Sustainably Geeky

Plastic has many helpful uses in our daily lives, but it can also cause many problems when it breaks down into small particles known as microplastics. Dr. Alice Horton from the Marine Biological Association joins to explain how microplastics negatively affect the environment and human health. She also discusses her research into how microplastics interact with other environmental stressors to affect marine ecosystems. Resources discussed in this episode: 

Marine Biological Association

Dr. Alice Horton LinkedIn

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Advances in technology have allowed researchers to detect small cellular material known as environmental DNA, or eDNA, and it is changing the way we understand the natural world. 

Professor Michael Cunliffe from the Marine Biological Association joins us to discuss what eDNA is and how this research is conducted. He also explains what it's used for, and shares insights into what's next for the industry.

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

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Much of the world takes for granted that natural resources exist to be owned and used by humans, with no thought to the consequences of these actions. The idea that nature has the right to exist free from human interference has long existed in indigenous communities, and is finally gaining wider support around the world. Quetza and Somabha from the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) join us to discuss the rights of nature movement and the ways it is being implemented around the world. They share examples of successful rights of nature initiatives, and offer insights into how to gain support at all levels of society. Resources discussed in this episode:

Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN)

GARN Facebook

GARN Instagram

GARN Twitter

GARN LinkedIn

GARN Eco Jurisprudence Monitor

GARN Paper: Financialization of Nature: A false solution to Climate Change

Rights of Nature documentary

Should Trees Have Standing? book

Earth Law book 

Hoodwinked in the Hothouse

Fossil Fuel Treaty

Degrowth Institute

Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice book

Ecological Jurisprudence book

Quetza Ramirez LinkedIn

Somabha Bandopadhay LinkedIn

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

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Conventional meat production negatively impacts the environment, public health, national security and economic stability. Despite this, meat consumption continues to rise each year. Bruce Friedrich explores these issues in his book MEAT: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food—and Our Future. Bruce joins us to discuss the book, and how advances into alternative methods of meat production could revolutionize the way we eat. Resources discussed in this episode:

MEAT: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food—and Our Future book

Good Food Institute

GFI Bluesky

GFI Instagram

GFI LinkedIn

GFI Substack

GFI Threads

GFI Youtube

Livestock's Long Shadow report

Diet for a Small Planet book

Thinking Fast and Slow book

Giving Green

Bruce Friedrich LinkedIn

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

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The ocean provides invaluable ecosystem services enabling the survival of most life on Earth, regardless of whether it lives in the water or near the coast. The ocean also provides ample recreation and tourism opportunities. Alex Fogg from Destin-Fort Walton Beach (DFWB) joins us to discuss marine conservation, eco-tourism and how DFWB is merging the two to help protect local resources and the communities that rely on them. He offers real world examples of how this coastal community is adapting to a changing environment, while engaging both visitors and locals to protect and enhance local ecosystems. Resources discussed in this episode:

Destin-Fort Walton Beach website

DFWB Instagram

DFWB Facebook

DFWB YouTube

DFWB LinkedIn

Alex Fogg LinkedIn

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

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Sports have a huge personal and cultural impact for people all around the world, bringing communities together and offering unique social experiences. They also have a sizeable impact on the environment. So how do we balance the personal fulfilment and social connection that sports provide with the need for a healthy planet? Claire Poole from Sport Positive joins to discuss this tension, and how the industry is working to reduce its carbon footprint. She also shares examples for how the changing climate is affecting sports, and how the industry is adapting to this new reality. Resources discussed in this episode:

Sport Positive website

Sport Positive Facebook

Sport Positive Instagram

Sport Positive LinkedIn

What’s Stopping Us? Report

The Climate of Sport Podcast

Your Brain on Climate Podcast

Save the Reef Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

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Humans produce an incredible amount of rubbish, and it causes an incredible amount of damage to our environment and health. Better waste management practices are part of the solution, but waste reduction is just as vital. Sarah Currie-Halpern from Think Zero LLC joins to discuss how our waste is managed, how to improve this system, and how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are helping. She emphasizes the importance of waste reduction in both the public and private sectors, and offers tips for how to support these efforts. Resources discussed in this episode:

Think Zero LLC

Think Zero LLC Instagram

Think Zero LLC Facebook

Think Zero LLC LinkedIn

Sarah's LinkedIn

Upstream

Skip the Stuff

Secondhand shopping sites & apps: 1stDibs, AptDeco, Chairish, eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Kaiyo, Once Upon a Child, Play it Again Sports, Poshmark, ThredUp.

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

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It's time to change the outdated idea that humans are separate from nature. Bioregioning takes a holistic approach to nature restoration that emphasizes the human connection to the landscapes we inhabit. Sarah Prosser, Weaver and CEO of Bioregioning South East Ireland, joins us to discuss their work and the principles of bioregioning. She shares examples where bioregioning is being successfully implemented, emphasizing the importance of  long-term thinking and a willingness to listen. Resources discussed in this episode:

Bioregioning South East Ireland

Bioregioning South East Ireland LinkedIn

Bioregioning South East Ireland Instagram

Bioregioning Tayside

Bioregional Learning Centre

Sarah Prosser LinkedIn

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

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Wolves and other apex predators play a critical role in their ecosystems,, but they are often feared and vilified by humans. Katie Stacey explores this tension in her book No Paradise with Wolves. The book follows the journey of Katie and her partner as they restore their farm in Northern Spain, while simultaneously learning about and advocating for protection of the local environment, specifically the Iberian wolf. Katie shares insights from years of conservation storytelling and her lived experiences. Her story is an inspiring example of how humans can coexist with other species, even the "big, bag wolf." Resources discussed in this episode:

No Paradise with Wolves book

Wild Finca

Wild Finca Instagram

The Wild Shift

How Wolves Change Rivers

Rebecca Hoskins

Wilding book

Braiding Sweetgrass book

The Wildlife Trusts

RSPB

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

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When looking to protect land from development, mining and other harmful activities, Conservation Easement Agreements (CEAs) are perhaps one of the most effective methods for permanently protecting private land. Despite their effectiveness, many are not familiar with this method of land protection, so we've brought in Joel Enman from Ontario Farmland Trust to explain how CEAs work. He also discusses why private land conservation is important, and how his and other land trusts are helping landowners maintain ownership of their land while protecting it for future generations. Resources discussed in this episode:

Ontario Farmland Trust

Joel Enman Linkedin

Ontario Land Trust Alliance

Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts

Land Trust Alliance

Farmland Preservation book

A Garden for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee book

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected].

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

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