Episodes
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...
Published 11/01/23
When it comes to being ultra-sustainable, Robin Greenfield definitely knows what he's doing. The activist and humanitarian has been working on making the world a more sustainable space for years now, oftentimes with attention-grabbing projects that highlight important issues. This week, he discusses his journey to green living and how we can all be the change we wish to see in the world. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/rob-greenfield-interview. Learn more about your ad...
Published 10/25/23
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 10/18/23
Kellie Brown of "And I Get Dressed" and "Deeply Madly Modern" 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 10/11/23
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. Learn more about your ad...
Published 10/04/23
Scientists say climate change is already affecting every region across the globe. And, animals are responding quicker than humans. This week, we're resharing a past episode with Thor Hanson, a biologist and the author of Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid. In it, he discusses how animals are adapting to climate change right before our eyes. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/animals-adapting-climate-change. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 09/13/23
Plant-forward, sustainable eating and scrappy cooking are on the rise as ways to mitigate climate change and better the planet. This week, we’re resharing a past episode with Max La Manna, a sustainable chef and award-winning author. In it, he shares simple ways to reduce food waste, how to incorporate more plant-based foods into your routine, and more. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/max-la-manna-interview. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 09/06/23
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...
Published 08/30/23
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...
Published 08/23/23
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 08/16/23
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 08/09/23
Laura Wittig recently sat down with Nick Huzar, the co-founder of OfferUp, to talk about the impact that all of the stuff we accumulate has on the planet. (Spoiler: It's not good!) This week, you can listen in from the other side: We're sharing Nick's interview with Laura on his own podcast, StuffTV. For more episodes, visit stufftv.org. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 08/02/23
Bee species are being threatened by multiple factors, from pesticide use to habitat loss. That's why we all need to do our part to help save them. This week, we're resharing an important past episode with Jonathan Powell, a trustee at Natural Beekeeping Trust and a natural beekeeper himself. In it, you'll learn about the vital role bees play in the environment, what a "natural beekeeper" actually is, and how we can play an important role in their survival. For more information, visit...
Published 07/26/23
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, Laura is sharing eco-upgrades she's made around her own home—and how you, too, can make home improvements sustainably. For show notes, visit...
Published 07/19/23
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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 07/12/23
This week, Laura is chatting about an interesting new report from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication that will leave you feeling hopeful for the future of our planet. Plus, a Stasher rant you won't want to miss. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 07/05/23
We have a major “stuff” problem. 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. This week, we dive into the issue with Nick Huzar, the co-founder and board director at OfferUp and the founder of StuffTV. For more information, visit...
Published 06/28/23
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...
Published 06/21/23
It feels impossible to scroll through social media without stumbling upon a fast fashion haul. And it's no wonder why fast fashion is so popular—it's cheap, easily accessible, and trendy. But there are much better ways to shop for both your wallet and the planet. This week, we're resharing a past episode that dives into how to break up with fast fashion for good and finally build a sustainable wardrobe you love. For more information, visit...
Published 06/14/23
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...
Published 06/07/23
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...
Published 05/31/23
Clean beauty is a complicated topic. This week, Laura shares what "clean beauty" really means, the benefits of switching to cleaner products, how to make the transition, and the tried-and-true products she can't live without. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/how-to-successfully-transition-into-a-clean-beauty-routine. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 05/24/23
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? In this week’s episode, Dr. Melissa Lott, the Director of Research at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, is diving into all of the above. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/hydropower-guide. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 05/17/23
There are many reasons why it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep—stress, too much scrolling on your phone, too much caffeine, and beyond. But did you know that the materials your mattress is made of could be impacting the quality of your sleep, too? To discuss this important topic is Arin Schultz, the vice president of sales and marketing at Naturepedic. Save 15% sitewide at Naturepedic.com by using the code BRIGHTLY15 at checkout. For more information, visit...
Published 05/10/23
There are so many benefits to going outside and getting your hands dirty. This week, 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. Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices
Published 05/03/23