The notion of wrapping up a pre-owned item as a gift was traditionally met with raised eyebrows. However, in recent times, the narrative surrounding secondhand gifting has undergone a notable transformation as more and more people embrace the idea of sustainable and eco-friendly gift-giving. This week, Bre Eggert, the founder of Average But Inspired, is sharing all the tips and tricks you need to ensure your thrifting endeavors result in thoughtful and memorable presents. For show notes,...

Between the gift shopping, endless rolls of wrapping paper, and glittery decor, staying sustainable over the holidays can be a challenge. This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes, a low-waste living expert and the founder of Sustainable in the Suburbs, is back to discuss everything you need to know to make your holiday season more eco-friendly, no matter how you’re celebrating. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/how-to-have-an-eco-friendly-christmas. Advertising Inquiries:...

With everything we want just a click away, we bring new things into our homes every day… just to toss them out. This excessive consumption has led to an alarming statistic: The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash each day. For a family of four, that’s 6,570 pounds of trash generated per year. As we approach some of the biggest shopping holidays of the year, we're resharing an important past episode where we dive into our major “stuff” problem with Nick Huzar, the co-founder and...

If you think finding new, delicious, and planet-friendly recipes is hard, you're not alone. This week, Laura is joined by Grace Elkus, a food writer and editor, recipe developer, and content creator, to chat about which meals have been on repeat in her home and ways to cut down on waste. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Thanksgiving gives us an opportunity to celebrate everything we're thankful for. What you may not realize, though, is between the food waste and holiday travel emissions, it's one of the least sustainable holidays. The good news is you don't have to sacrifice your holiday fun. This week, Sarah Robertson-Barnes, a low-waste living expert and the founder of Sustainable in the Suburbs, is here to help make your Thanksgiving more eco-friendly. For show notes, visit...

We get energy from wind and the sun, but have you ever looked toward the vast, untapped energy potential of our oceans? Yep, that's right—with more than 70% of the earth's surface covered by water, wave energy has the potential to become a key contributor to our global energy needs. The topic is something this week’s guest, Jan Skjoldhammer, the founder and CEO of the wave energy developer Novige AB, definitely knows a thing or two about. So could wave energy be the next big thing in...

Crafting is fun—there's no doubt about that. Unfortunately, it isn't always the most sustainable hobby. One quick walk through any craft store will leave you looking at shelves brimming with an endless array of glittering possibilities, but it's hard to ignore the environmental impact that often lurks behind the sparkle. This week, Tiffanie Anne Westgor, a sustainable crafting expert, is sharing how making small changes during our crafting and DIY adventures can make a big impact on the world...

Have you ever wondered what harmful substances might be lurking in your everyday routine? One such example is endocrine disruptors, and they're making their way into our lives in the most unexpected ways, not only harming our health but also the environment. This week, award-winning journalist Alden Wicker joins Laura to discuss the growing problem and what conscious consumers can do to stay safe. Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by Hero Bread. Visit www.hero.co and use code...

You're probably well aware of your carbon footprint and the impact it has on the environment. It's why we make such conscious efforts to reduce things like our energy consumption, water usage, and waste on a daily basis. However, what we often overlook is our *digital* carbon footprint. This week, Laura shares how everything from social media to streaming to our inbox impacts the planet—and how we can make positive changes toward a brighter future. For show notes, visit...

Kellie Brown of "And I Get Dressed" is known for her incredible taste in style and interior design. But you won't always find her buying new—she prefers being thrifty and is a pro at scoring secondhand home finds that belong in your favorite magazines. In this week's episode, we're stealing all her secrets. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/secondhand-shopping-tips-that-elevate-your-home. Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by Hero Bread. Visit www.hero.co and use...

We all want to put our money toward saving the environment, and luckily, there are many organizations to choose from that are doing just that. The unfortunate reality is that it can be really hard to tell where your donations are actually going—and whether or not they’re making an impact. This week, Chris Vargas, a Silicon Valley-based tech entrepreneur and the founder of ReWorld, is sharing the surprising truth about what goes on behind the scenes at some of these environmental organizations...

As we witness the mounting challenges posed by climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, regenerative agriculture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a paradigm shift from conventional farming practices. This week, we’re diving into the ins and outs of the innovative approach to farming with Evan Harrison, the CEO at Kiss the Ground. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/regenerative-agriculture. Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp....

If you haven’t jumped on the meal prepping bandwagon yet, you’ll want to change that ASAP. It’s a secret weapon that can transform your life into a sustainable, money-saving, waste-reducing adventure. This week, Dini Klein, the founder of Prep + Rally, is sharing everything you’ll need to know to get started on your journey. For more tips and tricks, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/how-to-make-homemade-salad-dressing. Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online...

When it comes to environmental footprints, our water use warrants a serious conversation—and Jonah Schein, the national program manager for Homes & Buildings at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program, agrees. This week, Jonah settles the dishwasher vs hand washing debate (once and for all!), as well as shares other ways we can increase our efficiency around usage. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/dishwasher-vs-hand-washing. Our Sponsors: * This...

If you’ve ever wished there was a thrift store for crafters filled with paint, fabrics, scrapbooking supplies, stickers, beads, and essentially everything else your creative heart desires, you’re in luck. Creative reuse centers are on the rise, and they’re giving these odds and ends a new destiny—one that doesn’t involve the landfill. This week, Toban Nichols, the director of education and development at REMAINDERS Creative Reuse in Pasadena, California, discusses how creative reuse centers...

We all love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with making small upgrades around the home. Unfortunately, these changes can come at a cost to the planet—be it in the form of excess waste, buying decor or furniture that’s cheaply made and doesn’t last, or using non-renewable resources that have a hefty environmental footprint. This week, we're resharing a past episode where Laura talks eco-upgrades she's made around her own home—and how you, too, can make home improvements sustainably....

Fast fashion dominates our feeds. Scroll through your TikTok "For You" page and you’re bound to see clothing hauls from SHEIN, Princess Polly, and other brands. This week, we're resharing a past episode where Laura sits down with Garik Himebaugh of Eco-Stylist to discuss how to finally break up with fast fashion and build a sustainable wardrobe you love. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/how-to-break-up-with-fast-fashion. Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by...

This week, we're diving into “mindful consumption”—a concept that allows us to make more intentional choices in our daily lives. By being more mindful about what we’re buying, we can foster a more sustainable lifestyle, benefitting both our bank accounts and the planet. Our Sponsors: * This episode is brought to you by BetterHelp. Give online therapy a try at betterhelp.com/GOODTOGETHER and get on your way to being your best self. * This episode is brought to you by Hero Bread. Visit...

Climate change hasn't always been part of the curriculum at schools across the nation, but that's changing. In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to require that climate change is taught across all subjects. Then in 2022, Connecticut passed a law that required that lessons on human-caused climate change be incorporated into the science curriculum. Now, New York City has officially rolled out a climate-based curriculum, too. In this week’s episode, Vicki Sando, a Green STEM teacher at PS...

PVC or polyvinyl chloride, one of the most widely used plastics in the world, has a unique combination of properties, making it versatile and useful in the fashion industry and beyond. However, it’s also a controversial material due to its environmental impact and potential health risks. This week, Laura dives into the topic with Alden Wicker, an award-winning journalist and the author of ‘To Dye For: How Toxic Fashion Is Making Us Sick.’ For more information, visit...

Hydropower is one of the world's oldest renewable energy sources. But what is it, how does it work, and how does it benefit the planet? This week, we're sharing an important past episode where Dr. Melissa Lott, the Director of Research at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, dives into all of the above. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/hydropower-guide. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/GOODTOGETHER Advertising Inquiries:...

Did you know not all wildfires are bad? This week, we're resharing an important past episode where Deborah Landau, the Director of Ecological Management at The Nature Conservancy, discusses the benefits of prescribed burns—aka planned wildfires that encourage ecosystem restoration and natural biodiversity. To learn more, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/controlled-burns-benefits. Our Sponsors: * Check out BetterHelp: betterhelp.com/GOODTOGETHER Advertising Inquiries:...

There are so many benefits to going outside and getting your hands dirty. This week, we're resharing a past episode where Dominique Charles, the CEO and creator of Plots & Pans, talks gardening with purpose—from growing produce that inspires creative cooking to deepening your connection with nature. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/urban-gardening-tips. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We all know that a huge cornerstone of sustainability is reevaluating our relationship with consumerism—which means taking stock of what we have, what we need, and what we don’t. Dara Zycherman, a minimalist lifestyle coach and the owner of Less Equals More, has made a career of helping others pare down their belongings, supporting clients in reducing their “stuff” to help improve their lives. In this important past episode, learn how you can do the same sustainably and responsibly. For more...