Sustainability Unplugged

This week, we’re deep in the holiday season and unpacking all things gift-giving—the good, the wasteful, and the wonderfully creative. We walk through simple swaps, mindful mindset shifts, and tons of low-impact ideas to help you choose gifts that make your loved ones happy without creating mountains of holiday trash.

We talk experiences vs. things, long-lasting options, supporting local makers, and why paying attention throughout the year makes gift-giving so much easier (and less chaotic). From DIY kits to consumables to thoughtful upgrades to someone’s favorite hobby, we cover ways to keep joy high and waste low.

And then… a little Reddit wisdom that stopped us in our tracks: gift-giving is not the time to send someone an environmental message. We unpack what that means, how it hits home for both of us, and why staying true to your values doesn’t have to turn you into the Ghost of Christmas Judgy.

#EcoFriendlyHolidays #SustainableGifting #GreenChristmas #EcoGiftIdeas #SustainableHolidaySeason #Podcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalAwareness #Podcasting #PodcastEpisode #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenLivingTips #SustainabilityJourney #SustainabilityUnplugged #NextGreenThing #SustainabilityIsSexy

It’s our favorite episode of the year — the Annual Good Things Roundup — where we celebrate the wins, wonders, and wildly hopeful moments happening across the planet. From renewable energy surpassing coal for the first time in history and the UK launching its first all-electric football stadium, to massive wildlife comebacks like green turtles, jaguars, and Scottish wildcats, we’re serving up a full buffet of environmental progress. We dive into breakthroughs in bamboo bioplastics, Indigenous-led beaver reintroductions, global youth climate leadership, clean energy job growth, and even a seaweed-based coffin (yes, really). And as we close out the year, we honor the legacies of environmental champions Jane Goodall and Robert Redford, reminding us that hope is alive, well, and very much worth fighting for.

• [00:00] Introduction
• [02:34] Good Things in Energy
• [11:31] Good Things for Wildlife
• [18:04] Good Things with Plants and Water
• [21:36] Good Things by People
• [26:34] Next Green Thing

Resources:

• https://ecologi.com/resources/blog/latest-good-news
• https://thinklandscape.globallandscapesforum.org/71474/climate-events-2025/#:~:text=The%20Global%20Youth%20Climate%20Summit,that%20all%20life%20depends%20on.

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

Come along as we explore the environmental impact of going vegan, from carbon emissions and water use to the surprising footprint behind foods like avocados and mushrooms.

We also share our real-life experiences trying vegan dishes at local spots — The Fix, Tree Hugger, Waldo Pizza, and even Joe’s KC BBQ — and what happened when we pushed ourselves to rethink “normal” meals. Spoiler: We tried a lot of awesome food!

Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or simply want to make more earth-friendly choices, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and simple ways to get started without going all-in.

• [0:00] What is Lynn up to these days?
• [14:36] Eco Events
• [15:37] Intro to Veganism
• [17:25] Stats!
• [35:22] Vegan Options in Kansas City
• [57:17] Next Green Thing

https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/vegan-diet-environment (2023)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/vegan-diet-cuts-environmental-damage-climate-heating-emissions-study (2023)

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200211-why-the-vegan-diet-is-not-always-green (2020)

https://treehuggerkitchen.com/

https://www.waldopizza.net/

https://www.joeskc.com/

https://thefixkc.com/

This week on Sustainability Unplugged, we dive into the world of sustainable fashion with Julia Dittmer, co-founder and CEO of Open Wardrobe — an AI-powered platform redefining how we use what’s already in our closets.

Julia shares how Open Wardrobe blends technology, style, and sustainability, helping users digitize their wardrobes, reduce decision fatigue, and fall back in love with the clothes they already own. From AI outfit pairing to resale and repair integrations, Julia’s mission is simple: make dressing more mindful and less wasteful.

We explore the psychology of clothing, the hidden cost of overproduction, and how a more conscious approach to fashion can benefit both your closet and the planet.

https://www.openwardrobe.co/

#OpenWardobe #DigitalCloset#Podcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalAwareness #Podcasting #PodcastEpisode #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenLivingTips #SustainabilityJourney #SustainabilityUnplugged #NextGreenThing #SustainabilityIsSexy

This week, we honor Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Heritage Month by exploring how Indigenous communities have long led the way in sustainable living. From “good fire” forest management and Zuni waffle gardens to seed stewardship and salmon restoration, Indigenous peoples have cultivated climate resilience for generations — practices that today’s world urgently needs to learn from. We discuss how these traditional ecological practices protect biodiversity, combat climate change, and embody true land stewardship. Plus, we share resources to help you discover the Indigenous lands you live on and ways to support Native-led climate action.

• Recognizing Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Heritage Month as opportunities for learning and gratitude.
• Understanding how Indigenous cmmunities are original environmental stewards.
• Examples of Indigenous sustainability practices — from dryland farming and irrigation to cultural burns and clam gardens.
• Exploring resources like native-land.ca to learn whose land you’re on.
• How traditional ecological knowledge (TEK) offers climate solutions modern science is just beginning to validate.
• Ways to support Indigenous sovereignty and environmental leadership.

Next Green Thing: Watch Tending Nature, a PBS documentary highlighting Indigenous land stewardship and how traditional practices — from food harvesting to craftwork — keep heritage alive while healing the Earth. 🌾✨

Chapter Markers:

• [14:28] Native American Heritage Month
• [42:50] Next Green Thing

Resources: 

• native-land.ca
• https://www.washingtonpost.com/climate-environment/2024/04/22/native-american-practices-combat-climate-change/
• https://earth.org/indigenous-wisdom-leading-the-path-to-sustainable-practices-in-canada/
• https://earth.org/people-climate-change/
• https://www.pbs.org/articles/an-earth-month-playlist-centering-indigenous-voices

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

It’s spooky season — and this year, we’re talking about something scarier than ghosts or goblins: medical waste. From used needles and old bandages to expired meds and hospital gowns, the healthcare industry produces millions of tons of waste every year. But where does it all go?

In this Halloween episode, we dig into the chilling truth behind medical waste — how it’s handled, why it’s such a big problem, and what hospitals and organizations like Health Care Without Harm are doing to make the system cleaner and greener. Expect laughs, learning, and a few “eww” moments as we peel back the layers on the not-so-glamorous side of healthcare.

• [0:00] Intro
• [9:40] Upcoming Events
• [13:40] Understanding Medical Waste
• [20:34] The Scale of Impact of Medical Waste
• [25:42] Understanding Medical Waste Treatment
• [28:10] The of Home in Medical Waste
• [31:58] Safe Disposal of Medications & Medical Supplies
• [35:04] Innovations in Waste Reduction in Healthcare
• [47:09] Importance of Awareness in Medical Waste
• [51:01] Closing

• https://www.who.int/news-room/fact-sheets/detail/health-care-waste
• https://www.trihazsolutions.com/how-much-medical-waste-is-produced-each-year/
• https://www.epa.gov/rcra/medical-waste
• https://www.goodrx.com
• https://practicegreenhealth.org/
• https://noharm.org/

#MedicalWaste #SustainableHealthcare #HealthcareWaste #SpookySustainability #HalloweenEpisode #Podcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalAwareness #Podcasting #PodcastEpisode #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenLivingTips #SustainabilityJourney #SustainabilityUnplugged #NextGreenThing #SustainabilityIsSexy

What’s the connection between solar panels, tree shade, and climate change? In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we explore the surprising role of tree cover in cooling our cities, reducing energy use, and fighting climate change. From staggering stats on rising U.S. heat waves to the many benefits of urban forests — cleaner air, reduced flooding, crime reduction, and even higher property values — we unpack why trees are more than just pretty scenery. With local highlights like Canopy Cover KC and Tree City USA, we also dig into how communities are working to expand their urban canopy and how you can get involved.

• Rising U.S. temperatures and the growing risks of heat waves.
• How urban heat islands make cities hotter than surrounding areas.
• Trees as natural air conditioners, stormwater managers, and community health boosters.
• Kansas City’s canopy cover goals and $12M grant to plant 10,000 trees by 2026.
• What it means to be a Tree City USA — and why it matters.
• Practical ways individuals can support local and national tree-planting efforts.

Visit the Arbor Day Foundation to find ways to get involved — from donating to planting the right trees for your yard. Whether it’s one tree or ten, every branch helps build climate resilience.

• [0:00]Intro
• [17:20]Eco Events
• [19:22]Personal Dilemma: Tree Cover vs Solar Panels
• [20:25]EPA Climate Change Indicators
• [25:17] Understanding Urban Heat Islands
• [27:27] The Importance of Trees in Urban Areas
• [35:25]Canopy Cover KC
• [38:22] Personal Perspectives
• [48:36]Next Green Thing

Resources

• EPA Climate Change Indicators - https://www.epa.gov/climate-indicators
• Canopy.org - https://canopy.org/tree-info/benefits-of-trees/
• Bridging The Gap - https://bridgingthegap.org/
• Arbor Day Foundation - https://www.arborday.org/donate

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

October is Energy Awareness Month, and what better way to celebrate than by pulling back the curtain on the system that powers our lives—the U.S. energy grid. From your morning coffee to your late-night Netflix binge, the grid is the invisible backbone keeping everything running. But how does it actually work? And what challenges lie ahead as demand grows and the world shifts toward cleaner energy?

In this episode, we break down the grid in simple terms: how electricity is generated, transmitted, and delivered right to your home; who runs the three major interconnections; the mix of energy sources that keep the lights on; and the environmental impacts that come with them. We’ll also explore fun facts (like why power demand dips during the Super Bowl!) and dig into the big challenges of an aging system facing climate change, extreme weather, and growing demand.

By the end, you’ll see the grid in a whole new light—and understand why Energy Awareness Month is the perfect time to think about where our power really comes from.

• [0:00] Intro and Updates
• [10:41] What is the Energy Grid?
• [24:30] Traditional Sources of Energy
• [37:21] Renewable Energy Sources
• [45:15] Challenges of the Energy Grid Today
• [50:35] Energy Awareness Month
• [1:06:31] Next Green Thing

Resources:

• https://science.howstuffworks.com/environmental/energy/power.htm
• https://pmc.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/articles/PMC3653646/
• https://www.epa.gov/
• https://www.energy.gov/
• https://www.wsj.com/articles/wind-and-solar-overtake-coal-power-for-the-first-time-in-the-u-s-a52e9d8f

Football season means tailgates, grilling, and lots of fun — but it can also mean mountains of waste. In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we break down how to keep the tailgate traditions you love while minimizing your environmental footprint. From reusable cups and compost bins to eco-friendly grilling and carpooling, we share practical tips that make game day greener without sacrificing the party. Whether you’re a die-hard fan or just in it for the food, these sustainable tailgating hacks will help you score big for the planet.

• Why reusable cups, plates, and napkins beat disposables every time.
• Recycling and composting tips that work in a stadium parking lot.
• How to prep food and bulk shop to reduce packaging waste.
• Charcoal vs. propane grilling — which is better for the planet.
• Organizing your gear with a tailgating tote for zero-waste success.
• Bonus tip: carpooling to cut emissions and parking chaos.

Appoint a “Green Captain” at your tailgate to rally the crew on waste and recycling. A quick cleanup huddle before kickoff ensures you pack out what you pack in — leaving the lot (and the planet) a little better.

• [0:00] Intro
• [2:01] Our Favorite Tailgates
• [11:12] Eco-Friendly Tailgate Tips
• [21:21] Grilling and Environmental Impacts
• [26:33] Next Green Thing

Resources

• USC - https://sustainability.usc.edu/take-action/green-tailgating/
• DWSWA - https://www.dwswa.org/recycle-reuse-articles/2023/9/29/green-tailgating-how-to-score-big-on-sustainability

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

What if poetry could help us see the Earth — and ourselves — in a new way? This week, we sit down with author Shannon Jade to talk about her powerful new book, A Song for the Earth. Through poetry and story, Shannon takes us on a journey across Earth’s biomes — from forests and oceans to cityscapes — capturing both the beauty of our planet and the urgency of protecting it. We talk about the inspiration behind her words, the role of art in climate action, and how poetry can move us from heartbreak to hope. If you’ve ever wondered how creativity and activism intertwine, this conversation will leave you inspired to raise your own voice for the Earth.

• [0:00] Intro
• [2:55] Q&A with Shannon Jade
• [11:58] City
• [15:42] Rainforest
• [20:45] Desert
• [26:31] Ocean
• [30:58] Arctic
• [35:45] Savannah
• [39:48] More Q&A
• [52:44 ] A Song for the Earth reading
• [53:54] Next Green Thing

Resources:

BookShop - Purchase A Song for the Earth on Book Shop here!