Characters
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Characters episodes

  • 94: Why Is Sustainability Sometimes Stigmatized As “Feminine”? : Chic Chats

    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

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    52 min
  • 93: What is Greenwashing? How To Spot Misleading Environmental Claims

    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 [email protected].

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    12 min
  • 92: Sustainable Investing, Smarter Savings, Breaking Down ESG | Charity Driggs, Morningstar

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

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    30 min
  • 91: BP, Amazon, + Corporate Idealism; Careers with Impact; Social Responsibility as a Driving Economic Force | Christine Bader

    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 [email protected].



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

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    39 min
  • 90: How To Shop for High-End + Luxury Pieces Secondhand, Designer Resale, Making Money from Vintage Finds | Meredith Fineman, It Never Gets Old

    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

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    37 min
  • 89: How Climate Change Affects Natural Disasters, Why The Australian Fires Are So Bad, Hurricanes Impacting Bahamian Islands

    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 [email protected]



    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.

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    13 min
  • 88: Careers for Climate, Environmentalism at Work: Chic Chats

    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 [email protected]




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    1 hr 4 min
  • 87: Why We Should Eat Lower In The Food Chain: Bioaccumulation + Biomagnification

    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

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    17 min
  • 86: Zero Waste Starter Pack

    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 [email protected]

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    12 min
  • 85: Practical Minimalism, Streamlining Your Closet, Bamboo Basics | Erin Orbach, Boody Ecowear

    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 [email protected].



    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.

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    35 min

About Characters

From the publisher's feed

Diving deeper on the characters we love to consume! Laura Diez hosts guest conversations and shares stories exploring the portrayals of real people on reality tv, fictionalized women that stay in our…