Forces for Nature

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Have you had wild animal photo opportunities while on vacation? Have you "liked" cute exotic animal videos on social? Are you dying for an opportunity to hold a baby monkey? If so, you may unintentionally be fueling a dark industry and promoting animal abuse.

Devan Schowe is the campaigns director for Born Free USA, an organization that works to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Devon works to increase public awareness of pertinent wildlife conservation issues and works to change legislation regarding practices that harm wild animals kept in captivity for exploitative purposes. If you want to know how to avoid supporting these dangerous practices unknowingly, this episode is for you!

Highlights

• How can "liking" a video on social media endanger wildlife?
• Why are seemingly innocent animal photo ops, not so innocent?
• The Big Cat Public Safety Act has passed! What does this mean?

What YOU Can Do

• Do not visit or in any way support places that exploit wild animals in the ways talked about.
• Report any abusive online content you see on the website or platform.
• Petition social media outlets to modify their definition of harmful animal content, um, to reflect a definition that is more in line with wild animal welfare.
• Don't view like, comment, save, post or share the content. Even dislikes or quoting angry reactions or comments will add to the overall popularity. So restraining from doing that even if you want to.
• Respectfully educate others.

Resources

• Born Free USA website
• Adopt a Monkey program
• Their Lives for Your Likes Report
• Instagram 
• Tik Tok 
• Facebook 
• Twitter 
• YouTube
• LinkedIn 

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Driven to near extinction in the eastern United States, the Florida panther was able to escape complete persecution by disappearing into the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. However, for its long-term survival, they need more than just a small pocket of land at the bottom of the State. Carlton Ward Jr., a National Geographic Explorer, and photographer, has spent almost two decades advocating for the conservation of the vital acres of land and water that this, and so many other species, need to survive- including humans. With over 1000 people moving to the State per day, development is quickly closing in on the remaining natural lands, threatening the animals, and even the ranchers, who have called the area home for generations.

 Highlights

• We talk about Carlton's 2,000-mile-long trek, over two expeditions, through the heart of Florida to illustrate the natural corridors wildlife need to migrate.
• How his storytelling of the panther helped lead to the passing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021 (with full bipartisan support!)
• Why two unlikely stakeholders- panthers and cattle ranchers - need one another to survive?
• How can we balance the need for economic development with the need to protect natural habitats and ecosystems?

What YOU Can Do

• Take various actions for panthers and a wild Florida through the website.
• Watch Path of the Panther on Disney+, Hulu, or at a screening near you. 
• Buy the Path of the Panther book.  
• Not mentioned in the episode, there is also a campaign to encourage people to drive the posted speeds in wildlife crossing areas. With road collisions being one of the biggest threats to the panther, driving slower through these areas only means a minute or two added to your journey, but could mean a lifetime for these animals. To learn more tips and info on what to do if you see a hit animal go to PantherCrossing.org.

Resources

• Path of the Panther Instagram  
• Facebook  
• Twitter  
• https://carltonward.com/

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

If you're tired of only hearing about environmental destruction and that we're around the corner from doomsday, you're going to want to listen to this episode! Grant Brown is the founder of the website and newsletter, Happy Eco News. He's not naïve to the pressures that the world is facing - we talk about what he has seen with his own two eyes - but he has also seen, and gotten to know, people who are doing something about them. He's created this platform to share their stories and inspire others to also be the change that they wish to see in the world.  And it seems to be working.

Highlights

• How did he go from climbing up the corporate ladder to creating Happy Eco News?
• How has this had ripple effects on others?
• What does he think is key to being able to make a difference?

What YOU Can Do

• Figure out whatever it is that you're passionate about and use that to make a difference.

Resources

• Happy Eco News  

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Nothing could be cuter than baby animals. But, their adorableness can easily distract you from the lifelong responsibility that their care requires. Unfortunately, this reality check can result in animals- especially those that we associate with their wild cousins like ducks and bunnies- being dumped out into the wild after they are grown and their care becomes too much. Except, these animals don't have the instincts to survive outdoors. This "wild" is often your local neighborhood park and Mary Beth Purdy Artz knows this all too well. She's an animal rescuer and rehabilitator in Brooklyn, NY, and has saved hundreds of abandoned and injured animals through the years. If you've ever wondered about getting an unusual pet or how you could help an animal you've seen outside, this episode is for you.

Highlights

• How can you tell the difference between a wild animal and its domestic cousin?
• What's the craziest animal that's been found in her park? (this one's a doozy!)
• When might you be more likely to find dumped animals?

What YOU Can Do

• Do not buy animals for someone and be sure you know the care requirements of an animal before you buy one for yourself.
• Contact help, whether you can no longer care for an animal yourself or if you see a dumped or injured one in the wild.
• Petition for signage and cameras in your local park to discourage the dumping of animals and encourage the cleanup of fishing gear.

Resources

• Link to all places to see the movie, Honk  
• They All Want to Live Rescue Group

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Show Swap! The host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, joined Carly Puch on her podcast, Consciously Clueless, to talk about her own cluelessness on this lifelong journey toward sustainability.

Highlights

• What does she do when she’s not feeling optimistic about the world?
• What made her almost throw in the towel on this journey?
• How did Forces for Nature come to be?
• What are her go-to's to lessen her carbon footprint?

Resources

• Consciously Clueless on Apple
• On Spotify

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

The organization, Save Pangolins, is raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts of the world's most trafficked mammal. One of their initiatives is the Pangolin Champions Program which aims to support emerging leaders in the pangolin conservation landscape.  Since its inception in 2020, they have accepted 12 passionate, committed, and inspiring pangolin conservationists into its program- I speak with four of them here. The Champions comprise of a global team of conservationists who have proven dedication to pangolins, have carved their own path in unchartered terrain, and have unique and impactful contributions to these endangered species.

If you ever feel that a problem is too big or too far along, these guys will prove to you that the small can be mighty!

As a side note, also in 2020, I launched this podcast (this month, actually!) with Paul Thomson from Save Pangolins as my guest. This feels like a full-circle moment for this show.  :)

Highlights

• A rescue and release story that will touch your heart.
• How can CSI help pangolins?
• What's a surprising challenge faced by one of the champions?

What YOU Can Do

• Support these champions by donating to Save Pangolins
• Help raise awareness about the plight of this animal by sharing on social media and talking about it with your peers.
• Or, share this episode with someone right now.
• Check out the baby pangolin Mark was holding!

Resources

• Pangolin Champions Program 
• Save Pangolins Instagram
• Facebook
• Twitter 

Happy World Pangolin Day! (February 18th)

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

• The Who, What, & Why Behind Our Organization
• Nets, Divers, Action! Marine Conservation in Los Angeles
• Searching for a Sea Change at the UN Ocean Conference
• Lobster Pot Recovery After Storm Arwen
• How to Make Black Friday Planet-Friendly
• Mediterranean Life Under Siege
  
  

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

According to the OECD, if fashion were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of CO2 in the world*! And a significant percentage of those emissions comes from just the creation of the textiles and leathers that are to be used for clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, too many of these raw materials are left unused and either end up in a landfill or in climate-controlled (aka energy-guzzling) warehouses. 

Anna Bakst and Michele Rutigliano are two fashion industry veterans that saw this waste as an opportunity and created the brand We-Ar4. Through their experience, relationships, vision, and skills, they are engineering a new fashion system with beautiful, limited-edition garments that have an immediate and sustainable impact. They use material excess for about 85% of their collection and are very conscious and transparent about what they utilize for the rest. They also have an option to resale items that have been pre-loved.

Before making your next fashion purchase, you must listen to this episode!

Highlights

• What is deadstock?
• Why using deadstock is one of the more sustainable fashion choices?
• How is We-Ar4 reengineering a new fashion system? 

 What YOU Can Do

• Over 100 billion items of clothing are produced a year**! Buy less.
• Before you buy, ask yourself, "Will I wear this clothing item at least 30 times before throwing it out ?”
• Buy better quality to wear for longer.
• Choose more sustainable materials.

Resources

• We-Ar4 Website  
• We-Ar4 Instagram  
• Wear Me 30x Campaign 

* https://theecohub.com/how-fashion-and-climate-change-are-linked/
** https://earth.org/fast-fashion-facts/

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Did you know that we send about 40-50% of our food scraps and organic material, like fallen leaves, to landfills? Landfills don't allow for proper decomposition so those materials end up releasing harmful methane into the atmosphere as they break down. To avoid this much waste, we can compost instead! Michele and Java Bradley, the founders of Java's Compost, help individuals make composting an easy addition to their recycling routine and they give us some insights as to how!

If it surprises you to learn that your banana can transform into rich soil, this episode is for you!

Highlights

• Dos and Don'ts of starting to compost.
• Will it be smelly, gross, and full of bugs?
• Why are not all things that are labeled compostable actually so?

What YOU Can DO

• See if your municipality has a food scrap pick-up program.
• Or maybe a drop-off program (ask local nurseries or farms too because they would then use the dirt)
• Learn to compost at home! Start here.
• Get your community, school, or local farm to compost with this resource.
• Look for the BPI Certification label to know if items labeled compostable truly are readily compostable.

Resources

• Java's Compost Website
• Instagram 
• Facebook
• Twitter
• Youtube
• Watch Dirt! The Movie on Amazon Prime

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Jen Gale is the founder of Sustainable(ish), a podcast and blog that have grown into a myriad of resources meant to help individuals find support and ideas in their efforts of becoming more eco-friendly. She's all about embracing the "-ish" in our actions. We all have different circumstances and, within those, she helps you to aim for progress and not the unattainable perfection. If you ever thought your contribution to saving the planet was insignificant, Jen will surely change your mind.

Highlights

• Compared to the systems change that's needed, how much can our individual actions really move the needle (you'll be surprised!)?
• Tips on how to change a habit.
• How can you get your family or housemates on board with changes that you would like to make?

What YOU Can Do

Oh goodness, this episode is full of golden nuggets! Here are some big-impact ones:

• You would be surprised at just how responsive local politicians can be if they heard from their constituents. Write to them or call!
• Break down your sustainability goals into the smallest steps so that the big goal isn't so intimidating.
• Lower your consumption. A trick to avoiding impulse buying is by placing the item in your cart and waiting 3+ days before going to buy it. Often, it's that pause that makes us realize that we don't really need it.
• Talk about sustainability, your eco-concerns, or your goals. This helps to normalize it in society.

Resources

• Sustainable(ish) Podcast
• The Sustainable(ish) Clubhouse
• Carbon Literacy Class 
• Book: The Sustainable(ish) Living Guide
• Book: The Sustainable(ish) Guide to Green Parenting
• Facebook
• Instagram 

If you'd like to sponsor next season (or even just an episode) reach out to me and let's chat! My email is [email protected].

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?