionable bird impressions!
This week, Casey and Sara discuss the concepts of ecophobia and nature deficit disorder, hurdles to getting outdoor time, and how spending time in nature is both good for us and good for the planet.
Meet your co-hosts, Casey and Sara, and follow along as they give an introduction to conservation, sustainability, and what it means to "be green."