Forces for Nature

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With everything going on during this time of the year, you may not want to be bothered with trying to change your holiday habits to be more eco-friendly. However, I have a few suggestions on what you can do WITHOUT adding to your to-do list!  With these tweaks, you can end the year on a sustainable note! 

Highlights

• Thanksgiving
• Black Friday
• Christmas

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!

Today's episode is different than usual in that it's actually from another podcast that I guested on a few months back. The podcast is called Casa de Confidence and it's hosted by the incredible Julie Delucca-Collins. Her show highlights people who are confident dreamers. And, although I can't say I've always done it with confidence, I can say that I have always followed my North Star in order to reach for my dreams and live the life I imagined. We chat about imposter syndrome, my path to living abroad for the last decade, how Forces for Nature came to be, and what dreams I will be chasing next.

Resources

If you liked this episode, be sure to check out others at the Casa de Confidence podcast here.

To get in touch with Julie:

• Website
• Instagram
• LinkedIn
• Facebook
• ClubHouse Handle: @JulieDelCo
• Her book

Description of Casa De Confidence Podcast
The Casa De Confidence Podcast highlights individuals who are Confident Dreamers. These amazing guests come from all walks of life, are of different ages, and have unique stories. The one common thread between them is that they have embarked on the path to go after their dreams. These dreamers have failed, learned, and ultimately triumphed to walk confidently and live the life they have imagined. Take a journey to learn about what it takes to Go Confidently and reach your dreams.

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 World Health Organization, the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Today's guest, Beth Allgood, has a suggestion on what could help. She is an expert in well-being but in a very niche way. She looks at the connections that nature and wildlife play toward the well-being of communities. What's really interesting, but concerning though, is how our current systems are designed in a way that doesn't consider well-being nor value the elements that can lead to it. Beth is on a mission to change that through the organization she founded, OneNature. OneNature seeks to transform policies and practices to foster happiness, interconnection, and well-being for all beings. 

Highlights

• How has being disconnected from nature affected us? 
• How can ignoring the value of well-being in our economic systems actually result in the opposite? 
• How is her work leading to the creation of tools that can result in greater conservation successes? 
• Why is just considering trees, and not wildlife, in wellbeing metrics flawed? 

What YOU Can Do

• Connect with nature! If something like hiking is not your thing, even just pausing and listening to birds singing or playing with your dog can increase your levels of well-being.
• Don't stay isolated for too long.
• Look for the beauty in the everyday. 

 Resources

• OneNature 

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!

This summer, it's been hard to ignore the fact that climate change is no longer something we can think of as a future threat. It is here and it is impacting lives and livelihoods on unprecedented scales. But, it's also something that many people are still trying to fully understand. Today's guest is James Lawler, the founder of Climate Now, a Webby Award-nominated multimedia resource that distills the science and economics of climate change. He's here to answer questions sent in from listeners about what climate change is, what we can expect, and what we can do- in understandable and relatable terms. And he offers exciting resources we can all take advantage of.

Highlights

• Isn't more CO2 good for plants?
• Is it better to use less or recycle more?
• What are these terms being thrown around lately- CO2 removal, negative emissions tech, net zero, offsets?

What YOU Can Do

• Take advantage of the subsidies now available through the Inflation Reduction Act to buy more energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendlier heating for your home.
• Find the renewable energy providers in your area and see what other financing may be available.
• Join a group like those mentioned below. There is power in collectives!
• After you reduce your emissions as much as possible, offset the rest.

Resources

• Citizens Climate Lobby 
• Climate Cabinet Action
• Sealed
• *For the rest of the show notes, head on over to this episode's webpage!

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 bats provide you with the services of pest control and plant pollination that directly benefit the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and even the liquor you drink? In fact, for example, the existence of tequila and mezcal is thanks to these mammals. Unfortunately, industrialized farming is endangering bats- and your favorite margarita. Renowned ecologist, Dr. Rodrigo Medellin, has a simple way to fix that. He has not only spent his life working to rectify the misunderstandings surrounding these important animals but also has found effective ways for us all to help conserve them.

Highlights

• What makes bats indispensable to humans?
• What's the connection between bats and agave?
• Did COVID-19 come from bats?
• What do we have to be conscious of in our transition to renewables so that they aren't a threat to bats?

 What YOU Can Do

• Ask your local liquor store, bar, and restaurant, to stock Bat Friendly™ tequila and mezcal. And choose it for home as well!*
• Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the amazing things bats do for us.
• Connect with bat protection organizations in your area to do citizen science.
• Buy a bat detector to learn what species of bats are flying in your area.   
• Put up a bat house on your property. They'll take care of pest control for you!

*This suggestion is meant for responsible adults of the legal drinking age. We do not advocate overconsumption or the abuse of alcohol. 

Resources

• Follow Dr. Rodrigo Medellin on Instagram & Facebook    
• Watch the Bat Man of Mexico narrated by David Attenborough
• More about the Bat Friendly™ Brand 
• Tequila Interchange Project on Instagram & Facebook     

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!

As humans increasingly dominate the landscape through building homes, farms, highways, etc, the territories of wildlife are getting smaller and smaller. Animals are finding themselves in what are now our backyards as they are trying to satisfy their own needs for food, shelter, water, and finding mates. Elephants in Malaysia are no exception. Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman is a Bornean Elephant researcher and founder of the organization Seratu Aatai whose mission is to create a society that is willing and capable of protecting and coexisting with elephants and other wildlife. We talk about how teaching people about wildlife's behavior has helped increase tolerance of their presence, what has helped her the most in protecting the animals, and her thoughts on the palm oil industry (they might surprise you!).

Highlights

• Why human-to-human conflict may be the bigger issue compared to human-wildlife conflict?
• The importance of understanding animal behavior where you live.
• How the palm oil industry can be an asset.

What YOU Can Do

• Awareness is important! Learn more about the Malaysian elephants and share that knowledge with those you know.
• Palm oil is found everywhere, from the daily soap you use to the delicious Nutella you spread on your toast. Seek out the products that use certified palm oil. This creates a demand that the companies can hear loud and clear.
• When visiting Malaysia, choose responsible tours that let you view wild elephants at a distance. Getting too close can change their behavior which can be dangerous for both you and them.
• Create a wildlife neighborhood watch team. Learn about the wildlife in your area and share resources with your neighbors to develop a communal sense of pride and acceptance of the other beings that share your space.
• Support the work being done by researchers like Dr. Farina.

Resources

• Seratu Aatai 
• Facebook
• Instagram
• Twitter 

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!

James Regulinski is the cofounder of Carbon Collective, the first financial investment advisory firm focused solely on solving climate change. We talk about how we may, unintentionally, be supporting industries that we don't want to see in our world's future (such as fossil fuels and nuclear weapons) and James provides tangible resources and ways for us to change that.
*The opinions expressed in this episode are not meant to be taken as financial advice. Investing comes with risks that should be discussed with your personal financial advisor.

Highlights

• There is a misconception that sustainable investing has lower returns. Is that the case?
• How can someone find out what industries their investment is going towards?
• Does ESG investing count as sustainable?

Resources

• Carbon Collective
• As You Sow 
• Project Drawdown 
• Carbon Collective's Ultimate Guide to Sustainable Investing

What YOU Can Do

• Get clear on what industries and activities you are willing to support and not support.
• Find out where your 401k and other investments are going.
• Find an advisor who respects your values and perhaps even shares them.
• Learn more about sustainable investing.

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!

By 1964, there were no successfully nesting peregrine falcons in North America east of the Rockies and south of the Arctic. They were functionally extinct. So, why do we have them now? How did they come back? And why are they loving cities? One of the heroes of their story is Art McMorris. He was the Peregrine Falcon Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 2004 to 2021. Under his leadership, the Peregrine came to be removed from the endangered species list. This is a story not only for anyone interested in bringing a species back from the brink of extinction but also for those determined to reach their goals while having fun- a requirement for Art.

Highlights

• What makes the Peregrine super unique in the animal kingdom?
• How does a species go from functionally extinct to off the endangered species list?
• Once a neuroscientist, what skills did Art transfer to help the Peregrine?
• What lessons did he learn from doing this?

What Can YOU Do

• Engage with the natural world. It'll remind you that we are not separate, but rather, a part of it.
• When you learn of the presence of Peregrine Falcons somewhere, tell that information to your local wildlife agency so they can monitor the animal.
• Volunteer to monitor nests or be a part of rescue squads and rehabilitators.
• If you see an injured bird, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator(s) before you try to intervene.
• Vote for candidates that will support nature.
• Avoid pesticides. Although we no longer use DDT, what unknown dangers might the pesticides we use have?

Resources

• Pennsylvania Game Commission Peregrine Falcon page 

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!

It has been found that 70% of wild fish populations are either fully used, overused, or in crisis from overfishing. And with food demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050, there is simply not enough fish in the sea for fishing to be sustainable. Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, is intended to supplement this demand. In fact, salmon aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production system in the world- although not without its own share of controversy. Parker Jefferson is a fly-fisherman in Cowichan, Canada, and has been an integral part of the success story for wild salmon in that area. We talk about the environmental and social importance of protecting these animals but also address how we can make choices that lessen the negative impacts of salmon aquaculture.

Highlights

• How are salmon culturally important to the First Nation Tribes of Western Canada?
• What are the negative impacts of salmon aquaculture in that area?
• How has Parker's community come together to restore and protect the populations of wild salmon in the Cowichan?
• How can salmon aquaculture lessen its negative impacts?

What YOU Can Do

• Choose wild or certified fish (some certifications can be found in the Resources below).
• Use a guide such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide to help make responsible choices, either on your phone or printed. The Environmental Defense Fund also has a guide called Seafood Selector.
• Ask "where did this fish come from" at restaurants and grocery stores. The more people who make it known that they care, the more businesses will ask their suppliers and distributors the same.
• Eat more plant-based meals

Resources

• Alexandra Morton 
• Certifications
  Global Salmon Initiative
  Marine Stewardship Council (wild-caught fish)
  Aquaculture Stewardship Council (farmed fish)
  Best Aquaculture Practices Certification 

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! 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?

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!

Have you seen the images of whales dragging buoys wrapped around their tails? Or turtles entangled in ropes? These are examples of what is called "ghost gear," which are lost or abandoned fishing nets or gear that then aimlessly drift through the ocean, catching whatever comes into their path. Jenny Ioannou is with Healthy Seas, an organization dedicated to fixing this problem. Their work focuses on the retrieval of this pollution from the sea, prevention activities, and awareness building. And, once these materials are removed from the ocean, they work with partners to have them recycled and given a new life as a material called Econyl (used in a lot of today's sustainable fashion). 

Highlights

• What is ghost gear?
• What kind of impact does Healthy Seas have on marine ecosystems?
• How does Healthy Seas contribute to circular economies?

What YOU Can Do

• Volunteer with or donate to Healthy Seas.
• Report abandoned fishing gear to your local authorities or ask for help from organizations like Healthy Seas.
• Throw away your trash in the proper receptacles.
• Do not cut your fishing lines and let them go into the water.
• Look for products made from Econyl. You can find all sorts of products from their partners on the Healthy Seas website. (It's important to mention that Econyl acts just like virgin nylon in that it also sheds plastic microfibers when washed. To keep those fibers from going into the water system, use a bag such as a Guppy Friend when washing them.)

Resources

• Healthy Seas
• Ghost Diving
• Aquafil

 Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

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?