Live. Well. Green.

Today we are going to talk about sustainable fashion. This might sound like an oxymoron if you’re familiar with the enormous environmental and social impacts of the fashion industry. In this episode, I discuss the issues with fast fashion and some of the solutions to the problem. Textile manufacturing requires high volumes of water consumption, and oils, chemicals, and other harmful substances are used to produce cheap clothing. Moreover, we know that the working conditions in these factories are often hazardous and workers are frequently underpaid and overworked, which puts a social burden on this population and their families. The more we buy, the more is produced, and the more extreme the consequences are for the environment and the people manufacturing these products. As consumers, we can have a significant influence on the fashion industry by thinking twice before buying new things, and by purchasing quality products that last a long time. Be sure to join me for tips on making your closet more sustainable! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• While wearing nice things is important to us, we also have to think about the environment. 
• The fashion industry’s contribution to carbon dioxide emissions, water usage, and pollution. 
• Learn about the increase in clothing production and consumption over the last two decades.  
• The definition of fast fashion and why it poses such a severe threat to the environment. 
• The negative impacts of cotton production on the environment and the people working with it. 
• Hear about the oils, chemicals, and other substances involved in the production of polyester. 
• The environmental and human health impacts of textile, garment, and trims manufacturing. 

Key Messages:

1.  Fast fashion has a huge social and environmental cost. 
2.  Sustainable fashion supports the ethical production of clothing: environmentally conscious production and the fair treatment of workers in the fashion industry. 
3.  There are lots of ways that we can have a positive influence on greening the fashion industry while still looking stylish. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

IPCC

The Guardian (Fast Fashion)

Nature Reviews (Price of Fast Fashion) 

Good on You (Sustainable Fashion)

OEKO-TEX

European Commission (EU Ecolabel)

Sustainable Apparel Coalition (The High Index)

Elle (Clothing Rental)

The Rana Plaza Accident

United States Environmental Protection Agency 

Patagonia 

Boden

ABLE

Today I am excited to share with you how meal planning changed my life for the better. Not only does it remove the burden of having to figure out what to cook every day, but it also reduces food waste at home and lowers your food bill significantly! In this episode, I talk about the issue of food waste and how it negatively impacts the environment. I will share the products, energy, and resources that are wasted when food is discarded at any level of the supply chain. I provide plenty of helpful tips for reducing food waste at the grocery store and in your home, showing you how your consumer choices can make difference to your life and the environment! Meal planning is a great way of taking care of yourself, your family, and the ecosystem – join me to find out how. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hear how meal planning makes life easier and reduces stress in our busy lives. 
• Eye-opening statistics about the amount of edible food that is wasted each year. 
• The difference between food loss and food waste and how the latter occurs at different levels of the supply chain.
• The environmental damage caused by producing food that gets wasted and put in landfills.  
• Consider the water, labor, fertilizers, and pesticides, that go to waste when food is not used. 
• I explain the benefits of planning and making shopping lists before going to the grocery store. 
• Utilizing your left-overs and understanding portion sizes to cook just enough for your needs. 
• Suggestions for portioning, freezing, and labeling big batches of food and using it effectively. 
• What dates such as “best before”, “use by”, “sell by”, and “display until” really mean. 
• How we can determine whether food has spoilt and help to reduce waste at the grocery store. 
• The importance of using and planning your meals around the groceries that you already have.
• Advice for minimizing your trips to the grocery store and always having something to cook.
• Cooking simple meals by having a portion of protein, carbohydrates, and fresh veggies. 
• Using the quickly perishing products first and the system that takes care of every lunch!

Key Messages: 

1.  Food waste is a pressing issue: one-third of the food produced for human consumption is lost or wasted, putting a lot of strain on our ecosystem. 
2.  The majority of food waste in high-income countries is due to consumer choices. 
3.  Meal planning is a great way to reduce stress and food waste in your home.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations (Food loss)

Government of Canada (Date labeling on pre-packaged foods)

Love Food Hate Waste

The Unexpected Gift Box

In the podcast today, we are going to talk about living well and living green at any age! With my birthday approaching and the weather changing, I have been thinking about how we think differently in different seasons of our lives. So, today I will talk about living well and living green at various ages, from our twenties right through to our nineties and beyond. When we are young, we can think about using our concern for social justice issues to make the world a better place, and think about choosing a career based on the positive impact it will have on society. Once we settle down, have chosen a partner, and are possibly raising kids, we can shift our focus toward purchasing things that align with our values and educate our kids about caring for the environment. When we get closer to retirement, our health becomes more important and we might think about downsizing to smaller places, while, when we are in our 70s and onward, we have so much wisdom to share with younger generations and society at large. Every season of life has its challenges and delights, and each has many opportunities to make better choices for yourself and the environment. Join me as I walk you through some of the most relevant things to consider at every age! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Our focus and decisions change as we go through the seasons of life. 
• We can leverage our concern for social justice to make the world a better place.  
• Caring for your mental and physical health and figuring out what values you want to live by. 
• Finding a career where you can make a positive contribution – passion and meaning will follow. 
• How the environment is relevant to your decisions about where to live and whether or not to have children.
• A green perspective on the things we need and buy when preparing for a baby and raising kids.  
• Green alternatives to plastic-filled birthday parties and family shopping trips.  
• Choosing appliances and making home renovation decisions based on energy-efficiency. 
• Environmentally friendly self-care practices to combat the stress of a high-pressure life. 
• What to consider before investing your money and when downsizing your home. 
• Prioritize your health by participating in physical activities that you enjoy. 
• Suggestions for rethinking your choice of vehicle and the frequency of use in retirement. 
• Using your knowledge and talents to volunteer and benefit others as you age. 
• The joy of seeing people in their 70s, 80s, and 90s still advocating for important causes and living healthy, full lives. 
• The much-needed wisdom that senior citizens bring to younger generations and society. 

Key Messages:

1.  It is possible to live well and live green at any age.  
2.  As we age, there are different ways in which we can affect our ecological footprint and our health and wellbeing.  
3.  Consider where you are at and what makes the most sense for you in this season of life. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Jane Goodall 

The Unexpected Gift Box

Today on Live. Well. Green., we talk all about organic gardening, starting with the basics such as what organic gardening is, why we should be interested in it, and how we can get started. But since I am not an expert in this area, I have invited Dave Hanson from Sage Garden Greenhouses to share his expertise around all things organic! We talk about how organic gardening differs from conventional gardening, why it is more beneficial, fun, and productive in the long-run, and he talks about how the organic philosophy impacts every facet of life and makes us more aware of the values of sustainability and community. One of the biggest differences is that, unlike conventional gardening that is focused on excluding many things, organic gardening is about creating diversity in the ecosystem and working with – not against – nature to achieve the desired outcomes. Be sure to join me for this insightful interview with Dave Hanson! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Dave talks about what organic gardening means and the many aspects of the term.
• Organic gardening still involves effort and intervention, just without synthetic chemicals. 
• How organic approaches promote the stability and strength of natural ecosystems.  
• Dave shares his perspective on the benefits of an organic plant production philosophy.
• The difficulty of finding supplies for organic gardening when he first started out. 
• Hear how Dave’s wife took on the challenge and succeeded in finding an organic fertilizer.  
• The idea that the organic philosophy extends beyond the plants into every facet of life and business. 
• Where to begin with an organic garden and the optimal time to incorporate compost and leaf litter.  
• Making the organic approach easy and fun by choosing the right plants for the right location. 
• The importance of embracing change and accepting that gardening is an ever-evolving process.  
• Creating diversity and other tips for dealing with pests in indoor and outdoor environments. 
• Words of encouragement for pursuing organic gardening and supporting the industry. 

Key Messages:

1.  Organic gardening means avoiding synthetic chemicals. 
2.  The organic approach strengthens natural ecosystems and works with nature. 
3.  In the long-term, organic gardening is actually simple, fun, and productive. 
4.  The organic philosophy extends beyond plants to how we run our lives and businesses. 
5.  Start the organic gardening journey by focusing on the soil. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Organic Gardening 101

Sage Garden Greenhouses

The Grow Guide Podcast

Organic Materials Review Institute (OMRI)

The Unexpected Gift Box

In this episode, we are in search of the low plastic life. There are numerous environmental issues associated with plastic, so today I give you some simple ways to reduce plastic in your day-to-day lives and make suggestions for innovative products that can be used instead. Plastic takes years to break down, and, once it does, small pieces of microplastics are released into the environment, causing them to be easily ingested by humans and animals. We know that our sea creatures are getting tangled in plastics and are dying because of these materials getting stuck in their intestines. The point is this: plastics are posing a serious threat, so we need to start taking action to reduce our use of it, especially in terms of single-use plastics. This synthetic material is problematic not only when disposed of, but also because of the processes involved in its production. Join me as I unpack the problems and offer solutions to the issue of plastic! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• I talk about the difficulty of finding products that are not made of plastic. 
• An example of the damage that plastic is doing to the environment and wildlife. 
• The amount of plastic that is produced each year and the portion that ends up in the oceans. 
• Learn what plastic pollution means for our food, health, and the ecosystem as a whole. 
• How plastics are made and the rapid increase in production over the last 15 years.
• The problem with micro or nano plastics and why prevention is better than cure! 
• How the pandemic has increased our use of single-use plastics.  
• Advice for purchasing plastics (when necessary) and the alternatives out there. 
• Suggestions for choosing non-plastic straws, shopping bags, garbage bags, and more. 
• Shampoo bars, washcloths, and other means to avoid plastic in the bathroom. 
• Solving the problem of take-out by keeping a water bottle and container at hand. 
• The importance of being vocal about making environmentally friendly choices. 

Key Messages:

1.  Plastic pollution is a pressing issue that threatens our health, the environment, and the safety and quality of the foods that we eat. 
2.  Reducing plastic in our everyday life can be easy. 
3.  Instead of aiming for perfection, focus on the small things you can do.  

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

UNESCO  

Episode 16 (Listen Notes)

Zero-Waste Chef 

Plastic Pollution Crisis Explained

IUCN Marine Plastics 

The Story of Plastic

The Story of Stuff

The Unexpected Gift Box

Today on the Live. Well. Green podcast, we talk about green home cleaning – a relevant topic in the context of the coronavirus. There are, however, many problems with the cleaning supplies we commonly use, since it can be harmful to humans and the environment. Clearly, we need to come up with solutions that work, and in this episode, I share some of my suggestions for making better choices in this regard. The question is, how do we keep our homes clean and healthy, both from the coronavirus as well as regular household dirt while not introducing more harmful products into the indoor environment? We can inhale, ingest, and absorb these harmful ingredients through the skin, and they can cause ailments such as skin irritations and allergies and serious health problems such as asthma, and in the long-run, cancer and reproductive problems. Fortunately, we always have a choice about the products we purchase and how we use them, so stay tuned to find out the what, why, and how of green home cleaning. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• In the context of the current pandemic, effective cleaning is more important than ever. 
• The unintended consequences of our increased efforts to be more hygienic.
• The ingredients in these products can pollute the environment and harm our ecosystems. 
• How cleaning products can result in an array of negative physical responses in humans. 
• The long-term risks associated with some cleaners, including reproductive problems and cancer. 
• Hear why the labels of products are not always reliable sources of information! 

Key Messages:

1.  Cleaning products are a part of daily life but there are potential risks. 
2.  Avoid ingredients such as antimicrobials, triclosan, and quats, which can cause endocrine-disrupting activities and asthma and potentially create resistant microbes.  
3.  We should be careful about the use of corrosive and highly irritating chemicals. 
4.  Avoid endocrine-disrupting glycol ethers and VOCs and be wary of fragrances.  
5.  Be aware that nitrogen and phosphorus in cleaners are harmful to the environment. 
6.  Try purchasing certified green products such as those with the Green Seal, ECOLOGO, or Safer Choice.  
7.  Looking products up on the databases provided by Safer Choice or through the Environmental Working Group. 
8.  Don’t be afraid to ask for change with your government and the cleaning product manufacturers. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Kristina’s Green Clean Recipes

U.S. Geological Survey 

What's Under Your Sink? Fact Sheet

EPA Safer Choice Certification

EWG Guide for Healthy Cleaning

Disinfecting for COVID-19

Health Canada

Green Seal

ECOLOGO

Environmental Working Group

Toxic-Free Future

The Unexpected Gift Box

When we think about protecting the environment, it is about more than just saving the trees and keeping the air and water clean; it is also about preserving our essence as human beings. We are born in and from nature and we are biologically wired to seek connection to nature and all living things. It is, therefore, in our best interest to look after our planet and all living things and to foster this love of nature in the generations to come. Today on the podcast, we are going to explore the concept of Biophilia, uncovering what it means and how it can provide solutions in our lives. I will talk to listeners about how it relates to issues of Nature-Deficit Disorder and Deep Ecology and look at ways how we can integrate biophilia into our day-to-day lives. It does not have to be complicated – it can be as simple as introducing a few house plants to create a space in which you can flourish! Be sure to join me for this episode to learn more about our integral relationship with nature. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Hear about my exciting ten-week online course, the Sustainable Wellbeing Academy.  
• A few definitions of biophilia and when the idea was popularized. 
• The biological basis of our tendency as people to focus on life and life-like processes. 
• Understanding that nature is central to human experience and existence. 
• The important role that nature plays in our physiological and mental wellbeing.  
• Considering our indebtedness to nature and responding by protecting and understanding it. 
• When we risk not caring about nature and the consequence of nature-deficit disorder. 
• Protecting the environment is also about protecting our essence as human beings. 
• The causes of nature-deficit disorder and how the behaviors around it are normalized. 
• How the Deep Ecology movement can shift our perspective about our place in the world. 
• Solutions to the lack of connection to nature and the severe disruption of natural systems.
• An overview of the three major categories to consider when implementing Biophilic design. 
• Learn what a restorative space involves and the benefits of introducing houseplants.  

Key Messages:

1.  Humans subconsciously seek out connections to nature throughout their lives. 
2.  Deep Ecology is an approach that supports the balance between humans and nature. 
3.  If we reduce our connection to nature, we suffer and risk not protecting natural spaces and species. 
4.  We can think about Biophilic design as a way for us to reconnect with nature. 
5.  We can use restorative spaces, which are used in Attention Restoration Therapy. 
6.  House plants are an easy way for us to get closer to nature. 
7.  It is important to get yourself out in nature more often. 

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Biophilia (E.O. Wilson) 

Biophilic Design 

Foundations for Deep Ecology 

Biophilic Design Ideas

The Biophilia Hypothesis 

Last Child in the Woods

The Unexpected Gift Box 

In today’s episode, we are going to unravel the mystery of complementary medicine. It can be tricky to know which treatments are safe and what the best course of action for our health is. I will walk you through the things you need to think about before experimenting with different treatment options. Unlike alternative medicine, which is used as a substitute for conventional medicine, complementary medicine is used in addition to conventional treatment. Used with treatments prescribed by your physician, complementary medicine can help relieve some physical and mental symptoms associated with illness. However, complementary treatments are often poorly regulated and not backed up by science. They can also be harmful! Just because a medicine is natural does not mean that it is safe for you to consume. Always consult with your doctor before beginning any additional treatments and do thorough research about a practice or product to avoid being the victim of a fraudulent claim. This episode will help clear up some of the uncertainty surrounding complementary treatments and will help you learn how to make informed, healthy decisions. 

Key Points From This Episode:

• Kristina talks about the experience that made her aware of the importance of outlook.
• The need for a nuanced approach when it comes to alternative and traditional medicine.
• An explanation of complementary medicine and the definition according to the WHO.
• Learn why alternative medicine should be approached with the utmost caution.
• How integrative medicine differs from both alternative and traditional approaches.
• The five broad categories of complementary medicine according to MedicineNet.
• Where complementary medicine is being used and how it is increasingly incorporated.
• The importance of consulting your doctor before introducing complementary alternatives.
• Examples to prove that just because something is natural does not mean that it is safe!
• The risks involved in using complementary medicine without first consulting your physician.
• The benefits and limitations of practices such as meditation, yoga, acupuncture, Ayurveda, hypnosis, and more.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Complementary Medicine Definition (WHO) 

The Dangers of Alternative Medicine (American Cancer Society)

Integrative Medicine (US National Cancer Institute) 

WHO Traditional Medicine Strategy 

Complementary and Alternative Medicine (MedicineNet)

Complementary Medicine (Breastcancer.org)

Antioxidants and Chemotherapy (American Cancer Society)

Aromatherapy (Mayo Clinic) 

Placebo Effect (ScienceDaily) 

The Unexpected Gift Box 

In today’s episode, we are going to answer the question: What is sustainable wellbeing? When we think about the word sustainable, the Merriam Webster Dictionary defines it as, “a method of harvesting or using a resource so that the resource is not depleted or permanently damaged.” In the context of environmental sustainability, as taken from the Brundtland Commission Report in 1987, sustainability means, “meeting our own needs without compromising the ability of future generations to meet their own needs.” Now, we all have likely learned ways in which we can be more sustainable in our daily lives, like composting, riding a bike rather than driving, simply producing less waste, or using renewable energy sources, and that all fits into the category of environmental sustainability and sustainable living. It feels good to be compassionate towards the planet and animals, but it can still be difficult to see how our sustainable behaviors are positively affecting us on a personal level. That’s where sustainable wellbeing comes in, but how do we connect sustainability and wellbeing? Can we actually find personal wellbeing in looking after our mental and physical health, and do what is right for the planet at the same time? Well, yes we can! This episode goes into detail about how you can start making small steps towards your own sustainable wellbeing, ultimately living lighter on the planet, and also living well for yourself and for others. Tune in today!

Key Points From This Episode:

• The definitions of sustainability and wellbeing from an environmental sustainability context.
• Some sustainable behaviors, including spending time in nature and responsible consumption.
• Sustainable wellbeing is the intersection between personal wellbeing and social and environmental sustainability.
• Focusing on social sustainability: Building strong, healthy, resilient communities.
• The fruits of taking action, including engaged citizens, food security for everyone, and societies where we know that Black Lives Matter.
• How sustainable happiness connects personal or global happiness with environmental concerns.
• Activities that are good for the environment and our physical and mental health, like sledding.

Key Messages:

1. Sustainable actions and behaviors can actually have a positive effect on our own wellbeing.

2. Actions that benefit us can also benefit the planet and society.

3. Living more sustainably can actually generate happiness.

4. Sustainable wellbeing involves our connection with nature.

5. Sustainable wellbeing includes being part of a community where we contribute and benefit.

6. The fruits of sustainable wellbeing are numerous.

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Eight Elements of Wellbeing Framework

The Happiness Research Institute

Educating for Sustainable Happiness

The Nature Principle

Doses of Neighborhood Nature

Greenspace seems protective of both high and low blood pressure

Sustainable Wellbeing Blog Post

Sustainable Wellbeing Starter Kit

Green Home Guide

The Unexpected Gift Box

Today I talk about something I know you are interested in – getting more active in nature. Listeners filled out an online survey and many indicated that they wanted to be out in nature more often, and, while they were at it, get some good exercise too. This is one of the first episodes in response to listeners’ requests, and today, I give you four tips for getting physical in nature in under an hour. We tend to think of being in nature as something we do that is ‘out there’. When we hike, ski, camp, or go to the beach, we think we are in nature when, in fact, we are always in nature! We are physically, emotionally, and spiritually connected to the natural world – this is where we evolved from after all. You do not have to take a day off work to go for a hike, you can engage in nature right where you are, even if you live in an urban area. I have a range of suggestions for activities that will suit any schedule, whether you have an hour, 45, 20, or only five minutes to spare. It is possible for you to get out into nature and move your body every day of the week – tune in to learn how! 

Key Points From This Episode:

• While we live busy lives, there are ways to connect to nature more regularly. 
• The mental and physical benefits of spending time in nature and seeing greenery outside. 
• Hear how the rates of stress, worry, and sadness are increasing around the globe. 
• The disconnect between our enjoyment of physical exercise and the time we spend doing it. 
• Leveraging nature as a resource that is always available and around us all the time.  
• Keeping in mind that we are physically, emotionally, and spiritually connected to nature.  
• Use short, in-between times optimally by going for a brisk walk or jog in your lunch break. 
• Suggestions for spending 20 to 30 minutes outdoors while also getting some exercise. 
• Breathwork and yoga exercises for when you only have five to ten minutes to spare. 
• How you can make these practices concrete by incorporating them in your daily activities.  
• Creating practical, lasting habits by making them obvious, attractive, easy, and satisfying. 
• Why it is helpful to think of your new habits as a system rather than a set of goals. 
• The importance of planning and preparing for how you want to spend your time. 

Key Messages:

1.  There are many physical and mental benefits to being in nature. 
2.  Although most of us report enjoying physical activity, we still do too little of it. 
3.  Nature is all around us. 
4.  Make use of the little bits of time you have, for example by doing yoga or going for a walk. 
5.  Integrate these activities into your day.     
6.  Plan and prepare for these activities – and make it enjoyable!   

Links Mentioned in Today’s Episode:

Kristina Hunter Flourishing

Gallup 2019 Global Emotions Report

Participaction Pulse Report 2018 

Atomic Habits 

The Unexpected Gift Box