Episodes
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Conserving land doesn't have to be all or nothing. We don't have to choose between setting aside whole tracks of forests to protect them or cutting them all down for economic development. Laurie Wayburn, the co-founder and president of Pacific Forest Trust, has found a middle ground. Since 1993, Pacific Forest Trust has transformed over 350,000 acres of privately owned forests in California and Oregon into carbon-sequestering and climate-fighting assets. Through the use of conservation easements, she works with landowners to find the best ways for them to keep the ecosystem intact, yet, still gain economic benefit from what they own. With nearly 60% of U.S. forests under private ownership, this "middle ground" could be key in protecting our natural treasures.
Highlights
How hass her international experience with conservation influenced her work today?How can conservation and economic development go hand in hand?How can we avoid the terrible wildlife seasons we have been seeing?
Plant native trees, bushes, and plants within your community as part of your parks and natural areas or as borders around play fields, etc. This can be very powerful in supporting the ecosystem. Urge whether it's your city council, your county, the commissioners and supervisors, your state legislature, your federal, representatives, etc to support forest conservation as a critical climate change policy, and that means putting some real money behind it and really guiding how that forest conservation is done for the future.Provide financial support to Pacific Forest Trust so they can do the work that you want to have done.
What YOU Can Do
Conservation Easements 1011757 EAC RecommendationsPacific Forest Trust
ResourcesWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
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Bonnie Monteleone is the Founder & Director of Science, Research, and Academic Partnerships of the Plastic Ocean Project (POP) whose mission is finding science-based solutions to the global plastic pollution crisis.
In 2019, she was working on a documentary about the North Atlantic Ocean. However, its plot quickly went from one about a complex, impacted ecosystem into a "who done it," following the death of a newborn critically endangered North Atlantic Right Whale that washed ashore. Was it manmade noise that caused the mother to lose her newborn, a ship strike, chemical or plastic pollution, was it discarded fishing gear, or overfishing?
Bonnie discusses her work with plastics pollution and how it relates to this new documentary project she is undertaking. The threats the ocean and its creatures are facing are vast, but Bonnie dives deep into viable solutions that everyone can support to preserve the sounds of the sea and the marine life in it.
This film, which asks what the oceans would say if they could talk, promises to inspire hope, not doom, but only if we listen.
Bonnie's work has led her around the world collecting plastic marine samples including four of the five main ocean gyres and the Caribbean. She also works in the Environmental Studies Department at UNC Wilmington as an Adjunct Instructor teaching a Plastic Marine Debris Field Studies course and manages a lab working with student Directed Independent Studies (DIS) research.
What happened to this baby Right Whale and what does that mean for the species as a whole?How can whales help mitigate climate change?If the oceans could talk, what would we learn?
Highlights
Avoid single-use plastic. Support the documentary either monetarily, by spreading the word, or by seeing it when it comes to a festival near you. Filmmakers (and wanna-be filmmakers) contribute your ocean footage to the film so they have less of a need to go out and film (and use fossil fuels to do so). Spread the word about the danger these whales are in so people are more likely to support ideas and legislation that protect them.
What YOU Can Do
Bonnie talks a lot about solutions her organization is implementing as well as what different industries can do. But, here are some ideas on what YOU can do:
Information about the documentary, If the Ocean Could Talk. Plastic Ocean Project (POP) Facebook POP Instagram POP LinkedIn
ResourcesWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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In a time where our planet's health is at the forefront of global discussions, understanding the intricacies of climate change is not just beneficial; it's imperative. Bryce Coon is the Director of Education Initiatives at Earthday.org and a passionate advocate for embedding climate literacy within our educational systems. He plays a central role in crafting the organization's overarching goals and roadmap to increasing climate literacy worldwide. Moreover, Bryce is instrumental in driving the efforts dedicated to the climate and environmental literacy campaign, working year-round to cultivate a nationwide movement aimed at bolstering climate literacy across various educational institutions, ranging from K-12 schools to universities, trade schools, and graduate schools.
EARTHDAY.ORG’s mission is to diversify, educate, and activate the environmental movement worldwide. Growing out of the first Earth Day (1970), EARTHDAY.ORG is the world’s largest recruiter to the environmental movement, working with more than 150,000 partners in nearly 192 countries to build environmental democracy. More than 1 billion people now participate in Earth Day actions each year, making it the largest civic observance in the world. Learn more at earthday.org.
Highlights
What is the status of climate education across the world?How can we equip teachers to teach climate literacy without adding more to their plates?How can climate education fit into all subjects and all grades?What YOU Can Do
Advocate for climate education wherever you are, from school boards to your State, and up to the Federal level.Talk with young people about climate education. Ask what they know about it.Resources
Earthday.org's Environmental Resources Climate Literate Lesson Guide Earth Month Calendar resourcesWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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Our disconnection from nature has never been greater and this is resulting in not only a crisis for our planet but for our own well-being too. Ciara Byrne, the founder of Green Our Planet, has been using school gardens to help bridge this disconnect. Through her organization, these green spaces are more than just a cool project—they're a way to teach kids about taking care of our planet and each other. And it's working! She's helping to plant seeds of change and watching hope, connection, and environmental stewardship bloom right before our eyes.
Highlights
How did a school garden get a couple of kids to protect sea turtles?How did Ciara go from documentary film making to creating school gardens?What other benefits do school gardens bring?What YOU Can Do
Take a walk outside. Even if it's just around your neighborhood. Observe the trees, the birds, the animals, and even the insects. Give yourself space to connect and enjoy it.Plant a garden, even if it's just some pots on your balcony.Advocate for getting school gardens and/or hydroponics at your local school.Inform others about the benefits of school gardens and share Green Our Planet's mission on social media to raise awareness.Resources
Green Our Planet Website: A resource hub for starting a school garden, with guides and success stories.Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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There's magic in nature and all of us. T. A. Barron integrates this belief into his life as a bestselling author, conservationist, and host of the Magic & Mountains podcast. But, it's his work honoring young changemakers with the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes, that really proves this notion to be true. These individuals are making significant contributions to environmental conservation and community improvement, despite the odds that may be stacked against them. And T. A. shines a light on their heroism and the power we all have deep inside.
If you need some inspiration to keep going with the great work you're doing (along with some practical guidance), you'll find it in this episode.
Since its inception, the Barron Prize has awarded more than half a million dollars to hundreds of young leaders and has won the support of the National Geographic Education Foundation, Girl Scouts of the USA, and the National Youth Leadership Council, among other organizations. When not writing or speaking, T. A. Barron serves on many boards including Princeton University, where he helped to create the Princeton Environmental Institute, and The Wilderness Society, which recently honored him with its highest award for conservation work.
Where can we find hope amid all the doom and gloom we hear of and experience?What's the biggest challenge that young changemakers face nowadays? (it's not what you think)What's the responsibility of creatives in today's world?
HighlightsHow YOU Can Help
Barron suggests that the best way to inspire others, especially young people, is through the example set by our own actions and choices.Share the good stories. The bad ones seem to always rise to the top so we need to counter them with stories of the good that people are doing in the world. It's surprising how effective simple storytelling can be in inspiring action.For those who are or know young changemakers, consider applying for the Gloria Barron Prize for Young Heroes.Echoing his advice for the main character in many of his books, Merlin, Barron urges listeners to recognize the unique magic within themselves and use that to create positive change in YOUR world. The ripple effects will follow.Resources
T. A. Barron website Magic & Mountains: The T. A. Barron podcast Gloria Barron Prize for Young HeroesInspiring Young Heroes – a video portal featuring more incredible stories of amazing kids.Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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We all know that plastics have become a problem, but there's even more to it than the litter you see thrown on the ground. Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is the Director of Research for Defend Our Health, an environmental health and justice organization. They recently released a report titled Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle which tracks the impact of plastic bottles on human health and climate change. Turns out, we can experience the hazards of our plastic use well before the items even end up in our homes- and afterward.
What's the untold story about plastics?What do we need to consider regarding our summer backyard activities?Why is recycling not the answer like we thought?
Highlights
Look for refillable options for the items that you buy. And use a refillable water bottle.Buy versions of items with minimal packaging (do you really need that cucumber that's wrapped in plastic?).Don’t recycle canisters unless you fully rinse them out (ESPECIALLY bottles that contain chemicals or detergents).Use laundry sheets instead of bottles of detergent (less plastic use).Buy secondhand (to avoid having raw plastic needing to be made).Call out companies on social media.Write letters or sign petitions to companies and governments about reducing single-use plastics and plastic contamination.
What YOU Can DoResources
Sign Defend Our Health's petition asking Coca-Cola to clean up its plastic.Defend Our Health's websiteLearn about plastic alternative, Notpla, with this episode of The Healthy Seas Podcast (Crystal is the host of that show too!)In the show's outro, I mentioned my Action for Climate education program. If you know of a school who may want to empower its students with actions that experts are saying are the most impactful at reducing our carbon footprints, then let's connect!*Since the taping of this episode, Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is no longer the Director of Research for Defend Our Health.
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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First, the tadpoles and frogs disappeared; then the bats and the songbirds left. Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn, a honey bee veterinarian and environmental health scientist, soon realized the bees—the vital pollinators of fruits, plants, and vegetables—were dying. Everything went still and silent. In 2017, after a large flood, most of the teeming life on her beloved family farm in North Carolina had vanished in a matter of weeks. As a scientist and a naturalist, Hilborn set about to get answers and shares her story in her riveting book, Restoring Eden, and in this episode.
No matter where you live- even if it's a city far from farmland- if you drink water and eat food, you are going to want to listen to this episode.
Highlights
The alarming findings about pesticides, particularly Roundup and neonicotinoids, on the environment, wildlife, and human health.Why some pesticides cannot be washed off.Strategies for individuals to minimize exposure to harmful pesticides and support a healthier ecosystem.What YOU Can Do
Get in the know by buying her book, Restoring EdenSupport local agriculture, agroecology, regenerative agriculture, and organic agricultural practices in the food you buy, when possible.Mow less and plant native flowers (grown from uncoated seed) to support wild pollinators.Leaving soil undisturbed and leaving leaves when they fall are ways to support our beneficial insects.The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting comments about treated seed. Leave a comment in support of regulations. (find other petitions to sign once this comment period is over or create your own)Resources
Visit Elizabeth's websiteEnvironmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen ListWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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The recent COP28 climate change conference concluded with mixed feelings from many stakeholders. Despite this, a noteworthy optimistic takeaway was the emphasis by top scientists on the urgent need to prioritize the protection and restoration of wild ecosystems within global climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of biodiversity conservation.
Alison Zak from the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund champions the crucial role of beavers in mitigating the effects of climate change. Her advocacy aims to enhance the acceptance and appreciation of beavers, recognizing the enormous benefits they bring to an area- for people and other species.
How are beavers important to other species, including many endangered ones?What do beavers and climate change have to do with one another?How can humans coexist with these animals on their property?
HighlightsWhat YOU Can Do
Learn more about beavers. Apps like iNaturalist and iBeaver are great places to start.Talk to others about their benefits and about the ways to, more conveniently, coexist with them.Visit their habitat. This can help you to grow an appreciation for what they are capable of doing.Donate to the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund
Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund Alison's personal website Wild Asana book
ResourcesWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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What happens when you have a constitutional right that's being violated but you're too young to vote for the constituents who might fix it? These kids asked the courts to step in.
Today's guest, author Elizabeth Rusch, has captured this gripping story in her latest book, The Twenty-One. We dive into how, in 2015, twenty-one young Americans, ages 8-19, filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government. In this ongoing landmark case, Juliana VS. United States, the plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change and, therefore, violating the young generation’s Fifth Amendment rights. They insist that having life, liberty, and property are intrinsically linked to a stable climate. Many legal experts initially thought the case wouldn't go anywhere, however, over the past eight years it has become a potential legal game-changer for our environmental future.
If you're a fan of the underdog giving "the big guys" a run for their money, you won't want to miss this episode.
Elizabeth Rusch is also the author of You Call This Democracy?, a finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and more than a dozen acclaimed children’s books, including picture books, middle-grade, fiction, nonfiction, and a graphic novel. In a starred review, Kirkus calls her book, THE TWENTY-ONE, “a nail-biting account of a still unresolved landmark case”.
Highlights
How a small-town lawyer created a case that could have global repercussions.What evidence do the plaintiffs have that their rights, and yours, are being violated?How does the recently successful case of Held v. Montana compare to this one and can it help?What YOU Can Do
Call, Email, or Tweet the Department of Justice for your support of the case.For a list of other ideas on how you can get involved, go to the Our Children's Trust website.Resources
Buy the book, The 21 Elizabeth Rusch's website Twitter/XInstagramFacebookWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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As the world makes strides toward a green economy, the U.S. State of New Jersey is determined to be a leader in the movement. And, the First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, is ensuring that citizens are prepared. She has spearheaded the initiative of integrating climate change into school curriculum. New Jersey is now the first State to require the topic be taught across all disciplines in the K-12 grade levels. With the consequences of global warming affecting us all, there's no better time to ensure that students understand the complexities of this issue. By providing them with the knowledge of how and why things are happening, students will be better equipped to tackle the challenges they will face and succeed in the opportunities being created to address them.
Highlights
How did she do it?What does it look like in classrooms?How can other schools and States do the same?What YOU Can Do
Talk about what New Jersey is doing with others and encourage your local schools to do the same. They can find help from the resources below.Resources
New Jersey Department of Education Climate Change Education ResourcesNew Jersey Climate Change Education Hub To learn more about the Action for Climate School Program that I mentioned at the end of the episode, send me a message at [email protected], and let's chat!Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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**This episode first aired in October 2021. Listen to an update from Nina at 26: 27 about the next round of EWCL open to applicants now.
The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. Building a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge. However, as happens in many other professions, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and often does not fully cover the wide range of challenges and opportunities that individuals will face in the real world. Recognizing this gap, Nina Fascione (Exec. Director, International Rhino Foundation) and Jeffrey Flocken (President, Humane Society International), created the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program in 2005 to afford early-career wildlife conservationists an opportunity to become better-rounded professionals. Through EWCL, participants in the program are equipped with a gamut of skills, techniques, and approaches to wildlife conservation, and are connected to an extensive network of peers worldwide. We talk about the program, its evolution, and the future, diving into some very amusing stories of how EWCL came to be and continues to change people's lives straight from the start.Highlights
The borderline nutty dedication to getting EWCL off the ground. ;)What kinds of impacts has EWCL had throughout the world?How can someone become a part of this fantastic network?
What YOU Can DoIf you're an early career conservationist, apply to join the next EWCL class! Tell them Forces for Nature sent you! Applications will be accepted from October 1st-31st of 2023.
Resources
ApplicationWebsite Instagram FacebookWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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**This episode originally aired in May 2021. You can find an update from Julio at 24:19.
Today's guest is Julio Prieto. He's an Ecuadorian lawyer working with the Union of People Affected by Texaco, the organization otherwise known as UDAPT. He has been a key player in one of the most well-known battles for environmental justice- the case of Ecuador vs. Chevron-Texaco. After 20 years of litigation, Julio's team won the case that found Chevron to be guilty of egregious pollution and irresponsibility in the Ecuadorian rainforest. However, 10 years later, he is still fighting for the settlement that would benefit the tens of thousands impacted. We talk about his lessons learned, his most recent victory, and why, despite the impossible odds, he will never give up.
Highlights
What were the allegations brought against Chevron-Texaco?What happened after they were found guilty?His most recent victory was a case brought by nine indigenous girls. What did that involve?Advice he shared if you find that an existing or proposed project in your community raises environmental, social, or animal welfare concerns.What YOU Can Do
Join Julio and his team by using #antichevron and #beyondchevron in your social media posts in order to bring more visibility to the issue. In the episode, Julio mentioned how a community in Richmond, California is also fighting against Chevron. He has asked that we support their efforts as well in order to decommission the refinery there. You can do so by writing support letters to officials and/or to editors and posting on social media to increase the case's visibility. You can learn more about these efforts on their website.Resources
Union of People Affected by Texaco websiteFacebookTwitterIf you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! This helps to boost its visibility.
Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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*This episode first aired in April 2021 and Chris's title mentioned in the show has changed since.
Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the VP of External Affairs of The American Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more voices to the table. We talk about how these issues shouldn't be political, how you can find allies across the political spectrum, and which solutions may satisfy all.
Highlights
How have conservatives, at least stereotypically, come to be labeled as anti-environment or even anti-science?What does Chris think is missing from the current environmental conversation?What kind of work has his organization done to bridge the political divide on climate change and other environmental matters?What YOU Can Do
Decide to be pro-environment over pro-X political party.Have healthy discussions with others who may not necessarily share your political views. As long as your end goal is the same regarding protecting the environment, discussion and compromise can move us so much further, together.Have an open mind to solutions you may have disregarded before.Educate yourself. Chris, for example, recommends resources such as the Market Environmentalism Academy.Resources
American Conservation Coalition websiteACC InstagramACC TwitterACC FacebookWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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**This episode first aired in April 2020. **
When Pablo Borboroglu released his first rehabilitated penguin back into the wild 30 years ago, he saw the ability that one person has to make a difference. Holding steadfast to this belief, he has since become one of the greatest voices for these animals. And, facing threats both on land and in water, they need it. Through the Global Penguin Society, Pablo uses scientific research to help guide conservation actions that have not only protected penguins but have also benefitted many other species that they live among as well as local communities. His enthusiasm for this work is palatable and he uses it to inspire thousands of people to become stewards for these animals too. Pablo is a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Whitley Gold Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, and various other accolades. Though, what’s even more impressive, is all that penguins have gained because of him.Highlights from our talk:
1:51) Some surprising penguin facts
4:28) Threats on land and in the water
11:14) Illegal trafficking of penguins
12:41) Why does Pablo feel like he has the power to make change
19:34) How has he dealt with pushback from local communities against his conservation actions
25:52) How he has overcome feeling discouraged at times
31:12) What's his biggest challenge now
What YOU can do to help penguins:
Take an ecotourism trip to see penguins. This helps local communities economically benefit from the presence of these animals and support their preservation.Be a citizen scientist from your own home! Help scientists know when there changes in population, survival, and breeding through participating in Penguin Watch.Pablo has seen a huge uptick in the presence of plastic in penguin habitats that comes from near and far. Help by decreasing your use of single-use plastic and recycling.From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, try your best to make sure its origin and end are both sustainable.Microplastics are increasingly becoming a problem as they make their way up the marine food chain. Help decrease the microplastics that escape from your laundry by using a Guppy Friend.Help Pablo and the Global Penguin Society accomplish their work with a donation (through the Wildlife Conservation Network).Mentioned in the Episode:
El Pedral Wildlife Refuge
Punta Tombo
Patagonia Azul
Oceans on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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**This episode first aired in June 2021. You can find the updated clip from Timothy and Nicole at 30:35**
Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey saw an opportunity in this crisis to make a two-fold impact. They created Detroit Hives which not only works to protect these vital animals but also to revitalize the city they call home.
Highlights
What's happening to bees and why is this actually not an issue in Detroit?How is Detroit Hives protecting bees and helping communities?How do you convince city developers to consider pollinators in their plans? And city residents to accept them?Why must we protect all bees, not just the honeybee?What YOU Can Do
Plant a bee-friendly garden. Your local plant nursery could help inform you as to what are the best native flowers to have. Even a flower box outside of your apartment window is effective.Provide a water source (a shallow dish with small rocks above the waterline)Use little to no chemicals on your lawn and garden.If you have a swarm at your home, call a local beekeeper to safely take care of it instead of an exterminator.Volunteering with an eco-oriented organization or beekeeper.Have a honeybee hive mindset in that everyone does their own specialized part in bettering the world.Help support Detroit Hives through a donation or purchasing some of their products.Engage with them on socialIf you liked this episode and want to learn more on how you can make your lawn pollinator-friendly, check out Episode 26 with Dave Mizejewski.Resources
Detroit Hives WebsiteInstagramFacebookBee City USAXerces SocietyWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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**This episode first aired in June 2020. You can find the updated clip from Ryan at 21:00**
Did you know that only 10% of all plastic that's ever been produced has been recycled?!* And that just 60% of communities in the U.S. have access to curbside recycling pick-up?** Our waste is a huge problem but, today's guest, Ryan Hickman, is determined to be part of the solution. At just 12 years old (yes, you read that right!), he's CEO of his own company, Ryan's Recycling. He joins us today with his dad, Damion, and helps to demystify the confusion that recycling can sometimes cause.
(1:54) How does Ryan's Recycling work?(2:43) You'll never guess how many customers he has!(4:26) Nor how much he has recycled so far...(6:28) Lightning round of 5 items and their recyclability(12:49) What happens to the items you recycle?(15:11) In addition to saving up for a garbage truck, Ryan also donates some of his profits to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. His favorite animal there was Heartbreaker. <3(17:02) Why does Ryan feel like he can make a difference?
Highlights from our talk:How YOU can do recycling right:
Glass, steel, and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. Try to choose these items over plastic.Recycling codes for plastic #1 (hard) and #2 are the most widely accepted.Plastic #1 (soft), #4, #5 some centers will accept these.Plastic #3, #6, #7 most centers cannot take these but do check.Pizza Boxes- You can recycle the clean lid, but compost or throw out the bottom part that has the grease.Takeaway Soda or Coffee Cups- Despite being paper on the outside, they have a plastic waterproof lining on the inside. This makes them non-recyclable. As for their lids, they tend to be #6 plastic and very few centers will accept them. However, the cardboard slip used to protect you from the heat can be recycled!Plastic Bags- most curbside programs won't accept plastic bags because they can damage the machines. However, many grocery stores have recycling programs for them so drop them off on your next grocery run.Peanut butter jars- This is a lesson about how important it is to clean out the items before you throw them in the bin. Although the jar may be recyclable, if it isn't cleaned, it will be thrown out. Worse, it may cause the whole batch to be thrown out!** You can find more suggestions in the show notes on the episode's webpage!
As per Ryan, "When in doubt, throw it out." Each municipality is different and some take more items and, some, less. A quick online search will find their number for you to call and get clarification from them.
*https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/
** https://recyclingpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2020/02/2020-State-of-Curbside-Recycling.pdfWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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Whoohoo! Sixty episodes in! This seems like a good time to take a step back and introduce to new listeners some of Forces for Nature's older episodes. So, the season break to follow won't be a break, per se, because you'll keep seeing episodes be published. But, they will be some favorites from Seasons 1 and 2, many with bonus updates from the guests!
If you have a favorite that you loved and would like to hear their "where are they now" update, let me know!
I had two asks in this episode. Here they are again:
1) Check out my other show, The Healthy Seas Podcast, right here on this podcasting app that you're using. And, if it's of interest to you, please subscribe and rate it!
2) Let me know what subjects or who you would like to hear from for Season 4. You can send me a DM on social media or an email to [email protected].
Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becoming.forces.for.nature/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/becomingforcesfornature/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-dimiceli-4705218/
Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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Have you had wild animal photo opportunities while on vacation? Have you "liked" cute exotic animal videos on social? Are you dying for an opportunity to hold a baby monkey? If so, you may unintentionally be fueling a dark industry and promoting animal abuse.
Devan Schowe is the campaigns director for Born Free USA, an organization that works to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Devon works to increase public awareness of pertinent wildlife conservation issues and works to change legislation regarding practices that harm wild animals kept in captivity for exploitative purposes. If you want to know how to avoid supporting these dangerous practices unknowingly, this episode is for you!
How can "liking" a video on social media endanger wildlife?Why are seemingly innocent animal photo ops, not so innocent?The Big Cat Public Safety Act has passed! What does this mean?
HighlightsWhat YOU Can Do
Do not visit or in any way support places that exploit wild animals in the ways talked about.Report any abusive online content you see on the website or platform.Petition social media outlets to modify their definition of harmful animal content, um, to reflect a definition that is more in line with wild animal welfare.Don't view like, comment, save, post or share the content. Even dislikes or quoting angry reactions or comments will add to the overall popularity. So restraining from doing that even if you want to.Respectfully educate others.Resources
Born Free USA websiteAdopt a Monkey programTheir Lives for Your Likes ReportInstagram Tik Tok Facebook Twitter YouTubeLinkedInWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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Driven to near extinction in the eastern United States, the Florida panther was able to escape complete persecution by disappearing into the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. However, for its long-term survival, they need more than just a small pocket of land at the bottom of the State. Carlton Ward Jr., a National Geographic Explorer, and photographer, has spent almost two decades advocating for the conservation of the vital acres of land and water that this, and so many other species, need to survive- including humans. With over 1000 people moving to the State per day, development is quickly closing in on the remaining natural lands, threatening the animals, and even the ranchers, who have called the area home for generations.
Highlights
We talk about Carlton's 2,000-mile-long trek, over two expeditions, through the heart of Florida to illustrate the natural corridors wildlife need to migrate.How his storytelling of the panther helped lead to the passing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021 (with full bipartisan support!)Why two unlikely stakeholders- panthers and cattle ranchers - need one another to survive?How can we balance the need for economic development with the need to protect natural habitats and ecosystems?What YOU Can Do
Take various actions for panthers and a wild Florida through the website.Watch Path of the Panther on Disney+, Hulu, or at a screening near you. Buy the Path of the Panther book. Not mentioned in the episode, there is also a campaign to encourage people to drive the posted speeds in wildlife crossing areas. With road collisions being one of the biggest threats to the panther, driving slower through these areas only means a minute or two added to your journey, but could mean a lifetime for these animals. To learn more tips and info on what to do if you see a hit animal go to PantherCrossing.org.Resources
Path of the Panther Instagram Facebook Twitter https://carltonward.com/Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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If you're tired of only hearing about environmental destruction and that we're around the corner from doomsday, you're going to want to listen to this episode! Grant Brown is the founder of the website and newsletter, Happy Eco News. He's not naïve to the pressures that the world is facing - we talk about what he has seen with his own two eyes - but he has also seen, and gotten to know, people who are doing something about them. He's created this platform to share their stories and inspire others to also be the change that they wish to see in the world. And it seems to be working.
How did he go from climbing up the corporate ladder to creating Happy Eco News?How has this had ripple effects on others?What does he think is key to being able to make a difference?
HighlightsWhat YOU Can Do
Figure out whatever it is that you're passionate about and use that to make a difference.Resources
Happy Eco NewsWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!
If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!
What difference for the world are you going to make today?
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