ECO CHIC : Recent Episodes

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The eco-conscious lifestyle podcast. Each week, Laura Diez is diving into sustainability and practical climate science. This podcast explores fashion, environmental justice, food, conscious consumerism... just about everything in our lives is tied to the environment. Guests include female founders, clean beauty experts, climate scientists, political experts, and many more.

Laura is a sustainability professional with her M.S. in Climate Science and Solutions, who happens to also love speaking to other women about environmentally conscious brands, social activism, and balanced, plant-based living. This show aims to feel like hanging out with your cool, smart girlfriends: educational, approachable, and encouraging you to do what works for you. Sustainability is a good look.

Email at: laura@lauraediez.com and follow on Instagram @ecochicpodcast

We've heard that the most sustainable item is the one you already own - but when you are acquiring something, around here, we like to shop secondhand first. Even if you're a seasoned thrifter, there are plenty of areas we don't usually think of shopping secondhand. Today's episode will hopefully help us expand our mindsets around shopping pre-loved - from your home to your hobbies, whatever you want is almost certainly already circulating in the marketplace.

Mentioned resources: ECO CHIC Ep: What is Fast Furniture? Ray-Ban, Oakley, Chanel Or Prada Sunglasses? They're All Made By This Obscure $9B Company (Forbes)

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Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

As recovery efforts are underway on the island of Maui, there's been more discussions around the threat of predatory real estate practices - unfortunately, this isn't the only way the rich and powerful can profit off a disaster. We're overviewing today the topic of disaster capitalism, a term coined by Naomi Klein referring to the very real exploitation around crises. We're also zooming in a bit to better understand disaster capitalism in practice through the case study of New Orleans in the aftermath of Hurricane Katrina. We acknowledge that most recovery efforts, whatever the crisis, are in good faith - it's a few powerful actors that are taking advantage of a community in chaotic times. However, knowing that natural disasters are becoming more intense under climate change, we're familiarizing ourselves with how these potentially predatory practices that can pop up in any disaster. Resources mentioned:

Help Maui Families (community fund and toolkit)

ECO CHIC Episode 160: Disasters Aren't Natural: Managing Catastrophes + The Climate Crisis | Dr. Samanta Montano

How White People Pushed Out Hawai'i's Monarchy (Teen Vogue)

Naomi Klein: how power profits from disaster (The Guardian)

Brad Pitt foundation agrees on $20.5m settlement to owners of faulty post-Katrina houses (The Guardian)

Brad Pitt and the Bizarre Charity Mess That’s Left Katrina Victims Stranded Again (The Hollywood Reporter)

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Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Kevin Patel is a powerful, eloquent, solutions-oriented environmental youth activist based in Los Angeles. At just 12 years old, he began a peer learning program aimed at solving food injustices within his community of South Central LA. He went on to found the first Mayor's Youth Climate Council, and serves currently on the Los Angeles County Youth Climate Commission. Kevin is Founder and Executive Director for the youth-led climate movement, OneUpAction International. Today we discuss his early exposure to activism and community building, and how he has quickly scaled solutions to support climate activists around the world, accelerating climate policy and platforming young leaders. Kevin recently graduated with his Bachelor's in Political Science and Government from Loyola Marymount University.

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Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Lauren Bash is a sustainability content creator, storyteller, and producer. With a particular passion for advocacy around ocean conservation and plastics pollution, Lauren shares how she became involved with her local Surfrider chapter, and how she's become involved through that community in shaping legislation banning single-use plastics. Lauren shares about her family openly, and today shares a special, thoughtful tribute to her late father, whom we all loved as TikTok's Dad. Lauren shares actionable tips on finding community and being your most authentic self in your environmental advocacy.

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Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We all love getting outdoors - but sometimes you don't have the time (or desire) to take a hike or spend the weekend camping. Today we're solo chatting about ideas for how to connect with nature when you're in a city - connecting with your community, supporting local, taking little walks into new or familiar neighborhoods... you'll leave with lots of ideas for tiny ways you can incorporate the outdoors into your summer.

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Carissa Cabrera is a marine biologist and content creator dedicated to connecting people with conservation! We sit down for a conversation on all things ocean: how she became a marine biologist, the links between the ocean and climate change, and the role of content creators in sharing solutions. Carissa also shares perspectives from her home in Hawaii on ethical conservation tourism and conservation entry points - experiences like snorkeling, or reef-safe sunscreen, or watching a sea turtle hatching that encourages you to care more about the environment at large.

Find Carissa on TikTok @carissaandclimate + Instagram @carissaandclimate Find FutureSwell on Instagram at @FutureSwell Listen to FutureSwell's Sustainability & The Sea Podcast here on Apple

Related episodes: Reef Safe Sunscreens: Are They Truly Better? Conscious Travel + EcoTourism | Sophia Toomb

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Jessica Clifton is a sustainable lifestyle content creator and public lands enthusiast (like me!). On this very chatty episode, we talk about our favorite National Parks and how Jess recommends folks begin participating in more outdoor recreation - we talk about camping, involving friends and family, and her favorite parts about spending a weekend outdoors. Jess hosts Eco Retreats, where she brings a group with her to spend a week in a National Park with the goal of connecting with themselves, others, and nature. We talk all about the impact and success of these retreats - she has a few spots left for one she's leading to Zion this fall! Learn more about Jess' Eco Retreats here.

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Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Attempting today to tackle the classic environmentalist debate: is plastic bad? We're going through a brief history of plastic - from its accidental discovery to the WW2 utility of polythene, to how it ended up in American households (plus: Tupperware parties' influence on modern feminism). We're then reviewing how single use plastics became so prevalent in our world, and what how we as consumers should react to their negative environmental impact. We also highlight microplastics, the value of recycling plastics (or not?), and single-use plastic ban policies.

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Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With the orange haze coating NYC this week, there's been a lot of discussion about the unusual wildfires on Canada's east coast - while communities in the west worry about wildfires year-round, climate is becoming more unpredictable, so it's time to normalize these conversations from coast to coast. Today's episode is your introduction to wildfires - how the start, why they start, and how we work to prevent them from becoming too destructive. You'll leave with a great basis to discuss current events and a deeper understanding of how every natural event is clearly tied to a warming planet.

Thanks to our sponsors! CarawayHome.com/ECO for 10% off HelloFresh.com/EcoChic16 and code EcoChic16 for 16 free meals + free shipping

Let's connect - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Carinne Chambers-Saini is the founder and CEO of Diva (formerly DivaCup). She is an iconic trailblazer in the menstrual health space, with an industry disruptive brand that has mainstreamed menstrual cups worldwide. Carinne is a passionate advocate for period equity, and has made menstrual care eco-friendly, clean, and comfortable to talk about. We speak intimately today about menstrual education, how she has created a company culture of care, and the early days of entrepreneurship with such an innovative new product to the sanitary care aisle. You can watch Pandora’s Box: Lifting the Lid on Menstruation here on YouTube.Thanks to our sponsor today! Use code ECOCHIC for 20% off at Everlywell.comMeet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

The annual quickie Black Friday episode! We're all feeling the pressure to shop for ourselves, to shop off TikTok gift guides, to overbuy when we're starting early.... today's conversation will hopefully help us think more mindfully around what we're giving and how we're navigating sales.

Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Heidi Harmon is the former Mayor of San Luis Obispo, CA and currently serves as Senior Public Affairs Director of Let's Green CA!. She discusses impactful climate policies from her time in office, including affordable housing, sanctuary cities, and fighting utilities in phasing out methane gas in buildings. We also talk about electrification - personal vehicles, infrastructure, public transportation... imagining a world of climate-positive "public luxuries." Thanks to our sponsor! TryBite.com/ECOCHIC

Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

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We are overviewing the top climate solutions across four major sectors demanding major overhaul to heavily decarbonize: Transportation, the Built Environment, Food/Agriculture, and Electricity. As we are awaiting climate commitments from the currently-underway COP27, let's understand all the interwoven opportunities to meet our goals of keeping warming below 2C. Sectors discussed + resources:

Ep 157: All About COP: Climate Commitments + Inequities at the UN Conference of Parties

Transportation

Ep 203: The Power of Walkable Cities

Press release: DOE and DOT Launch Joint Effort to Build Out Nationwide Electric Vehicle Charging Network (US Dept of Energy, US Dept of Transportation)

Transportation Electrification (Western Resource Advocates)

Built Environment

Alternate Cement (Drawdown)

Ep 196: Creating Thoughtful Spaces | Amanda Gunawan

Food/agriculture

Examining America’s Farm Subsidy Problem (CATO Institute)

This is how much meat and dairy hurt the climate (Vox)

How composting can reduce our impact on the planet (UN Environmental Programme)

Electricity

Ep 168: Why Does Texas Lose Power During Storms? Power Grid 101 + The History of Electricity in the US

Emissions by sector: IPCC AR5 WG3 Page 7

Electricity sector page (Drawdown)

Thanks to our sponsors today!

Everlywell.com/ECOCHIC for 20% off (I got the food sensitivity test!!)

ShedTheSilence.com

Meet me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Walkability has some clear climate benefits: lower carbon footprints, resource sharing, and decreased reliance on cars for transportation. We're exploring all those, and also discussing some major social sustainability aspects to walkable cities, yielding healthier, happier communities. Today's episode is a deep dive through research on both the climate and community values around mixed-use developments.

All the resources mentioned today:

Project Drawdown: Walkable Cities

TEDTalk: Jeff Speck: The walkable city

TEDTalk: Amanda Burden: How public spaces make cities work

Active Community Environments and Health: The Relationship of Walkable and Safe Communities to Individual Health by Doyle et al. (Journal of the American Planning Association, 2006)

Episode 136: What is Social Sustainability?

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Lindsay McCormick is the Founder + CEO of Bite Toothpaste Bits, a brand dedicated to a plastic-free personal care routine through novel products, like their flagship, viral toothpaste tablets. Lindsay and I discuss all things sustainable entrepreneurship: early challenges, deep research, finding partners that align with your mission... everything from her previous career as a producer on House Hunters to pitching Shark Tank to capitalizing on viral videos across social channels. Lindsay is transparent and reflective - a fabulous teacher and mentor for anyone interested in disrupting an industry.

Thanks to our sponsor today! Aspiration.com/TREE

Find me online: @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

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We're learning from Yesh Pavlik Slenk, the Network Senior Manager of Environmental Defense Fund’s Climate Corps program and host of Degrees: Real talk about planet-saving careers. Yesh is literally an expert at helping folks get paid to save the planet - and she's sharing thoughtful insight and tangible tips, whether you're just starting your career journey, pivoting into a more climate-conscious role, or greening your current workplace. Yesh and I discuss skills and experiences we understand as valuable in the actively-changing sustainability career space. We close out on a personal note, where Yesh shares her experiences coping with climate guilt as a mother.

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CozyEarth.com with code ECOCHIC for 35% off sitewide

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Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by the coolest girls rebranding politics - Sammy Kanter and Maddie Medved, cohosts of The Girl and The Gov, The Podcast. Sammy and Maddie educate us on lesser-known political basics as we prep for Midterm Elections, coming up November 8th. We learn how to "review" candidates, what ballot initiatives are, and how to motivate our friends. Plus, we learn all about two major pieces of climate legislation (NY and CA) and two offices that have major climate pull we may not have thought much about (AZ and TX).

Thanks to today's sponsors!

CozyEarth.com with code ECOCHIC for 35% off

ShedTheSilence.com

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Annie Spence is a freelance creative and marketing consultant in fashion blogging, who also blogs and offers personal styling services. She's also one of my favorite people - an IRL friend turned internet bestie. Annie gives immediate, actionable tips for whatever stage you're in crafting the perfect-for-you closet: purging, finding your "uniform", deciding where to invest vs save, and all the little tricks for shopping secondhand both online and locally. We also share stories of our favorite thrifted finds and how we can involve friends in our sustainable fashion journeys.

Thanks to our sponsor! CozyEarth.com with code ECOCHIC for 35% off sitewide.

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

From costumes to chocolate... Halloween is an easy time to trip up on our conscious consumerism. We're discussing some quick tips to keep your waste and impulse purchases this time of year, and also exploring some heavier ethical issues surrounding seasonal consumerism. We discuss costumes, decor, chocolate's dark history of child slavery, palm oil ... a quickie episode jam-packed for whatever your sustainable spooky season looks like.

Articles:

Cocoa’s child laborers (Washington Post)

Supreme Court says chocolate companies cannot be sued over child slavery on African cocoa farms (Washington Post)

Palm oil is destroying rainforests. But try going a day without it. (National Geographic)

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Aspiration.com/ECOCHIC

DameProducts.com - use code ECOCHIC for 15% off site wide

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

With more extreme weather events, we're hearing more and more about climate refugees: communities forced to flee due to environmental factors. We are having a conversation about why people migrate, whether from gradual or sudden climate stressors, and how climate change is accelerating and exacerbating humanitarian crises globally.

Thanks to today's sponsors!

CozyEarth.com with code ECOCHIC for 35% off

ShedTheSilence.com

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Architect and sustainable design advocate Amanda Gunawan of OWIU Designs joins us to discuss spaces: how we live, the spaces we create, and how conscious consumption can be brought into your build environment. Amanda and I discuss thoughtful design, sustainable architecture and development, and some of our favorite 'trends' in mindful living spaces.

Thanks to our sponsor! Use ECOCHIC for 15% off sitewide at DameProducts.com.

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

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One of the most common pitfalls when we're working to become more conscious consumers is figuring out if the clothing we're buying is fast fashion. I'm breaking down five tried-and-true guidelines for us as we examine brands and think more deeply about our purchases. We're also walking through examples of greenwashing campaigns (cough cough, H&M Conscious) and discussing the juicy news of Kourtney Kardashian's appointment as Sustainability Ambassador for Boohoo (lol).

More resources for us:

Episode 188: How to Consciously Clean Out Your Closet

Episode 173: How to Spot Greenwashing

Fans call out Kourtney Kardashian Barker's new fashion collab with Boohoo (Cosmopolitan)

H&M Is Being Sued for Greenwashing. What Does That Mean For Fashion? (The Cut)

Some Of The Favorite Greenwashing Tactics Of Clothing Companies (Forbes)

Join us in celebrating 200 episodes of ECO CHIC!! Record 1-2 minutes of yourself sharing your favorite, creative sustainability tip - something you were excited to learn during your journey to live more eco-consciously, and something you'd like to share with the community. Topics may include but are absolutely not limited to: fashion, food, recreation/hobbies, family, events, school, savings.... just about anything can be tied back to our goals of more sustainable lifestyles. You can record a voice memo on your phone or computer (I think it is quite easy to record yourself on Zoom) and email me the MP3 at laura@lauraediez.com. Please share your name if you're comfortable! And please write something descriptive in the subject line, like "200th episode" or "200th voice memo." Thanks in advance!!! I cannot wait to hear these.

Thanks to today's sponsor! Vegamour.com/ECOCHIC, code ECOCHIC for 20% off

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Brennan Coker: content creator, food waste reduction superstar, and friend of the pod. Today's conversation is a friendly, fluid mix of take-home tips to reduce your own food waste and Brennan's reflections on becoming a TikTok educator.

Thanks to our sponsor! Use ECOCHIC for 15% off sitewide at DameProducts.com.

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We’re exploring a common sentiment in the sustainability space: eco-guilt, or any feelings of shortfalls around our own environmental action. We’re discussing the causes of these emotions, and how we can rationalize giving ourselves some grace around these self-defined benchmarks of being a “good” environmentalist. We’re also revisiting an excellent example of collective and personal action working together to create change from Tanja Hester of Ep 158.

More episodes on eco-anxiety: 155: Climate Anxiety + 5 Tips for Burnout 126: Climate Anxiety: How to Turn Worry into Compassionate Action with Dr. Renee Lertzman

Thanks to our sponsor today! Aspiration.com/ECOCHIC

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by fashion historian Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell for a fun, thoughtful conversation on women's ever-changing relationships with clothing. We explore the historical context of natural fibers and wedding gowns, and discuss the influence of the Industrial Revolution on our wardrobes. Kimberly discusses iconic styles we love today, like wrap dresses and body-cons, through their original influences and social contexts. We reflect on some of our favorite fashion moments and icons - from Princess Diana and Marie Antoinette, to the supermodels of the 1990s.

Dr. Kimberly Chrisman-Campbell is a fashion historian, curator, journalist, and best-selling author. She is currently a fellow at USC Libraries. Kimberly connects on Twitter as @HottyCouture and curates @WornOnThisDay. Skirts: Fashioning Modern Femininity In The Twentieth Century releases September 6.

Thanks to our sponsor! Use ECOCHIC for 15% off sitewide at DameProducts.com.

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're joined by Sharon Schneider, impact investor, social entrepreneur, and author of recently released Handbook for an Integrated Life: A Practical Guide to Aligning Your Everyday Choices With Your Internal Compass. We discuss the shady things big banks do with our money, and exploring alternatives like credit unions for our savings and mortgages. Sharon shares insight on charitable donations, and common traps to watch out for when you're hoping to donate. We lastly better define ESG, and misconceptions around socially conscious investing.

Learn more about Sharon + check out Handbook for an Integrated Life

Mentioned episode: 161: WTF is ESG? Stocks, Savings, + Socially Conscious Investing | Amanda Holden

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're talking today about practices and products that give the air of casual elegance - the girl that's always put together but never trying too hard, can host on a whim, and loves a little indulgent skincare. Creating moments of little luxury does not mean compromising our values of conscious consumption; we're exploring the more sustainable options to habits we're picking up with time.

Thanks to our sponsor! Use ECOCHIC for 15% off sitewide at DameProducts.com.

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Climate change has been front-and-center in the news this week - we're breaking down the big deal with heat waves across the United Kingdom, from public health to city infrastructure. More for you:

Episode 152: Heat Waves, MegaDroughts, + Wildfires...

Why 100-degree heat is so dangerous in the United Kingdom (NPR)

Heatwaves: What do they do to the body and who is at risk? (BBC)

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

We're walking through one of the trickest parts of building a more sustainable, ethical wardrobe: cleaning out the closet you already have! I've got five easy tips on how to critically assess what you already own, plus a handful of questions to ask yourself as you make new purchases to help stay true to your own values.

Thanks to today's sponsor: OregonState.ECampus.edu/ECOCHIC

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Poisoned Water: How The Citizens of Flint, Michigan, Fought For Their Lives and Warned the Nation is a powerful, personable reflection on one of the biggest public health failures in modern American history. We're reading this month with N'Dea Irvin-Choy of @bmekween - she is a PhD candidate in biomedical engineering, a superstar content creator, and an avid reader. We discuss the series of unfortunate events that led to the Flint Water Crisis, the power of self-advocacy and community organizing, and the citizen stories that impacted us.

Thanks to our sponsor! Use ECOCHIC for 15% off sitewide at DameProducts.com.

Find me online - @ecochicpodcast on Instagram + @lauraediez on Tiktok. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

How can the EPA actually tackle climate change? West Virginia vs EPA ruled that the agency doesn't have authority to regulate emissions reductions - so now what do we do about greenhouse gases? We're breaking down the case today, better understanding the Clean Air Act amendments, and learning more about what solutions are still available to reach our ambitious, necessary climate goals.

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Organifi.com with code "ECOCHIC"

HiyaHealth.com/ECOCHIC

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Today's episode is emotional - we are discussing the SCOTUS decision to overturn Roe v Wade, effectively retracting the constitutional right to abortion. We review what this decision means for women living in poverty, BIPOC women, women threatened by extreme weather events... and ultimately the challenges that continue to mount for these individuals in the face of climate change.

Soundbites:

Kamala Harris and Brett Kavanaugh at Mueller Hearing - "Can you think of any laws governing the male body?"

Justice Sonia Sotomayor during Dobbs Hearings Dec 2021

Resources + references:

How climate change poses unique risks to pregnancy, according to the latest IPCC report

Family Planning and Education - Project Drawdown

The Climate Crisis Is a Reproductive Justice Issue (NRDC)

Women, Gender Equality and Climate Change (United Nations)

Thanks to our sponsor! Nutrafol.com promo code "ECOCHIC" for $15 off

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We're chatting with Emily Pelland of @hikingwithheels all things outdoor recreation. Emily shares her story of building up an online presence as a hiker-influencer, and the challenges that ultimately encouraged her to step away from the space. We discuss the behind-the-scenes of creating her beautiful images, community in the online space, and the positives/negatives of publicizing trails (the very controversial: should you tag locations?). Emily shares tips on responsible hiking for beginners and we reflect on stories of some of our favorite online spaces.

Resources:

Leave No Trace

AllTrails.com

Is Geotagging on Instagram Ruining Natural Wonders? Some Say Yes (New York Times)

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ecampus.oregonstate.edu/ecochic

organifi.com with code "ECOCHIC" for 15% off

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Taking a juicy, investigative look into one of the most controversial sustainability topics: bottled water. We are diving deep into the controversies surrounding big brands like Nestle (and the 51 brands they own) and Fiji - what the players in this multibillion-dollar industry legally have claim to, how they interact with governments, and how communities are speaking out.

Next book club pick: Poisoned Water: How the Citizens of Flint, Michigan, Fought for Their Lives and Warned the Nation by Candy J. Cooper, Marc Aronson. We're reading with N'Dea of @bmekween!

For your own research:

Ep 123: Water, Public Health, Advocacy, + A Julia Roberts Film | Erin Brockovich

Nestle's Water Controversy, Explained (Mashed)

Facing Droughts, California Challenges Nestlé Over Water Use (NY Times)

The fight to stop Nestlé from taking America's water to sell in plastic bottles

The Dark Secret of FIJI Water (New University)

The Truth About Fiji Water (Mashed)

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We are rewinding to one of my favorite guests ever! We’re joined by Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, a brilliant environmental justice scholar passionate about empowering BIPOC communities! Wawa is a recent alumnus of the University of Connecticut, and a Rhodes scholar attending Oxford continuing her intersectional environmental studies.

She has had two recently published pieces shake the Internet: her piece in Vice titled “It’s Time for Environmental Studies to Own Up to Erasing Black People,” and in Glamour, “Want to be an Environmentalist? Start with Antiracism.” Our conversation today covers a lot of ground, primarily stemming from this ideal of white environmentalism: we discuss racism + social justice in the conservation movement, and also in how BIPOC communities experience outdoor recreation; the whitewashing of environmental studies and histories; unpaid internships + tokenism, especially when it comes to making big nature-focused organizations into more diversity. Wawa speaks honestly about generational trauma and violence against Black folx, and criminalization still present today; this leads us to the topic of accessibility to the outdoors for non-white students.

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Audio Player Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

What makes an "it bag"? I'm breaking down my thesis on "stuff for status," high-price overconsumption, through the lens of designer handbags. We go through the stories behind iconic designer handbags - Hermes Kelly and Birkin, the Gucci Jackie, and the Lady Dior - and spiral into the influence of pop culture on designer handbag purchases - how did Carrie Bradshaw effectively create a market for the Fendi Baguette? We brainstorm around perceived value and the impact of social media on re-issued bags, like the Dior Saddle Bag, and the democratization of luxury through inexpensive production inputs, like Prada's nylon collections.

Soundbites:

Jane Birkin on CBS Sunday Morning, 2018

Leah Black and Lisa Hochenstein on Real Housewives of Miami Season 3 (Bravo)

Dana Thomas at Google Talks, 2007

More for you:

Episode 140: How Luxury Lost Its Lustre | Book Club with Megan McSherry

Vogue.com's It Bag Hall of Fame: A History of the Most Coveted Accessories

Bloomberg: Dior Brought Back the Saddle Bag With a Global Instagram Blitz

Racked: I Started Rewatching ‘Sex and the City’ and Now I Have to Have a Fendi Baguette

Vogue: From Princess Diana to today: The history of the iconic Lady Dior bag

Vanity Fair: Inside the Hermès Workshop That Makes Its Iconic Bags

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Nutrafol.com, promo code "ECOCHIC"

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Brook Harvey-Taylor is the Founder + President of Pacifica Beauty, a 100% vegan and cruelty-free beauty brand dedicated to accessibility, sustainability, and above all else, compassion of people, animals, and the planet. Brook and I discuss the industry landscape in the mid-1990s, when Pacifica was launched, and how the brand has continued to evolve. Brook shares insights on packaging, reflections on consumer power, and thoughts on the power of radical collaboration.

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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We read Aja Barber's debut book, Consumed, this month, + Morgan (@mostlyecomorgan) and I could wait to discuss it! Consumed: The Need for Collective Change: Colonialism, Climate Change, and Consumerism pushed us to reassess our frameworks on sustainability and fashion. We discuss major themes such as the international 'secondhand' market (read: >80% of donated clothes in the Global South are sent overseas), major financial disparities of multinational brands, + the pressure on consumers to both buy more and buy better.

More for you: 135: The Real Problems with Fast Fashion: How Racism, Classism, + Saviorism Perpetuate an Exploitive System | Aja Barber

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

We're speaking with California-based reporter Gabrielle Canon about all things mega-drought: how droughts impact wildfires (and the prep we can do for those), how early water policy was crafted in the West, and superstar city solutions to mitigate and adapt to the water-climate crisis.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok. Audio Player

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Actress Torrey DeVitto joins us to talk all things sustainability - we chat about how she maintains her vegan makeup and fashion values on film sets, and I get all the details on the 8 acre farm she is renovating to become an animal rescue! We also discuss Torrey's spiritual wellness practices, astrology, and her favorite DIY beauty routines at home.

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We welcome on our Earth Day episode Dr. Kim Nicholas, Associate Professor of Sustainability Science at Lund and author of UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE: How to be Human in a Warming World. We discuss the emotional side of the climate crisis – coping with feelings of fear, and nurturing your passions in becoming the best climate citizen you can be. Kim walks us through the the stages of Climate Acceptance, and we explore the value of community and trust building in the face of increasing environmental uncertainty.

Prof. Kimberly Nicholas is a sustainability scientist at Lund University in Sweden. She has published over 55 articles on climate and sustainability in leading peer-reviewed journals; writes for publications such as Elle, The Guardian, Scientific American, and New Scientist; and is the author of UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE: How to be Human in a Warming World, and the monthly climate newsletter We Can Fix It. She gives lectures and moderates at about 75 international meetings and organizations each year across public policy, civil society, arts and culture, the wine industry, foundations, and academia. Her work has been featured by outlets including the BBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, National Public Radio, Public Radio International, Vox, and USA Today. Born and raised on her family’s vineyard in Sonoma, California, she studied the effect of climate change on the California wine industry for her PhD in the Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources at Stanford University.

Thank you to our sponsors today!

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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We welcome on our Earth Day episode Dr. Kim Nicholas, Associate Professor of Sustainability Science at Lund and author of UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE: How to be Human in a Warming World. We discuss the emotional side of the climate crisis – coping with feelings of fear, and nurturing your passions in becoming the best climate citizen you can be. Kim walks us through the the stages of Climate Acceptance, and we explore the value of community and trust building in the face of increasing environmental uncertainty. Prof. Kimberly Nicholas is a sustainability scientist at Lund University in Sweden. She has published over 55 articles on climate and sustainability in leading peer-reviewed journals; writes for publications such as Elle, The Guardian, Scientific American, and New Scientist; and is the author of UNDER THE SKY WE MAKE: How to be Human in a Warming World, and the monthly climate newsletter We Can Fix It. She gives lectures and moderates at about 75 international meetings and organizations each year across public policy, civil society, arts and culture, the wine industry, foundations, and academia. Her work has been featured by outlets including the BBC, The New York Times, The Washington Post, The Atlantic, National Public Radio, Public Radio International, Vox, and USA Today. Born and raised on her family’s vineyard in Sonoma, California, she studied the effect of climate change on the California wine industry for her PhD in the Interdisciplinary Program in Environment and Resources at Stanford University.

Thank you to our sponsors today!

TakeCareOf.com with code “ecochic50”

DRINKLMNT.com/ECOCHIC

shop.analuisa.com/ecochic with code “ecochic”

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

The episode all about pollinators! We’re joined by Dr. Gail Langellotto, professor of Horticulture, Entomology, and Master Gardener Program at Oregon State University. We learn about healthy gardens, the value of native plants, and what we really mean when we say “save the bees!”. This conversation is friendly and value-packed for the novice (read: me, nervous to grow herbs on my patio) and the expert gardener alike.

More for you:

Ep 112 with Rosalee de la Forte: Kitchen Herbs, Natural Medicine + How To Eat More Plants

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This episode is a new style I’m excited about! We are listening to and expanding upon five soundbites from news media this week from experts on the latest IPCC Working Group III report, focused on Mitigation. Topics include public health, extreme weather, climate solutions, and how much time we truly have left to combat the climate crisis. If you’d like to follow along with referenced charts, I make references to the Summary for Policy Makers.

Featured soundbites:

Antonio Guterres, Secretary General of United Nations

Dinah Voyles Pulver, USA Today

Maria Neira, WHO Director Dept of Environment + Sophie Gumy, WHO Technician

Mans Nilsson, Executive Director of Stockholm Environment Institute

More episodes mentioned:

169: How Climate Change is Impacting Communities + Ecosystems | IPCC AR6 WG2 Lead Authors Dr. Libby Jewett + Dr. Kirstin Holsman of NOAA

160: Diasters Aren’t Natural: Management Catastrophes + The Climate Crisis | Dr. Samantha Montano

156: What To Know About Compound Extreme Events

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Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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Earth Month campaigns are upon us! Let’s break down some examples of buzzwords, like “clean,” “eco-friendly,” “earth conscious”… things that mean basically nothing without clear, measurable definitions! We use Girlfriend Collective as an example of brand that is backing up claims of environmental commitments and ethicality (and what we’re looking for in other brands). We also deep dive into standards and certifications to look out for.

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The current crisis in Ukraine is an unfortunate lesson in the dangers of fossil fuel dependency. We’re joined by renowned behavioral scientist Dr. Sweta Chakraborty to better understand how Russia’s invasion of the sovereign nation of Ukraine is clearly, inexplicably linked to the global oil market, and how we as everyday consumers are both feeling it (hint: gas prices) and contributing to the crisis.

More for you:

Ep 161: WTF is ESG? Stocks, Savings, + Socially Conscious Investing | Amanda Holden

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DRINKLMNT.com/ecochic

ecampus.oregonstate.edu/ecochic

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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Let’s better understand a term that a lot of our conversations here are founded on: environmental racism. We better understand what injustices upon BIPOC communities look like, how they may be legally combatted, and the adjacent valuable concept of intersectionality.

More for you:

Ep 111 with Leah Thomas on Intersectional Environmentalism; How Race and Culture Impact Your Identity as an Environmentalist

Ep 123 with Erin Brockovich: Water, Public Health, + A Julia Roberts Film

Ep 144: Environmental Scandals: Piney Point, Superfund Sites, + Oil Spills

Article: Race Best Predicts Whether You Live Near Pollution (The Nation)

Article: New report underscores racial prejudices in Superfund sites (The Hill)

Article: Environmental Racism Persists Amid EPA Inaction (NBC News)

Thank you to our sponsors today!

www.ecampus.oregonstate.edu/ecochic

Seed Synbiotic, code ECOCHIC

dipseastories.com/ecochic, code ECOCHIC

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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We’re breaking down the golden standard manual of ethical entrepreneurship: Let My People Go Surfing: The Education of a Reluctant Businessman by Patagonia founder Yvon Chouinard. We read this month with Kathleen Sheppard, founder of sustainable swimwear and activewear line Tiller. We discuss fundraising (her two super successful Kickstarter campaigns!) and what we learned from the handbook on knowing your consumer, crafting quality products, and corporate commitments to planet over profit.

We’re sponsored today by:

betterhelp.com/ecochic

oseamalibu.com with code ‘ECOCHIC’

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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The latest global climate report was released this Monday! The IPCC’s AR6 Working Group 2 report summarizes the current climate science around adaptation, and the socio-economic and governance impacts of climate change. I’m excited to be joined by lead authors Dr. Libby Jewett, founding Director of the NOAA Ocean Acidification Program, and Dr. Kirstin Holsman, NOAA Research Fishery Biologist and co-lead investigator on the Alaska Climate Integrated Modeling Project. We learn how they became involved as lead authors on the IPCC report, plus more deeply understand themes of maladaptation, colonialism, socio-economics, and more intersectional discussions of the report, particularly through the lens of marine communities.

If you’re looking to learn more about topics mentioned today:

160: Diasters Aren’t Natural: Management Catastrophes + The Climate Crisis | Dr. Samantha Montano

150: Why Is The Arctic Warming So Fast?

156: What To Know About Compound Extreme Events

We’re sponsored today by:

www.ecampus.oregonstate.edu/ecochic

Seed Symbiotic, code ECOCHIC

shop.analuisa.com/ecochic (here is the link to the necklace I mentioned loving! code “ECOCHIC”)

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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When you plug in to an outlet or flip a switch, I bet you don’t think twice about if power will actually come from that action. One of our favorite things to talk about over here is science that influences our everyday lives – which happens to be science we just don’t know about when we should. We’re talking today about power grids, energy reliability, and how America manages the supply and demand of electricity. This leads us to answer our ultimate Q: why does the state of Texas so often lose power during extreme weather events? Let’s better understand ERCOT, FDR’s 1935 infrastructure package, what it means for a grid to be regulated…. all the things that allow us to usually not think twice about our electric bills. We also go through a quick timeline on energy in the US (spoiler: I refer to both Benjamin Franklin and Thomas Edison as “our boys”) and get some perspective on why power is priced the way it is.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and now TikTok.

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We’re rewinding to a fabulous conversation on sustainable red carpet fashion, the future of textiles, and fashion houses’ environmental commitments. We’re joined by Suzy Amis Cameron, founder, and Samata, CEO, of Red Carpet Green Dress. We unpack issues around blanket sustainability statements, and discuss how both celebrities and the fashion industry can move towards a more inclusive eco-conscious space. We also discuss their partnership with TENCEL Luxe (which is still going on strong!) and innovation in textiles.

Thank you to today’s sponsors! Learn more at:

www.ecampus.oregonstate.edu/ecochic

betterhelp.com/ecochic

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

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Here comes the susty bride! We’re hearing from three new brides on how they considered their eco-conscious values throughout the wedding planning process. Sophia shares her tips for shopping secondand and DIY’ing decor; Katharine shares her experience are a covid bride, making simple swaps that allowed her to stay true to herself; Lisa sheds light on the financial benefits (and drawbacks) to organizing an eco-friendly event.

Thank you to our three lovely speakers! Everyone was truly such a wealth of knowledge – while they all had very different experiences, their sentiments around doing your best complimented each other so well.

Today’s episode is sponsored by BetterHelp. Get 10% off your first month at BetterHelp.com/ECOCHIC

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

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We’re discussing likely our most requested book club pick … the iconic Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer! Braiding Sweetgrass is a beautiful collection of essays through which author Kimmerer, a member of the Citizen Potawatomi Nation, blends her Indigenous knowledge and appreciation of the natural world with her scientific lens. “Drawing on her life as an indigenous scientist, a mother, and a woman, Kimmerer shows how other living beings … offer us gifts and lessons, even if we’ve forgotten how to hear their voices.”

We’re reading with Sameera Polavarapu, environmental advocate, strategic design graduate student, + host of the Environmentenlist podcast.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

We’re joined by scientist, author, and activist Dr. Jessica Hernandez on the release week of her new book, Fresh Banana Leaves: Healing Indigenous Landscapes Through Indigenous Science. I am beyond excited to share with you this intellectual, emotional, holistic conversation – we discuss ecofeminism, intergenerational environmental trauma, and why indigenous science should not be labeled a speciality.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

I am so excited to share with you the results from our ECO CHIC Wrapped 2021 Survey!! One of our major take-aways from the responses is that we’d like more conversations on the intersection of environmentalism and mental health – so today we are scratching the surface of issue fatigue. Why do people sometimes just not care about climate change? And why is that when we already care about climate change, sometimes we just can’t really care about everything? We’re going into the new year with compassion, giving ourselves grace, and encouraging balance in our climate community.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

We’re finally diving into one of my most anticipated books of the year – Saving Us: A Climate Scientist’s Case for Hope and Healing in a Divided World by Dr. Katharine Hayhoe! We are joined by Emily Stochl, host of the Pre-Loved Podcast, Remake Ambassador, Secondhand Fashion Superstar Extraordinaire.. and all around one of my favorite people I’ve met through this show. This book very clearly set out to help readers talk about the climate crisis; Emily and I unpack the frameworks and case studies showcased in Saving Us, and discuss how we can take some of the communication approaches shared to better our own day-to-day climate advocacy.

Mentioned episodes:

108: Climate Change Today, Solutions, Footprints + Communicating Climate | Dr. Katharine Hayhoe* 130: Thrift, Garment Workers’ Protection Act, Ethical Secondhand | Emily Stochl, Pre-Loved Podcast

Take the ECO CHIC end of the year survey here!! Shouldn’t take more than five minutes and will help us create your favorite podcast ever.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.Audio Player

We’re getting smarter about the biggest way we vote with our dollar … we’re talking all about investing today with Investing Expert and all-around bada$$ money mama Amanda Holden. Amanda educates us on the basics of financial literacy – stocks, funds, ETFs, and every other buzz-word in the space. We also get into the topic of socially conscious investing, and what ESG means (spoiler: environmental, social, governance). Amanda sheds light on the ‘greenwashing’ and misconceptions around socially conscious investing, and we leave empowered to better assess our goals balancing goals of ethical investing and long-term financial health.

Take the ECO CHIC end of the year survey here!! Shouldn’t take more than five minutes and will help us create your favorite podcast ever.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

We’re joined by our favorite disasterologist, Dr. Samantha Montano! We get into everything you’ve ever wanted to know about living with stronger hurricanes, tornados, heatwaves… and just how we can protect our communities.

We speak today about the event that first encouraged her to get involved in the space – recovery in New Orleans immediately following Hurricane Katrina and the Levee Failure. Samantha educates of the phases of Disaster Management (and what can go right or wrong in each one!), and gaps in our current legal and political systems when it comes to actively preparing for and mitigating events that are often incorrectly referred to as ‘natural disasters.’ We also dig deeper into the mismanagement of the covid catastrophe response.

Dr. Montano is an assistant professor of emergency management at Massachusetts Maritime Academy. She is the author of Disasterology: Dispatches from The Frontlines of The Climate Crisis published by Park Row. She earned her B.S. in Psychology from Loyola University New Orleans and an M.S. and Ph.D. in Emergency Management from North Dakota State University.

Ep 156: What To Know About Compound Extreme Events (11 mins)* Articles on mentioned New Orleans Lower Ninth Ward home rebuilding; here (NBC) and here (Bloomberg).

Take the ECO CHIC end of the year survey here!! Shouldn’t take more than five minutes and will help us create your favorite podcast ever.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

We’re revisiting a deeply educational and tea-spilling episode with Brittany Peet, Deputy General Counsel for Captive Animal Law Enforcement at PETA. You may recognize her from Tiger King – the voice of reason, ethics, and reality amongst the otherwise outlandish cast of characters. Brittany and I discuss the differences between zoos, sanctuaries, and roadside attractions, and what to look for as an ethical consumer of animal entertainment. Speaking of entertainment… we discuss the iconic Britney Spears 2001 VMA preformance (you know the one – yellow python, tigers, and behind-the-scenes of Doc Antle with Brit). Is it ever okay to have an animal “working” in the entertainment industry? Brittany even shares some intel on where lawsuits stand with multiple members of the Tiger King cast, and how everyday citizens like ourselves can advocate for legislation like the Big Cat Public Safety Act.

From PETA: How to Tell if a Place Is a REAL Animal Sanctuary ; Roadside Zoos and Other Captive-Animal Displays

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

Is ‘conscious consumerism’ enough? This week we’re exploring what it means to truly use your dollars to influence change with author and activist Tanja Hester. Tanja’s upcoming book, Wallet Activism: How To Use Every Dollar You Spend, Earn, and Save as a Force for Change bridges the knowledge divide between environmental and social activism, and acts as a through, no-BS handbook to navigate the nuances of thoughtful spending (and saving!). Our conversation explores case studies of the power of collective and policy action, consumer guilt, and how to do your best in a (broken) capitalist society.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter.

Find Tanja @our_nextlife on Instagram and at tanjahester.com

Thank you to our sponsor today, American Blossom Linens! Use ECOCHIC20 for 20% off

The Super Bowl of Climate Change Solutions has started… the 26th convening of the United Nations Conference of Parties kicked of Monday, Nov 1 and runs for two weeks for governments to discuss climate commitments, progress, and make serious pledges to collective action. Today we’re getting context on COP – what to expect and wha we actually want to see come out of the event. We’re also of course shining a light on the serious inequities around attendance, plus who is there that just… shouldn’t be (cough cough, fossil fuel companies!!). There is also a promising private sector COP happening in the same building – we’re breaking down the value of companies, financial institutions, and other interested parties rallying behind their own climate commitments, separate from whatever countries may (or may) not negotiate. This episode is timely, informative, and dare I say a little saucy.

Activists to keep up with on the ground include @queerbrownvegan, @browngirlgreen, @ayishas12, @iamgarbagequeen + @sophiasgaler

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez !

We’re talking extreme weather today – frequency, intensity, and what we should actually be worrying about. Let’s first bust the myth that climate change is causing more storms, and then get into why we are actually seeing stronger storms. We go through hurricanes, snow storms, and other weather events warmer ocean surface temperatures can influence. We talk risk, touching a bit on climate models and the issues around planning in industries like real estate. Scary stuff… so we close with some self reflection and positivity!!

Resources:

152: Heat Waves, MegaDroughts, + Wildfires, Oh My… * 150: Why Is The Arctic Warming So Fast? IPCC Summary for Policymakers * Climate Change Is Making Hurricanes Stronger, Researchers Find (NY Times) As Earth warms, will snowstorms be a thing of the past? (Washington Post)

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez !

I’ve taken an unintentional hiatus recently, largely due to some recent heightened climate anxiety… so today, we are defining climate or eco- anxiety, and breaking down some tips from the American Psychological Association on how to best combat these feelings. We’re talking burnout, dissociation, and making sure we’re setting ourselves up best to regularly support our mental health around this climate crisis, not just when we’re getting big waves of doom-and-gloom.

Episodes mentioned:

126: Climate Anxiety: How to Turn Worry into Compassionate Action with Dr. Renee Lertzman

141: Climate/Sustainability Careers Chic Chats

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez !

We’re joined by four friends of the pod today to discuss experiences within the queer community and environmental spaces!! Our LGBTQ+ -focused episode is value-packed with arguably the most vast range of topics + perspectives of any call-in episode yet. We’re speaking with Isaias of @QueerBrownVegan, who breaks down the framework behind queer sustainability. Emerald discusses the value in safe queer communities, from climbing to hiking and other recreational experiences. Izzy shares the ethical concerns around pride merch, following her article with Fashion Revolution, ‘Who Made My Pride Merch.’ Lastly, Jackson discusses his experience whole-heartedly accepting his queer identity while establishing boundaries to prevent tokenism; he also shares excellent insight on how to respond when someone comes out to you.

Special thank you to our speakers today for their transparency, empathy, + willingness to share their stories! I really loved putting this episode together because it was deeply personal while being deeply educational. I would love to do another collection similar to this one again soon, because the LGBTQ+ community is so diverse and it would be just about impossible to claim I’ve included all experiences/perspectives in today’s episode.

More:

Listen to Isaias Hernandez on Ep 139: Eco Education, Environmental Justice, Content Creation * Who Made My Pride Merch? by Izzy McLeod for Fashion Revolution* Why Queer Liberation Is an Environmental Justice Issue by Lisa Pradhan for Earth Justice

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez !

We are discussing the sustainable fashion favorite, The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth Cline, with Moji Igun. The Conscious Closet is a highly recommended, holistic guide to building a more mindful wardrobe – from closet audits, living wages, truly sustainable garments, and everything in between surrounding the fashion revolution. This conversation gets into the environmental, ethical, and emotional sides of clothing: how can we do good and look good? Moji is a zero-waste expert and founder of Blue Daisi Consulting, zero-waste consulting and eco-conscious solutions for supporting more mindful businesses.

Other episodes + resources mentioned:

140: How Luxury Lost Its Luster | Book Club with Megan McSherry Megan McSherry’s ebook, Make The Most of What’s In Your Closet 143: The Case For Appointing A Fashion Czar | Elizabeth Segran Dr. Liz Segran’s article, President Biden, Appoint A Fashion Czar on Fast Company A Brief Guide To Fabrics (by me!) on instagram NYTimes expanding on the mentioned ethical issues within Everlane: Everlane’s Promise of ‘Radical Transparency’ Unravels Glossy article expanding on the mentioned ethical issues within Reformation: The Rise And Fall of Reformation

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez !

Today we are continuing our Climate 101 education with a timely summer topic: the current heat waves, wildfires, and massive droughts being experienced in the American West. We’ll figure out what a heat waves actually is, plus learn about the nuances contributing to our 20+ year megadrought. Spoiler alert: climate change is worsening natural occurances. We also better understand wildfires: how they start and what is making them so severe and frequent.

Fun, educational, and full of reminders (and my personal soapbox) about water subsidizes and camping responsibly.

Mentioned + additional articles:

The Western Drought Is Bad. Here’s What You Should Know About It. (New York Times) Why the intense U.S. drought is now a megadrought by Mark Kaufman ‘Megadrought’ persists in western U.S., as another extremely dry year develops (National Geographic)

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring today’s episode – learn more about how you can earn up to $200 by opening an account at aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We read Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy in May… and we LOVED it. Jessica Clifton shares how she strategically crafted her career as a sustainability influencer, we chat about our reading habits, and then thoroughly unpack what has been named one of the best novels of 2020. Migrations centers around Franny Stone, a women who seems constantly on the run, as she follows what is believed to be the final migration of the Arctic terns. The novel has been discussed as ‘climate fiction,’ and both Jessica and I found that label totally believable as we unpack themes of mass extinction, overfishing, conservationism… so nicely packed into big stories of love, loss, and personal evolution. We discuss the book’s so-well-picked, intentional symbols, timeline hopping, and of course the wild ending!! Our episode has spoilers (there was just so much to discuss!) and glowing reviews.

Next month we are reading The Conscious Closet by Elizabeth Cline with Moji Igun.

Set the scene for yourself with my latest, Episode 150: Why Is The Arctic Warming So Quickly?

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring today’s episode – learn more about how you can earn up to $200 by opening an account at aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

The Arctic is warming almost twice as fast as the rest of the planet… yikes! There are more headlines each day about the rapidly rising average temperatures – as of this month, early June, almost all of the Arctic is at or above freezing. This isn’t the only issue though (dare I say it’s just the tip of the iceberg??) … we’re going to better understand how warmer winters make way for more problematic, otherwise typically warm summers. We’re defining the albedo effect, or polar amplification, and the feedback loop that keeps this Arctic warming constant. Another shocking news bit is big ice sheets breaking off – how does glacial calving happen? We’ll get clear on the difference between icebergs and glaciers (and why the Titanic hit one and not the other)…. and wrap up with some fun facts that will hopefully win you a point or two at trivia night: why skiiers always seem to be sunburned, and how Antartica is actually the world’s biggest desert.

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring today’s episode – learn more about how you can earn up to $200 by opening an account at aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We’re sharing one of our most personal, coming-of-age episodes yet – we’re speaking beauty standards, acne and skin “flaws”, and coming-of-age realizations of body dismorphia (tw). Carolyn Yachanin is the creator of Copina Co, plant-based collagen boosts. Collagen is often touted as the wellness additive you just need in your beauty routine – but if your beauty supplements are coming from animals, that’s a whole other can of worms to come to terms with with an ethical, healthy lifestyle. Carolyn discusses her journey to creating a product, one of the firsts of its kind, and how she has hustled Copina Co into shops like Erewhon, Anthropologie, and Urban Outfitters. We also discuss the need for a revamp of our collective definition of “beauty” – instead, let’s focus on treating ourselves well, feeling our bests, and staying happy and confident in our own skin. This episode is jam-packed with business tips plus some deeply vulnerable conversations on beauty and self-love.

If you’d like to check out Copina Co for yourself, use code ECOCHIC for 15% off at copinaco.com

Also check out:

Ep 138: Holistic Skincare with Dr. Mamina Turegano* Ep 133: The Science of Skin + Myths of the Beauty Industry with Jessica DeFino

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring today’s episode – learn more about how you can earn up to $200 by opening an account at aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

In April we read Bill Gates’ latest: a manual on climate change for the general public, How To Avoid A Climate Disaster, with environmental justice advocate + influencer (and my friend!) Zahra Biabani of @Soulful_Seeds. The nonfiction work has received lots of press and praises from mainstream outlets, so we were intrigued – but the climate and sustainability community online was largely outspoken in its distaste for a billionaire-authored book on the climate crisis. Zahra shares a bit of insight on the influencer controversy with the book, and we share similar sentiments of ickiness. We critically break down what we liked and didn’t like; we discuss energy poverty, agriculture, environmental justice, geoengineering… all of it. We finish with our out-of-5 ratings and review of the book.

Next month we will be reading Migrations by Charlotte McConaghy – our first fiction book club pick! Migrations is a novel about a researcher in Greenland following the migration of Arctic terns (birds – I’m already obsessed) + evolves into her story of love, family, + crime. 👀 This book has it all!! @Goodreads describes it as “an ode to a disappearing world and a breathtaking page-turner about the possibility of hope against all odds.” We will be reading with Jessica Clifton of @ImpactForGood.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez !

We’re joined by one of my very first guests and very favorite people in the sustainability space – Ashlee Piper!! Ashlee is a TV personality, sustainability consultant, and author of Give A Shit: Do Good. Live Better. Save The Planet – which has become quite the golden ticket, go-to guidebook for both aspiring and seasoned sustainability advocates. We talk all about influence, and how to communicate with audiences both online and IRL, and what it means to be an ‘influential’ person online in this special, relatively new world of eco-activism. We speak about greenwashing and misconceptions in the movement. I ask the burning question: how did you write a book? Ashlee, the realest woman around, gives us all the details from conception to publishing, and how the reception of her book has continued to evolve over time. Lastly, we speak about the individual action in sustainable living, versus collective, policy-driven action – should it be one or the other?

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring today’s episode – learn more about how you can earn up to $200 by opening an account at aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We are speaking to the thoughtful, empowering, badass woman behind the most fabulous, transparent, ethical beauty brand I’ve known yet – Abena Boamah-Achempong, founder of Hanahana Beauty! Hanahana began as a line of whipped shea butter, created through Abena’s own desire for a moisturizer that both reflected her cultural roots and wasn’t full of weird filler ingredients. Abena shares with us her childhood in a Ghanian household, her impactful travels to Ghana, and how she continues to support her community through her business. Her time as a public school teacher influenced Abena’s understanding of ethics and access, and she’s since ensured that Hanahana holds itself to high standards: fair wages, ethical sourcing, and holistic sustainability. We learn how shea butter is made (honestly, wow!) and how the beauty industry has watered down such a cultural precious ingredient. Plus, we chat about how Abena practices self-care and boundary setting as an innovator and industry leader. This conversation was seirously so much fun (lots of laughs) and so jam-packed with value – Abena and Hanahana are likely the best examples of true sustainability I’ve learned from.

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring this episode! To learn more about managing your money for a better planet, and get up to $200, check out Aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Our Earth Week episode has me fired up about the topic that first brought many of us into sustainable living: the plastic crisis! We’re joined today by Emma Rose Cohen, the CEO and founder of Final, creators of FinalStraw—the world’s first reusable, collapsible straw that raised nearly $2 million on Kickstarter. We’re talking all about the product idea that that totally took the internet by storm: resourcefulness, building community, and of course, everything about fighting single-use. We also chat about our collective qualms with the recycling economy, greenwashing, corporate sustainability, and innovative plastic alternatives.

Prior to launching Final, Emma earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from University of California, Santa Barbara and received a Master’s Degree from Harvard in Environmental Management and Sustainability. She then spent four years working in the Waste Minimization Department at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In the last decade, Emma’s passion for sustainability motivated her to help found a nonprofit, Save the Mermaids, with a mission to educate children about the harmful effects of single-use plastics. Since 2018, Emma has grown Final from a one product company to a company with an entire line of convenient, sustainable alternatives. Waste is just a design flaw. Emma and the Final team are on a mission to change that.

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring our show! To learn more about Aspiration, visit aspiration.com/eco.

Find me on: Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We are gossiping today about environmental scandals! We’ll start off breaking down last week’s events at Piney Point, a resovoir in Florida holding toxic phosphate mining byproducts that began leaking. We then discuss America’s first Superfund site, Love Canal, NY – and why Superfund sites must be discussed through the lens of environmental racism. Then, we’ll detail water contamination in Hinkley, CA, the largest class action lawsuit in American history and the sceanario that inspired the film Erin Brockovich. Lastly, we discuss oil spills: the 2010 Deepwater Horizon, the largest oil spill in history, and the Exxon Valdez. We wrap up discussing the ‘value’ in scandals, regulation, advocacy, and what we’re still waiting on.

Listen to our episode with Erin Brockovich here: 123: Water, Public Health, + A Julia Roberts Film

Let’s chat!! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Thank you to Aspiration for sponsoring today’s episode! Learn more about a better way to bank at aspiration.com/green.

We are speaking today with Elizabeth Segran, senior staff writer at Fast Company, about her February article, “President Biden, Appoint A Fashion Czar!“. The article gained wild amounts of attention and support from fashion advocates online, and we’re discussing today why this concept makes so much sense given the lack of transparency between brands and consumers. We discuss garment workers, sweat shops, pollution, emissions, global coordination… all the nuances to solving the fashion crisis. We also dive deep into what policy mechanisms may be used to support such government regulation and oversight to the industry.

Elizabeth Segran is senior staff writer at Fast Company, whose work has appeared in a range of publications including The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, and more. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in the field of South and Southeast Asian Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Women, Gender and Sexuality. She is a global nomad who grew up in Brussels, Paris, Singapore, Jakarta and London before moving to New York to attend Columbia University.

Let’s chat!! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We talk about ethical, ‘clean’ beauty, but today we’re taking it one step further and learning about the tools on our vanities: brushes. We’re learning about fibers (did you know brushes were historically animal fibers?!), self-love, sustainable supply chains, and more with beauty pioneer Anisa Telwar Kaicker of ANISA International.

As the #1 global manufacturer of your favorite make-up tools since the 1990’s (think Estée Lauder, NARS, Tom Ford, Shiseido, TooFaced and more), Anisa has been a pioneer in clean beauty and fair trade in both her products and factories. She spearheaded initiatives like using synthetic fibers instead of animal hair in make-up brushes, and reducing her company’s landfill waste by 20% each year – we’re discussing innovation and the value in owning both of her manufacturing facilities! We also explore the necessity efficient, ethical supply and chain processes, any always ensuring employees and brush artisans (a 90% female workforce) are paid fairly and well taken care of.

Utilizing her ethical and clean beauty manufacturing model, Anisa launched her first B2C brand in October 2019, ANISA Beauty, focusing on functional skincare brushes designed with real consumer needs. Anisa is committed to educating consumers on healthier skincare habits, through partnerships with experts like celebrity MUA Sean Harris and influencers Rose Siard and Allison McNamara, and resources on the website such as the Brush Finder (my personal favorite resource!).

Thank you to ANISA Beauty for partnering with me on this episode. You can use the code ECO50 for 50% off your purchase of ANISA Beauty brushes at anisabeauty.com !

Let’s chat!! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We’re joined by five brilliant, trailblazing, superstar listeners to learn about their careers in climate and sustainability! I also share some insight on my career in local government and podcasting. We chat with: Julia, a clean tech journalist turned communication professional in renewable financing; Corinne, a park ranger and conservationist; Jaiko, a sustainability analyst focused on the built environment; Victoria, a retail/education professional for a sustainable lifestyle brad; Meagan, an ESG professional for a large tech company.

The central message of today’s episode is that there is room for everyone in the climate fight – whatever your career, background, calling in life, there is some opportunity for sustainability advocacy. It’s an exciting time to get into sustainability, but it’s also an exciting time to get into anything and make sure your values of climate action are incorporated in your day-to-day.

Next CHIC CHATS will be focused on sustainability in communal living spaces (roommates, family, significant others) – if you’d like to share your experience with compromises, changes over time, how you’re managing remote work, etc., reach out to me on instagram! This month’s book club pick with Hood Feminism: Notes from Women The Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall.

Let me know what you think! How do you like book club? I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Welcome to book club!! This month we read Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas with supply chain professional and fashion blogger Megan McSherry of @Acteevism. We discuss the “democratization” of luxury fashion, consumer psychology, celebrity product placement, “it” bags, perfumes… everything that you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes of the luxury fashion industry, this book got into. We also share some of our favorite iconic luxury fashion moments, retrospective disdain for trends, and the value of artisanship. Spoiler alert: we discuss why we don’t believe an Hermes Birkin Bag should fall into the same vague “luxury” category as a Louis Vuitton.

Just kidding – there are no true spoilers in this episode as we are reading a nonfiction, research-based account. While you will get more out of our chatty conversation if you read Deluxe, you certainly do not have to read with us to participate and get value out of Book Club episodes. We will be reading Hood Feminism: Notes from the Women That a Movement Forgot by Mikki Kendall next month.

Let me know what you think! How do you like book club? I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We are joined by eco educator extraordinaire (and my friend!) Isaias Hernandez, creator of Queer Brown Vegan. @QueerBrownVegan is a space where Isaias creates introductory forms of environmentalism through colorful graphics, illustrations, and videos. He seeks to provide a safe space for like-minded environmentalists to advance the discourse around the climate crisis. We discuss his environmental, nature-facing background, education, academia, and current career as a content creator focused on topics like zero waste, environmental justice, veganism, and intersectionality.

Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Thank you to our sponsor, Ettitude! Use code ECO15 for 15% off their breathable, silky, sustainable bedding

Dr. Mamina Turegano is a triple board certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist. Dr Mamina’s content has in recently months completely taken the internet by storm, because she provides bite-sized educational moments, focusing on the science of skincare and research backed answers to rituals or products. She also shares content featuring her mom, which I love and we discuss, the natural, more anecdotal, cultural skincare practices that have been passed down, in conjunction with her medical background. Dr. Mamina has a unique interest in connecting how things beyond medicine influence skin health, and her practice and teachings evaluate how nutrition, lifestyle, sleep and environmental factors can play a significant role in inflammation, aging, chronic disease… She takes us through her whole medical journey, and how she came into this complex multifaceted niche. And we also talk about skincare topics like acne and anti-aging – ingredients, mistakes, and when you really should see a professional. Dr. Mamina gives us the guidelines to think more critically about ingredients, especially regarding “natural” skincare; when over-the-counter products meet your needs as prescriptions might; and what to do for your skin beyond products and prescriptions.

Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Thank you to our sponsor, Ettitude! Use code ECO15 for 15% off their breathable, silky, sustainable bedding

We are celebrating Inauguration Day 2021 with Dr. Gretchen Goldman! Today, Gretchen and I speak about what happened to environmental protection during the Trump Administration, and then start to set the scene for what we can expect from the incoming Biden Administation. We discuss Cabinet appointments and the specific qualifications of a few notable positions, and we also talk about barriers by Congress and the Courts to certain priorities. We also talk about environmental policy and climate action check points, looking at the Biden Administration’s clear commitments already to climate and environmental justice.

Dr. Gretchen Goldman is the research director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. For nearly a decade, Dr. Goldman has led research efforts at the nexus of science and policy on topics ranging from federal scientific integrity to fossil energy production, climate change, and environmental justice. Dr. Goldman has testified before Congress and currently serves on the 500 Women Scientists Leadership Board and the Air and Climate Public Advisory Committee for the Metropolitan Washington Council of Governments. She also serves as an expert on the Public Health Rulemaking of the California Geologic Energy Management Division (CalGEM) of the Department of Conservation and the UNESCO/AAAS Consultation Group on the US science ecosystem. Her words and voice have appeared in Science, Nature, The New York Times, The Washington Post, CNN, NPR, and the BBC.

Also mentioned:

Dr. Goldman on Ep 106, discussing public health and EPA rollbacks* Erin Brockovich on Ep 123 on Public Health, Water, EPA, and the Julia Roberts film bearing her name

Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Thank you to our sponsor, Ettitude! Use code ECO15 for 15% off their breathable, silky, sustainable bedding

We are opening up our year by acknowledging what must come before we can reasonably expect people to care about the environment: social sustainability. At its core, social sustainability looks at the societal structures in place that allow people to live healthy, happy lives: equity, culture, job opportunities, safety, wages, and all the other things we believe to be indicators of a “good” community. We also touch today on economic sustainability and go through a handful of case-study thought exercises: why do people buy fast food? what conditions may support crime? how are we organizing our communities? Caring about climate change is a privilege, and until we create more just, stable societies, we can’t expect everyone to be enthusiastically on board with supporting eco-conscious activities.

Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Aja Barber is a celebrated writer and stylist focused on the intersection of fashion and equity issues. We touch on two of her recent conversations: #IQuitFastFashionBecause, and the myth of fast fashion existing “for poor people,” when it is actually fueled by the middle class. We also touch on consumerism during the pandemic, marketing tactics, and holiday shopping pressures. What are we telling ourselves to justify supporting this exploitive, oppressive industry?

Aja is one of the strongest, most insightful voices on ethical fashion and intersectional feminism, and I am thrilled to share this conversation with you – let me know your thoughts via social media! Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We are joined by superstar science communicator Danni Washington! Danni Washington is a TV host and Science Communicator who is also the first African-American woman to host her own science television series. She is sharing her tips on how to be an effective science communicator, how to maintain the momentum of the climate movement in politics, and the importance of equity and inclusion conversations in science.

Miami native with Jamaican roots, Danni Washington is deeply passionate about our oceans and science communications. Currently, Danni is featured as a correspondent on a weekly nationally syndicated CBS series called Mission Unstoppable with host Miranda Cosgrove. Danni has also hosted Xploration Nature Knows Best on FOX, a STEM educational TV series that featured the latest advancements in bio-inspired technology and design — making her the first African-American woman to host her own science television series.

A special thank you to Climate Power 2020 for facilitating this conversation.

Additional episode recommendations:

111: Intersectional Environmentalism; How Race and Culture Impact Your Identity as an Environmentalist | Leah Thomas, GreenGirlLeah | Leah Thomas* 84: UN Sustainable Development Goals, How Humanitarian Concerns Are Tied To Climate | Claudia LaRue

I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Jessica DeFino is a beauty reporter covering supportive, sustainable skincare based in science and spirituality. She has made a serious name for herself as a beauty reporter firstly specializing in clean beauty, which is a niche, and furthermore as a beauty reporter than does not actively participate in beauty routines and products. Her work aims to break down the mystery of products and brands and beauty trends by discussing ingredient efficacy and skin science – she gives you the research to say whether or not something is really going to work, or if it’s just nice packaging. Her can be found in The New York Times, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Allure, New York Magazine’s The Cut, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Glamour, SELF, Coveteur, Man Repeller, HelloGiggles, Business Insider, The Zoe Report, Fashionista.com, and more.

Today Jessica and I are talking about her career, and finding this very specific, stand-out in beauty reporting, it’s a fascinating path from music videos to the Kardashians, and then we start discussing some of those myths that we’ve heard as beauty consumers (“Drink more water! Use hyaluronic acid!“). We talk product dependency and the sustainability side of beauty, single-use products, waste and supply chains. We talk about regulation and greenwashing, some of our favorite topics on the show.

Jessica is an expert in the industry and that can really sift through the data and research behind all of these claims, and really allow consumers like myself to say yes or no, I support this or I don’t. It also helps put boundaries on this need to try everything – I only need one moisturizer, one eye cream, one whatever. I don’t need shelves full of tiny bottles. Overall today’s conversation with Jessica is an empowering, educational discussion about the science of skin, and when you should or should not accept what the beauty industry is telling you (or selling you).

Other episodes mentioned:

96: Regulating The Cosmetics Industry; Influencing Better Beauty Policy | Lindsay Dahl, SVP of Social Mission at Beautycounter* 99: Food for Skin; Natural Health Tips; Holistic Wellness | Dr. Mona Vand episode

I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

The annual Black Friday episode! Holiday sales are here, our inboxes are flooded, and we are all wondering: how much is too much to spend this year? In this episode we are reflecting on what we’ve learned this year: mindful spending means reassessing why you’re feeling pressured to buy, where you want your money to circulate, and maybe even reassessing your spending habits and relationship with your finances. Supporting small, BIPOC-owned, ethical brands means asking yourself questions around the value of your purchase and double-checking that you’re not accidentally buying fast fashion.

Also mentioned:

Last year’s Black Friday episode: Ep 83: 3 Tips For Conscious Consumption During The Holidays

Ep 129: Sustainable Minimalism: How to Declutter and Set Boundaries for Eco-Friendly Living | Stephanie Seferian, Sustainable Minimalists Podcast

Ep 127: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before An Impulse Purchase

Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to email me: laura@lauraediez.com

Kendra Kolb Butler, founder of Alpyn Beauty, traded NYC for Jackson Hole five years ago and never looked back. Today, she’s sharing what she’s learned about skincare, the potency of plants, starting a beauty brand in Wyoming, and making your dreams a reality.

A former Manhattanite and 20-year beauty industry veteran, Kendra first created Alpyn Beauty for the clients at her Jackson Hole apothecary, Alpyn Beauty Bar. She’s led sales, marketing and public relations initiatives at leading luxury beauty companies from Givenchy and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare to Clarins and Coty, yet her proudest achievement to date has been finding the courage to trade her high-power NYC lifestyle for (quite literally) greener pastures. The WY forests of arnica, chamomile, lavender, and sage… became the basis for Alpyn Beauty.

Alpyn Beauty is the first sustainably sourced natural skin care line formulated with wildcrafted and hand-cultivated alpine botanicals grown in the mountains surrounding Jackson Hole, WY. At the core of each Alpyn product is the PlantGenius™ complex, a proprietary blend of wildcrafted actives sustainably sourced in our home laboratory. Plants are genius—and wildcrafted ones, which have fought for their survival, and flourished and become stronger as a result, even more so.

If you’d like more on foraging/wildcrafting, check out ECO CHIC Episode 112 with Rosalee de la Foret: Kitchen Herbs, Natural Medicine, + How To Eat More Plants

Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!

We are joined by secondhand expert Emily Stochl of Pre-Loved Podcast! We are discussing the global and domestic secondhand economy; supporting garment workers and the Garment Workers’ Protection Act; scratching the surface of the gentrification of thrift; and tips on shopping for vintage or pre-loved items. I am on Pre-Loved Podcast this week!

Also check out:

Episode 90: How to Shop for High-End + Luxury Pieces Secondhand; Designer Resale; Making Money from Vintage Finds | Meredith Fineman

Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!Audio Player

We’re joined by Stephanie Seferian of Sustainable Minimalists! Stephanie of Mama Minimalist is a mom inspiring others to reevaluate their “stuff” without compromising on their environmental commitments. Stephanie and I discuss her philosophy of the sustainable minimalism lifestyle; she shares how to declutter, plus types of clutter we may be emotionally attached to. Stephanie also gives tips for navigating the holidays while supporting this lower-waste lifestyle; how to set boundaries and expectations for receiving, and also how to give in a more minimal way.

Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!

We’re joined this week by Taryn Rasgon of Vegetaryn! Vegetaryn is a vegan lifestyle brand based in positive, welcoming plant-based activism. Taryn herself is an excellent example of an entrepreneur that is very truly living her values through every business decision and lifestyle change.

Taryn and I discuss: her vegan journey and her subsequent vegan entrepreneurship journey; welcoming, happy activism; social media; design theft; running a small business during the pandemic; conscious consumption and supporting other small businesses.

Mentioned: Episode 75 with Christina Vidal of Jetet Christina: When a Fast Fashion Brand Steals from a Creator

Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!

Between Prime Day, upcoming holiday season, and Instagram ads… it can sometimes be challenging to keep your values of conscious consumption and sustainability in mind before impulse shopping. Today, I’m sharing ten quick questions you can ask yourself before “adding to cart.” We’re considering who you’re buying from, why you’re buying, and how you can replace that urge to purchase with a little creativity and tapping into your circles.

Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. We’re on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast.

Sign up for my Monday newsletter at: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can shop our store closing sale at totallyecochic.com – our shop is currently liquidating, so prices are significantly reduced!!

We are talking climate anxiety, trauma, and validating our feelings with Dr. Renée Lertzman, a renowned psychologist, author and sustainability strategist who uses psychological insights to change our approach to the environmental crisis. Applying her training as a psychosocial researcher specializing in deep human insights, Dr. Lertzman uses frameworks and methods that empower people to take action (which she shares with us!). Renée is the founder of Project InsideOut, a unique resource hub launching this week that brings together activists with clinical psychologists to drive sustainable behavior change for our planet. Her TED Talk, ‘How To Turn Climate Anxiety into Action,’ completely shifted my own feelings and validated my sometimes-overwhelming sense of eco-guilt.

Dr. Lertzman works with companies, nonprofits and governments looking to strengthen climate and sustainability initiatives, develop more effective campaigns, and harness the creativity and innovation needed to solve big problems. Her perspectives have appeared in CNN, Rolling Stone, NPR, The Ecologist, Climate Access, Sustainable Brands, and on the stage via her TED Talk. She has also designed and taught courses on the psychology of climate change and environment since 2001, and is a founding member of the Climate Psychology Alliance.

Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. We’re on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for my Monday newsletter at: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can support our shop at totallyecochic.com – our shop is currently liquidating, so prices are significantly reduced!!

We’re talking with about our cultures, our upbringings, and what sustainability looks like in our families – things that are not the beautiful minimalistic images we’re seeing on Instagram. Five community members join us today to share stories and cultural values, plus how those practices have influenced their adult, grown-up choices. Sustainability is personal, because it’s a lifestyle, and it’s not fair to say that sustainability needs to look a certain way to be done “correctly.” I am thankful to be joined today by:

Sabina – she is Australian; we discuss the home her family built and her low-key hippie parents (so fun!) * Eyra – she is Salvadorian; we talk about immigrating to the U.S., poverty and the financial necessity behind some so-called sustainability practices Ashley – she is Mexican-American;we talk about food, family traditions, how some cultural practices (like capsule wardrobes) weren’t trendy before they were marketed as sustainability Michelle – she is Salvadorian, and first generation American; we talk about little things at home like how you use your kitchen and how you maintain some of those sustainable practices as you assimilate into American culture* Bea – she is Filipino; she shares her experiences comparing and contrasting how she lives in the Phillipines versus in California, plus some take-home tips for you if you’re interested in adopting some additional sustainability practices

Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. We’re on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for my Monday newsletter at: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Julia Jackson joins us to discuss the interdisciplinary solutions that could save us today from the climate crisis! Julia Jackson is the founder of Grounded.org, and is committed to bringing together the brightest minds and leading solutionists to foster greater collaboration, drive mass awareness and scale game-changing solutions to urgently address the climate crisis. As a second generation proprietor of Jackson Family Wines, Julia shares the value of land stewardship and strategic philanthropic giving. Through Grounded, Julia has dedicated herself to positively impacting our planet’s trajectory and has worked to forge strategic partnerships between leading climate-focused organizations such as One Earth, Sea Legacy, Amazon Frontlines, and many others.

Julia and I discuss her background and the founding of Grounded; the value of interdisciplinary collaboration; regenerative agriculture, ecocide, and the importance of indigenous knowledge; carbon sinks; today’s fires on the West Coast of the us… Julia is so open, vulnerable, and shares such a holistic understanding of the climate crisis and climate solutions.

Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. We’re on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

I am deeply honored today to be joined by the one, the only, Erin Brockovich. Erin Brockovich is consumer advocate, environmental activist, and legal clerk who, despite her lack of education in the law, was instrumental in building a case against the Pacific Gas and Electric Company of California in 1993. Perhaps you’ve heard of this case before… because the case inspired the 2000 film, Erin Brockovich, in which Erin is portrayed by Julia Roberts. It’s a fabulous film and true story – the Hinkley settlement, at $333 million, is the largest class action lawsuit in US history. Erin and I today are speaking about her new book, Superman’s Not Coming: Our National Water Crisis and What We The People Can Do About It.

We speak about the film’s influence on her career, the worldwide response about communities concerned about their own drinking water, and what we should be watching out for today (spoiler: chemicals like PFOS and PFOA, the largest emerging contaminants in our water!). We additionally discuss the EPA and Erin’s public health mapping platform helping bridge the gaps between public health and legislation.

Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. We’re on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

“We don’t need a few perfect vegans, we need millions of people actively reducing their consumption of animal products.” We’re breaking down why the perfectionist stigma around veganism isn’t helpful: I discuss greenhouse gas emissions savings from encouraging plant-rich diets, plus touch on health implications of cutting back on animal products. We also discuss privilege around certain kinds of veganism, considering the financial barriers, access barriers, and we even define food apartheid. We also discuss how everyone makes mistakes on their ‘vegan journey’ – I even share a personal slip-up story! Shaming occasional omnivores, or putting perfect vegans on some sort of weird moral pedestal only pushes people farther away from the movement… if we’re serious about decarbonization and supporting everyone in our environmental movement, veganism must be inclusive and accessible.

Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

More episodes you may enjoy:

107: Fashion, Food, and the EcoRenaissance; How We’re Evolving into a More Conscious, Sustainable Society | Marci Zaroff 101: Plant-Based Entrepreneurship, Sustainable Supply Chains, Whole Food Wellness | Brooke Harris, Goodmylk 97: Plant-Based Businesses, Animal Advocacy, Ethical Investing | Daniella Monet 74: Eating Locally, Regenerative Agriculture, Empowerment Through Food | Wen-jay Ying, Local Roots NYC 55: Eco-Conscious Beef: How Animal Agriculture Can Be Done Sustainably | Diablo Trust

We’re speaking with three listeners about their experiences and perspectives intersecting religion and climate conversations. Lizzi speaks on approaching conversations with denialists, and why caring for the planet is definitely linked to Christian values; Anne speaks about leading with values like empathy and compassion in your decisions (and even ties it all to fast fashion!); and Olivia speaks about institutional support from the Catholic church for climate action. Each speaker touches on similar topics but shares very different, thoughtful insights on how they more closely align their values in faith-based environmentalism.

Let’s connect! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Elizabeth Tran is the first pageant contestant to compete in evening gown with a dress she made completely out of garbage. Is that not the definition of ‘eco chic’? We’re talking sustainability couture: trash fashion, using her pageant platform to promote sustainability, and how we’d like to see the fashion industry evolve. Plus, we talk about her nonprofit work and constantly growing within a passion project. Elizabeth started her non-profit, Teens Go Green, when she was just 12 years old (13 years ago!) encouraging minimal waste practices. Elizabeth also participates in Model4Miracles, the largest charity modeling event in Florida, and with her mother has raised over $130,000 for Children’s Miracle Network Hospitals. Elizabeth has participated in some wild opportunities, like showcasing trash fashion at New York Fashion Week 2.0 and Disney’s Friends for Change, where she worked with icons like Zendaya and Jane Goodall (which she gives us the whole scoop on!).

Find Elizabeth on Instagram here @misselizabethtran

Let’s connect! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

We’re continuing our conversation from Tuesday with Wawa! Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru ia a brilliant environmental justice scholar passionate about empowering BIPOC communities. This portion of our conversation centers around the idea of Self-Love as Environmental Education. Wawa shares her experience as a Black woman, growing to know and love her natural hair, and we discuss how natural hair education has evolved in recent years through means like YouTube. We talk about inclusivity in cosmetics, through means like shade ranges and simply ‘cleaner’ products. We discuss environmental racism and community-level environmental hazards that the sustainability movement is advocating justice for. We end on a very positive note: we’re all beautiful. Take care of yourself, take care of your temple, take care of the planet.

Let’s connect! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru is a recent alumnus of the University of Connecticut, and a Rhodes scholar set to attend Oxford in the Fall to continue her intersectional environmental studies. She has had two recently published pieces shake the Internet: her piece in Vice titled “It’s Time for Environmental Studies to Own Up to Erasing Black People,” and in Glamour, “Want to be an Environmentalist? Start with Antiracism.”

We’re joined by Wanjiku “Wawa” Gatheru, a brilliant environmental justice scholar passionate about empowering BIPOC communities! Wawa is a recent alumnus of the University of Connecticut, and a Rhodes scholar set to attend Oxford in the Fall to continue her intersectional environmental studies. She has had two recently published pieces shake the Internet: her piece in Vice titled “It’s Time for Environmental Studies to Own Up to Erasing Black People,” and in Glamour, “Want to be an Environmentalist? Start with Antiracism.”

Our conversation today covers a lot of ground, primarily stemming from this ideal of white environmentalism: we discuss racism + social justice in the conservation movement, and also in how BIPOC communities experience outdoor recreation; the whitewashing of environmental studies and histories; unpaid internships + tokenism, especially when it comes to making big nature-focused organizations into more diversity. Wawa speaks honestly about generational trauma and violence against Black folx, and criminalization still present today; this leads us to the topic of accessibility to the outdoors for non-white students. We close out the conversation discussing colorism and the role that self love and beauty standards play in the outdoor experience, particularly for black women… that deeper dive will come in a separate episode this upcoming Friday!

Let’s connect! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Excited to share this value-packed conversation with Stu Landesberg, Co-Founder and CEO of Grove Collaborative. Grove Collaborative is an online retailer of natural cleaning and personal care products (actually, the only plastic-neutral online retailer in the world!) and has recently vowed to go 100% plastic-free by 2025 – a promise that encompasses all the third party brands they carry as well, such as Method, Mrs. Meyers, Seventh Generation and more. Stu and I discuss his entrepreneurship journey, especially in the context of making sustainable products mainstream when they were not as plainly prevalent. We circle to the idea that businesses can do good – it’s not just about doing “less bad,” but actually contributing in a meaningful way to the conservation of natural resources and promoting more thoughtful, nontoxic homes. We also discuss why plastic is so bountiful in the consumer product space, plus some of the issues with recycling. We lastly support the community around mission-driven brands; Stu details how brands are really lifting each other up in progressing as a whole towards a cleaner, more eco-conscious consumer economy.

Let’s connect! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Launched in 2016 as a Certified B Corp, Grove Collaborative creates innovative natural products and offers a curated selection of healthy home essentials like cleaning supplies and personal care products. With a flexible, monthly delivery model and a personal Grove Guide assigned to each customer, Grove’s platform makes it easy for people to switch to healthier, more sustainable routines. Every item Grove offers, both from their flagship Grove Collaborative brand and from exceptional third party brands, has been thoroughly vetted against strict standards for sustainability, efficacy and supply chain practices. On a mission to move Beyond Plastic, Grove is the first and only plastic neutral retailer in the world and is committed to becoming 100% plastic-free by 2025. For more information, please visit www.grove.co/plastic.

The secondhand clothing economy is growing, and we’re speaking today about a new solution for those more frequent demands: children’s clothing trading market model. Jen Zuklie, founder of The Swoondle Society, brings us through her entrepreneurship journey, the issues with the children’s clothing industry, and the value of using your network. We speak also about fashion waste, and how major retailers could support consumer loyalty through similar trade-in models.

Use ECOCHIC50 for 50% off your first month’s membership at swoondlesociety.com

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Natural personal care products are sometimes hard to pick out at the store – how can you tell you’re not a victim of greenwashing, and are those chemical buzzwords really that bad? We’re talking today primarily about sulfates and parabens, two ingredients gaining more consumer awareness in personal care aisles, among shampoos, soaps, and even toothpastes. We define some of those scary chemical words, discuss the health risks, and help you figure out if your personal care products contain these toxic chemicals.

Additional episode resources:

93: What is Greenwashing? How to Spot Misleading Environmental Claims 96: Regulating The Cosmetics Industry; Influencing Better Beauty Policy | Lindsay Dahl, Beautycounter 87: Why We Should Eat Lower in the Food Chain: Bioaccumulation + Biomagnification

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

If you’re new to the climate conversation, welcome! This episode will break down the basics: what is climate change, why are we more certain about climate models than weather forecasts, and what all the elusive terms like carbon pricing and budgets really mean. This episode will direct you to additional episodes on ECO CHIC that will dive deeper into topics mentioned, so there is always more to learn right here.

Episodes mentioned:

89: How Climate Change Affects Natural Disasters, Why The Australian Fires Are So Bad, Hurricanes Impacting Bahamian Islands 82: How To Talk About Climate Change with Deniers, Conservatives | Sarah Ott, Citizens Climate Lobby, National Center for Science Education 108: Climate Change Today, Solutions, Footprints + Communicating Climate | Dr. Katharine Hayhoe 81: Political Prep: Carbon Pricing, Net Zero, + The Paris Climate Accord 69: What is the Carbon Budget?* 92: Sustainable Investing, Smarter Savings, Breaking Down ESG | Charity Driggs, Morningstar

Additional Starter Pack Episodes:

86: Zero Waste Starter Pack* 103: 5 Ideas for Earth Day in Quarantine; Environmentalism at Home Starter Pack

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Conscious consumption can be tricky right now, during these quarantimes – if you’re not someone who typically spends freely, perhaps you’re feeling pressure to support local businesses in capacities you don’t normally, or maybe you’re just itching to make a frivolous purchase because you’re seeing more advertisements on social media. Whatever your struggle, we are putting conscious consumption into context: how should you be spending during and post-pandemic? We are breaking down unique ways to support business and brands that align with your values, and we’re also sharing some ideas to support organizations you like without spending dollars. Topics include equity, shopping small and/or local, building community online, equity and social issues, + more.

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

We’re talking all about plants today with author + herbalist Rosalee de la Foret! Rosalee co-authored the recently released book Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine. She’s encouraging us to think deeper about our gardens, backyards, and ‘regular’ natural interactions. We’re discussing culinary herbs you may already have in your kitchen, like basil, rosemary, and thyme, and how to deepen those relationships. We also discuss natural medicine and some quick treatments you can craft without a trip to the pharmacy. Plus, we discuss phytonutrients, the value of variety in your diet, and attempt to answer the age-old question of how to eat more plants.

Shop here for: Wild Remedies: How to Forage Healing Foods and Craft Your Own Herbal Medicine

Find Rosalee de la Foret online + on Instagram

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

We’re speaking with Leah Thomas, of GreenGirlLeah. Perhaps you’ve seen her viral Instagram post with the title slide of ‘Environmentalists for Black Lives Matter.’ We’re speaking today on Intersectional Environmentalism – defining it, relating it to feminism a bit, and talking broadly about how different cultures experience nature and those human-environment relationships historically. We also touch on climate racism, and why black, POC, and marginalized communities are experiencing the most severe public health risks from environmental degradation. Additionally, we talk about the cognitive dissonance around why we may be experiencing disconnect from natural disasters and environmental degradation.

Leah Thomas is an intersectional environmental activist and eco-communicator based in Southern California. She’s passionate about advocating for and exploring the relationship between social justice and environmentalism. Her work has been featured on The Good Trade, Buzzfeed, Vogue… her ideas of ‘intersectional environmentalism’ are literally changing the environmental world as we speak. Find her online at greengirlleah.com + on Instagram, @GreenGirlLeah.

Additional episodes on equity, climate racism, human-environment interactions and injustices, etc:

110: Clean Energy Transition: Policy, Inclusivity, Justice + Impacts of Coronavirus on Energy | Julia Pyper 106: EPA Rollbacks; Science-Based Policy; Pollution and Public Health | Dr. Gretchen Goldman, Union of Concerned Scientists 105: Environmental Racism, Injustices; Social and Economic Sustainability; How Everyone Can Tackle Climate Beyond Earth Day* 84: UN Sustainable Development Goals, How Humanitarian Concerns Are Tied To Climate | Claudia LaRue

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

We’re joined by Julia Pyper: one of my very favorite journalists, podcast hosts, and all-around incredible women in energy! Julia and I discuss the energy industry as a whole, and the impacts of coronavirus on sectors like oil and gas (and even talk about the policy proposals for a domestic oil sector). We discuss energy polic and how a clean energy economy could be more supported. Switching gears, we discuss inclusivity in energy and environmental spheres, and the injustices surrounding climate change, health, and minority communities.

Julia is a contributing editor at Greentech Media where she covers the global clean energy transition, with a focus on renewable energy, electric mobility, grid edge technologies, and energy policy making. She is a nonresident senior fellow at the Atlantic Council, as well as the host and producer of Political Climate, a bipartisan podcast on energy and environmental issues in America and around the world, presented by the University of Southern California Schwarzenegger Institute. Find Julia on Twitter here. Bio via Atlantic Council.

Episodes mentioned:

108: Climate Change Today, Solutions, Footprints + Communicating Climate | Dr. Katharine Hayhoe* 82: How To Talk About Climate Change with Deniers + Skeptics | Sarah Ott, Citizens Climate Lobby, National Center for Science Education

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

Today we are joined by the brilliant Suzy Amis Cameron and Samata of Red Carpet Green Dress (RCGD), the women-led global change-making organization bringing sustainable design to the forefront of conversation and action within the fashion industry. The goal of Red Carpet Green Dress is to draw attention to the importance of more sustainable practices in fashion and be part of bringing those solutions to the global market; RCGD recently launched an eco-couture textile range in partnership with TENCEL™ Luxe, bringing innovative biodegradable solutions to the fashion industry. We talk about this brilliant new partnership and its adjacent design contest, plus favorite previous red carpet designs, celebrity talent, and the response of iconic fashion houses to the challenge of creating beautiful, sustainable couture.

Learn more about Suzy Amis Cameron, Samata, RCGD + OMD:

www.rcgdglobal.com www.suzyamiscameron.com www.omdfortheplanet.org

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

We’re speaking with the incredible Dr. Katharine Hayhoe! Dr. Hayhoe is widely regarded as one of the most influential voices in the climate conversation (and one of my personal inspirations). Dr. Katharine Hayhoe is an atmospheric scientist her research focuses on developing and applying high-resolution climate projections to understand what climate change means for people and the natural environment. She is a professor and director of the Climate Science Center at Texas Tech University, and has authored 125+ peer-reviewed publications. Plus, Dr. Hayhoe served as a lead author for the Second, Third, and Fourth U.S. National Climate Assessment. Among her many honors and awards for climate communication, environmental leadership, and her influence on this crisis, Katharine Hayhoe was named one of the United Nations Champions of the Earth, the UN’s highest environmental honor. Today, we’re speaking about what climate change looks like today, the wide array of climate solutions available, and how to communicate climate as we look forward. We discuss carbon pricing, the personal carbon footprint, and the historic influence of oil/gas companies.

Katharine Hayhoe’s TED Talk, “The most important thing you can do to fight climate change: talk about it”

Episodes mentioned:

91: BP, Amazon, + Corporate Idealism | Christine Bader* 84: UN Sustainable Development Goals, How Humanitarian Concerns Are Tied To Climate | Claudia LaRue

Keep in touch! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC gets you 10% off!).

We’re speaking with Marci Zaroff, a true pioneer in the environmental-consumer movement! Marci coined and trademarked the term “ecofashion” in 1995 – she’s been leading the way for a more sustainable society for almost three decades, through food, wellness, fashion, and social justice. We discuss at length the term ECORenaissance: the title of her first book serves as a very comprehensive term to describe her life’s work and where consumerism is moving. We talk about the organic agriculture business case, why fashion is a crucial means for delivering the sustainability conversation, and how pop culture’s understanding of sustainability has shifted in the last thirty years.

Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Find on Amazon: “ECOrenaissance: Co-Creating A Stylish, Sexy and Sustainable World”

We are speaking on current rollbacks of environmental regulations with Dr. Gretchen Goldman of the Union of Concerned Scientists. The US EPA is responsible for creating standards promoting the health of individuals and the environment; unfortunately, our current administration is seriously undermining that mission by rolling back regulation on air pollutants, chemical outputs, and harmful toxins. Dr. Goldman Gretchen sheds light on the current EPA rollbacks, the regulation process, why these rollbacks can happen, and what a science-backed administration needs to look, both for today’s environmental protection and for our long-term climate security.

Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Learn more about the Union of Concerned Scientists here.

Check your voter registration here!!!

There’s more to sustainability than the environmental component; today, we’re shining light on the concepts of social and economic sustainability. While climate change impacts everyone, we know marginalized groups will the first to feel the effects of climate change. We also know that some groups are feeling the burden of pollution and ecological injustices than others. We’re walking through some real-life examples of groups that are feeling the impacts of climate change, and giving ourselves some encouragement to bring absolutely everyone into the climate conversation.

Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

More info on:

Bahamas, GDP and Tourism, Sea level rise South Bronx, air pollution and asthma Dakota Pipeline, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe HBCUs Environmental racism

I love a call-in episode! We are speaking with four people today about what research they’re currently working on, the value they’re adding to the scientific community, and how their projects are impacted by the current pandemic. Claire is a PhD student working on cancer biology; Charlotte is a PhD student working on hydrology and flooding; Leah is an undergraduate in environmental engineering interested in natural resource management; and Erika is an undergraduate in microbiology working on coral.

Follow us on socials @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Episode 72: The Value of Immersive Environmental Education | CJ Casey, The Green Program

We are celebrating Earth Week here every day this week! We are starting off with today’s episode with five at-home sustainability tips. Whatever quarantine phase you’re in – cooking, gardening, home improvement, impulse shopping – you have the opportunity to reassess how those actions are impacting the planet. Below, I have linked episodes that expand on specific points made in today’s episode.

Follow us on socials @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Helpful episodes to learn more, in the order respective topics are mentioned:

9: The Compost Convo 46: 10 Things to Stop Buying and Start Making from Your Food Scraps 43: Your Guide to Becoming A Zero Waste, Vegan Home Cook | Jessie Stokes, Tiny Yellow Bungalow 12: Green at Home 98: Electricity Solutions for Saving Money + The Planet; Efficiency, Production, and Improving The System 18: Get Thrifty 90: How To Shop High-End + Luxury Pieces, Designer Resale, Making Money from Vintage Finds | Meredith Fineman, It Never Gets Old

Bonus! Last year’s Earth Day episode: 5 Ways to Make Earth Day Every Day

We’re joined today by Brittany Peet, the Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement division for the PETA Foundation. We are talking all about captive animals: the current status of captive animals in America, where regulation needs to go, and also all things Tiger King! This conversation was heavily inspired by Netflix’s Tiger King, a docu-series focusing on exotic animal zookeepers and breeders. Brittany was featured in Tiger King speaking about captive animal law, the animal abuse allegations brought against Joe Exotic, and the Big Cat Public Safety Act. She works in behalf of animals who are held captive in roadside zoos, circuses, and aquariums and has personally overseen the rescues of hundreds of animals from roadside zoos. We speak about cub petting, how to tell the difference between a true sanctuary and a pseudo-sanctuary, and gaps in federal regulation. Brittany peels back the curtain and tells us more about some scenes and characters in Tiger King, like Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue and who the PETA Foundation has lawsuits currently pending against. We close off the conversation talking about exotic animals in entertainment, stemming from the photo of Doc Antle behind Britney Spears’ 2001 MTV VMAs performance.

Get in touch! Instagram @ecochicpodcast + Facebook ECO CHIC Podcast. We have a weekly newsletter – sign up at totallyecochic.com + shop our current sale. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

We’re speaking today with Brooke Harris, founder of Goodmylk Co., a Los Angeles based sustainable, organic, and fresh alternative milk company. Brooke is peeling back the curtains of alternative milks: a lot of the options on the market now are full of strange gums, artificial flavoring or other unmentionables, in nearly-impossible-to-recycle containers. Brooke takes us through her own whole food wellness journey, and how her homemade almond milk experiment became a full-blown, wildly innovative beverage company. Brooke is candid in discussing challenges and finding creative solutions to stay true to her mission of only using simple, pure ingredients. We also discuss hemp milk, how cafes can cut waste, and where the mylk industry is going.

Connect with me on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast + Facebook ECO CHIC Podcast. Shop totallyecochic.com (and sign up for our newsletter there too!). Email me laura@lauraediez.com.

The milk frother on Amazon; your morning coffee routine will not be the same!

You can find Goodmylk online at goodmylk.co and find their products at cafes all across the US, including Blue Bottle, Cha Cha Matcha, Intelligentista, and more.

Today’s milestone episode is focusing on the discussions swirling around climate and current events: what can the COVID-19 pandemic teach us about how to deal with the climate crisis? We’re discussing today the roles of individuals, corporations, and the environmental responses we’re seeing around the world in response to the tragic pandemic.

Thank you to our first responders – hospital staff and public frontline workers making sure the world stays healthy and functioning so many of us can practice social distancing.

Please keep in touch! I want to hear your thoughts. On Instagram, @ecochicpodcast + on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com + shop our Social Distancing Sale. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Today we are speaking all things health with The Modern Pharmacist, Dr. Mona Vand! Dr. Mona is a health practitioner that believes in preventative, proactive wellness, from diet, exercise, and mindset. We’re speaking today about food, and how dietary choices may help your immunity, nutrient levels, and even overall mood. Dr. Mona shares some insight on Ayurvedic medicine and how food combining may help your digestion. We segway into skincare, and Dr. Mona breaks down from a chemical level why certain exfoliants, serums, and other products are useful to include in your routine. We also talk about long-term helpful skincare steps, like the vampire facial (or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy) and dermaplaning.

Shop our sale: totallyecochic.com + sign up for our newsletter while you’re there! Connect with me on Instagram @ecochicpodcast, @lauraediez, ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook.

As they say, in the pie chart of life … electricity and heat production make up 25% of our global greenhouse gas production. We’re speaking today about climate solutions that could massively cut back on our electricity consumption, carbon-intensive generation, and improve our long-term resiliency. Plus, these measures could save you money today at home. We’re discussing ways we can improve our energy dependancies through efficiency, shifting production, and improving the electric system.

Today’s episode pulls from research by Drawdown, and their just-released update, The Drawdown Review! Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions – the most digestible, encompassing list of already-existing ways to combat climate change. The original book (here linked on Amazon) is a must-have for anyone interested in climate solutions, and the update is available here as a downloadable PDF. Also mentioned: The Quest by Daniel Yergin.

Let’s hang out during these quaran-times on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, on Facebook ECO CHIC Podcast, and join our newsletter at totallyecochic.com (where code ECOCHIC gives you 10% off!). Email me laura@lauraediez.com.

We’re chatting today with Daniella Monet: actress, singer, animal rights advocate and big time supporter of plant-based businesses. Daniella shares her journey to veganism (spoiler: she was not even 13!). We converse openly about her dedication to investing in plant-based businesses, from her first stocks to her now full-on involvement in uplifting the vegan economy. She is heavily involved in Kinder Beauty, Sugar Taco, Outstanding Foods, Mo4Paws, and most recently, Bridget. Daniella shares her simple philosophy for decision making, both as a consumer and an investor: be a voice for the voiceless.

Connect with me! @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez, and ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Use code ECOCHIC for a surprise gift in your first Kinder Beauty Box.

Daniella’s podcast, Adulting Like A Mother Father + @daniellamonet

Did you know that the cosmetics industry is one of the least regulated industries in America? We’re joined today by Lindsay Dahl, SVP of Social Mission at Beautycounter. Beautycounter is quite literally revolutionizing the clean beauty movement; they are actively demanding stricter regulations in their own industry. Beyond their cosmetics and skincare products, Beautycounter does an amazing amount of activism in policy and consumer education. Lindsay leads safety, sustainability, advocacy and philanthropy – an incredibly comprehensive approach to what it means to be truly safe. Lindsay has been working for over 15 years to remove toxic chemicals from everyday consumer products (including leading America’s first BPA ban in baby bottles!). Lindsay and I talk about working in government, the process of passing legislation, the value of regulation and how Beautycounty is setting standards to encourage tighter regulation in their own industry.

Join us on social media, @ecochicpodcast on instagram, @lauraediez on instagram, and ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook. Join our email list at totallyecochic.com! Email me at laura@lauraediez.com

Beautycounter’s documentary, “Transparency: The Truth About Mica” on YouTube

The Never List (1,800+ questionable or harmful chemicals!)

Consultants to shop through: @rosycheeksandrose + @sursublimite

We’re talking about art, activism, and how environmental issues can be creatively tackled. Tre’ and Akira of Pangeaseed Foundation are joining us to discuss the crossroads of sustainability, education, ecology, and design. Pangeaseed Foundation has facilitated approximately 400 public art projects in 15 countries through a community-first approach. Artists become spokespeople and educators for local concerns. Right now, they’re working on their Sea Walls project; artists all over the globe are prompting conversations around pollution, conservation, ocean acidification… they’re bringing the sea into the streets.

Follow along – @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez, and find us on Facebook at ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Find Pangeaseed Foundation on social media, @pangeaseed and online at pangeaseed.foundation and seawalls.org.

Perhaps our most thought-provoking call-in episode yet! We’re exploring today the social psych concept of environmentalism and green habits often being associated with femininity. Are you less “manly” if you’re carrying a reusable bag or opting for a fuel efficient vehicle? We’re hearing thorough breakdown from two environmentalist working through this issue in their own circles, Ryan and CJ. Ryan opens up our episode laying the foundation for better understanding these generalized groups of men, and CJ has some meaty research to back up his environmental mission among machos.

Follow us on social – @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez on Instagram, ECO CHIC on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter + support the show on totallyecochic.com.

Listen to the last episode CJ joined us on, Episode 72: The Value of Experiential Education + read his blog post on today’s topic here, Climate Change and the Fragile Male Persona!

Listen to Episode 28: ECOFEMINISM: Women + The Environment

Read more about the social psych research around this topic here, here + here

It’s easy to be impressed by all the “sustainable” products entering stores, but it’s also easy to be tricked into believing deceitful eco-friendly labels. Today, we’re discuss greenwashing: a marketing tactic leading consumers to assume a company’s products are more environmentally sound than they truly are. This episode gives an overview of items currently in market, plus campaigns and habits that we should be thinking more critically about regarding their environmental impact. We discuss certifications to look out for, questions to ask your brands, and overall mindfulness in the marketplace.

Follow us on Instagram @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez or on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com (where you always get 10% off with code ECO CHIC). Email me directly at laura@lauraediez.com.

We’re taking our conscious consumption one step further today! We’re speaking with Charity Driggs of Morningstar, an investment research firm. Charity is shedding light on lots of topics across the financial landscape for us individuals. Because we aim to be more eco-conscious in our daily lives, we should also start thinking more deeply about our savings. We know that the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to major corporations… and if you have a 401K, you’re an investor! Charity educates us on how to make sure your savings profile puts your money towards causes that align with your values, and how to assess where your dollars currently are. We also learn more about ESG, environmental social governance, a rating criteria for corporate actions.

We spoke last week with Christine Bader about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), listen here.

We spoke about corporate sustainability on the latest Chic Chats call-in episode, listen here.

Email me! laura@lauraediez.com. Find us on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez. We are on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletters + support the show on totallyecochic.com

This episode is such a treat! Christine Bader is the author of The Evolution of a Corporate Idealist: Girl Meets Oil. In her book, she recounts her experiences working for BP on social impact on major projects around the world. Christine was working in corporate social responsibility (CSR) before it was truly a dedicated concern for organizations. Christine goes on to a United Nations mandate dedicated to human rights, and various teaching and speaking roles. Later on, she is the Director of Social Responsibility at Amazon, where she bettered supply chains and ethical, sustainable operations. Christine is sharing her perspective on corporate idealism; there are people in all organizations genuinely interested in doing “the right thing.” She encourages us to think broader about our careers and personal roles in corporations, plus gives a positive perspective on where environmental, ethical efforts are headed.

Connect with us on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez; ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook; sign up for our newsletter on totallyecochic.com (code ECOCHIC always gets ya 10% off!). Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Episode 84: UN’s Sustainable Development Goals, How Humanitarian Concerns Are Tied To Climate | Claudia LaRue, United Nations

Shopping secondhand can be a treasure hunt… and luxury secondhand is a whole new ballgame. We’re chatting today with Meredith Fineman, host of It Never Gets Old: A Firsthand Account of All Things Secondhand. Meredith is sharing tips on how to begin finding designer pieces for a fraction of their retail prices. We’re talking about authentication, where to look for your high-end pieces, and what brands hold the most value. We also discuss how to begin reselling goods and looking at your closet as a business. Meredith is sharing insight on the different label associated with the resell economy: resale, consignment, vintage, thrift, pre-loved… they all have surprisingly different meanings that the fashion industry is still working through. If you’re coveting an item that feels a bit out of reach, this episode will give you the best tips to start your luxury secondhand hunt.

Connect with us! @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez + ECO CHIC on Facebook. You can also join our Facebook group, Low Waste Shoppers.

Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com

UIC Summer Institute for Sustainability and Energy: uicsise.com

Episode 85: Practical Minimalism, Streamlining Your Closet

The Australian Fires are unprecedented in their size, destruction, and duration. The staggering number of lost lives, homes, and wildlife is heartbreaking. We’re all wondering: is this happening because of climate change? We’re exploring today how and why climate change exacerbates natural hazards. First, we’re clarifying the difference between weather and climate, and then getting into human-induced climate change as a risk multiplier. Beyond breaking down the impact of temperature rise and low rainfall on the Australian bushfires, we’re also briefly discussing the severity of hurricanes in the Caribbean.

Follow us @ecochicpodcast + shop totallyecochic.com (use code ECOCHIC for 10% off – the sale for silicone storage bags is still on!) Personal page is @lauraediez + you can email me laura@lauraediez.com

Some great organizations to donate to if you’re willing and able are the Australian Red Cross, Australian Salvation Army, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Wires Wildlife Rescue.

Information, stats, and inspiration for this particular episode was drawn from this USGS collection of research + this news article + this NPR piece.

This call-in episode is overflowing with career inspo! We’re speaking with six women today about their professional dedication to environmental work at climate change, all in different fields and different organizational levels. Across five conversations, we’re hearing from: Sophia in research with NASA Develop; Ariel in corporate sustainability with MacMillan Publishing; Hannah and Lacie in socially conscious Public Relations with Lum A Terra Media; Gabi interning on climate literacy with the CLEO Institute nonprofit; and Alison formerly consulting with an efficiency initiative through Duke Energy. There is truly a place for everyone, across the board, to get involved with environmental responsibility.

Sign up for our newsletter!! totallyecochic.com (and while you’re there, use code ECOCHIC for 10% off)

If you’d like to participate in the next CHIC CHATS, enter our giveaway for silicone storage bags, or just keep in touch… follow along on instagram! @ecochicpodcast + @totallyecochic (or my personal page, @lauraediez). Email me laura@lauraediez.com

We know plant-based diets require less resources and encourage nutrient diversity. But did we realize that a plant-based diet also helps us lessen the amount of toxins, chemicals, and other grossness that enters our lives? We’re introducing today the concepts of bioaccumulation and biomagnification: how toxins build up in organisms and move up the food chain. In fish, beef, or any other supermarket animal product, it’s tricky to know what exactly we are ingesting. We go through the Cliff’s Notes version of two classic cases: 1960’s birds and DDT, and Minamata Disease. Let’s agree to normalize selective veganism: the occasional plant-based meal helps us not only lower our environmental footprints, but also eat a little cleaner.

SHOP totallyecochic.com with code ECOCHIC

Connect with me!! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez on Instagram

If you’re just beginning your environmental journey, or curious to know what the zero waste movement is all about… this episode is for you! We’re giving a grand overview of what a zero waste or low waste lifestyle stands for: reduce, reuse, recycle, repair, rot. Plus, sharing tips to help you lower your footprint today.

Helpful episodes to learn more:

How To Shop Package Free Straws vs Fishing Nets: What’s The Big Deal? Get Thrifty * How To Recycle Almost Anything* The Compost Convo

Shop produce bags (and more) at totallyecochic.com – use code ECOCHIC for 10% off! Thank you for supporting this show!

Let’s connect on instagram – @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com

It may seem like the answer to your sustainable wardrobe goals may be minimalism… and minimalism can be intimidating! Today we’re speaking with Erin Orbach, Brand Manager of Boody Ecowear, a brand of eco-conscious basics. We’re discussing why bamboo is an ultra-sustainable fabric choice and certifications to look for when you’re choosing your pieces. Plus, we’re sharing easily implementable tips to help you streamline your closet, shift your buying habits, and reshape your idea of a “green” wardrobe. Use code ECOCHIC for 15% off your boodywear.com purchase! (I won’t stop talking about their long-sleeve shirt in black.)

Follow along + chat with me – @ecochicpodcast on Instagram or @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Support this show by shopping our sister brand for your chic sustainability supplies! TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop at totallyecochic.com + follow along on social media, @totallyecochic.

The United Nations has set Sustainable Development Goals to help us tackle concerns across multiple dimensions: societal, economic, and environmental. Today, we’re speaking with Claudia La Rue, the First Secretary to the Dominican Republic mission of the United Nations. We’re first overviewing the Millennium Development Goals, then discussing what the Sustainable Development Goals hope to accomplish for global wellbeing by 2030. There is really an opportunity for individuals across sectors to contribute to solving these international issues! We’re sharing ideas and progress to look towards, beyond the agenda. You can find more information on the Sustainable Development Goals here.

Connect with me! @ecochicpodcast on Instagram or @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Check out our new shop! totallyecochic.com is eco-conscious lifestyle shop.

Black Friday sales are upon us, and holiday gift giving is definitely testing our commitment to being conscious consumers! On today’s bonus episodes, we’ll be going through guidelines to be a mindful shopper for both yourself and others. We’re sharing some creative ideas as alternatives to likely landfill-bound presents, plus reframing our mindset around extreme sales.

Let’s hang out on Instagram! – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez . Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Check out TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop at totallyecochic.com + use code LAUNCH10 through Monday, December 2. Find us on social media at @totallyecochic on Instagram + Facebook.

I am beyond thrilled to welcome you today to TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop! I am sharing my journey thus far: how this podcast began, including some behind-the-scenes insight, like why we don’t have advertisers. TOTALLY ECO CHIC is our new sister brand – a place for all your stylish sustainability supplies. I’ll discuss the vision behind the products in our first drop: produce bags, silicone bags, baseball caps, and postcards featuring one-of-a-kind, cheeky graphics. You’ll also be introduced to the team behind the shop!

You can shop with us online at totallyecochic.com + keep in touch via Instagram, @totallyecochic + Facebook, @totallyecochic. I truly cannot wait for you to see the products and experience this movement!!

Let’s connect on Instagram: @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez . Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

With some potential sticky climate conversations looming this holiday season, we’re learning today how to have thoughtful, relatable conversations with climate skeptics. We’re chatting with Sarah Ott, a chapter leader with Citizens Climate Lobby in a conservative North Georgia region, and a teacher ambassador with the National Center for Science Education. Sarah is a former climate skeptic herself, College Republican, and the granddaughter of a coal miner. We’re sharing lots of tangible, take-home tips on how to handle conversations around your environmental values with people who may not hold the same concerns.

TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop. Coming very, very soon at totallyecochic.com!!

Connect with me – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

It’s Election Day! We’re gearing up to hear about a lot of different environmental plans this next campaign season, so this episode is breaking down the basics to help you better determine which policies really speak to you. We’re talking about carbon pricing – explaining the difference between a carbon tax and a cap-and-trade policy – plus all the ways we can label net zero emissions. We’ll touch on the Paris Climate Accord, and how the U.S. leaving may have major economic implications. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with politics, but this episode will ideally help you quickly realize what certain plans are really about.

Episode 69: What Is The Carbon Budget?

Connect on instagram – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez . Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

A great blog post from Patagonia on the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord

We love a call-in episode! Today is all about encouraging those around you to think deeper about eco-conscious lifestyles. We’re speaking with three listeners about their initiatives in their respective local communities: Bella, creator of Sage Magazine; Faith, a host of local TV segments and workshops; and Nika, president of a free campus pop-up thrift shop. Across all conversations, we’re talking about those personal connections that really help those around you transition into more eco-conscious lifestyles.

Connect with us @ecochicpodcast on instagram or via email at laura@lauraediez.com

April Davis of The Vagina Blog joins up today to talk about all things menstruation! We’re discussing all of your options for period products – health benefits, reusable versus disposable, and encouraging you to find what works best for your body. April is also discussing fertility, and how we can support our cycle all month long. Other episodes mentioned are Episode 24 on menstrual cups + Episode 48 on sexual health products.

Chat with me!! @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Find April at http://thevaginablog.com + @thevaginablog

Products recommended:

O.b. applicator-less tampons * Dot Cup (featured on Episode 24, listen here!)* Smartliners reusable pads + liners – use code “ecochic” for 15% off!

Books recommended:

The Happy Hormone Guide Beyond The Pill * Period Repair Manual Taking Charge of Your Fertility

We’re talking about your dog’s environmental impact today. Let’s chat about poop bags: are they really biodegradable? We’re also addressing the age-old question of whether or not your dog should be a vegetarian. Plus, we’re talking about the best options for toys and beds that will last. Thank you to all listeners that gave recommendations to share on this episode!

Connect with us on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Items mentioned:

BioBag (compostable doggie bags) Nylon bag (zero waste bags) SERTA CertiPUR pet beds* Natural Balance Vegetarian

Plastic isn’t inherently “bad”… but what we’re doing with it definitely is! We’re talking today about where plastic comes from and how it ends up in your drinking water (and food!). Is recycling a good option? What’s wrong with those “eco” plastic water bottles? Plus, we’re touching on the environmental and health impacts of Styrofoam. Lots of good tidbits to help you educate and encourage your friends to join the plastic-free movement.

Email me if you would be interested in taking a survey for a new ECO CHIC project!! Just write “survey” in the email subject line, laura@lauraediez.com

Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Scooters are popping up on streets across the world… big cities, campuses, and coming to just about everywhere in between. E-scooter share programs are selling the idea of the “last mile ride,” but we’re breaking down why they’re not quite living up to that promise. On this episode, we’re talking about policy concerns, emissions, but also how e-scooters could definitely serve as a climate action tool in the future.

Connect with me @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

We are diving deep today with Christina Vidal of JetSet Christina + Watercolors Swim! She’s explaining the intricate process of creating a swimwear line, and how a smaller fashion brand really operates. We also discuss the true meaning of “sustainability” in the fashion industry. Plus, Christina shares her experience of having fast fashion giant, Zara, steal one of her designs. We’re chatting about waste, consumer responsibility in America versus Bali, and ensuring passion throughout a supply chain.

Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Read jetsetchristina.com (here is the blog post I keep referring to!) + follow on her instagram, @watercolorsswim +@jetsetchristina

The local food movement is gaining popularity, and we’re here for it! We’re chatting today with Wen-Jay Ying of Local Roots NYC, a CSA in New York City. We’re discussing how regenerative agriculture supports our long-term ability to farm (and why the time is now to make a change!). Plus, we learn the value of supporting local farms both for your environmental footprint and your personal health. Your food choices are the easiest, most impactful way to lessen your impact on the planet – and we totally have the power to make a difference.

Find Local Roots NYC online or on instagram

Connect with me!! On instagram @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez

The Amazon Rainforest has been burning for three weeks largely due to deforestation for cattle ranching. This episode is a special report on the current situation: how the fires began, why this emergency will accelerate climate change, + what you can do. We are explaining deforestation, carbon sinks, and current climate science predictions for global temperature thresholds. Statistics shared today are collected from BBC and CNN.

Organizations to donate to, helping protect the Amazon (bottom of the article has a good list!)

The latest IPCC Special Report, Climate Change and Land

Episodes, if you’d like to learn more about today’s topics:

69: What is the Carbon Budget? 66: 5 Ways to Eat A More Plant-Based Diet 46: 10 Foods to Stop Buying and Start Making with Your Food Scraps 3: What’s The Beef? 9: The Compost Convo

Chat with me on insta – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez or email me at laura@lauraediez.com

Honesty hour: I sometimes struggle my to balance my environmental lifestyle + “regular” millennial culture. Today, I’m sharing a couple of tidbits from my life + internal conflicts around vegan leather handbags, introducing myself as an environmentalist, and when bringing your own metal straw is nonnegotiable. This episode is the first of a few more personal episodes I’d like to share – opening up the conversation around our collective concerns + conflicts with becoming truly ECO CHIC.

Listen to Episode 16 with Ashlee Piper here

Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez (I would love your feedback!)

Tis the season for education, career shifts, and even back-to-school fever for those of us out in the workplace. Today, we’re speaking about the value of short-term, immersive experiences to build on your environmental education. Whether you are looking to dive deeper into your passions or learn about a totally new topic, there is plenty to gain from field stations, programs abroad, or bootcamp-style institutes. We are specifically today discussing our personal times at:

The Green Program (through which CJ went to Iceland); learn about CJ’s scholarship program here * Highlands Biological Station (but also mention Flathead Lake Biological Station and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute)* University of Illinois – Chicago’s Summer Institute for Sustainability and Energy * WWOOF, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms

Connect with CJ at @cjcasey3320 on Twitter + Instagram

Listen to Episode 58, Careers in Climate

Hang out with me on insta! @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Recycling incorrectly can be just as harmful as not recycling at all! However, recycling properly can be challenging based on where you live or what you’re disposing of. While every area may have different regulations around their specific acceptable items, we’re discussing things you should always recycle, plus programs for your hard-to-recycle items, like contact lens packaging and toothpaste tubes. We also chat about the importance of personal care product take-back programs and dispel myths about what bathroom items can’t be diverted from a landfill. While we should be focused on reducing and reusing, correct and effective recycling should also be a priority.

Previous episodes mentioned: Episode 64, Dating Sustainably: Chic Chats; Episode 67, The World’s First Totally Zero Waste Makeup Palette; Episode 9, The Compost Convo

Learn more about TerraCycle here

Learn more about E-Steward here

Check out Greenpeace’s electronics report card + EPEAT here

Our second Chic Chats call-in episode! Today, we’re speaking with four women about their experiences with environmental lifestyles around the world: Celine from Germany, Lynn in South Korea, Marley in Uganda, and Jainan in China. We’re discussing national policies and location-specific challenges, plus coming to terms with things like family and social norms. Pollution, food, recycling, and so much more! This episode is one of my favorites yet, because it is so full of personal knowledge and relatable stories.

Follow along @ecochicpodcast (or my personal page, @lauraediez), and email me at laura@lauraediez.com

We’re breaking down the elusive “carbon budget” – what is really means, and what it will take to keep our planet within reasonable levels of warming. Between the promise of shiny technologies and human habits, we’re talking about limiting emissions with the current reality of a climate crisis.

Connect with me @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez on instagram. I’d love to send you stickers!

Silk sheets are totally having a moment, and cotton is a classic … but both of these options problematic! Today we’re chatting with Phoebe and Kat of Ettitude, a bamboo lyocell bedding company. Bamboo is an environmental superstar, requiring minimal resources and causing no animal harm. We spend one-third of our lives asleep … and Ettitude sheets are a super luxurious vegan option for that huge portion of your life! We’re also talking about ethical factory standards and the importance of educating women.

Use the code ECOCHIC of 15% off at ettitude.com or ettitude.com.au

Follow along at @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez, or online at lauraediez.com

Sustainable, non-toxic, inspiring makeup – let’s discuss! Today, we’re chatting with Tiila Abbitt of Aether Beauty, the brand behind the world’s first zero waste makeup palette. Tiila served as the Head of Product Development for Sephora, which led her to create a truly clean eyeshadow collection. She talks about her background in the beauty industry and challenges of creating a zero waste consumer product. I was especially interested to learn about how crystal can actually benefit your skin, and the pros to lab-grown mica.

Let’s connect – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez on instagram, and online at lauraediez.com

Find Aether Beauty online at aetherbeautyco.com, @aetherbeautyco + a variety of big-name stores.

Plant-based diets are actually the most impactful personal climate change solution you can make. We’re talking today about five easy ways to transition into a more plant-based diet, little by little – you don’t have to be totally vegan overnight! First, let’s discuss two major food groups you can reassess, and then we’ll get into three key ingredients you can incorporate into your meals as animal product replacements. Today’s episode is full of simple recipe ideas and encouragement for you to start taking the next steps for lightening your environmental footprint.

Connect with me – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and on lauraediez.com

Linked here is the B12 supplement spray I mentioned!

Transportation is a massive source of global greenhouse gas emissions. Today, we’re going over some ways that innovation and up-and-coming ideas are making our travel more efficient. We’re diving deep into why a typical gasoline-powered car doesn’t make a lot of sense, how hyperloop could totally change public transportation, + where there is still plenty of work to be done.

Explore more solutions/research here

Connect with me!! Find us on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez + connect via email through lauraediez.com

Our first call-in episode! Today, we’re talking with FIVE friends of ECO CHIC all about their experiences dating as someone making eco-conscious lifestyle choices. We discuss how living low-waste, plant-based, or just environmentally aware can influence romantic relationships. Each guest lives a little differently from one another, so it is really eye opening to understand how we can date while still keeping true to our values.

Leave a rating/review to enter our giveaway for reusable produce bags! Simply send a screenshot of your review to @ecochicpodcast on instagram or via email to hello@lauraediez.com

Let’s chat! Find me on instagram @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez. Send emails to laura@lauraediez.com. Plus, we have stickers again! Reach out if you’d like to receive one.

The diamond industry is dirty, corrupt, and arguably super outdated. Diamonds are simply compressed carbon – and technology has caught up with nature to alleviate some of the adverse effects of mining. Today, we are sitting down with Anna-Mieke Anderson of MiaDonna & Co. and The Greener Diamond Foundation. We’re discussing how the technology of growing diamonds in a lab facility has actually surpassed the quality of stones we can find in nature, and how historically oppressed communities can be revitalized through sustainable investments.

Connect! – @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez, and via email on lauraediez.com. Leave a rating/review on iTunes to enter the giveaway for a set of reusable produce bags; just send a screenshot via DM to @ecochicpodcast or via email to hello@lauraediez.com

Let’s get analytical today when we talk about waste: what is it really costing our communities? We’re discussing the economic and social downfalls of a disposable society, plus possible solutions. It’s easy to simply encourage recycling and composting, but we also have to realize the policies and infrastructure currently in place. Waste-To-Energy electricity and fuel generation is also a hot topic, but there are cons to those systems, too. Where do we need our markets to go, and how do we deal with the trash we already have?

Connect! @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez on Instagram, or www.lauraediez.com

Info + Inspo

“Advancing Sustainable Materials Management: Facts and Figures.” by Environmental Protection Agency, 2017 “The economics of municipal solid waste.” by Beede, David N., and David E. Bloom “What a waste: a global review of solid waste management.” by Hoornweg, Daniel, and Perinaz Bhada-Tata “Issues and options in waste management: a social cost–benefit analysis of waste-to-energy in the UK.” by Hoornweg, Daniel, and Perinaz Bhada-Tata “Municipal waste management systems for domestic use.” by Jouhara, H., et al.

There is a lot of speculation on if technology will save us from a climate crisis … today, we’re bringing that conversation down to a much more personal level. How are the products you’re inviting into your life impacting the environment? We’re sitting today with Josh Poulsen of House of Marley, an eco-conscious brand of personal audio products. We are getting into the challenges with designing sustainable speakers and headphones, a more responsible supply change, and where the technology industry as a whole needs to be headed.

Find House of Marley online at houseofmarley.com and @houseofmarley

Let’s please connect! Find me @ecochicpodcast and @lauraediez on Instagram, and via email through lauraediez.com

We’re talking today about shopping for beauty products the same way you shop for groceries: personalized, food-grade organic, ethically sourced, and even a little spiritual. Tina Hedges, founder of LOLI Beauty, joins us to discuss how LOLI is on a mission to stir up clean, conscious beauty. Makeup, skincare, and haircare products are crafted from organic food waste, and also contain no water, addressing issues of scarcity and high-end food byproducts that are often overlooked. Coming from the beauty industry, Tina thinks deeper about improving products that are impacting our personal health, but also how our environmental footprints and bigger-picture supply chains can be more righteous.

Find LOLI Beauty online at www.lolibeauty.com and use code ‘ECOCHIC15’ for 15% off (I’m honestly obsessed!). Follow on instagram at @loli.beauty

Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez or online at lauraediez.com

The grid: what even is it? We’re talking today about why you should care about where your electricity comes from! Let’s break down the whole situation: importance of grid reliability and flexibility, how our energy is generated, and how we’re going to transition into a safer, more stable system. Lots of goodness to better prepare you not only for climate conversations, but deeper thinking about national security and consumer comfort.

Keep in touch! On instagram, @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez. Email me via lauraediez.com. Find my recommendations for learning more about climate change here, on my Resources page.

Learn more about energy sources on Episode 21: Happy Hour: Energy

More info here on biomass, off-shore wind versus on-shore wind, + rooftop solar power

Climate change is impacting all of us – and we all have the ability contribute to solutions! Today, we’re exploring a whole variety of ways that you can tailor your expertise for a career in cliamte. We’re first introducing the obvious scientist roles, but then diving deep into sectors you may not immediately associate with sustainability: economics, insurance, marketing, education, community planning, policy… there is really no shortage of opportunities! Whether you’re unsure of your next career move or just looking to better understand our society, this episode will definitely encourage you to think a little more about your role in facilitating positive change.

Connect with me – @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez, or send an email via lauraediez.com, where you can also find climate science and green living info (like this post on some great resources, like books and documentaries!) I also mentioned an article on the legalities of selling public lands; if you’re interested in learning about land management and policy, learn more here about the issues surrounding National Monuments.

Happy Earth Day, friends! We’re firm believers that we should be celebrating Earth Day every day by thinking a little more about our environmental footprint. Today’s bonus episode outlines five easy ways you can live more eco-consciously. Below, each tip has links to additional podcast episodes in the Apple Podcast app if you’d like more info – episode are available wherever you listen to podcasts! You can also find some of my fave climate change resources (books, documentaries, etc) here + some zero-waste supply recommendations here. Connect with me on instagram – @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez, and you can send me an email via lauraediez.com!

Eat More Plants 3: What’s The Beef? 17: Our Global Food Systems + Sustainability: Megan Faletra, The Well Essentials 43: Your Guide To Becoming A Zero Waste, Vegan Home Cook 55: Eco-Conscious Beef: How Animal Agriculture Can Be Done Sustainably

Avoid The Big Four: Water Bottles, Straws, Bags, Coffee Cups 25: Straws vs. Fishing Nets: The Real Deal 40: 10 Easy Zero Waste Swaps 49: How To Shop Package Free

Compost 9: The Compost Convo Composting 101 (blog post!)

Take Less Flights 7: Travel Smarter

Shop Secondhand 10: Fast Fashion 18: Get Thrifty 31: Sustainable Fashion Initiative

We’re crafting today! I’m joined by my friend Elizabeth Lancione of Feelin Loopy Crochet to talk you through three do-it-yourself projects for your lower waste lifestyle. We’re teaching you how to make a reusable shopping bag, produce bags, and cotton face rounds (crochet or sew!). We also have two bonus projects to share: coffee scrub and beeswax wraps!

If you’d like to follow along with written directions and photos, we created a PDF! Download it here, from lauraediez.com.

Let’s connect on insta – @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez!

Find Elizabeth on Etsy and Instagram!

It can be easy to preach against animal products when promoting an environmental lifestyle – but that definitely doesn’t work for everyone! I’m excited for us to be diving deep into the world of animal agriculture, cattle ranching, and climate change today with Megan of the Diablo Trust, a collaborative group of ranchers, advocacy groups, and even government agencies. We are educating ourselves on the actual environmental concerns with animal ag, trends in eco-conscious land management, + so much more. Let’s talk about where your food is coming from, who is growing it, and how all communities and ecology can truly come together.

Let’s def connect – find us on insta, @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez + online www.lauraediez.com.

Last week, AOC reminded us that “climate change is not an elitist issue,” … but perhaps environmental lifestyle choices inherently are. We’re touching upon the social factors that influence your ability (or inability!) to make lower-waste, more eco-concious choices. We’re breaking down how your neighborhood and socioeconomic status influence your environmental footprint, but then taking it a little further and discussing how the politics of your region play into that. Let’s break down why it’s easier to shop plastic-free in California versus a Publix grocery store in Florida (a juicy investigation, if I do say so myself!). While climate change absolutely impacts all of us, the choices we make in response to that acceptance are a little more tricky.

Let’s connect on insta – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and online at lauraediez.com

Today’s episode of ECO CHIC is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box! Use ECOCHIC at kinderbeauty.com for a surprise bonus gift in your first box of totally vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare.

Let’s break down a cool little intersection of environment + health: organic produce. Today, we’ll discuss what organic certification truly means, the agricultural implications, and even some benefits of conventionally grown fruits and veggies. We’re also introducing the Environmental Working Group’s Dirty Dozen list, to help us all be more savvy shoppers.

Let’s connect on insta – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and online at lauraediez.com

USC is hosting their annual The Big Event, and they’d love you to participate in The Climate Ribbon Project! Sign your name on a ribbon here + learn more about The Climate Ribbon Project here.

Today’s episode of ECO CHIC is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box! Use ECOCHIC at kinderbeauty.com for a surprise bonus gift in your first box of totally vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare.

Resources:

EWG’s 2019 Dirty Dozen List* Pinterest graphic * Research on organic vs conventional farm yields

Palm oil: one of the biggest things the internet is telling you to give up if you care about the planet. Today, we are breaking down the situation a little further – let’s talk about how palm oil is harvested, who is being hurt, how it’s effecting our global greenhouse gas emissions… but let’s also talk about the lesser-advocated-for benefits of this oil. While deforestation is environmentally villainous, and efforts to save orangutans really tug at your heart … we also should acknowledge that palm oil is one of our absolute most efficient globally.

I would LOVE to hear your thoughts on today’s semi-controversial conversation! Let’s connect on insta – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and online at lauraediez.com

Today’s episode of ECO CHIC is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box! Use ECOCHIC at kinderbeauty.com for a surprise bonus gift in your first box of totally vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare.

Art, the environment, and eco-conscious messages you may not even realize you’re being sent! My great friend Dana Rodriguez is joining us today to talk about art: creating it, buying it, and what how it’s influencing the masses. We’re getting into materials, discussing specific artists famous for their work, and the impact of social media culture in the art world.

Get in touch with Dana on instagram, @danarodriguezart

Today’s episode of ECO CHIC is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box! Use ECOCHIC at kinderbeauty.com for a surprise bonus gift in your first box of totally vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare.

Follow us @ecochicpodcast on instagram (giveaway going on right now!) + @lauraediez. Email me via www.lauraediez.com

Energy: where does it come from + why should you care? We’re sitting down with my great friend, Christina Lizzo, to discuss how we extract natural gas, and some drawbacks of renewable energy alternatives. We’re also touching on the subjects of geopolitics, political awareness, and where different people fit into shifting our larger energy systems.

Today’s episode of ECO CHIC is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box! Use ECOCHIC at kinderbeauty.com for a surprise bonus gift in your first box of totally vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare.

Follow us @ecochicpodcast on instagram (giveaway going on right now!) + @lauraediez. Email me via www.lauraediez.com

Reducing your packaging is arguably one of the easiest ways to start lessening your environmental footprint! Let’s talk today about one of your most frequent plastic-ridden purchases: groceries. We’re sharing tips on how to prepare for your grocery trip, what to do at the store, and how to store things once you get home. Package-free shopping shouldn’t be intimidating, inconvenient, or too different from your usual grocery run. It doesn’t have to be all-or-nothing, either – if you can only do package-free produce, that works. Do what you can!

Follow us @ecochicpodcast on instagram (giveaway going on right now!) + @lauraediez. Email me via www.lauraediez.com

Resources:

How To Shop Package Free blog post Bulk Bin Finder Reusable Produce Bags* How to DIY produce bags

Where do condoms come from? What even is lube? Today, we’re breaking down the environmental impacts of our basic sexual wellness products! Let’s discuss the sustainability (and health!) of our bedroom choices: condoms, personal lubricant, vibrators, and a bit more. We’re also sharing lots of brands you may want to switch to, and how these products are linked to our larger environmental footprints. Instead of an end-of-ep question, this episode is answering your eco-conscious sex questions throughout our conversation.

Let’s chat – find us on insta, @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez + online www.lauraediez.com. PS: @ecochicpodcast will be hosting a giveaway for vegan, non-GMO, fair trade rubber condoms this week!

Resources:

Glyde: certified vegan + fair trade Durex: some vegan + non-latex options Sustain: non-GMO, fair trade, vegan condoms + aloe-based personal lubricant (plus great women’s health products) (website always has great discount codes!) * Unique Plus: non-latex + eco-friendly packaging Woo More Play: coconut oil lube (code: ECOCHIC) Good Clean Love: Organic 95% aloe-based lubricant GAIA vibrator: totally biodegradable More info on rubber harvesting, via NPR * NY Mag, “Best Organic Condoms and Lubes”* Sex With Emily (podcast + website)

Today’s episode is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box, www.kinderbeauty.com – code ECOCHIC will get you a bonus surprise in your first box!

Buckle up for one of our most thought-provoking episodes yet! We’re sitting down with Dr. Brian Petersen today to discuss the circular economy theory – and why it doesn’t really make sense as a climate change solution. We touch upon the efforts of the zero waste movement, and larger social systems: are people truly happy with a society of constant consumption? How does technology impact our social systems, and can we use it to combat environmental issues? What do we actually need?

Today’s episode of ECO CHIC is brought to you by Kinder Beauty Box! Use ECOCHIC at kinderbeauty.com for a surprise bonus gift in your first box of totally vegan, cruelty-free makeup and skincare.

Let’s connect on insta – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and online at lauraediez.com

Happy Thursday! We have a quick episode today all about ten easy things that you can totally start making on your own with your food scraps. Even if you’re not able to compost, you can definitely start to reduce your kitchen waste by rethinking what you’re purchasing, and how you can make some things on your own with what you already have. We’re breaking down the basics on some kitchen staples, sharing a couple of easy meal ideas, a bath product, and even a drink! Aiming for zero waste isn’t always about completely changing your lifestyle, but rather just encouraging some mindfulness around what you’re sending to a landfill.

Vegan Banana Bread:

2-3 super ripe bananas 3/4 cup whole wheat flour (oat flour works great too!) 1/2 cup sugar 1/4 cup of vegetable or coconut oil splash of almond milk 1 tsp of baking soda 1 tsp salt cinnamon, nutmeg, vanilla Bake at 425F for ~30 minutes for muffins, ~60 mins for a loaf

Let’s connect on instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and online at lauraediez.com

If you’ve ever wondered if purchasing an organic cotton t-shirt is actually better than purchasing a conventional one … you’re not alone. Today we’re discussing the environmental considerations surrounding your cotton clothing: crop yields, irrigation, transportation, and even laundry while you own it. Our end-of-ep tidbit this week revolves around a somewhat laughable personal experience, sharing some health and safety considerations for essential oils and wool dryer balls!

Let’s connect: @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez on instagram, and www.lauraediez.com online

Let’s talk about what nail polish has to do with staying healthy, looking good, and your dog. Today we’re hanging out with Valentina of *Hype Nail, a toxic-free polish brand. We’re discussing LOTS: the toxicity that is mainstream nail polish, how harmful chemicals can be replaced with plant-based ingredients, and how to dispose of polishes. We also chat about why animal testing needs to go, and the power of consumers in shifting the market. PLUS: ECO CHIC listeners get a special 30% off discount code so you can clean up your nail care asap! Our end-of-episode question is full of tips on how you can give some lower-waste, eco-conscious gifts this Valentine’s Day (and all year round)!

Let’s connect on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, or online at www.lauraediez.com

Find *Hype Nail at www.hypenail.com and on Amazon!

Cheers to our first Thursday episode! We’re talking today with Jessie Stokes, author of the Zero Waste Vegan Cookbook! Let’s break down how zero waste and low impact living can look different for everyone, and the benefits of plant-based meals, even just a couple of times per week. Jessie is giving tips on how to shop at “regular” grocery stores, and even sharing some simple go-to plant-based recipes.

More information + inspiration a lower impact kitchen:

Meatless Mondays: Do Yourself A Favor Lower Waste Kitchen Swaps How To: Shop Package Free

Find us @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez on instagram, or www.lauraediez.com online

Find Jessie at www.tinyyellowbungalow.com and on instagram @tinyyellowbungalow

We are sitting down today with Nathan Friedman of Wanderlust Brewing Company in Flagstaff, AZ, breaking down the environmental and logistical variables that go into the brewing process. Nathan is discussing the everything that goes into your go-to beer: the water usage, the malting process, ingredient sourcing, bacteria and yeast … really SO much knowledge on a drink we all enjoy but may not think too deeply about. We’re also touching on how certain steps in the process can be tweaked for reuse or conservation, PLUS the topic that got me wanting to host this chat: Wanderlust’s microbrew made from reclaimed water.

Let’s connect – on instagram, find us @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, and online at www.lauraediez.com

We’re sitting down with Nora Schaper today, co-founder of Bodylish, a natural beauty line, and HiBar, a new salon-quality solid shampoo bar. Nora discusses her unconventional path into entrepreneurship, and the conception of two totally different business models, both forward-thinking in sustainability. We’re breaking down some challenges associated with different business models and products, and the power of an environmentally-conscious brand to really shake up the market.

Let’s chat! Find us on instagram @ecochicpodcast (so many good giveaways lately!), my personal page @lauraediez, or on lauraediez.com

Connect with Nora at nora@bodylish.com or nora@hellohibar.com

Let’s all agree to be less trashy in 2019. Today, we’re getting into ten super simple ways you can reduce your waste. Plus, I’m breaking down the difference between “zero waste” and “low impact” lifestyles, and why I think the iconic trash jar is silly. Sticking to theme, the end-of-episode question is all about plastic bags!

Find all the ten swaps for a lower impact lifestyle below; links are to Amazon.

Carry a reusable water bottle everywhere – to work, the gym, Panera… everywhere Reusable Coffee Mug for your office or backpack Stainless Steel Straws! Bonus: chic on a bar cart * Reusable Shopping Bags – remember, they’re not just for grocery stores! * Reusable Produce Bags Wool Dryer Balls Sign up for a local compost pick-up service (or start your own compost system!) Shop Secondhand (more info on Episode 18) Pick up lonely bananas* Carry a set of your own silverware (inexpensive thrift!), or opt for a spork that lives in your bag

Let’s connect! Find @ecochicpodcast on instagram, or my personal page @lauraediez. Email us + find more resources at www.lauraediez.com

Let’s get into clean, natural skincare – good for your body, inside and out. Jade rolling is rooted in ancient Chinese medicine, using a crystal for its anti-aging properties. Jade rolling is receiving a ton of buzz lately, too, in the skincare community for helping with face bloat and lymphatic drainage. Today, we’re discussing the biological benefits of facial massage, the benefits of specific oils and serums, and even more pros for a cleaner, greener beauty routine.

Let’s connect on Instagram – @ecochicpodcast, @lauraediez, www.lauraediez.com * Read sursublimite.com + connect with Halle on Instagram @sursublimite (where we’ll be giving away a jade roller!) Specific oils and serums mentioned by Halle: * Mad Hippie Vitamin C Serum Dr Barbara Sturm Hyaluronic Acid Serum Beauty Counter * Find Luna Nectar online at www.lunanectar.com and on Instagram @lunanectar Read about how to shop package-free

Today we are setting the scene for future conversations about shiny climate change solutions. What is geoengineering? Can we really just stop absorbing solar radiation? Why isn’t this cool research being put into practice yet?

Let’s connect! Find @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez on Instagram, or email at laura@lauraediez.com

Resources:

Check out the IPCC’s Fifth Assessment Report (AR5) * Vegan meal prep inspo: @thetoastedpinenut, @minimalistbaker, @upbeetandkaleingit* Listen to Episode 33 with Nicole Walker, where I am asked this very question of, “Will technology save us?”

The US government shutdown is (unfortunately) going almost two weeks strong. A central conversation revolves around President Trump’s proposed border wall between the US and Mexico. Today, let’s discuss the environmental implications of this “huge, beautiful wall” – there is a lot to consider, between the associated greenhouse gas emissions and whose migration will be impacted.

Find me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez , and and online at www.lauraediez.com

Find the McCallum et. al (2014) study here

Today we are sitting down with my friend Emerald McCormick to talk about some major, global issues: climate refuges, terrorists, and developing world setbacks. We are get into how climate change is a women’s rights issue in many countries, and even touch on subjects like ecofeminism.

If you are interested in learning more about EcoFeminism, check out Episode 28, or Women + Children, check out episode 30.

If you’re interested in getting in touch with Emerald + further learning about the intersection of politics and climate issues, please email or DM me and I will put you in touch!

Find me on instagram, @lauraediez + @ecochicpodcast and online at www.lauraediez.com

On this (slightly sassy) episode, I am hitting you with the three most common arguments of people who deny climate change, and how you can intelligently rebuttal. The holiday season might prompt some of these conversations with family, and it’s a lot easier to keep your cool when you’re armed with easy facts to disprove those conspiracies.

Let’s connect! Find me @ecochicpodcast and @lauraediez on Instagram, or email me at laura@lauraediez.com

Resources:

For an easy, comprehensive list of climate denial rebuttals An article on the last time the earth was as hot as we’re projecting it will be, due to human activity Soap Nuts on Amazon Wool Dryer Balls on Amazon ECO CHIC: The Master List PDF download

This week we are diving deep into the topic of clean beauty with Halle Beeler of clean beauty blog, Sur Sublimite! We’re talking all about the products you should be rethinking in your routine, what labels and ingredients are worth looking into, and sharing tips on how to be an educated shopper. Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast and @lauraediez, and find more resources at www.lauraediez.com

Visit www.sursublimite.com
Follow Halle on instagram, @sursublimite
Product Database: Environmental Working Group
Think Dirty app

This week we are joined by Nicole Walker, the author of Sustainability: A Love Story. Nicole and I are chatting about what sustainable actually means, the idea of a “personal cap-and-trade program”, and mindfulness moving forward.

Check out Nicole’s personal website, www.nikwalk.com
Find Sustainability: A Love Story on Amazon + your local retailers

Let’s connect!! Find me on Instagram @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez and at www.lauraediez.com

‘Tis the season! With the holidays upon us, we’re talking today about some easy tips + important considerations when it comes to keeping the season eco-conscious. We’re tackling some big-ticket topics today, like leftovers, Christmas trees, and gifts. Today’s end-of-episode question is all about the most important (zero-waste, vegan) meal of the day. Keep in touch! Email me at laura@lauraediez.com, or DM me at @lauraediez + @ecochicpodcast. Please reach out if you’d like some new ECO CHIC stickers! You can find our first printable PDF, ECO CHIC: The Master List (and lots of other fun things) at: www.lauraediez.com/

We’re talking today with Emma and Abby of the UNC Sustainable Fashion Initiative! We’re just skimming the surface of all things sustainable fashion: thrifting/upcycling, manufacturing pollution, workers’ conditions, and more. Let’s chat!! Message me @lauraediez, @ecochicpodcast, or laura@lauraediez.com

Check out UNC SFI here
The True Cost
Additional Climate Change Resources
For more on thrifting, check out Episode 18 of ECO CHIC: Get Thrifty

Family Planning is one of the most crucial issues to tackle – population growth is super closely linked to increasing greenhouse gas emissions. Today, we’re highlighting the challenges associated with family planning services around the world, some successful countries, and how babies are totally tied to climate change. Slide into my DMs at @lauraediez ; follow ECO CHIC @ecochicpodcast ; email me at laura@lauraediez.com

Additional stats/resources linked here
Climate change educational resources linked here

Today I’m hanging out with my friend Miles Dunlap, an expert in the electric vehicle space. We are getting into the innovation that is currently happening (and what has yet to be done), Tesla’s impact on the industry, Elon Musk’s motives… it’s a good one, y’all.

Chat with me on instragram @lauraediez, @ecochicpodcast + via email at laura@lauraediez.com
Connect with Miles on instagram @milesdunlap_ + on twitter @quartermiles
Pick up Drawdown, my fave constantly-referenced, super readable collection of stats on the most feasible ways to combat climate change on Amazon

Let’s introduce the concept of ECOFEMINISM. There is an intersection of gender equality and environmental exploitation … and today we’re just skimming the surface of the issues within that connection. Beyond explaining the ideology behind ecofeminism, we’ll also touch briefly on women’s education, maternal health, fast fashion, and veganism. Keep in touch! I’m on instagram @lauraediez + @ecochicpodcast. You can also email me at laura@lauraediez.com Information + Inspiration:

Julia Mason, TEDxGrandValley: An Ecofeminist Perspective Françoise d’Eaubonne
Greta Gaard, Lori Gruen: “Ecofeminism: Toward Global Justice and Planetary Health” (1993)
Venn Diagram Youtube Video
What Is Ecofeminism and Green Consciousness? Youtube Video

Let’s talk about WINE. Today, we’re chatting with Tampa-based sommelier Jen Bingham all about the basics of growing wine, plus: some labels on wine (“natural”? “organic”? “biodynamic”?) + how you can make some smarter, more eco-conscious wine purchases. Find Cru Cellars on Instagram or in Tampa at: 1910 N Ola Ave, Tampa, FL 33602 + Armature Works Chat with me!! Find me on instagram (@lauraediez) or via laura@lauraediez.com. You can also now follow ECO CHIC specifically at @ecochicpodcast on instagram.

We are back with our second Happy Hour episode! Today, we’re talking with my friends Tristan and Liz all about food: socio-economic issues, farmers’ markets, waste, marketing, GMOs… everything you’ve ever wondered about food, we’re wondering, too. Let’s chat!! Shoot me an email at laura@lauraediez.com or an Instagram DM @lauraediez

The argument against straw-free movements has been circulating the internet… today we’re addressing the real deal when it comes to commercial fishing debris! Yes, a lot of our marine plastic is from fishing nets – but that doesn’t mean we should ignore efforts to eliminate plastic straws. We’re getting into the issues with both sides of the argument. And we have a fun surprise later!!

Great article about fishing debris, ghost nets
Plastic Island
Reusable stainless-steel straws on Amazon

Let’s talk about periods. 50% of the population has them, yet we’re nervous to talk about menstruation openly and honestly. Ridiculous!! Today on ECO CHIC we are joined by Betsy Drach, the founder of Dot Cup, a new one-for-one menstrual cup. We’re talking about everything you’ve ever wondered about menstrual cups: what they are, why they’re the move for your health and the environment, and how they can empower women around the world. Keep in touch! DM me on instagram (@lauraediez) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com).

Follow @dotcup on Instagram
Purchase Dot Cup

Today we are chatting with Elise and Lori of Unicreamer, a totally vegan, non-GMO, hypoallergic coffee creamer! We touch on the benefits of incorporating plant-based products into a diet, especially for non-vegans (like us). Elise and Lori are also committed to animal welfare, a topic that is super important to respecting the planet that we do not talk about enough. Keep in touch! DM me on instagram (@lauraediez) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com).

Order Unicreamer (40% off right now!!)
Follow @Unicreamer
Check out Marley’s Mutts, the awesome organization Lori and Elise mentioned partnering with!

Today we’re breaking down what makes up our personal water footprints! We’re skimming the surface of the direct and indirect sources of water consumption in our lives. Let me know your thoughts on this new series! If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Calculate your personal water footprint here
Calculate your personal carbon footprint here
Water consumption of energy sources

I am PUMPED to be introducing a new series to ECO CHIC… Happy Hour! You’ll meet experts in the sustainability space from totally different specialties, we’ll have some drinks, and we’ll talk honestly and openly about ENERGY. We’re discussing the potentials and pitfalls of renewables, posing some questions, and getting nerdy. Cheers! Let me know your thoughts on this new series! If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Today we are speaking with Celia of Litterless! Litterless is a blog + social media space where Celia discusses moving towards a zero-waste lifestyle. She also host workshops and aids in fostering zero-waste communities in the Midwest. We talk about what zero-waste is, finding resources wherever you may be, and encouraging community around a lower impact lifestyle. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends! Find ECO CHIC wherever you listen to podcasts + don’t forget to rate, review, share. See ya next Tuesday!!

Read Celia’s blog, Litterless, here. Follow here on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook, @litterless
Here is Litterless’ super handy compost resource locator

At the intersection of wellness and sustainability, we find The Green Witch: super sustainable, beautiful CBD products based out of New York City. Leila, the founder of The Green Witch, is speaking with us today on the what CBD is, why organic practices are important, and how we can all be a little more eco-conscious in our personal health journeys. ECO CHIC listeners have an exclusive discount code for The Green Witch products – stay tuned until the end! If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), contact through my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Shop Green Witch products at shopgreenwitch.com + follow at @shopgreenwitch
Visit The Green Witch pop-ups at Canal Street Market (265 Canal St, New York, NY 10013) + soon at The Shops NYC Union Square (Broadway between 12th and 13th)
Bulk Store Locator – take advantage of search filters!
Find LUSH solid shampoo bars here

One of the most ECO CHIC things we can do is shop secondhand for good looks! We’re continuing our conversation combatting fast fashion today – I’m sharing my top five tips for thrifting, and then recommendations for where to thrift both online and IRL, throughout the country. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Listen to Episode 10 on Fast Fashion
Thrifting apps: Poshmark, Depop, Etsy
Locations-specific recs:
Chapel Hill, NC + Richmond, VA: Rumors
Miami, FL: Miami Twice
NYC: Beacon’s Closet, L Train Vintage, Housing Works
AZ: Buffalo Exchange, Runway Fashion Exchange (both actually have a ton of locations nation-wide!)
LA: Melrose Trading Post, Wasteland, Council Thrift Shop

This week on ECO CHIC we are talking with Megan Faletra of The Well Essentials! Megan is enlightening us on the truth of sustainability in diets – we should acknowledge that there is more to it than just eating organic, or just eating local, or just eating vegan … especially considering climate change, nothing in our food systems happens in isolation. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Connect with Megan on Instagram
Visit The Well Essentials online
Shop for Sustainability Supplies on Amazon

Today we are chatting with Ashlee Piper, author of GIVE A SH*T: Do Good. Live Better. Save the Planet. Ashlee is a political strategist turned vegan and eco-lifestyle advocate and TV personality. We’re getting into how she started living more eco-consciously, the practicalities of this lifestyle, the deal with ethical veganism… so much good stuff. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Order GIVE A SH*T on Amazon
Visit Ashlee’s website + follow her on Instagram

So excited to share today’s episode with Carly Bergman! Carly and I are talking about what eco-spirituality means, the rationale behind permaculture, and finding positivity in people when discussing sustainability.

If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Find Carly on Instagram here + The Sustainable Duo here
For Carly and Brendon’s ebook, zero waste survival kit, speaking dates, and more, here is The Sustainable Duo’s website + Etsy

Today we are having a conversation with Manuela Baron, better known online as The Girl Gone Green! She has just returned from a six month journey throughout Asia, learning about sustainability and wellness. She shares some lessons she’s taking with her, and how we can all stay practical in our environmental mindset when traveling.

If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Check out The Girl Gone Green on Youtube + Instagram
Watch Manuela’s Ted Talk

Today we are talking with Sharon Rowe, founder + CEO of Eco Bags! Eco Bags is the original reusable bag in the U.S. We’re discussing profitability in sustainability: laser-focused business plans, identifying a niche, and sticking to your values. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Check out The Magic of Tiny Business on Amazon
Shop Eco Bags’ official site here + Amazon: string shopping bags can be found here and reusable produce bags here. Everything is 100% organic, fair trade, B-Corp certified… everything your sustainability dreams are made of
Find Sharon online here

On this episode of ECO CHIC we are talking about reducing our energy + water consumption at home! We will be going through each room and discussing how to make some implement more eco-friendly habits and products. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Here are some more tips for homeowners to make some eco-friendly upgrades
Here is a recipe for DIY toothpaste – there are also plenty of recipes online for DIY lotions, scrubs, etc. I make body scrub out of coffee grounds with this recipe.
Laundry!! Here is one laundry detergent free of unnecessary chemicals. Here is a link to soap berries on Amazon – a cool, natural, plastic-free option. Here are wool balls to replace single-use dryer sheets.
More info on vampire power can be found here
I wrote this post on easy kitchen staples you can make yourself to reduce waste, and this episode of the podcast talked about trash in general. I like these reusable produce bags + use this reusable K-Cup to replace single-use Keurig cups!

One of my favorite topics when it comes to climate change: the impacts on animal and plant communities! Here we are discussing how birds and bees are responding to changes in precipitation, habitat shifts, and more. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Resources

The two research groups on bees I mentioned are this post-doc out of Florida State and this lab out of NC State
Learn how you can support your local bee communities here
This page from the Audubon Society is a fun way to learn more about birds – you can break it down by region! If you want to get into birding, the gold-standard resource for calls/identifications/etc is EBird.

Today we are starting to tackle one of the biggest topics when it comes to being ECO CHIC – fast fashion! The conversation starts today with denim and leather. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

Information + Inspiration:

The two sustainable denim brands I mentioned were Everlane + Reformation
I referenced the documentary True Cost to learn about the environmental and ethical impacts of fast fashion – it’s on Netflix!
One of my favorite slow fashion bloggers is Megan of Tunes and Tunics – she showcases lots of sustainable brands on her blog and insta!
The sustainability index I mentioned is the Higg Index – you can download the whole index right now and figure out the implications of different fabrics.

Let’s talk compost! This week, we’re getting in to why composting matters + how easy peasy it is to offset your environmental footprint. If you want to chat more, DM me on instagram (@lauraediez), my site (lauraediez.com) or email me (laura@lauraediez.com). We can also be Facebook friends!

References

Here is any easy walk-through of setting up a home composting system
I like this article in Scientific American + this page from the EPA, both discussing methane emissions from landfills
This article discussed landfill methane capture projects
Here, here, and here are studies I mentioned that link carbon sinks and climate change mitigation

Let’s talk about microplastics! What are they? Why are they harmful? What can we do about them? As always I’d love to chat about science/sustainability/anything under the sun; send me an Instagram DM (@lauraediez, easiest for me!) or an email via my contact page!

References:

This is a great PDF handout by NOAA on micro plastics
Here is more info on the Microbead Free Waters Act
Here is a galley of product lists containing micro plastics, broken down by country and then severity of the micro plastics (red/orange/green) – some are surprising!

Travel season is upon us! Let’s talk about making our vacation choices a little more sustainable – how we’re getting there, what we’re supporting, and how we are planning to maintain our eco-friendly habits outside of our homes. If you want to chat about science/sustainability/anything under the sun, send me an Instagram DM (@lauraediez, easiest for me!) or an email via my contact page!

Information + Inspiration:

Read about the impact of air travel here and this page gets more in-depth about carbon offsets if you want to learn more
Not just for travel! Calculate your carbon footprint here to see how impactful your transportation choices are.
This is a fun easy checklist by NatGeo and this is another really thorough list by one of my fave travel bloggers

We are breaking down all the basics – renewable energy sources, non-renewable energy, the grid, and what we’re looking forward to when it comes to how we get our electricity. If you want to chat about science/sustainability/topic suggestions, send me an Instagram DM (easiest for me) or an email via my contact page!

References:

Non-renewables: Here is some thorough information on coal, and here is a good breakdown of natural gas
Renewables: This site goes into solar, this is about wind, and this is about hydropower. We also mentioned geothermal, which you can read about here, and biomass, here.
Here is a breakdown of what our national an energy regulatory commission is; to learn more about your state’s or region’s specific commission, you can just Google “(state) energy regulatory commission.” For instance, this is California’s commission website. This article goes into how energy utilities work.

Breaking down all the ways you can rethink how sustainable your coffee habits are. We’re getting into the labels on coffee beans, the ethical points, and the financial pros to sustainable habits. If you want to chat about science/sustainability/topic suggestions, send me an Instagram DM (easiest for me) or an email via my contact page!

Resources:

Agriculture: This article breaks down the pros behind organic coffee + this article talks about shade-grown coffee.
Social Equity: This page is a good overview of Fair Trade Certifications, but this article is a little more in depth and honestly breaks down some problems with the label.
Buying Habits: This is a great brief grocery-store checklist of why you should look for certain labels. Here is a good overview of sustainability at Starbucks.
Here is the reusable K-Cup I have so I can keep using my Keurig, with less waste. A French press is a great option if you’re starting from scratch – glass + no filter!

★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★★ If you enjoy the podcast, please let me know via messages, rating, and reviewing. I want to be a helpful resource so if there is a topic you’re interested in learning more about, please let me know! Thank you!!

Party Tips for the eco-concious! Whether you’re hosting, attending, or just passing by, there is always a way to make your events a little more sustainable. If you have any questions/suggestions/etc, shoot me an Instagram DM or an email via my contact page!

Resources:

Check out these photos + this site for some creative jello shot presentation.
Here is an article on biodegradable, edible beer can rings.
SAY NO TO SOLO CUPS. Look online if your city recycles #6 plastic (unlikely, but Ann Arbor and Yorktown NY are some that do). Here is a national solo cup recycling program through TerraCycle. Here are the UNC compostable cups I mentioned – maybe your local campus has a similar program.
This post + this post have a good simple outline of sustainable party tips you could use as a checklist!

Everything you ever (and never) wanted to know about animal agriculture. We're discussing animal products and their impacts on the environment, your physical and mental health, and how you can slowly begin to improve your impact. For more info, check out: http://lauraediez.com/2018/04/10/my-first-podcasts/

All the basics surrounding the environmental impacts of municipal solid waste, the Zero Waste movement, and how to begin reducing your impacts. For resources + more, check out: http://lauraediez.com/2018/04/10/my-first-podcasts/

All the basics of Climate Change education. For resources + more info, check out: http://lauraediez.com/2018/04/10/my-first-podcasts/