Earth Chats

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, and Carol as they interview Dr. Sarah Richart, Professor of Biology and Chemistry and Environmental Club Sponsor at Azusa Pacific University in Los Angeles, California. Dr. Richart discusses her own journey developing a curriculum for her students that examines both plastics at the microbial level as well as our behaviors that govern its consumption. Also in this episode: building the virtue of moderation. Plastic footprints. The power of the group vs. the power of the individual. Lenten Disciplines. Building good habits, and planting seeds. 

Mentioned in this episode:

About Dr. Sarah Richart
Article from “Microbe” magazine: Marine Microbes Not Much Help Degrading Ocean-floating Plastics
Young Evangelicals on Climate Action
Azusa Pacific University Environmental Stewardship
Church Of England’s Plastic-Free Lent (from the BBC)

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post E7S4- Inspiring Plastic Consciousness & a Virtue of Moderation: An interview with Dr. Sarah Richart, professor at Azusa Pacific University appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, and Carol as they interview Louise Kelly, singer/songwriter and longtime friend of SCARCE. Louise has been with Earth Chats since the beginning: as creative director, producer, composer of the theme-song, and now sound editor. Today she joins the crew for the chat. Also in this episode: music education, eco-education, and both sides of the brain. Redemptive art. Humpback whales. Dr. Suess’ “The Lorax” comes to life on stage. Who will wash the rabbit’s paws? The people of the prairie.

Dream together about
? Illinois Prairie Restoration
? Children growing up into scientists & legislators that help endangered species

?  Listen to the music of Louise Kelly here. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Louise Kelly
We Belong to the Earth
Stephen J. Pilat, Music Producer
Anne Marie Oldham
Nachusa Grassland
Washed Ashore Project
SCARCE Growin Green Garden Market

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S4E6 – We Belong to the Earth…Chats. A musical conversation with Earth Chats producer, musician, and educator Louise Kelly appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, Carrie, and Carol as they discuss how future builders and innovators hone their skills through the Sustainable Design Challenge. This 15-year old event draws all aspects of the community together in one epic day. Just what is “LEED” certified anyway? Also in this episode: Major-Changers, cash-prizes, high school students design with stormwater and energy principles “leeding” the way. 

Mentioned in this episode:
SCARCE Sustainable Design Challenge
DuPage County Stormwater Management
US Green Building Council
Michelle Halle Stern, Architect
Wight and Company
Christopher B. Burke Engineering
Growin’ Green Garden Market

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S4E5 – Build it Green! The Sustainable Design Challenge appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, and Carol as they dish about the Norman Rockwell-esque community events that are rocking the Western Suburbs: Recycling Extravaganzas. From its inception in 1986, to its current “drive through” glory, it has grown in magnitude to divert 100s of 1000s of lbs from the landfill. You can recycle *all kinds* of things that you can’t just throw in curbside recycling (like propane tanks, metal hangers, motorcycle batteries, syringes, and bike accessories to name a few.)

You’ll find a full list of Extravaganzas in the Chicagoland area here. 

Pack up your car and get ready to recycle! Better yet, sign up to volunteer as well! 

Mentioned in this episode:
DuPage County Sheriff 
Working Bikes
Lion’s Club
Wheaton Recycling Extravaganza
City of Wheaton
SCARCE Recycling Events

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S4E4 – Pack your car for the drive-thru of a lifetime: You’re going to a Recycling Extravaganza! appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, and Carol as they honor World Water Day (March 22nd) and recall the ways we can keep our water clean and safe. Also in this episode: how to show your water the love in the activities of your daily life.

Dear Water: How do I show my love to thee? Let me count the ways. 

1. Plant native plants 
2. Protect storm drains: Dispose of medicines and oils properly
3. Vacuum when it rains (no laundry please)
4. Learn about my watershed
5. Use less 

Keeping in mind: Everyone lives downstream from someone. 

Mentioned in this episode:

Alliance for the Great Lakes
Chicago Tribune Article: Just 50 miles from Lake Michigan Ground Water is Running Out
Wheaton Native Plant Sale
3-2-1 Contact Episode about Water (for kids!)
DEA National Drug Take Back Day
City of Dallas Cease the Grease
Water with Blessings
Hope DuPage: DuPage County Drug Takeback 
World Water Day
DuPage County Stormwater Management

The post S4E3 – How to honor World Water Day (March 22) & those who live downstream from you. appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, and Carol as they explore everyday ways you can rescue metals from the landfill. Also in the episode: Cutting the cord. Deconstructing binders. Collecting staples in old pill bottles. Kay’s brass studies, Heather’s sturdy bag of goodies. Heavy Metals: Curbside vs Special collections.  

Takeaway: The little things add up.

Have a little area in your home for collecting metal. 

Fun facts 

• Scrap metal recyclers take metals from cords and wires.
• Only 40% of aluminum cans get recycled.
• We have the potential to reduce our greenhouse gas emissions by 61%!

Mentioned in this episode:
Illinois Environmental Protection Agency Materials Management
SWALCO (Solid Waste Agency of Lake County)
American Reclaim
Habitat for Humanity Restore in Addison
Elgin Recycling
City of Carol Stream

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S4E2 – Mindful of Metals: “Why can’t I put metal hangers in my recycling bin?” and other metal mysteries uncovered. appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode: Join Kay, Heather, and Carol as they count the blessings of their brand new, 19,000-foot SCARCE Sustainability Center in Addison. The wild ride of 2020: A move in February and leaving Glen Ellyn.  Pandemic provisions in March: room to social distance! Doubling – maybe tripling- our volunteers. A loading dock, ADA compliant facility, and so much more.  

Goodbye tripping hazards. 

Hello Sunlight. 

Mentioned in this episode:
S.W.A.P. (Sheriff’s Work Alternative Program)
DuPage Foundation
Whole Cubes Whole Office Furniture
Doyle Signs
International Dark-Sky Association

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S4E1 – BRAND NEW: 19,000 Square Feet of SCARCE. How did we get here and what’s inside? appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode:  Kay, Heather, and Carol talk about the best books with visiting professor from Azusa Pacific University Dr. Sarah Richart.  

? Books are a great gift ?
Books that inspire action and offer hope are the best.

??Founding Gardeners by Andrea Wulf 
??The Hidden Life of Trees: by Peter Wohlleben
??Tapped Out by Paul Simon
?? Reason for Hope: A Spiritual Journey by Jane Goodall
?? World of Wonder: In Praise of Fireflies, Whale Sharks, and Other Astonishments by Aimee Nezhukumatathil
??Biomimicry: Innovation Inspired by Nature by Janine M. Benyus
??Braiding Sweetgrass by Robin Wall Kimmerer
?? Laudato Si by Pope Francis 
??The Bird Way by Jennifer Ackerman

Children’s Books
?? I Am Jane Goodall by Brad Meltzer
?? The Lorax by Dr. Suess

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S3 Episode 11 – Books that influence us: inspiring action, and building hope. appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode:  Kay, Heather, and Carol, explore ways to increase holiday cheer while decreasing holiday waste. Good clean fun: reusable gift wrap ideas. Grandma boxes! Also in this episode: Christmas trees, and the end life of a real tree vs fake. Everlasting Poinsettias. Grandma Francis. Heather’s grocery store dreams. MRF’s and what not to put in your curbside recycling (holiday lights, ribbons, glitter paper, pinecones to name a few). Tanglers and holiday light recycling.

Reusable wrapping ideas
Using resources again and again
Wrap a gift in soft towels, or something else reusable
Birthday boxes
Buy wrapping paper made from recycled paper. 
Thrift store goodies

Two New Year’s Resolutions:

1. Think of the end life when buying things
2. Spread compost love 2021

Mentioned in this episode
Holiday Light Recycling
Elgin Recycling
Groot Recycling Video

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S3 Episode 10: Green your holiday appeared first on SCARCE.

In this episode:  Chief chatters Kay, Heather, and Carol, explore what it means to shop mindfully.  Is 500 miles still “local?” Planning ahead: In-season foods and freezing. Why Kay loves buying organic. Digging into labels at grocery store chains. Where do your clothes come from? Carol favors cotton over polyester. Avoiding plastic. Bamboo cutlery for your car. Ambitious composting: ladles and salad tongs. The greenest toys and bamboo benefits. 

Yummy Treats ?
Fair trade chocolate
Shade-grown coffee

Rule of thumb?
Buying Local and Organic is simply the best! 

Local to DuPage
MightyVine tomatoes
Gotham Greens
Mary’s Wholesome Living.
French Market in Wheaton

For an even GREENER holiday:
Save your cooking oil. Recycle it! 

Mentioned in this episode

Environmental Working Group
True Cost, a Documentary about Fast Fashion
Green America
Wheaton French Market
B Toys
Green Toys
Peaceful Parlour in Geneva
Ivy Restaurant in Wheaton
Gotham Greens
MightyVine Tomatoes

If you enjoy Earth Chats, please consider making a donation! Your support means the world to us and will help us keep making great content just like this. And of course, be sure to hit that subscribe button to stay up to date!
SCARCE is a 501(c)(3) non-profit. All donations are tax-deductible to the extent the law allows.

Follow us on facebook and instagram @EarthChatsPod.

Earth Chats podcast is a production of SCARCE Environmental Education.
Produced by Louise Kelly
Music by Louise Kelly
Sound production by Bella Rose

View full Earth Chats episode list.

The post S3 Episode 9: Mindful Shopping: supporting artisans & companies that care ? appeared first on SCARCE.