Hometown: Earth: Recent Episodes

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If you're like me you’ve probably searched how to live sustainably? What the heck is zero-waste? What can I do to help climate change? And you probably want convenience that doesn't put the world at harm - I get it! Join me, host Lena Samford, every Tuesday as we navigate what actions we can take, big or small, to make a positive impact in your life and the lives of your neighbors on Hometown: Earth! Together - we’ll break-down topics like composting, plant-based living, ethical beauty and fashion, and more - as well as hear from eco innovators on how we can meet our needs without sacrificing the earth!We all know change needs to happen, so let’s get started right here - at Hometown: Earth!

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In the final episode of Hometown: Earth, I provide 5 steps for committing to live with intention. 

I want to thank you for tuning in each week to learn more, and I hope you continue your journey. If you’d like to follow along with my sustainability journey, and I hope you do, you can find more on my website LenaSamford.com. 

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When you think of climate change and sustainability, what do you think about? Do you imagine rainforests and endangered species? Maybe the wildfires or flooding we’ve seen across the US? Or maybe your mind goes to the ocean and its vast biodiversity. All of these are important - but there's one more thing we should consider when it comes to sustainability: sleep. That's right—sleep is a critical factor in creating a sustainable world and affects us all daily. 

In this episode, continuing our conversation about prioritizing our health, I'll talk about why getting good rest is vital for keeping us and our planet healthy. 

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How are you, really? I ask because the state of your mental health is key to sustainability.

In this episode, we talk about the role of mental health in sustainability and how we can improve our mental health for the collective sustainability effort! 

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/the-role-of-mental-health-in-sustainability/

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We live in a fantastic time in human history. We live longer, have options to get healthier faster, and can be proactive about caring for our health like never before. But it begs the question - are we robbing peter to pay paul? Are we taking from future generations for development gains right now? A lot of people would say yes. 

In this episode, we discuss how human health and planetary health are linked so we can live long and prosper!

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We live in a fantastic time in human history. We live longer, have options to get healthier faster, and can be proactive about caring for our health like never before. But it begs the question - are we robbing peter to pay paul? Are we taking from future generations for development gains right now? A lot of people would say yes. 

In this episode, we discuss how human health and planetary health are linked so we can live long and prosper!

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Do you want to live a full, happy life? I'll give you a hint - more stuff isn't the answer. The past few weeks, we've been talking about the psychology behind what drives our consumer habits, how we can start to become green consumers, and why we should choose to use green banks - all in the name of improving our consumer habits to be more sustainable.

Continuing with that theme, this episode offers you 7 tips for embracing minimalism! 

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Do you want to live a full, happy life? I'll give you a hint - more stuff isn't the answer. The past few weeks, we've been talking about the psychology behind what drives our consumer habits, how we can start to become green consumers, and why we should choose to use green banks - all in the name of improving our consumer habits to be more sustainable.

Continuing with that theme, this episode offers you 7 tips for embracing minimalism! 

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We’ve been discussing consumer behaviors and improving them to be more sustainable. One thing we do almost daily is spend money. While we might think about what we choose to buy as consumer behavior, the banks we use are also part of that equation. 

In this episode, we discuss green banking and why it's important for a cleaner, sustainable future.

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We’ve been discussing consumer behaviors and improving them to be more sustainable. One thing we do almost daily is spend money. While we might think about what we choose to buy as consumer behavior, the banks we use are also part of that equation. 

In this episode, we discuss green banking and why it's important for a cleaner, sustainable future.

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Last week we talked about our consumer habits and what it is that drives us to make the decisions we do. This week I give you a list of actionable ways you can start to become a green consumer. A Beginner's Guide to Green Consumerism, if you will! 

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Last week we talked about our consumer habits and what it is that drives us to make the decisions we do. This week I give you a list of actionable ways you can start to become a green consumer. A Beginner's Guide to Green Consumerism, if you will! 

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We make 35,000 decisions throughout the day - many of them without even noticing. What we choose to wear, eat, buy, and more. This month, we start by acknowledging our consumer habits and then learning some tools to improve them to be more sustainable! 

In this episode, we learn the 5 factors that influence our consumer behavior, so we can make better choices in the future! 

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We make 35,000 decisions throughout the day - many of them without even noticing. What we choose to wear, eat, buy, and more. This month, we start by acknowledging our consumer habits and then learning some tools to improve them to be more sustainable! 

In this episode, we learn the 5 factors that influence our consumer behavior, so we can make better choices in the future! 

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Are you familiar with Ayurvedic herbs? In this episode, you'll hear from founder Ranjana Hans and Dr. Chetan Hans of Raw Roots Turmeric - the single source for Ayurvedic products in Missouri. We talk about how their products, which they carefully create from plant to production, have changed their lives for the better and how education and community can be just as important as the products themselves. 

Learn More and Purchase Products: https://www.rawrootsturmeric.com/

Episode Show Notes: https://lenasamford.com/raw-roots-turmeric-ayurvedic-herbs-w-ranjana-hans/

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Are you familiar with Ayurvedic herbs? In this episode, you'll hear from founder Ranjana Hans and Dr. Chetan Hans of Raw Roots Turmeric - the single source for Ayurvedic products in Missouri. We talk about how their products, which they carefully create from plant to production, have changed their lives for the better and how education and community can be just as important as the products themselves. 

Learn More and Purchase Products: https://www.rawrootsturmeric.com/

Episode Show Notes: https://lenasamford.com/raw-roots-turmeric-ayurvedic-herbs-w-ranjana-hans/

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Have you put much thought into how you get around your town? Do you bike, carpool, walk, or ride the bus? How might your mode of transportation affect your life and other’s lives - for good or bad?

In today’s episode we dive deeper into how transportation systems can affect citizens from all walks of life differently, and how we can work to make cities better for all with Lawrence Simonson, CEO of Local Motion! 

Get connected with Local Motion: https://lomocomo.org/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/local-motion-transporation-equity-w-lawrence-simonson/

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Have you put much thought into how you get around your town? Do you bike, carpool, walk, or ride the bus? How might your mode of transportation affect your life and other’s lives - for good or bad?

In today’s episode we dive deeper into how transportation systems can affect citizens from all walks of life differently, and how we can work to make cities better for all with Lawrence Simonson, CEO of Local Motion! 

Get connected with Local Motion: https://lomocomo.org/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/local-motion-transporation-equity-w-lawrence-simonson/

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In order to broaden our perspective, we have to begin to analyze the individual, systemic and structural systems in place in our society that give power to some groups or individuals and not others. In this episode, we discuss definitions and resources to identify, address, and use our privilege the greater good! 

Episode Shownotes + Additional Resources: What’s Your Privilege?

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In order to broaden our perspective, we have to begin to analyze the individual, systemic and structural systems in place in our society that give power to some groups or individuals and not others. In this episode, we discuss definitions and resources to identify, address, and use our privilege the greater good! 

Episode Shownotes + Additional Resources: What’s Your Privilege?

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We live in a world that's constantly changing. Our challenges are becoming more complex—and so are our solutions. It's easy to get stuck in our own perspective, and it can be hard to understand how others see the world.

In this episode, we will talk about how you can broaden your perspective for greater self-awareness, empathy, and, ultimately, sustainability.

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/broadening-our-perspective-empathy/

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We live in a world that's constantly changing. Our challenges are becoming more complex—and so are our solutions. It's easy to get stuck in our own perspective, and it can be hard to understand how others see the world.

In this episode, we will talk about how you can broaden your perspective for greater self-awareness, empathy, and, ultimately, sustainability.

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/broadening-our-perspective-empathy/

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Resilience is a word that's often used in emergency response and disaster recovery. But what does it mean for ourselves, our friends, and our neighbors? In this episode, we discuss building personal and community resilience so we can work together to face life’s challenges!

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When you think of personal well-being - do you think about your health, happiness, connections, education, or environment? Now consider what community well-being might look like to you. I am sure many of the things you thought of for your personal well-being translate to community well-being.

In this episode, we explore community well-being (connectedness, livability, and equity) and why that makes us better together. 

Sharecare Community Well-being Index

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I’m proud to say that this is the 100th episode of Hometown: Earth! 100 episodes of hope, solutions, fresh ideas, growth, and more. Throughout the last 100 episodes, you’ve heard from so many amazing voices. And since this month we are focusing on community - I wanted to bring back some of those voices from a few episodes that really have brought home what community is and reinforce the same themes we’ve talked about in the last few episodes.

Episodes mentioned:

  • Episode 32- Community & You: How To Get Involved
  • Episode 37 - Sunrise Movement: Youth-Led Climate Revolution with Neha Desaraju
  • Episode 53 - Designing Global Climate Activism with Dave Johnson

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This week’s episode discusses the ten ingredients for successful sustainable communities and how local organizations and governments can harness their people's passion, imagination, and resources for the greater good! 

This episode is adapted from the Rocky Mountain Institute’s ‘Framework for Community Sustainability Ten Ingredients for Long Term Success.” If you enjoy this episode, I would like for you to consider giving a $5 donation to the organization by visiting https://rmi.org/

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Our communities shape our understanding of the world. These narratives contribute to our beliefs and values and how we perpetuate that to others.

Creating this sustainable community and the sense of community, in general, helps us to improve our health and happiness, reach our goals, and most importantly, collaborate on solutions that will enhance planetary health and drive social change! 

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How many of us go to local box stores and buy plants and flowers to put in our yards without considering whether they should ACTUALLY be there? Or mow and water and fertilize just because we think that is what we’re supposed to do? A lot of these practices are harmful to our planet, use too many natural resources, and just take up a lot of time that we could be using to appreciate our landscape. 

Thankfully, there are plenty of ways to create a beautiful yard on your own that won't require a lot of maintenance and will lend a hand in repairing our earth. This episode covers tips for Naturescaping so you can transform your lawn into an eco-friendly oasis! 

Episode Show notes: https://lenasamford.com/naturescaping-transforming-your-lawn-into-an-eco-friendly-oasis/

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There are so many things we can do to be more sustainable that may seem minor or insignificant - but those small changes and habits can blossom into a sustainable life for yourself and your community. 

I wanted to give you options (that don't take up a lot of time or money) that you can start putting into practice today. So this week's episode is a crash course on 20 small ways to go green at home!

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Do we need all the innovative home technology to have a sustainable home? In this episode, we look at sustainable home design and how we might be able to look to the past for answers to a sustainable building future!

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This month our focus will be on adopting the habit of creating an eco-friendly home. Our environment is linked to our health.  If you're not taking care of it, it will eventually suffer. The same thing applies to your home! When we create a sustainable space that minimizes its impact on our environment, we're also creating an eco-friendly home that improves your quality of life and helps protect the planet for future generations. 

In this episode, we go over the importance of creating an eco-friendly home and some tips on how you can start living sustainably (wherever you call home) today!

Related Episodes:

SUSTAINABLE SPRING CLEANING FOR HEALTHY LIVING

5 Easy Plastic-Free Bathroom Swaps!

EASY, ECO-FRIENDLY KITCHEN SWAPS

WASTE NOT, WANT NOT!

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In this episode, we will take a quick trip around the world’s top cities for sustainable travel! These cities make it easier to work, travel and live more sustainably. Supporting their residents to reduce their footprint, keep up eco-friendly habits, build community and safety, allowing travelers to tour without making a significant impact. 

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The truth is, sustainable travel isn’t just for tree-hugging hippies and extreme environmentalists; it’s for anyone who wants to get around mindfully. So before you tune out sustainable travel, let’s bust some myths you might’ve heard so that you feel confident in traveling sustainably! 

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The more time I spend on this planet, the more I realize how important it is to be a sustainable traveler - to tread lightly and support the places I travel to in the best way possible. Not only can it help preserve natural resources and improve human health, but it can also make your travel experiences more enjoyable! 

In this episode, I share the impacts of tourism and how you can become a mindful, sustainable traveler!

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/how-to-become-a-mindful-sustainable-traveler/

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It’s no secret that traveling, whether it's to run an errand or to make our way to another country, has a significant impact on the planet. The truth is - it’s necessary for modern society. However, we can travel in a more eco-friendly way that reduces our impacts on the environment and encourages companies to innovate so that it is easy for everyone to make more thoughtful green choices and do the things they need and want. 

In this episode, we look at a few impacts of travel on our environment so we can start to build a picture of why it is so important.

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Today we are going to switch things up and put our words into practice by doing a walking nature meditation to deepen your connection with nature. Whether you’re just joining in, or have listened along the entire month as we have practiced adopting the habit of spending more time with nature, this is the perfect meditation to incorporate while you’re out in nature every week. 

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The Nature Connection aims to improve the well-being of individuals and communities through the therapeutic use of nature by bringing the outside - inside, through plants, animals, and natural materials to people in its service area of Middlesex County, MA, and beyond! 

You'll hear from The Nature Connection’s program director Taylor Eagan in this episode. We chat about how The Nature Connection makes the healing power of nature accessible to people of all abilities and backgrounds and how you can do the same. 

Sign up for The Nature Connection Newsletter: https://www.nature-connection.org/

Episode Show Notes: https://lenasamford.com/the-nature-connection-the-healing-power-of-accessible-nature-with-taylor-eagan/

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The habit of spending more time with nature is pretty broad, as there are so many ways we can spend time with nature. So what do I really mean by connecting with nature, and what can we learn from it to lead us to more enriched lives and more sustainability on this planet? In this episode, I share the levels of human-nature connection and 5 lessons you can learn from nature! 

Listen to the Resiliency of Nature Episode: https://lenasamford.com/the-resiliency-of-nature/

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Throughout time, we have reveled in the beauty of our natural world and created beautiful things that make us happy. Seeing the beauty in something helps us form connections and relationships with our environment. But we have begun to shift our perceptions about beauty so that we value the beauty of nature less. 

Today I want to read you an essay in a series by Michael Popejoy, a Fellow in the Harvard Philosophy Department, who explored Ralph Waldo Emerson’s work on the existence of Truth, Goodness, and Beauty in nature, and how these claims might inform our current approach to the environment. 

Read the full essays here: https://green.harvard.edu/series/emerson-and-environment

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With the technology, streaming, uploading/downloading, emailing, and social media - many people are tuning out nature even while they're in it. This month we will focus on adopting the habit of spending more time with nature.

In this episode, I share 5 tips that have led me to spend more time with nature and bond with biodiversity so that it might help you create the habit of spending more time with nature as well! 

Listen to episode 46 ‘Connecting with Nature for a Happier, Sustainable Life”- https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/connecting-with-nature-for-a-happier-sustainable-life/

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Mushrooms are considered one of the most sustainably produced agriculture products in the nation, and they are incredibly beneficial to our health. 

In today’s episode, Eric Davis of The Mushroom Council gives us insight into the health and sustainability benefits of mushrooms, their Blend campaign, and some really neat ways to start eating more mushrooms today!

Learn more about all things fresh mushrooms here: www.MushroomCouncil.com

Home cooks and professional chefs around encourage to create and enter a mushroom-blended burger recipe for a chance to win $10,000. Details on the Blended Burger Competition can be found here: https://www.mushroomcouncil.com/blended-burger-contest-2022/

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Happy Earth Day 2022! Whether you’re listening on Earth Day or any other day - this meditation will help you find a connection with your extended body - the earth.

Ideally, listen to this podcast when you are able to sit outside and have your phone playing where you can still hear the sounds around you. 

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When you think of the word print, it usually means the impression left behind, or the area affected by something else. In ecology, it means the impact of human activity on the rest of the world. So what about our Foodprint? What effects do our food choices have on the rest of the world? 

Today, we get to hear from Jerusha Kemplerer, Director of Foodprint - an online non-profit organization dedicated to educating people on the topic of our food production processes. In this episode, we chat about Foodprint, our food systems, and what you can do to start learning about eating sustainably today!  

Reduce your Foodprint Challenge: https://foodprint.org/blog/reduce-your-foodprint-challenge/

Learn More About FoodPrint: https://foodprint.org/

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/whats-your-foodprint-with-jerusha-klemperer/

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That I was crazy, right? Here’s the hard truth - most American households waste nearly 32% of their food. This means you might not have left it in the parking lot - but maybe you took it home, let it occupy your fridge for a while, forgot about it, and then threw it in the trash. It’s not as blatant as leaving the food you just bought in the parking lot - but it is the same idea.

In this episode, we talk about 10 Food Waste Solutions that start with you!

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It’s no secret that our food has a significant impact on Earth - humans and the environment. This month, we explore the effects of our food on our world and how we can adopt healthier sustainable food habits.

This episode talks about incorporating plant-forward meals into our lifestyle and their benefits to our health and the planet!

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We think of the fashion industry as beautiful and desirable, but it can be really ugly. In this episode, we talk about the labor behind the label and what we can do to support ethical fashion. 

Love the show? Give us a 5-star review! https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/hometown-earth/id1538626086

Follow Hometown: Earth on Social Media https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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When you put on a pair of sunglasses - it instantly makes you feel cool, right? Well, you’re about to meet a sunglasses company that will not only make you look and feel cool - but to see the world better! 

Pala Eyewear creates designer sustainable and ethical sunglasses, and today you get to hear from the founder - John Prichard. John tells us about the story behind Pala Eyewear,a B Corp sunglasses brand that put people and the planet first. From their cases to the lenses and beyond, Pala is helping to empower communities and reduce plastic waste in the environment through vision. 

Learn more about Pala Eyewear and shop the collection - https://palaeyewear.com/

Episode Show notes - https://lenasamford.com/pala-eyewear-see-the-world-better-with-john-prichard/

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It can be overwhelming to shop second-hand sometimes since it isn’t as cut and dry as retail fashion. And how do you responsibly shop secondhand - meaning you find pieces that you will genuinely love, wear, and take care of? In this episode, we will go over how to master secondhand shopping (with tips from an expert!), including how to make the most out of your shopping experience and how to find pieces that are smart buys for you, and the planet. 

Expert and contributor for this episode is Sabrina Garcia-Rubio of Maude Vintage in Columbia, MO. Check out their styles at MaudeVintage.com. 

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Last week I may have shocked you with some statistics about the fashion industry and its waste. A big part of making a habit of choosing sustainable, ethical clothing is supporting brands that choose to create pieces made from sustainable fabrics.

So how do you know what to look for? Does 100% of natural materials always mean it’s good and synthetic materials always mean it’s terrible? What should we consider when buying secondhand items made with unsustainable materials? Does sustainable fashion mean you can’t be fashionable? We’ll explain it all here! 

In this episode, we talk about sustainable natural and synthetic fabrics.

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/sustainable-fabrics-101/

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The fashion industry has been called one of the most environmentally damaging industries, and after this episode, you’ll have an idea why. In the next few episodes, we will talk about adopting the habit of choosing sustainable, ethical clothing.

In this episode, we talk about why you should choose sustainable, ethical clothing.

Listen to the podcast episode ‘5 things to Ask Yourself Before Buying Anything.’

Hometown: Earth Instagram - Instagram.com/HometownEarth

Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/choosing-sustainable-ethical-fashion-matters/

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Science and poetry meld into one in this special bonus episode! Dr. Sam Illingworth is an Associate Professor in Academic Practice at Edinburgh Napier University in the UK. His research and practice are concerned with using poetry to engender dialogue between different audiences, and in particular to give voice to marginalized or underserved communities. 

In this special bonus episode, we get to hear more about Sam’s work, along with the poem ‘Deep Sea Plastics’ with commentary.

Tune in to 'The Poetry of Science' Podcast and find more of Sam's work - https://www.samillingworth.com

Purchase A Sonnet To Science - https://manchesteruniversitypress.co.uk/9781526127983/

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TerraCycle, the Innovative Waste Management Company, is on a mission to eliminate waste through recycling, but they know we can't recycle the world out of a waste crisis. In comes the brainchild of Terracycle - Loop! Loop reimagines the way we shop - reducing waste at the source through the design and innovation of the products themselves with their company partners.

In this episode, we get to hear from PR expert at Loop and TerraCycle, Eric Rosen, about the Loop process their mission to Eliminate the Idea of Waste® worldwide!

Explore Loop - ExploreLoop.com

Episode Shownotes - Closing the Waste Loop with Eric Rosen (TerraCycle)

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Did you know that the recycling symbol doesn’t actually mean that it will be recycled? Have you heard that recycling in the US is broken? Although recycling is widely accepted across the globe, we don't really educate on best recycling practices or how it works - adding to the recycling problem. 

In this episode, we talk about the history of the recycling symbol, types of plastics, what's wrong with our recycling system, and what we can do to be better recyclers!

Episode Shownotes - Back To The Recycling Basics!

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I have a question -what comes to mind when I say "Out With The Old, In With The New"? Did you automatically think about material objects that you want to replace? You're not alone! 

In our second week of practicing better waste management, we talk about how America became a throwaway society, the waste management hierarchy, and how 'out with the old, in with the new' can be used for good!

Join the Hello Neighbor! Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/661400148374465/

Episode Shownotes - Out With The Old? Practicing Better Waste Management

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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This month is all about Practicing Better Waste Management, so there's no better way than to begin reframing our mindset about waste.

In this episode, we discuss what waste is and how we can begin to look at it from a new perspective.

Join the Hello Neighbor! Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/661400148374465/

Episode Shownotes - Waste Not, Want Not!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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We’ve dug into why the soil is so vital for our livelihood and how to practice taking care of the soil, but we need to talk about shifting our mindset about the land to really bring it home. Land Stewardship is the collective responsibility to protect the building blocks of our ecosystem. It is up to each of us to carry this incredible responsibility - meaning that you are a land steward.

In this episode, we talk about what it means to be a steward of the land and how you can shift your mindset to deepen your relationship with it. 

Join the Hello Neighbor! Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/661400148374465/

Episode Shownotes - You are a Steward of the Land!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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In my search to learn more about compost - a beautiful poem found its way through the algorithm to me and I knew I had to bring it to you. A poem aptly titled ‘Compost’ by Redwood Reider. 

Redwood is a spoken word poet known for inspiring and uplifting live audiences. Performances range from personal storytelling and ceremony to eco-political activism. Redwood's rhymes grow out of a deep connection to the earth, a love of community, and a passion for justice and healing of our inner and outer worlds. Words flow from the heart with humor and compassion – aiming to reconnect us all with our true nature.

Discover more of Redwood Reider's work - https://www.redwoodreider.org

Follow on Bandcamp - https://redwoodthepoet.bandcamp.com

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/compost-by-redwood-reider/

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In our focus to value the earth’s soil, we’ve learned about the importance of our soil health to the planet and regenerative agriculture methods that help restore the soil. Composting is a regenerative agriculture practice accessible to anyone and is one of the easiest ways anyone can contribute to improved soil health. 

In this episode, we talk about the history of compost as well as composting basics and benefits!

Join the Hello Neighbor! Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/661400148374465/

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/composting-101/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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In the face of soil degradation, severe climate change, and world hunger - all might seem lost. But there is hope. Regenerative Agriculture is a holistic approach to farming and ranching that focuses on creating harmony with nature in a way that not only doesn't harm land - but improves it!

This episode takes a holistic approach to explain how Regenerative Agriculture can help bring our world back to life while going over the principles and practices that make this type of agriculture beneficial for the soil and the entire planet!

Join the Hello Neighbor! Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/661400148374465/

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/regenerative-agriculture-the-secret-to-saving-the-planet/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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You know it by many names: earth, peat, land, clay, silt, mud, sand - SOIL. Soil is a material that unites us, as it is under all of our feet—the source of life on earth. 

In our 12 month journey to adopt new sustainable habits, the first month focuses on valuing the earth’s soil. This week, we will learn why soil health is so essential to the health of our planet - including you! 

Join the Hello Neighbor! Book Club - https://www.facebook.com/groups/661400148374465/

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/soil-health-the-planet-and-you/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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Sustainable living is a goal that many people have shown interest in, but only about half have made significant changes. Sound like you? I’ve got a solution! I want to help you reach your goals and grow this together. I want us to hold each other accountable for the changes we want to see within ourselves and the world. 

We go over the 12 sustainable lifestyle changes we will adopt in the new year in this episode! These 12 changes align with each month of the year to allow you to move slowly, learn, grow, and dig deeper into your practice. So, this is a teaser for what is to come! Buckle in and get ready to have some fun! 

Subscribe to Hometown: Earth Emails - https://lenasamford.com/12-sustainable-lifestyle-changes-to-adopt-in-the-new-year/

Join the neighborhood on Social Media!

Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Facebook - https://www.facebook.com/hometownearth/

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We take in information every time we get on social media, watch tv, read a book, listen to a podcast, talk to a friend - the list goes on. With this influx of information and influence everywhere, we need to think critically if we want to adapt to world changes successfully as a society.  

In this episode, I explain more about critical thinking, why it’s important, how it relates to sustainability and the steps you can take to start thinking more critically today for a brighter future! 

Follow along on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/critical-thinking-and-sustainability-for-a-brighter-future/

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Did you know that small businesses make up about 44 percent of economic activity in the United States? Large corporations are the ones who are in the spotlight when it comes to having an opinion on political issues, diversity, where their money goes, their impact on the environment and people, and more. And while it is true that a handful of large corporations are the heaviest hitters to our environment, why can’t we be asking those same questions of our local small businesses?

This episode discusses why you should rethink #shopsmallbusiness and take it further by choosing local, small businesses that align with your values.

Join the neighborhood - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/rethinking-shopsmallbusiness/

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Peace on Earth is a nice thing to say during the holidays, have on a bumper sticker, or even voice your support. But have you ever thought about what it actually takes to have Peace on Earth? Here's a hint - it all comes back to human rights!

In this episode, we talk about the connection between sustainability, human rights, and peace on earth!

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/peace-on-earth-a-human-rights-issue/

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Although our society puts so much value on consumption, the idea of a healthy planet isn’t possible unless we slow down and reprioritize our values and our impact as consumers. In this episode, we talk about the gift of a mindfully merry holiday season. One that will increase your joy, help you align with your values, strengthen connections, and reduce your impact on the environment. 

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/a-mindfully-merry-holiday-season/

Follow along on Instagram - http://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

I'm Dreaming Of A Green Christmas (Episode 4) - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/im-dreaming-of-a-green-christmas.

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Today’s guest is not only a professional athlete, he is an impact athlete - someone who is using their voice in the professional athletic world for good. 

Jeremy Casebeer is a Professional Beach Volleyball Player and Host of 'Our Impact' Podcast, working to accelerate climate solutions and protect our oceans. While he’s not dominating in the sand as a champion and 3x best server of the Association of Volleyball Professionals (AVP) he’s working as an ambassador for Parley for the Oceans and Forest Stewardship Council as well as using his platform to scale his impact and partnering with responsible brands that he loves! 

In this episode, we chat about Jeremy’s journey to becoming an Impact Athlete, how others could use their platforms for good, and his podcast Our Impact. 

Our Impact With Jeremy Casebeer - https://bleav.com/shows/our-impact-with-jeremy-casebeer/

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/scaling-our-impact-with-jeremy-casebeer/

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Nature has been an inspiration for poets, writers, artists, and more throughout time. In this episode, I had the great opportunity to sit down with Walter Bargen. Walter is an established writer and has published nineteen books of poetry. Some of his most recent books include Endearing Ruins (2012), Trouble Behind Glass Doors (2013), Quixotic (2014), Gone West (2014), and Three-Corner Catch(2015). He was appointed the first poet laureate of Missouri and has won numerous awards for his work. His poems, essays, and stories have appeared in over 300 magazines, including American Literary Review, American Letters & Commentary, Beloit Poetry Journal, and more.

Today, Walter will read one of his poems, To Keep Going, that has appeared in his books, Remedies for Vertigo (2006) and in Days Like This are Necessary: New & Selected Poems (2009). Following the poem, you will hear brief but beautiful commentary from Walter that threads all of the pieces together.

Purchase Walter's books - https://www.amazon.com/s?k=Walter+bargen&ref=nb_sb_noss_2

Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/to-keep-going-with-walter-bargen/

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Today you get the joy of meeting Ana Seiler - Marketing and Partnerships Coordinator at the Venture Out Project! The Venture Out Project is an organization that leads backpacking and wilderness trips for the queer and transgender community - creating space that is not only safe but fun, educational, and uplifting. The Venture Out Project is truly unique. Drawing people with shared experiences who love the outdoors together to build an inclusive and caring community.

In this episode, we learn more about how The Venture Out Project empowers its venturers to find themselves at home in nature while developing leadership skills and building relationships along the way!

Connect with The Venture Out Project - https://www.ventureoutproject.com

View the Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/the-venture-out-project-inclusive-outdoors-w-ana-seiler/

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Happy Birthday to us and all we have accomplished as neighbors on Hometown: Earth! This special bonus episode celebrates the first year of the podcast! One Year brought us together for 56 episodes jam-packed with education and inspiration from amazing businesses and individuals who want to see a more sustainable world.

As a special gift to you, there will be a giveaway running on Hometown: Earth’s Instagram so be sure to head over and give it a follow! And, if you haven't yet - be sure to leave a review on Apple Podcasts if you're loving the show!

Cheers to many more!

Join the Neighborhood on Instagram! -https://instagram.com/hometownearth?utm_medium=copy_link

View the Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/bonus-happy-1st-birthday-hometown-earth/

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No matter where you’re at in your journey to sustainability, it’s always helpful to learn from others on their journey so that we can support and motivate each other, so that we can gain a different perspective, and so that we can process our own journey potentially in a new way.

I’ve personally immersed myself in sustainability work for almost two years now. So in this episode, I share a roundup of 8 Lessons I’ve learned (so far) in my journey to sustainability in hopes that you can use them to amplify and understand your own journey.

Join the Neighborhood on Instagram! -https://instagram.com/hometownearth?utm_medium=copy_link

View the Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/8-lessons-learned-in-my-journey-to-sustainability/

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In this episode, we discuss the 17 Sustainable Development Goals (or SDGs) created by the United Nations General Assembly that have the power to transform our world. These 17 Sustainable Development goals provide a holistic approach to sustainability that includes fighting hunger, achieving equality, and more while also addressing climate change.

Use these goals to hone in your values and communicate with others what YOU mean when you say you want to see sustainability in this world.

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View the Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/can-these-17-sustainable-development-goals-transform-the-world/

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Many climate activists have been spinning their wheels in previously made tracks. Our guest on this episode, Dave Johnson, thinks that we need a better design.

Dave began his career as a trial lawyer in the courtrooms of Miami. After a decade, he came to Stanford to study design, tech, and environmental law. He has worked for several Silicon Valley companies, with an increasing focus on teaching, first at Stanford Law School and then the Hasso Plattner Institute for Design at Stanford.

He is currently writing a book on design and climate activism with the working title “Climate Activism by Design”

Listen in as we chat about the difference between design and design thinking, how it can help solve the climate crisis as well as overcome its limitations, and the idea of creating your own personal greenprint!

Become Part of The Global Movement - https://climate-activist.com

Join the Neighborhood on Instagram! - https://instagram.com/hometownearth?utm_medium=copy_link

Check out the Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/designing-global-climate-activism-with-dave-johnson/

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If you had a golden ticket to visit space - would you go? This golden ticket to space grants insight into a perspective of our world from space. A mystery that has been entirely unimaginable to most humans throughout history.

We know that space tourism, or traveling to space for recreation, is growing. But is it worth it? In this episode, we talk about the pros and cons of space travel as it relates to sustainability.

Join the Neighborhood on Instagram! - https://instagram.com/hometownearth?utm_medium=copy_link

Check out the Episode Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/your-golden-ticket-to-space/

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When you read this episode title, I’m going to guess that you’re mind, like many of us, went to magic mushrooms - or mushrooms used as psychedelics. And even though I will briefly talk about the use of psychedelic mushrooms as a form of therapy, I hope you will learn that mushrooms are much more than that in this episode. They are part of a network of fungi essential to our world and highly underrated and misunderstood at that.

There are millions of different species of fungi - and they play a crucial part in our ecology. They solve many problems ranging from ecological destruction to PTSD.

Consider this your crash course on mushrooms! In this episode, we will learn about the magic of the different uses of fungi, specifically mushrooms, for food, medicine, organic pesticides, bioremediation, and even promoting equitable economic growth worldwide.

Let's chat on Social Media! - https://instagram.com/hometownearth?utm_medium=copy_link

View the episode show notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/the-magic-of-mushrooms/

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Two things have drastically changed the world as we know it today - climate change and the digitalization of our world. Our digital world has helped us organize, share, and connect more than ever imagined and has truly revolutionized our society and everyday lives. But this technology comes at a cost.

This episode discusses how our use of technology can impact our environment and the steps you can take to reduce your digital carbon footprint today!

Let's chat on Social Media! - https://instagram.com/hometownearth?utm_medium=copy_link

View the episode show notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/reducing-your-digital-carbon-footprint/

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Every year, over 31 billion bottles of wine are consumed worldwide (and I definitely play my part in that!) But instead of letting all of that cork go to waste, SOLE and ReCORK stepped in. And with the help of their recycling partners, ReCORK has collected over 110 million natural corks and counting - and stands as North America's largest natural wine cork recycling program.

Today you’ll hear from Paul Maughan-Brown - the Content manager for the Canadian supportive footwear brand SOLE and their natural wine cork recycling program ReCORK. We chat about the holistic approach to sustainability at SOLE and ReCORK, their new ReCORK material, and C02 initiative, and Paul shares his perspective on how to look at cork and sustainability in a new way.

Learn more about ReCORK: https://recork.com

Find your new favorite SOLE: https://yoursole.com/us

View the Episode Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/uncork-recork-the-sole-solution/

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In this bonus episode, I read an essay, Firefly (Redux) from World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil.

From the first of the 30 essays, you find yourself drawn in by the beautiful imagery Aimee uses to describe her joy and amazement of the wondrous world around us. This book compels us to celebrate diversity, to pay attention to the environmental issues plaguing our world, and to spend more time reflecting in nature. This essay in particular brings the book to a nostalgic close - reminding us to cherish and enjoy this beautiful planet we call home.

Purchase World of Wonders: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, & Other Astonishments

Aimee is the author of the New York Times best-selling illustrated collection of nature essays and Kirkus Prize finalist, WORLD OF WONDERS: IN PRAISE OF FIREFLIES, WHALE SHARKS, & OTHER ASTONISHMENTS. which was chosen as Barnes and Noble’s Book of the Year. She has four previous poetry collections: OCEANIC, LUCKY FISH, AT THE DRIVE-IN VOLCANO, and MIRACLE FRUIT, the last three from Tupelo Press. Her most recent chapbook is LACE & PYRITE, a collaboration of epistolary garden poems with the poet Ross Gay. Her writing appears twice in the Best American Poetry Series, The New York Times Magazine, ESPN, Ploughshares, American Poetry Review, and Tin House. She is a professor of English and Creative Writing in the University of Mississippi’s MFA program.

From World of Wonders by Aimee Nezhukumatathil (Minneapolis: Milkweed Editions, 2020). Copyright © 2020 by Aimee Nezhukumatathil. Reprinted with permission from Milkweed Editions. milkweed.org

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We know for certain that addressing the Climate Crisis is an urgent concern across the world. We need government at the federal and state level to take action and individuals to come together and have their voices heard. To do that, groups across the country are organizing walks, protests, and rallies to make a strong statement that we must effectively address the climate crisis now.

I attended one of these rallies in my current community of Columbia, Missouri. A Rally and Walk for the Climate organized by Mid-Missouri Peaceworks. In this episode, I interview 3 attendees about why it was important for them to be there and what they would like you to know about the climate crisis and taking climate action.

Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/taking-climate-action-to-the-streets/

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It's no secret that I love nature! And you may love it too, but did you know that the human-nature connection is crucial to our overall well-being? In this episode, I share a few reasons why incorporating a connection with nature is essential to your journey to health, happiness, and sustainable living!

Follow us on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/connecting-with-nature-for-a-happier-sustainable-life/

12 Ways to Connect with Nature - https://lenasamford.com/sustainable-living/12-simple-ways-to-connect-with-nature/

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Fall is the time for maturity, change, preservation, abundance, and reconnection - making it the perfect time to embrace sustainability. In this episode, we discuss 5 ways to fall into sustainability this season! From buying seasonal, local food to leaving your leaves on the ground (yes - I’m going to give you a reason not to rake!), you’ll feel rewarded by saving money, doing good for yourself, and helping the planet!

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Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/5-ways-to-fall-into-sustainability-this-season/

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Have you ever felt hopeless or scared about the future of the planet? A sense of loss due to the changes in the environment like the loss of green spaces, the disappearance of familiar plants and animals, or the increase in forest fires or smoke?

In this episode, we learn how climate grief and feelings associated with it manifest, processes of grief, and ways to deal with it productively.

This episode is read from the essay "What is Climate Grief?” by Andrew Bryant and is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.

Read the full essay and discover other resources on Climate and Mind - https://www.climateandmind.org/what-is-climate-grief

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Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/what-is-climate-grief/

(Bryant, A. (2019, August 25). What is Climate Grief? Climate & Mind. Retrieved from: http://www.climateandmind.org/what-is-climate-grief)

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Whether you’re an individual looking to reduce your personal emissions or someone wanting to see global climate action by corporations and governments (or both) - then we need to understand that our future is in sustainable energy and start moving towards it today. In this episode, we discuss fossil fuels and how they compare to clean renewable energy forms.

View Shownotes and Sources: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/our-future-in-sustainable-energy/

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The IPCC came out with their 6th report on climate change, one of the most dire reports we’ve seen so far. In this episode, we’re going to talk about the good, the bad, and the ugly from the IPCC report and why you shouldn’t avoid the bad news. We discuss the state of our current climate, possible scenarios for our future, and why you should continue to stay informed and hopeful.

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Visit the Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/the-good-the-bad-and-the-ugly-of-the-ipcc-climate-change-report/

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Want to know the secret ingredient in almost everything you use? Palm oil! It’s on about half of the products on your groceries shelves - finding its way in your ice cream, pizza, cosmetics, cleaning products, and more! Estimates say that we each consume around 17 pounds of it every year! Most of us use it, but not many of us are familiar with what it looks like, or its roots are. In this episode, we talk about the effects of palm oil on wildlife, our environment, and indigenous communities, and what you can do to help!

View the show notes: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/the-secret-ingredient-in-almost-everything-you-use-palm-oil

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Make your way to your fridge and crack open a cold one for this interview! In this episode, we get to hear from Jessi Kauffmann who works for the Corporate Social Responsibility Team at New Belgium Brewing! Not only does New Belgium Brewing have an amazing list of beers to serve every taste bud - they are recognized as a leader in the industry for sustainability and social responsibility.

They are now the 4th largest craft brewery in the U.S. Dedicated to proving that business can be a force for good, New Belgium is a Certified B Corp and was the first brewery to join 1% for the Planet. AND the brewery has donated over $29 million to charitable causes since 1991. Their in-house processes are driven by innovation, all the while they’re fighting for better climate policies, clean land and water, and providing spaces for diversity, equity, and inclusion. Truly they are brewed for all. Tune in to hear more!

Visit New Belgium: https://www.newbelgium.com

Learn more about Climate Action and Fat Tire: https://www.drinksustainably.com

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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Meow Meow Tweet is a vegan personal care company made for every body! From the top of your head to the tips of your toes - Co-Founders Tara Pelletier and Jeff Kurosaki have created a beautifully crafted apothecary of handmade items to soothe and nourish your body, all while sticking to their values of remaining vegan, ethical, low-waste, & cruelty-free at every step of the way.

Today you’ll hear from one half of the dynamic duo, Tara. As we discuss how Tara’s background as a chef and herbalist contributes to the goods Meow Meow Tweet develops, and how this collaborative team thoughtfully fuses their values into their work from creation to production to make the whimsically designed and absolutely inspired products that land at your doorstep.

Follow Meow Meow Tweet on Instagram: https://instagram.com/meowmeowtweet?utm_medium=copy_link

Visit Meow Meow Tweet’s Website: https://meowmeowtweet.com/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/meow-meow-tweet-co-founder-tara-pelletier/

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Did you know that 34 Million American Adults that Live With a Disability or Chronic Disease? That is a huge population of people that are left unheard when it comes to taking environmental action! In this episode, we discuss the definition of eco-ableism, straw bans (along with other examples), and solutions for making environmental action accessible for all.

Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/eco-ableism-making-environmental-action-accessible-for-all/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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The Sunrise Movement is a fast-growing youth movement to stop climate change and create millions of good jobs in the process. In this episode, you’ll hear from Neha Desaraju, an incoming college freshman, and Decentralized Press and Social Media Coordinator at Sunrise Movement. Neha shares her story with us, and we chat about how the work she is doing with the Sunrise Movement is helping to build a community that takes care of each other while demanding climate justice through nonviolent action.

Learn More About Sunrise Movement: https://www.sunrisemovement.org

Follow Sunrise Movement on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisemvmt/

Follow Sunrise Movement Generation on Fire: https://www.instagram.com/sunrisegenonfire/

Read Activist Chante Davis's story in Teen Vogue: https://www.teenvogue.com/story/sunrise-movement-trek-new-orleans-houston

Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/sunrise-movement-youth-led-climate-revolution-with-neha-desaraju/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

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Nine out of ten people who visit the outdoors are uninformed about Leave No Trace or how to minimize their impacts. Leave No Trace can be applied anywhere - from your backyard to your local park, and beyond! In this episode, we go over the 7 principles of Leave No Trace with my tips on how you can follow them to enjoy the beauty that is the great outdoors while respecting and protecting the wildlife that lives there!

The information and principles I provide here are used with permission by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics, a non-profit organization and educational program dedicated to protecting the outdoors by teaching people to enjoy it responsibly since 1994!

© 1999 by the Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics: www.LNT.org

To donate or get involved with Leave No Trace Center for Outdoor Ethics - https://lnt.org/give/join

Hometown: Earth Shownotes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/leave-no-trace-7-principles-to-protect-the-outdoors/

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When we are hopeful, it not only makes tough situations like climate change bearable, but it helps to motivate us to improve our lives and take steps towards making a better future happen. In this episode, we remind ourselves why we should remain hopeful in the face of climate change.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/remaining-hopeful-in-the-face-of-climate-change/

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It is finally summer! Everyone is stretching their legs, slinking into their summer wardrobe, and slathering on sunscreen to participate in their favorite summer activities. Whether you’re going to the beach, the mountains, or just hanging around the neighborhood, there are plenty of opportunities to be conscious of your decisions and make better swaps for the earth all while having the time of your life!

In this episode, I share my top 5 sustainable summer swaps that will make your summer, and every summer to come, more eco-friendly and enjoyable for you and the planet!

Top 5 Eco-Friendly Sunscreens - https://lenasamford.com/sustainable-living/eco-friendly-sunscreens/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/5-simple-sustainable-summer-swaps/

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Without a doubt, nature is resilient. And sometimes in life, we need to ask ourselves WWND - “What would nature do?" In this episode, we talk about the resiliency of nature and what we can learn by using it as an example, along with three steps, inspired by nature, on how you can become a more resilient person today!

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/the-resiliency-of-nature

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

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In this episode, I chat with Mayor Keith Samford (AKA my Dad!) on how to get involved in your community! We get his take on how whether you're in a rural community or a larger city, building community and working with local government is rewarding and necessary for the greater good!

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/community-you-how-to-get-involved/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

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In this episode, we are going to talk trash! Not the gossiping kind of trash, but actual waste. We take a brief flight through history about the ways we have dealt with our garbage since the beginning of time. Taking a look at our past and present to help us to better understand waste and shift our perception of it for a better future!

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/talking-trash-the-history-of-our-garbage/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

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In this episode, you meet Moji Igun. Moji is the founder of Blue Daisi Consulting which offers zero-waste and sustainability consulting services to small businesses. We chat about Moji’s zero waste lifestyle and how a zero-waste mindset can take you further than just your trash!

Blue Daisi Consulting: https://bluedaisi.com

Connect with Moji on Instagram: https://instagram.com/hippiemoji?utm_medium=copy_link

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/building-a-zero-waste-mindset-with-moji-igun/

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In this episode, you’re going to meet Isaias Hernandez - an Environmental Educator and creator of Queer Brown Vegan where he 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.

Hit play and listen along as we chat about Isaias’s journey to the empowerment education space, how we can all un-learn together, and advice on how we can step off of social media and start to take action!

Queer Brown Vegan website: https://queerbrownvegan.com

Queer Brown Vegan Instagram: https://instagram.com/queerbrownvegan?igshid=ckcik3evtfsu (All other platforms linked in show notes)

Subscribe to our newsletter for new updates and exclusive content every week! https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/isaias-hernandez-queer-brown-vegan/

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Just as your next-door neighbor can affect you by either junking up their yard or keeping it neat and tidy - you can affect your global neighbor by small actions you take every day. In this episode, we talk about how to be a good local and global neighbor through mindset, mutual respect, being helpful, and the exchange of resources!

Subscribe to our newsletter for new updates and exclusive content every week! https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/how-to-be-a-good-global-local-neighbor/

JOI nut-base - https://addjoi.com (Code LENASAMFORD)

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If you’re on social media, you might have heard the term zero waste or zero waste movement and thought - what the heck is zero waste? And you might be reading the title of this episode thinking how do zero waste and environmental justice fit into the same conversation? Find out in this episode, when we talk about zero waste, the 7 Rs of Sustainability, a circular economy, and environmental justice!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/the-zero-waste-movement-and-environmental-justice/

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As humankind, we are in a toxic relationship with nature. And just like with any relationship, there are a number of steps you can take to help repair it. In this episode, we walk through 5 Steps to Healing Our Toxic Relationship With Nature.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/relationship-with-nature/

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I invite you to join me in this special bonus episode as I read a 5 minute Earth Day Meditation by Tamiko Beyer.

Tamiko is the author of the new collection of poetry, Last Days. Her poetry and articles have been published widely, including by Black Warrior Review, Lit Hub, and the Rumpus. She publishes Starlight and Strategy, a monthly newsletter for living life wide awake and shaping change. As a social justice communications writer and strategist, she spends her days writing truth to power.

To find her collections and join her newsletter, please visit https://www.tamikobeyer.com

Click here to support Corporate Accountability: https://www.corporateaccountability.org

Hometown: Earth Shownotes: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/earth-day-meditation/

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Biodiversity is the spice of life, and we depend on it for healthy ecosystems that keep everything on earth running smoothly. In this episode, we talk about the three pieces of biodiversity, why it matters to you and the planet, monoculture versus polyculture, and actions you can take to start protecting the earth's biodiversity today!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/biodiversity/

Lago Bay Youtube Videos - https://youtube.com/playlist?list=PLWzQzLW9FKKbihY1XqkzRQwPt1vb0XnVG

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Climate change affects everything from wildlife, ecosystems, agriculture, and human health. And in order to keep this planet habitable we have to learn and take climate action.

We are going to go dig into the basics of climate change and global warming: the terminology, the importance of climate change on our oceans, the power of a slight change in global temperature, planetary health, and what you can do to help fight climate change.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/climate-change/

JOI nut-base - https://addjoi.com (Code LENASAMFORD)

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Over a billion people on the planet participate in Earth Day activities each year, but do you know what started it all? In this episode, we learn about the history of Earth Day and 7 totally free ways to celebrate by contributing to a more sustainable planet. When we work together for a common goal, we can change the world!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/earth-day/

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Did you know that our habits account for about 40% of our behaviors on any given day? In this episode, we talk about the topic of building healthy habits that support the life you want for yourself, and how to stick to them. We’re going to talk about taking control of our mindset, finding our WHY, implementing our healthy habits through planning, and task layering.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/building-healthy-habits/

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We are observing and dealing with the effects of climate change on the planet, but most of the time the toll of climate change on our mental health isn’t dealt with. It’s important we talk about eco-anxiety and its effects on our mental health if we want to continue to dig deeper into sustainable education and make positive changes that last.

In this episode, I want to address eco-anxiety and provide you with actionable tips for coping with it so that you will feel empowered to take climate action instead of paralyzed with inaction or burnout.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/eco-anxiety

JOI nut-base - https://addjoi.com (Code LENASAMFORD)

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It can be daunting to share your new sustainable lifestyle with your friends, family, roommates, and even your romantic partner. In this episode, I bring in my partner, Will Moore, to discuss our experience of moving towards a more sustainable lifestyle together, and the tips we used to make it work in our relationship as well as in the relationships with our friends and family.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/sharing-your-sustainable-lifestyle/

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Let's celebrate International Women’s Day and Women’s History Month by highlighting some of the most influential Women Environmentalists who have supported the protection of our planet and the people in it - including you! In this episode, I will highlight 5 of my favorite influential women environmentalists to inspire you and ignite the spark that you can create real change, no matter your background. I will briefly talk about their work and how it has impacted the world, along with a quote from each of them.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/women-environmentalists/

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Have you ever wondered where spring cleaning comes from or why it makes us feel better? I’ve got you covered! In this episode, we go over my top tips for Sustainable Spring Cleaning that will make you happier, healthier, and more sustainable. We will cover how to clean out your unwanted items with minimal waste, improve your air quality, and reduce the amount of water you’re using. Sound good? I agree! Hit play and let's get to fighting grime together!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/sustainable-spring-cleaning

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Starting a garden can be intimidating. You probably have a ton of questions, but when you hit “Search” on Google - you feel more overwhelmed than you when you started. Questions like: How to get started growing? How to grow hydroponically or organically? Can I afford to grow my own garden? And maybe you’re asking - what all can I grow myself??

Stop wondering and start learning today with experts Heather Yu-King and Thomas King - owners of Como Grow Supply in Columbia, Missouri. This dynamic duo has been in the growing business collectively for 15 years - helping to educate clients like you on how to become self-sufficient when successfully growing your own bountiful garden. Heather and Tom will give you the confidence and tools to take your next step in growing. From microgreens to cannabis - Como Grow Supply has everything you need to help you grow your own way.

In this episode, we discuss how to start growing your garden, hydroponics, and how growing plants can empower and benefit you. And, Heather and Tom share the most common misconceptions and mistakes from growers, as well as their pro tips on growing!

Episode Show Notes: https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/growing-green/

Como Grow Supply Contact (full contact information linked in show notes):

Website: https://comogrow.com

Facebook: Como Grow Supply

Instagram: Como Grow Supply

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What comes to mind when you think of sustainability? Is it composting? Renewable resources? Or is it more? Well if you read the title of this episode, you may now realize that there are three distinct pillars of sustainability and they all have to function together to achieve truly sustainable communities.

In this episode, we’ll outline the three pillars of sustainability: environmental, social, and economic - also known as planet, people, and profit, to broaden your understanding of sustainability and its interconnectedness with every aspect of our lives. I also nerd out about Portland, Oregon, and give you three documentary recommendations to broaden your growth and connection to issues around the world.

Hit play and make sure to subscribe so you never miss an episode!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/three-pillars-of-sustainability/

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Everyone knows that home is where the heart is, and the kitchen is the most important part of the home because it is where we spend most of our time on average! And I get it, we want things to be easy and convenient because, after a full day of work, kids, or in my case - dogs, you just want things to be hassle-free and run smoothly. In this episode, we are going to go over easy eco-friendly kitchen swaps that will drastically reduce your plastic waste and help you to stay healthier while saving you time and money!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/easy-eco-friendly-kitchen-swaps/

JOI nut-base - https://addjoi.com (Code LENASAMFORD)

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What myths or misconceptions have you heard about vegans? In this episode, we are going to go through some of the most common vegan myths and debunk them. We talk about the difference between plant-based, vegetarian, and vegan, and give some insight into where veganism actually began. Whether you’re just interested in broadening your horizons about veganism so you can relate to your friends or family, or if you’re considering becoming vegan or changing your lifestyle - this episode is for you!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/common-vegan-myths-debunked/

JOI nut-base - https://addjoi.com (Code LENASAMFORD)

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Our domesticated pets have a carbon footprint, or paw print, just like us! In this episode, we talk about how to make ethical and sustainable choices for your furry companions to reduce their impact on the planet and help them live a long, healthy life. From the food that they eat, to how they play and lounge, and yes - how they poop, our companions carry a serious toll on the planet, and we talk about it all in this episode! So sit, stay, and get sustainable by hitting PLAY!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/hometownearth/

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/4-steps-towards-reducing-your-pets-carbon-paw-print/

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Go ahead and cue the shot glasses because this episode we are toasting to one of the coolest vodka’s on the market! What if I told you that all of the old Twinkie’s, ding dongs, birthday cakes, and bagels that didn’t make it from the shelf to your kitchen could be thrown into a bin and made into a smooth, delicious vodka - would you believe me? Well, I never dreamed it could be done, but the makers of Misadventure Vodka did, and you will be blown away!

In this episode, Whit Rigali shares with us how he and Sam Chereskin work together in San Diego, Californiato sustainably produce their award-winning Misadventure Vodka, the world’s first carbon-negative spirit made from excess baked goods collected from food banks, that's right - you can help fight climate change and food waste just by taking a shot! We also talk about the distillation process for Misadventure Vodka, and how sustainable processes are implemented along the way to make them truly stand out.

Whit asks us to embrace life’s misadventures, which is how they created this sustainable product, and even gives us an amazing recipe for a Misadventure Martini that will satisfy you and help divert food waste from polluting the planet - so let’s cheers to that win and dive right in!

Misadventure & Co Website - https://www.misadventure.co

Misadventure Instagram - https://instagram.com/misadventureco?igshid=mg9jufzuwnmz

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/food-scraps-to-craft-spirits/

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In this episode, we talk about how Kristan Chamberlain worked with Shelter KC to bring KC Can Compost to life, and how their program is working collaboratively across the city to transform lives and the environment. We also talk about why composting is important, how compost bins work in practice with local restaurants and urban dwellers, why this process is unique, and how taking care of the planet equates to social justice and environmental justice.

Learn more about KC Can Compost - https://www.kccancompost.com

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/transforming-a-community-through-compost

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Have you struggled with stress or low energy? Have you implemented nutritional plans that should be working for you, but the outcome isn’t the result you hoped for? Or have you ever been curious about how you can start becoming the best version of yourself while experiencing a peaceful symbiotic relationship with mother earth? If you’re like me and thought YES to any of those questions, or just want to live a more holistic life, then this episode is for you!

In this episode, I chat with Rob Carney, a certified Holistic Lifestyle Coach, Reiki practitioner, and Thai Bodyworker, with a degree in Sustainable Food & Farming, and he is focused on helping you reduce stress and live an overall healthier lifestyle through transforming the 6 pillars of wellness including your thinking, nutrition, movement, sleep, hydration, and breathing. Rob connects the dots between all aspects of these pillars and how they can work in harmony with our planetary health to create a happy, sustainable life - we talk farm to table nutrition, sustainable agriculture, superfoods, the fundamentals of living a holistic lifestyle, and more!

Connect with Rob on Instagram: @wholehealthconnections

Listen to Whole Health with Rob Carney Podcast Here: Podcast

Find his publications, blog, and coaching information here: www.wholehealthconnects.com

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/holistic-health

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It’s about that time of year!! The time we all count down to a new year, a fresh beginning, and then share with the world what our new year's resolution will be! New Years Resolutions are extremely admirable because it means that most people have reflected on their life and behaviors for the past year and decided how they want to grow, or what habits they want to leave behind. Doesn’t it feel good when you set a goal for yourself and reach it? Um, HECK YES it does - so let’s get to it!

In this episode, we are going to talk about the four most common new Year’s resolutions and how you can adapt yours to serve yourself and the planet in the process - let’s call them New Year’s Revolutions! And if you’re listening to this past the new year, don’t worry! It is human nature to set goals, and you can do it during any time of the year if you’re wanting to grow and cultivate better habits for yourself.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/4-common-new-years-resolutions-made-green/

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Have you ever been overwhelmed by all of the different personal care products you have crammed into your bathroom drawers? You're not alone! Now is the time to consider what a minimal bathroom would be like for you, with only the products that are good FOR you, and the planet - we're talking kicking plastics and chemicals to the curb here! In this episode, we discuss 5 easy plastic-free switches you can make to achieve an eco-friendly bathroom! P.S. Be sure to leave us a 5 star review if you're loving the show!

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

6th Tip on Feminine Products & Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/plastic-free-bathroom/

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You’ve heard it a million times, “One person’s trash, is another person’s treasure” well in Jazz Jackson’s case, “One person’s trash, is another person’s beautifully curated vintage streetwear collection!” Jazz is the founder of SUMBAE, a vintage clothing and streetwear brand featuring 90s Style Streetwear, as well as a content creator and influencer.

In this episode of Hometown: Earth we discuss how Jazz’s sustainable vintage streetwear brand came to life, and how it is working on giving back to the planet and local communities through its sustainability pact. We also talk about streetwear style, the harm of fast fashion, and Jazz gives her tips for vintage and secondhand shopping to create a unique wardrobe that works for you.

Jazz's Instagram - @allthatjazzxx_

All That Jazz YouTube: All That Jazz

SUMBAE Clothing - https://sumbae.com

SUMBAE Instagram: @sumbaeclothing

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/journey-to-a-sustainable-fashion-brand/

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You'll definitely want to HIT PLAY on this one! In this episode you hear from Lauren Wimmer. Lauren is a mother, writer, and intuitive entrepreneur. She practices a slow, "lower waste" lifestyle and works as a doula, womb mentor, period & birth educator, and Reiki Practitioner. Her greatest passion is to help women step back into their wild power, through reflections on nature and relationships with its natural cycles. She believes when we all step further into nature we find ways to heal our bodies, our minds, and our spirits. In turn, changing the people and the world around us.

We dig into mindfulness practices and connect the dots between mindfulness and sustainability. We also discuss the human-nature connection, slow motherhood, how a woman’s cycle is connected to nature, and finally, Lauren walks us through a nature-focused mindfulness practice with a prompt to help you connect deeper to yourself and nature.

Find her musings on Instagram - @laurenwimmer

Check out her professional life - www.thewellnesswomb.com

Join her in her own podcast - "The Ritual of Feeling" on Spotify.

Hometown: Earth Instagram - @hometownearth

Episode Show Notes - https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/mindfulness-and-sustainability/

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It’s the most wonderful time of the year! This is the time of the year that most of us get in the spirit - putting up a tree, getting cozy with hot cocoa and cookies while we watch our favorite holiday movie, and celebrating with our loved ones. But while it’s the most wonderful time of the year for us, that isn’t usually the case for the environment. In this episode, we discuss whether to buy a real or fake tree, led versus incandescent Christmas lights, and how to eat, drink, and be merry more sustainably when it comes to Christmas waste like decorations, gift wrapping, and food waste!

Hometown: Earth Instagram -- @hometownearth

Hometown: Earth Show Notes -- https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/green-christmas/

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Do you want to save money, your hard earned time, and the planet? If so, this episode is for you! We walk through 5 questions to ask yourself before buying anything so you can start being a conscious consumer. Stop impulse shopping and start making an impact!

So grab a seat and open your mind as we discuss conscious consumerism, which sounds like a pretty complex term, but it just means the increased awareness of our purchasing decisions. It’s trying to use our purchasing power to make a positive social, economic, and environmental impact - or if you’ve ever heard the phrase “vote with your dollar” - it’s the same idea. We discuss things like greenwashing, thrifting, DIY and eco-friendly gifts, buying locally, and digging into the supply chain. And, later on in this episode, I will address ways other than using your purchasing power to make an impact and that will move the needle towards making real environmental change - so be sure to stick around!

Hometown: Earth Instagram -- @hometownearth

Hometown: Earth Show Notes -- https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/buying-smart/

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Altruism isn't the only pathway to sustainability. In this episode with my childhood friend, Haley Flanagan, we explore her self-serving reasons for wanting to live more of a sustainable life. We tackle topics like recycling, food deserts, how our upbringing affects our habits, and we break down some of the confusing terminology surrounding the green movement.

Hometown: Earth Instagram -- @hometownearth

Hometown: Earth Show Notes -- https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/self-serving-sustainability/

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What has been holding you back so far from living a more sustainable lifestyle? There are so many if's or but's that may come to mind - like maybe you think that one person can’t actually make a difference. On this week’s show, I’m going to help you to crush those limiting beliefs and unleash your inner hero so we can take three easy steps towards sustainable living TODAY. By the end of this episode I want you to feel amped up and empowered to start taking action!

Hometown: Earth Instagram -- @hometownearth

Hometown: Earth Show Notes -- https://lenasamford.com/hometown-earth/3-steps-towards-sustainable-living-today/

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If you're like me you’ve probably searched how to live sustainably? What the heck is zero-waste? What can I do to help climate change? And you probably want convenience that doesn't put the world at harm - I get it!

Join me, host Lena Samford, every Tuesday as we navigate what actions we can take, big or small, to make a positive impact in your life and the lives of your neighbors on Hometown: Earth! Together - we’ll break-down topics like composting, plant-based living, ethical beauty and fashion, and more - as well as hear from eco innovators on how we can meet our needs without sacrificing the earth!

We all know change needs to happen, so let’s get started right here - at Hometown: Earth!

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