The Positively Green Podcast

The dirty truth about sustainably-made diapers with Amrita Saigal of Kudos Feb 12, 2024

Today on the podcast we have Amrita Saigal, the founder of Kudos. Amrita is extremely passionate about creating sustainable alternatives that perform just as well, if not better, than their non-sustainable counterparts and, as an MIT-trained engineer and material scientist, she has taken this passion to make a real difference.

Kudos is the first disposable diaper on the market lined with 100% cotton touching baby's skin. Not plastic or harshly processed bamboo. Why cotton? It's naturally soft, sustainable, and the #1 doctor-recommended material for rash and eczema. The cotton used in Kudos diapers is 100% U.S.-sourced and cleaned with a breakthrough process that utilizes zero chemicals, water, or process heat. In this episode, we chat about:

What sets Kudos apart from other sustainable diapers
Greenwashing in the diaper industry
Being on Shark Tank and getting funded!!
Emergency C-sections and post-partum recovery
What's next for Kudos

Be sure to check out Kudos at their website here and use discount code GREEN10 to save 10% on your first order!

Magical Plants & Flowers with Two Green Witches, Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano Oct 08, 2023

This episode is all about love potions from the garden. Our guests Chris Young and Susan Ottaviano, better known as the 2 Green Witches, believe that all plants are magical. Their new book, The Green Witch’s Guide to Magical Plants & Flowers (6/6/23 Skyhorse Publishing) shares how to bring more love and contentment into your life using flowers, plants and other elements of nature. Unlock the secrets hiding in your garden by transforming everyday flowers, fruits, and plants into bath salts, herbal infusions, soaps, sachets, tinctures, and more.

You’ll hear about:

Love Potions
Food for the Soul
Magical Mindfulness and
Plant Magic

Tune in!

Finding balance on the homestead, from farming with kids to entrepreneurship, with Jill Winger of The Prairie Homestead Sep 18, 2023

Kelsey is back on the podcast for a fun heart-to-heart with Jill Winger of The Prairie Homestead, one of the foremost homesteading websites since 2010.

Jill is a powerhouse in the homesteading community, sharing her love of living off the land with all her readers and listeners. Her practical and authentic teaching style and storytelling have won the hearts of hundreds of thousands of homesteaders across social media and through the top-ranked Old Fashioned on Purpose podcast and the best-selling Prairie Homestead Cookbook.

In this episode, we have an honest chat all about:

Kids on the farm - the good, bad, and the ugly
Finding a sustainable balance between parenting and homesteading
Running a business (or multiple businesses!) with your spouse
How to focus on what you love about homestead instead of “doing it all”
Jill’s new book Old Fashioned On Purpose (now a Top New Release!)

Jill and her family also run Genuine Beef Company, which ships grass-finished beef nationwide, as well as the Chugwater Soda Fountain. She has been featured in Urban Farm, Farm & Ranch Living, COWGIRL magazine, Woman’s Day, HuffPost, the Wall Street Journal, Wyoming PBS, People, and Buzzfeed. She resides on the Wyoming prairie with her husband, three children, and more farm animals than she can count.

Repair, Reuse, Reduce with Checo Diaz and Gear Hugger Sep 03, 2023

On this episode of PGP, we’re talking about Gear Hugger with founder Checo Diaz.

Like most people, Checo was relying on old-fashioned, toxic lubricants for his tune-ups and to keep his gear in prime condition. He realized there was a disconnect between his love for nature and how he and many other outdoor lovers were inadvertently introducing petroleum and toxic chemicals into the ecosystem through their gear.

Checo realized he could create a solution and set out to introduce a better, cleaner plant-powered way to keep his gear going longer while taking petroleum and harmful chemicals out of the equation. His family had been in the industrial lubricant business for 70 years, and he decided to make it his mission to expand his family’s legacy and create a more sustainable, eco-friendly future.

My First Year of Motherhood with Annie Chensoff May 28, 2023

Motherhood is a very personal and powerful experience and yet many mothers find themselves receiving advice on how to parent differently or better. We may get it from books, online or from a random stranger on the street--some of it is wanted, most of it is unwanted. One of the things that does warrant more conversation is the transition from being childless to all of a sudden being responsible for another person’s life and well being. In this episode, Suzette talks with Annie Chensoff, a mama, partner, school garden educator, doula and herbalist. One of Annie’s greatest passions in life is connecting with others in the shared joy and love for the natural world; she has done this through designing, building and teaching in gardens for people of all ages for the past 15 years. Annie is the founder and co-director of Partum Gardens, a weekly garden gathering that supports birthing bodies and their families through earth connection, education and community.

Spring Wellness Tips with Carrie Stone May 15, 2023

In part 2 of the 2023 PGP wellness series, we’re talking all about self care with Carrie Stone, licensed massage therapist.

Suzette and Carrie share easy self-care tips that we can do in our everyday lives. This episode is about so much more than a spa date! You don’t want to miss what these two are talking about, including how self-care is often closer than you think.

Kelsey & Suzette's Favorite Things for Earth Day Apr 22, 2023

Guess who is on today’s special Earth Day episode? Tune in to find out! We’re talking all about our favorite things for Earth Day!

This is an episode full of tips for making Earth Day everyday from grocery shopping to our favorite apps that help with making decisions about what you buy.

We don’t shy away from calling out who and what are really responsible for the climate crisis (Hint: Just 100 corporations). Join Kelsey and Suzette for our favorite things for this Earth Day special Positively Green Podcast episode.

In this episode you’ll hear:

▪️Suzette’s tips for being earth friendly around the house

▪️Kelsey’s go-to apps for baby clothes and toys

▪️Secrets for making your laundry room low waste

▪️How everyday activities can be earth friendly with small shifts

▪️Ways to find out what your local representatives think about climate change

Tune in at the link in our bio! 🎧

#EarthDayFavoriteThings #earthdayeveryday #newmama #newmom #groceryshopping #lowwastelaundry #sustainablegoods #sustainability #positivelygreenpodcast #foodindy #befoodindy #foodindycommunity

Cutting Through the Myths with Tora Spigner Apr 16, 2023

On this episode of the Positively Green Podcast, we’re talking about infant circumcision.

To circumcise or not to circumcise? That is the question that a lot of new parents face when they have a little boy. In some cultures, it’s a given that boys will be intact until a certain age, while in others, they do it at birth. In a lot of other cultures, keeping the penis the way that it came into the world is just fine.

Tora Spigner is a labor and delivery nurse and nursing professor at Los Medanos College. She received her Masters of Science in Nursing from San Francisco State University, her MLS (Master of Liberal Studies in Interdisciplinary Technology, with a concentration in Public and Health Administration) from Eastern Michigan University and her BS in Medical Technology from Michigan State University.

She has worked in labor and delivery for 25 years, the last 17 years at Alta Bates Medical Center in Berkeley, CA. She also has her own doula practice, Mother's Love Doula, started in 1996. She teaches at Los Medanos College in Pittsburg, CA as an adjunct professor in maternity nursing as a lecturer.

Making Plant-Based Milks with Alicia Long and Nutr Apr 04, 2023

On this episode of PGP, you’ll meet Alicia Long, Founder and CEO of Nutr, a sustainable wellness brand that is changing the way we consume milk.

As a wellness sustainability leader, Alicia has many insights to share and a lot of credibility in the field.

You’ll hear about Nutr , the patent-pending Nutr Machine – a signature product that makes nut and plant-based milks at the push of a button. If you are a fan of plant based milks, or want to try dairy alternatives, listen in. You don’t want to miss this episode!

Fighting for Food Freedom with Tambra Raye Stevenson Mar 16, 2023

Tambra Raye Stevenson is the founder of WANDA, Women Advancing Nutrition Dietetics and Agriculture, a pipeline and platform for women and girls as "food sheroes" in Africa and the African diaspora, who lead building better food systems for healthier communities. As a champion for making foods of the African diaspora for health and identity, Tambra is also the founder of NATIVSOL Kitchen, which provides Pan-African nutrition education.

In this episode you will hear: -Exciting food news and policy changes ahead -Tips for making your meals more nutritious -Why drinking water is good for your gut

Tambra is championing an inclusive food system and preserving the nutrition and food of the African diaspora. She is passionate about expanding access to healthy food and nutrition services and serves on several committees and boards working toward comprehensive nutrition policy reform including The Agriculture Secretary appointed her to serve on the National Agricultural Research, Extension, Education and Economics Advisory Board.

Her work has been featured in The Washington Post, NPR's All Things Considered, Forbes, and numerous other places- too many to mention here. Also, she was featured in the recent award-winning "Food for the People" exhibit curated by the Smithsonian Anacostia Community Museum.

Listen in to hear more about Tambra Raye Stevenson and her exciting work!

Taking care of Mommy: Sex, pregnancy and reproductive health with Dr. Amanda Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG Feb 23, 2023

This episode is all about sexual and reproductive health, and the 4th trimester. Listen in to hear Dr. Williams's recommendations about how to have a healthy sex life, plan for pregnancy, and care for yourself once the baby arrives. You won’t want to miss this episode! Tune in!

Dr. Amanda P. Williams, MD, MPH, FACOG is the Medical Director at Mahmee, a maternal healthcare company dedicated to improving health equity and empowering all families with wraparound care during the pregnancy and postpartum period.

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Being Earth Positive Using Rosy Soil with guests Chad Massura and Jules Giuliano Feb 05, 2023

On this episode of the Positively Green Podcast, meet Chad Massura and Jules Giuliano from @rosysoil, the first Earth Positive soil company. Hear about how their soil is good for your plants and good for the planet. Listen in!

Self Care for 2023 with Carrie Stone Jan 23, 2023

In this episode, you will hear Suzette and guest Carrie Stone talk about everyday self care. Carrie Stone is a private practice massage therapist based in Northern California, where she was born and raised. For the last 21 years, Carrie has grown her massage practice from a few clients way back in 2001 to providing over 13,000 massages to date. Not only that, she is owner of MassageLogic - a massage staffing company which has provided onsite massage services for Slack, Marqeta, Planet Labs, Segment, Airtable, and other technology companies in the Bay Area, New York, and Colorado. Carrie is at her best when she is listening to and helping her clients navigate physical and emotional challenges by developing and supporting new wellness strategies.

The Old White Guy who Questions Everything pt. 2 Jul 18, 2022

On the second half of this thought provoking episode of the Positvely Green Podcast, meet Chris Walker, who describes himself as an “old white guy who questions everything”. Raised in the Santa Clara Valley before it was Silicon Valley–Chris grew up in an agricultural context, working summers drying grapes with his grandfather in Coachella Valley.

You will hear Chris’ thoughts about:

- How narratives shape our reality and how we might challenge them

- Questioning standards for products and food

- Resources and recommendations for additional learning

As a young man, he traveled to Jamaica and volunteered supporting small farmer cooperatives, working for the Social Action Centre in Halfway Tree compiling all of the sugar cane records of the sugar cane cooperative movement of 1970s and 80s Jamaica. Returning to the US, he studied agronomy and pomology at UC Davis, and was involved in the Organic Agriculture movement of 1980's California.

He has lived and worked in Mexico, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, where he has resided for the past ten years.

The Old White Guy who Questions Everything pt. 1 Jul 11, 2022

On the first half of this thought provoking episode of the Positvely Green Podcast, meet Chris Walker, who describes himself as an “old white guy who questions everything”. Raised in the Santa Clara Valley before it was Silicon Valley–Chris grew up in an agricultural context, working summers drying grapes with his grandfather in Coachella Valley.

You will hear Chris’ thoughts about:

- How narratives shape our reality and how we might challenge them

- Questioning standards for products and food

- Resources and recommendations for additional learning

As a young man, he traveled to Jamaica and volunteered supporting small farmer cooperatives, working for the Social Action Centre in Halfway Tree compiling all of the sugar cane records of the sugar cane cooperative movement of 1970s and 80s Jamaica. Returning to the US, he studied agronomy and pomology at UC Davis, and was involved in the Organic Agriculture movement of 1980's California.

He has lived and worked in Mexico, Morocco, and the United Arab Emirates, where he has resided for the past ten years.

The Truth about Greenwashing with Addie Fisher of Old World New Part 2 May 30, 2022

Addie Fisher is a sustainable lifestyle content creator and the founding editor of Old World New, where she shares tips to live sustainably for people of all backgrounds. Her goal is to provide free access to knowledge that makes living sustainably accessible to underrepresented communities, especially communities of color - all in an entertaining manner. Addie also often shares aspects of her culture as an African American woman, whether that's celebrating Juneteenth and Kwanzaa or sharing her family’s history, in hopes to enlighten, educate, and spread the joy she finds in her heritage.

In this episode you’ll hear Addie’s:

- Perspectives on greenwashing

- Tips for sustainable living

- Reasons for learning about local policies

Listen in and leave a review!

The Truth about Greenwashing with Addie Fisher of Old World New Part 1 May 09, 2022

Addie Fisher is a sustainable lifestyle content creator and the founding editor of Old World New, where she shares tips to live sustainably for people of all backgrounds. Her goal is to provide free access to knowledge that makes living sustainably accessible to underrepresented communities, especially communities of color - all in an entertaining manner. Addie also often shares aspects of her culture as an African American woman, whether that's celebrating Juneteenth and Kwanzaa or sharing her family’s history, in hopes to enlighten, educate, and spread the joy she finds in her heritage.

In this episode you’ll hear Addie’s:

- Perspectives on greenwashing

- Tips for sustainable living

- Reasons for learning about local policies

Listen in and leave a review!

Zero Waste Chef with Anne-Marie Bonneau Apr 25, 2022

Concerned with the planet’s plastic pollution problem, Anne-Marie Bonneau, the Zero Waste Chef, went plastic-free in 2011 and for her zero waste was the next logical step. Anne-Marie describes herself as someone who is not a huge consumer and who is conscious about her purchases.

In this episode you will learn:

How to keep your kitchen low waste

Ways to decrease waste when grocery shopping

How kitchen scraps can be turned in to food

Tune in to learn more from the @zerowastechef

Earth Day Reflections Apr 22, 2022

Each of us plays a role in reducing our waste and we must go beyond recycling. In this Earth Day episode, Suzette gives her reflections on the meaning of this holiday and offers quick tips for minimizing waste in your everyday life. Tune in to learn about: -shopping trip hacks -materials to use and avoid -energy foods for health and wellness

Growing Food Growing People with Leah Lee Burnett Mar 21, 2022

Leah Lee Burnett is the founder and CEO of Growing Food Growing People in St. Louis, MO. whose mission is to Grow food and people through healthy food accessibility and reconnecting to the soil. She is an Urban Farmer and has been growing food for the last six years. A Social Justice advocate at heart. Growing up in the city of St. Louis, there is little access to healthy food, the black community, where the only options are processed and convenience snacks and food that have little to no nutritional value. She took it upon herself to find a solution and start growing food for her family and community. She deeply understands the power in the soil and her non profit, Growing Food Growing People introduces community members to wellness through innovation. She loves growing food and knows that it's bigger than food, it's the soil, the art, the music.

Self-care, Wellness and Resiliency with Dr. Anna O'Malley Mar 04, 2022

Dr. Anna O’Malley, is an Integrative Family and Community Medicine physician and founder of Natura Institute of Ecology and Medicine, in the Commonweal Garden, who on a daily basis bears witness to the limiting challenges of the medical or “disease manage-ment” system. She has done a lot of research on anti-inflammatory, anti-oxidative, foods, how to most effectively cleanse and detoxify the body, and preparing foods for maximum nutrition.

In this episode we talk about:

The remarkable ability of human beings to heal, to be well, and feel vitality
Our capacity to recover from difficulties, to “spring back” and
The circumstances and self-care practices that are strongly supportive to well being

Farming while Black with Leah Penniman of Soul Fire Farm Feb 14, 2022

Leah Penniman, mother, farmer, ordained spiritual teacher, and author co-founded Soul Fire Farm, an 80-acre farm in New York, with the mission of reclaiming the inherent right to belong to the earth and have agency in the food system for Black and Brown people.

She has led thousands through farmer training, on her 80-acre farm in New York and internationally in Mexico, Haiti, and Ghana, building solidarity with different communities to strengthen local food systems. Leah’s book “Farming While Black” is a love song for the earth and her peoples.

During this episode, we hear Leah’s stories about:

How she first was called to become a farmer
Hope for the future of our planet
Her approach to planning and planting
How legislation has actively decreased land access to Black and Brown people
What land back practice can look like

You’ll also learn about Suzette, and how growing up Haitian in the San Francisco Bay Area inspired her lifelong planting and cooking journey.

An honest and open conversation about the 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy Feb 07, 2022

We are back on the Positively Green Podcast to talk all about everything you need to know for your 2nd and 3rd trimester of pregnancy. This is a no-nonsense episode full of down-to-earth experience and insight for all our soon-to-be mamas out there. Suzette and I don’t shy away from topics like sex while pregnant, circumcision, itchy breasts - and all the other glorious pregnancy symptoms mamas face as they finish out the last months of their pregnancy.

In this episode we discuss:

What has sex been like during the 2nd and 3rd trimester
To circumcise or not to circumcise with homebirth
Why the 20-week ultrasound is important for homebirth
What other gestational diabetes testing options are out there - Fresh Test or monitoring daily yourself with Precision Xtra
Alternative sources of care like chiropractic and cranial sacral therapy
What’s it like to get Covid while pregnant?
Common symptoms during the 2nd and 3rd trimester and natural solutions
Great resources for your 2nd and 3rd trimester

Common 2nd and 3rd Trimester symptoms and natural solutions:

Leg Cramps - taking Liquid IV or Concentrace and Magnesium supplements

Heartburn - Tum’s naturals because there’s no food dye.

Fluid retention - wearing Compression socks and switching to a silicone wedding ring

Pelvic and low back discomfort - wearing a Maternity belt for support and always sitting on my birth ball. Get your body in the water if you can! Utilize walking and the Spinning Babies stretches (link below).

Scratchy skin (tummy and breasts) - Earth Mama’s belly oil. Reduce your showering down to once every two days instead of every day (especially in a winter climate). Applying lotion at night before bed.

Breasts increasing in size - be sure to get comfortable bras that don’t restrict your ribcage because your diaphragm will put unnecessary pressure on your pelvic floor if your ribs can’t expand. I love True Body bras and Kindred Bravely’s nursing bras for comfort even before the baby arrives.

Numbness and tingling in hands and arms - (Thoracic Outlet Syndrome or Carpal Tunnel Syndrome) this issue especially kept me up at night. I found what worked best to be regular chiropractic care, cranial-sacral therapy, and wearing a wrist brace.

The best resources for your 2nd and 3rd trimester:

Your birth team! Rely on your OB, midwife, and doula to help you navigate questions and knowledge, it’s their job.

Books:

Nursing Your Baby by Karen Pryor
Natural Childbirth the Bradley Way
Nobody Told Me That: The First Six Weeks

Shop secondhand at Goodwill for maternity clothes as you get bigger. I simply sized up to a L with tops and leggings.

BabyList for your baby registry. Have your baby shower before 30 weeks if you can. You are generally more comfortable!!

Use Facebook marketplace for the higher-priced baby items and save on getting them secondhand.

Exercise:

Spinning Babies stretches
Walking
Prenatal yoga

Raising chickens naturally with Lisa Steele of Fresh Eggs Daily Jan 24, 2022

To kick off season 4 of the podcast we have on the queen of the coop herself - Lisa Steele of Fresh Eggs Daily. Lisa has been raising chickens naturally for over a decade on her Fresh Eggs Daily Blog and shares with us all about how you can get started with your first backyard flock. We love her down-to-earth advice on using herbs and natural means to care for your hens. Lisa was and continues to be incredibly generous with her knowledge and insight on chicken care so be sure to tune in!

With an audience of nearly a million followers that spans the globe, 5th generation chicken keeper and "eggspert" Lisa Steele is well-recognized as the creative force behind Fresh Eggs Daily®, the most popular destination for natural poultry-keeping advice on the internet, and one of the most influential players in the backyard chicken keeping community.

Carrying on her time-honored family tradition (she grew up across the street from her grandparents chicken farm in Massachusetts), Lisa is also a Maine Master Gardener, avid DIYer, and accomplished "coop to kitchen" cook using fresh eggs from her coop and fresh produce and herbs from her gardens on the farm in central Maine she shares with her husband, their corgi, tuxedo cat, and a mixed flock of nearly two dozen chickens, ducks, and geese.

With more than 130,000 copies of her six books in print, making her one of the most popular top-selling poultry authors of all time, Lisa is currently working on her seventh - an egg cookbook titled The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook which will be published by the Harper Horizon division of HarperCollins in February 2022. Preorder the cookbook at this link!

Episode topics:

How to process chicken manure for compost
What does raising chickens naturally mean? What does it look like in practice?
How to raise and maintain a healthy flock
Beginner chicken keeping tips
Winter chicken care tips
What to do with leftover plastic feed bags?
Lisa’s favorite herbs she grows for her chickens
Lisa’s favorite chicken breed
Lisa’s Brewer’s Yeast + Garlic Supplement for hens and ducks
To have or not to have roosters?
What to do with all those eggs?
Lisa’s new cookbook The Fresh Eggs Daily Cookbook

Stay in touch with Lisa on Instagram, Facebook, Twitter, Pinterest, YouTube, and her website.

Learn more about Green Willow Homestead’s A-frame Mobile Chicken Tractor Build Plans

Sustainable and non-toxic home renovation and remodeling tips with Lisa Tharp and ECOS Paints Oct 25, 2021

Today we are chatting about all things non-toxic and sustainable home renovation and remodeling. We have Lisa Tharp, an eco-minded award-winning designer, on the show. She founded Lisa Tharp Design, an international design firm known for its clean-lined artistic blend of the classic with the modern, a hand-crafted custom furniture line, and industry leadership in design practices that support the wellness of people and our planet.

Lisa is committed to the idea of a healthy house after her own health challenges were traced back to toxic building materials in previous work environments. She has spent over ten years incorporating healthy building principles into her own design work. She partnered with ECOS Paints because they are a leader in non-toxic, eco-friendly, VOC-free paints that are odor-free. ECOS has been trusted by The Louvre, The Harvard Office of Sustainability, Google Office, as well as Westminster Abbey.

In this episode we chat about:

Lisa's journey into sustainably-minded home remodeling
What chemicals consumers need to be concerned about when remodeling their homes
How to incorporate the elements of nature into home renovation
Top tips for listeners who want to tackle their next house project with a sustainable and non-toxic mindset
What sets ECOS Paints apart from others in the industry

Resources Mentioned:

Prescriptions for a Healthy House by Paula Baker-Laporte
A Pattern Language by Christopher Alexander
Chairish.com - secondhand shopping
WELL Certified Homes
The Story of Stuff Video

Shop Kelsey's handcrafted cocktail bitters by clicking here

How to have a natural and empowered first trimester of your pregnancy Oct 04, 2021

We’ve got some exciting news! The PGP family is growing. Kelsey’s having a baby!

Getting through your first trimester can be such a challenge. From morning sickness to fatigue to sleeping issues - your body is going through so many changes as you grow a human. We are sharing tips and tricks on how to get through those first trimester symptoms. We also are going to share the go-to resources that helped us learn and understand the changes our bodies are going through.

Resources Mentioned:

SmartyPants Prenatal (the proper form of folate)
Cod Liver Oil with Butter Oil (wonderful source of DHA, Vitamin D, and Vitamin A)
Desiccated Liver (lots of vitamins and minerals)
Digestion GB (to help with protein and fat digestion)
Magnesium (to help with sleep issues)
Zetox
Collagen for smoothies
Morning Ease Ginger Lemon Drops from Traditional Medicinals
Ava bracelet
The Bump App
The Bloom Method
One Strong Mama Pelvic Floor Training

Books + Podcasts

Birth without Fear by January Harshe. She's had six babies with all different kinds of birth.
Ina May’s Guide to Childbirth by Ina May Gaskin
The Nourishing Traditions Book of Baby & Child Care by Sally Fallon (take info with a grain of salt some anti-science stuff)
Montessori Baby by Simone Davies, Junnifa Uzodik
Mindful Birthing, by Nancy Bardacke
DIAH Podcast
Motherly Podcast
Maintenance Phase Podcast

Birthing Courses

Mindfulness-based Childbirth and Parenting
Mama Natural Birth Course

Shop our sponsor, The Earthling Co and get 15% off your first order here!

Putting convenience back into the sustainability conversation with Lauren Gropper of Repurpose Sep 20, 2021

Wouldn't be great if we could give ourselves a bit of a break as we strive for sustainability in our everyday lives? That's why we had Lauren Gropper, the founder of Repurpose, on the Positively Green Podcast. Repurpose is one of the leading brands in compostable single-use tableware - meaning you can plan your next BBQ with a clean conscience!

Topics discussed:

Lauren's journey to founding Repurpose
How their compostable tableware is made
How Repurpose single-use tableware breaks down in landfills and backyard composting systems
Repurpose accessibility and price point compared to leading single-use brands
The most important aspects of founding a sustainable company.

Shop Repurpose here!

Shop our sponsor, The Earthling Co and get 15% off your first order here!

Turning food waste into compost right on your kitchen counter with Jeremy Lang of Lomi and Pela Aug 30, 2021

The woes of composting your food waste are many. From the odor to messiness, trying to compost at home can be extremely challenging, especially if you don't have composting service or a backyard to finish your compost. That's why we had Jeremy Lang, the founder of Pela and Lomi, on the Positively Green Podcast. In this episode, we learn all about Lomi - the countertop composter that turns your food waste into compost in a matter of hours. No mess and no smell - just finished compost at the push of a button!

Jeremy Lang is the Founder and Vice President of Sustainability at Pela. Pela is best known for their biodegradable phone cases and more recently, their countertop composter - Lomi. Pela makes everyday products without everyday waste that educate and inspire a global community of people who are committed to making a positive impact on our planet. As a Certified B Corporation, Climate Neutral Certified, and a member of 1% For The Planet, Pela is on a mission to eliminate 1 billion pounds of waste from the global waste stream and continues to research and develop the most innovative products to create a waste-free future.

In this episode we discuss:

The story behind the Pela phone case and why Jeremy cares about waste
What makes Pela different from other biodegradable plastics?
What is Lomi and how does it turn food waste into compost on your kitchen counter?!
What does maintenance look like for Lomi?
What will it take to create a truly circular economy?

Want to preorder your own Lomi? For $50 you can reserve your Lomi at this link before they are sold out!

Shop our sponsor, The Earthling Co and get 15% off your first order here!

Eco-Friendly Back to School Shopping Aug 17, 2021

It's that time of year again! Back to school shopping. In this episode, Suzette will share her eco-friendly back-to-school shopping tips, adapted from an article written by Jennifer Aiken.

In this episode you’ll learn about:

Shopping for school supplies
Buying eco-friendly clothes
Packing a plastic-free lunch
Yummy alternatives to packaged snacks

Resources mentioned:

It’s easy to get the classroom list and run to the store, but before heading out, take inventory of what you already have. You likely have some of the supplies already.

Get your kids involved and help them take part in this practice. Most kids are aware of climate change and want us adults to help them understand how they can be proactive. Back-to-school shopping is a great way to get started.

Spring Wellness Tips for Health and Vitality Jun 01, 2021

In this episode, we are sharing six wellness tips to slow your mind, strengthen your body, and tend to your spirit for the refreshing season of Spring.

We discuss:

How to grow your own sprouts right on your kitchen counter
The importance of a "sit spot" to help calm your mind and connect with nature
Incorporating tinctures into your self-care routine
Easy tips for smart food shopping and eating healthy
How to do a simple parasite cleanse
Using herbs and flowers for a DIY spa experience

Resources mentioned:

Shop our sponsors:

Climate action, energy efficient building, intersectionality, and where you can feel empowered with Nate Dewart May 10, 2021

Nate Dewart is a Senior Project Manager at an energy consulting firm in the San Francisco Bay Area. We chat about climate action, policy creation, and intersectionality.

In this episode, we discuss:

How you can advocate for better environmental standards in your home and community
About home appliance efficiency standards and the impacts on the environment
How legislation, policy shifts, regulatory action are solutions
Some important, behind-the-scenes work on market transformation
How everyday people like you can make a difference locally and nationally and participate in the biggest opportunities for legislation to make lasting changes for the environment

Resources that can help you get started or continue the fight for better climate policies:

NRDC – Natural Resources Defense Council @nrdc_org
ASAP- Appliance Standards Awareness Project www.appliance-standards.org
Sunrise Movement @sunrisemvmt
Liberation in a Generation https://www.liberationinageneration.org

Join us on this episode to hear more about the amazing work going on to support innovation in climate action and how you can get involved!

Prioritizing Rest and Collectivism with Ashanti Williams of Blackyard Farm Cooperative Apr 05, 2021

Ashanti Williams is a Black female farmer, raised and nurtured by activists and land stewards of the Carolinas and the Bronx. She is passionate about working and learning alongside animals in an effort to create sustainable farm systems that are accessible to Black people. The access to safe learning environments around raising animals as a person of color has not been readily available to her which propelled her to work towards creating them with the Blackyard Farm Cooperative.

The Blackyard Farm Cooperative was created by five young Black and Latinx farmers/entrepreneurs in the Bronx working together to build a supportive community for Black farmers and creatives. In their words: It's no coincidence that the people in this country who are most affected by food insecurity have the least access and control of the production of our food. This needs to change. It is crucial that we have autonomy over our food system. The Blackyard Farm Cooperative is dedicated to disrupting the racist and exclusionary spaces that prevent Black farmers from connecting to the land and healing.

In this episode we discuss:

Why Farm internships and apprenticeships can be challenging places for young farmers of color
The power of rest and recovery
Recognizing and honoring ancestors
The creation of the Blackyard Farm
What Blackyard Farm hopes to accomplish
Individualism vs collectivism
What allies and advocates can do to support BIPOC farmers
Ashanti’s favorite livestock to work with

Donate to the Blackyard Farm Collective

How to get started with Vermicomposting Mar 22, 2021

Suzette teaches us all about vermicomposting. Landfilling garbage is becoming less and less popular, especially as we are learning about how individuals can help curb climate change. (And large corporations are most responsible, but we can also put our minds on small steps that we can take too.)

Most of us think of paper, plastic, and yard waste as garbage, but food waste is a huge percentage of the total waste stream.

Did you know that food waste contributes to greenhouse gases? And that by composting with worms, you can efficiently process food waste and turn it into nutrient-dense food for your garden.

Have you been thinking about using worms for composting? Maybe a little curious about how to do it?

In this episode you’ll learn about:

The value of composting with worms
How to get worms and keep them strong
How using worms to compost your food waste is a non-violence practice
Proper maintenance and upkeep of a worm bin
How to get started at low or no cost
The secret to breeding worms

Vermicomposting can be a fun way to transform your kitchen waste into nutrient-rich food for your garden and plants. It’s also really satisfying to know that you can do your part to process food and decrease greenhouse gases in our environment.

How to get started with chickens and what you need to know Mar 08, 2021

Suzette asks Kelsey all her most pressing chicken-keeping questions in this episode. Kelsey is a self-appointed crazy chicken lady and shares all of her chicken knowledge with Suzette and our listeners.

We talk about:

How Kelsey got started with chickens
What are some of the misconceptions and myths about chicken keeping
What Kelsey's daily chicken routine looks like
What are the housing requirements for chickens?
How Kelsey built a chicken tractor and why she loves it
How do you deal with chicken poop?
Why chicken necropsies are so important
What are the medical supplies you need to have on hand for chickens?
How to care for a broody hen and let her hatch chicks

Resources mentioned:

Special thanks to our sponsor SavvyRest!

Healing generational trauma: Connecting with nature and community organizing with Curtis Lee Feb 26, 2021

Youth programs are places where children and young adults find support and camaraderie, often looking to leaders of those programs as mentors and coaches.

Sometimes those leaders have been through their own struggles and trauma and use their experiences to guide youth toward better habits and outcomes. One such person is Curtis Lee whose harrowing story about trauma, prison, loss and leadership have made him work with nature as a way of healing trauma, teaching kids about their connection to the larger world, and conservation of our natural spaces.

Curtis Junior Lee was born in 1966 in Fresno, California and has been an Oaklander since 1970. He was 1st runner-up for the 2015-2016 Jason Guinto Award, annually given to the top after-school coordinator working within Oakland Unified School District.

He formerly served on OUSD Continued Quality Improvement Leadership Team and trained other coordinators within the city on how to improve the quality of their afterschool programs.

Additionally, he served as the Aftercare Director for Northern Light Middle School 2016-2017 school year and then went on to become its Physical Education instructor, Athletic Director, and Aftercare Director until the spring of 2020. He is currently the Program Manager for Higherground Neighborhood Development Corporation’s Outdoor Adventure/Distance Learning Hub.

In this episode we discuss:

Curtis’ story of being a youth community activist
How a series of decisions on one night, led to a life-altering event
Where prison time strengthened his connection to nature
His approach to calling out and healing personal and community trauma
How nature connections help at-risk youth recognize their role in conservation
How spending time in prison is only part of his story

Biculturalism and gardening, building community, and home birth with Sandrine Malary Feb 19, 2021

In this episode, we have guest Sandrine Malary. Born and raised in Port-au-Prince, Sandrine Malary is part of a new generation of Haitian artists who maintain close ties to their motherland and its culture.

She has a degree in Psychology from the George Washington University, which she uses to relate to her community and to parent. She is a mother of 4 children. Two home-birthed in Ayiti and two in Oakland, CA. With self-sustenance as a life approach, Sandrine has homeschooled her kids, built a home garden, and created home-based online businesses as an artist and educator.

Keeping her roots strong, she dances Haitian folklore, teaches Kreyol and her art is very inspired by Vodou. Much of her focus is to uplift, not just Ayiti, but women, black people, and our planet. Sandrine advocates for green, sustainable living with a focus on health and wellness.

You can often find her walking local trails with her group “Sistas on the Trail”, creating therapeutic copper jewelry for www.houseofalouba.com, or working on her upcoming vegan cookbook.

In this episode we discuss:

Sandrine’s journey of coming to America from Haiti
The gardening and harvesting she does in her own backyard
Her journey into veganism and how she supplements
Sandrine and Suzette's home birth stories and tips for those interesting in a home birth

Black America's Farming Legacy - One Family's Journey Feb 09, 2021

To honor Black America's farming legacy during Black History Month, on this episode we have guest, Mina Wilson. Mina is a community activist and public health professional who shares with us her family's legacy from their arrival in America as enslaved peoples to today. We’ll be talking about family history, farming, interdependence, food sovereignty, and liberation.

Show notes:

Visiting and honoring the places of our ancestors
Leaning on family - both immediate and extended- and recognizing the power of collective thinking over individual thinking
Black legacy and recognizing the work and humanity of the enslaved as they built the wealth of our nation
The distinction in language between “salves” and “enslaved” and why it’s crucial when we talk about our history
How we must recognize and dismantle the policies still in place that uphold racism in America
Oliver North and guns for drugs
How the construct of slavery is still present in modern America
Allyship vs accompliceship
When we talk about farming, why we must acknowledge and honor the enslaved
How can land access and ownership can be a way forward for allyship and accompliceship
How the mortgage industry truly started
Cross-generational consciousness and why it’s crucial

“If we don’t acknowledge the truth individually and collectively - there is no hope for us” -Mina Wilson

6 Winter Wellness Tips for Health and Vitality Jan 25, 2021

In the winter we can all feel a bit "blah" so for this episode we are sharing six winter wellness tips for health and vitality. Suzette and Kelsey go through all six tips and provide actionable info to help give your winter blues a lift!

Show Notes:

What is dry brushing and how does it benefit your health
What we can learn from the seasonal fluctuations of nature
How to do self-massage to release myofascial tension and relax
Why grocery shopping and eating can be considered a practice of non-violence
Why your gratitude journaling isn't working and how you may be doing it wrong
How exercising observation helps calm your mind and why it's *NOT* meditation

Resources Mentioned:

Special thanks to our sponsor SavvyRest.

Savvy Rest offers GOTS-certified organic mattresses that are completely customizable. Choose between Soft, Medium, and Firm layers of Dunlop and/or Talalay latex to create a comfortable mattress that is made just for you. Be sure to visit Savvy Rest and use discount code POSITIVELYGREEN to save 20% on all Savvy Rest products.

Getting to know Suzette Chaumette our new cohost Jan 11, 2021

Season 3 has launched with a warm welcome to our new cohost Suzette @reducereusesuze.

Suzette Chaumette is a public health researcher, gardener, and community activist who is on a lifelong plastic-free journey. She’ll be sharing tips and tricks with you for reducing plastic in your home, office, and garden.

In this season premiere, we get to know Suzette through:

her background in biological sciences and public health
her values around intersectionality and sustainable living
how she found her way to gardening and permaculture
her work towards a more equitable future in food and community building

Kelsey and Suzette are looking forward to continuing to share our green living journey with our listeners. Together, we’re a pair of sustainable living women who believe in the ethical treatment of people and the earth, the positive power of collaboration and communication, and how we as conscious consumers can be a force for good.

Ultimately we believe in the right for all of us to live healthy and abundant lives. With every episode of the Positively Green Podcast, we hope to educate and empower you to live a green life you’ll love.

Everyone give Suzette a warm welcome!

Special thanks to our sponsor, Savvy Rest. Savvy Rest offers GOTS-certified organic mattresses that are completely customizable. Choose between Soft, Medium, and Firm layers of Dunlop and/or Talalay latex to create a comfortable mattress that is made just for you. Be sure to visit Savvy Rest and use discount code POSITIVELYGREEN to save 20% on all Savvy Rest products.

Catch up with Kelsey and Becca + we tried Salt Room Therapy and here's what happened Aug 13, 2020

We’re about to take a break from new podcast episodes for a while, so we wanted to have an informal chat about some life updates, what’s new with us, and what we’ve been up to!

Plus, hear all about our halotherapy (salt room) experience! We recently visited the Salt Room Lake Country and had an awesome time. It’s a holistic and natural treatment that can help with allergies, respiratory conditions, dermatitis, sinus infections, and more.

And be sure to check out our sponsor, OSEA! Use code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50+. Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to stay up to date with all of the latest episodes. You can also follow along with us on Instagram @positivelygreenpodcast.

How to open a zero waste store with Jenna Meier of The Glass Pantry Jul 27, 2020

As the demand for eco-friendly and sustainable items rises, more and more zero waste and bulk shops are opening to meet that need!

Our guest for this episode is Jenna Meier, the owner of The Glass Pantry, a newly-opened zero waste and bulk store located in the Walkers Point neighborhood of Milwaukee, WI. Her goal is to make your sustainability journey a little bit easier by offering pantry staples, household cleaners, and personal care products in a package-free way. The Glass Pantry offers organic, locally-made products in bulk; allowing you to stock up on everything you need, without producing all the trash.

Topics Covered:

Jenna’s background and what inspired her to open a zero waste shop
The biggest obstacles she faced on her sustainable-living journey
What sourcing looks like for a bulk shop and some hurdles Jenna encountered while opening
What to typically expect when shopping at a bulk store and what products The Glass Pantry offers
How bulk stores can be vigilant to avoid mixing bins for those with food allergies
Tips for making the most of your grocery store visits if you don’t live near a zero-waste store
Advice if you want to open a zero-waste bulk shop of your own!

Resources Mentioned:

Website www.glasspantrymilwaukee.com

Facebook @glasspantrymilwaukee

Instagram @glasspantrymilwaukee

Address: 1039 S. 5th Street, Milwaukee, Wisconsin 53204

And be sure to check out our sponsor, OSEA! Use code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50+.

How to build a community effort around sustainability with Laura Loucks of the Waukesha County Green Team Jul 13, 2020

Do you ever feel like you’re on an island when it comes to caring about sustainability? Do you wish you could get involved with a local group that also shares that passion? You can! Please welcome our guest Laura Loucks, Volunteer Coordinator with the Waukesha County Green Team, as we learn about green teams and building a community effort around sustainable living.

Topics Covered:

Laura’s background and how she became involved with the Waukesha County Green Team
What a “green team” is and initiatives they are involved with spearheading
Opportunities to volunteer and get involved with the team
Tips for working with your local government to push sustainability efforts
Common obstacles the team faces when it comes to making changes
Steps you can take if you want to start your own local green team!

Resources Mentioned:

Modern Fertility test
Waste Not Compost and Compost Crusader services
Wisconsin Women in Sustainability Group

Get involved with the Waukesha Green Team:

Website: waukeshacountygreenteam.org

Podcast: GreenCast

Facebook: @WaukeshaCountyGreenTeam

Instagram: @wcgtgreencast

Volunteer: Sign up here

Shop: “One Simple Act” Cards

And be sure to check out our sponsor, OSEA! Use code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50+.

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to stay up to date with all of the latest episodes. You can also follow along with us on Instagram @positivelygreenpodcast.

Where regenerative agriculture gets it wrong and what we can do about it with Chris Newman of Sylvanaqua Farms Jun 08, 2020

We’re having an important conversation today about the intersection of race and agriculture, the glaring issues within the clean food movement, and how regenerative agriculture keeps getting it wrong with Chris Newman. Chris is the co-founder of Sylvanaqua Farms, which is based in the D.C. region. They raise forest-raised pork, grass-fed beef, and pastured chicken and eggs. Chris offers a unique perspective on regenerative agriculture and where mainstream regenerative ag gets it wrong.

A member of the Choptico Band of Piscataway Indians, Chris places a heavy emphasis on the indigenous ethics, values, and knowledge serving as the (often unacknowledged) foundation of the modern permaculture movement, and the decolonized worldview necessary to ensure the sustainable stewardship of natural resources. An engineer and technologist by trade, he also accepts and explores the potential of modern scientific innovation to address the gaps left by ecosystem farming in solving a sustainability problem wherein timeliness is a factor.

Topics Covered:

Chris’ farming journey and how Sylvanaqua Farms came to be
Common issues with small farming practices for farmers, consumers, ecosystems, and the food system in general
What “democratizing agriculture” means and how it’s different than the model most small farms are using today
The issue with the notion that all beef should be grass-fed and grass-finished or that all livestock must be farmed regeneratively for its entire life
The presence of environmental racism, inequality, and what it means to be “Thunberged”
Books and resources to learn more about environmental racism
Why conscious consumers can’t just “zero waste” their way into a climate-change-free future
What we can do to be an active part of an environmentally-sound future
Chris’ vision for the future of Sylvanaqua Farms

Resources Mentioned:

Preorder The Sum of Us: What Racism Costs Everyone and How We Can Prosper Together by Heather McGhee
Chris’ “Grass-Fed Cows Won't Die for Our Sins” essay
Braiding Sweetgrass: Indigenous Wisdom, Scientific Knowledge, and the Teachings of Plants by Robin Wall Kimmerer

You can follow Chris @sylvanaquafarms on Instagram and visit their website www.sylvanaqua.com. If you’re feeling generous, you can send money to @sylvanaquafarms on Venmo.

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to stay up to date with all of the latest episodes. You can also follow along with us on Instagram @positivelygreenpodcast.

How to reframe the power of your vote with Nathaniel Stinnett of the Environmental Voter Project Jun 01, 2020

We’re heading to the polls and chatting all about voting today! We interview Nathaniel Stinnett, founder of the Environmental Voter Project, a nonpartisan nonprofit organization that aims to significantly increase voter demand for environmental leadership by identifying inactive environmentalists and then turning them into consistent activists and voters.

Resources mentioned:

Quinta MKE CSA box
Grassway Organics
Kelsey’s Holistic Home eBook (code positivelygreen for 15% off)

Topics covered in this episode:

How the Environmental Voter Project got started
The effect of COVID-19 on voter turnout this year
Why does environmental policy always sit lowest on the voting totem poll?
How EVP actually identifies, engages, and mobilizes inactive voters and the challenges that come with that
Pressing environmental issues that exist right now
Results that EVP has seen from their efforts

Volunteer or get involved here

Make a donation here

Sign the Environmental Voter Pledge

Thanks for listening! Don’t forget to rate, review, and subscribe to stay up to date with all of the latest episodes. You can also follow along with us on Instagram @positivelygreenpodcast.

Refill, reuse, rejoice! Featuring Plaine Products CEO, Lindsey McCoy May 11, 2020

We have another awesome lady boss guest on the Positively Green Podcast today! We chat with the CEO of Plaine Products, Lindsey McCoy. They are a natural, refillable, zero waste body care brand that you will LOVE. Get an inside scoop of what it’s like running a sustainable business and learn how they have helped divert over 100,000 plastic bottles from landfills to date!

Topics covered in this episode:

How Plaine Products got started and what they offer
Why are plastic shampoo bottles a problem in the first place – can’t they just be recycled? Why is refillable better?
The main hurdles when it comes to getting consumers thinking in a more circular mindset
Challenges with maintaining a sustainable business model
Does online shopping have a higher carbon footprint?
The reality of plastics and microplastics in the ocean
What Plaine has planned for the future

You can use the code POSITIVELYGREEN for 20% off your Plaine Products order at checkout! Click here to shop.

Need help switching to natural cosmetics and skincare? Book your green beauty consultation with Becca here: https://organicallybecca.com/consult

How to create community resilience using the Transition Network with Ratih Sutrisno Apr 26, 2020

Please welcome Ratih Sutrisno, the Communications & Outreach Coordinator at Transition US, the national hub representing the Transition Movement in the United States. This is a grassroots movement and method of communities coming together to reimagine and rebuild our world. It’s based on fostering a deeper connection and acting locally to become self-sufficient and build community resilience. In this episode, we chat about:

What are transition towns?
The core principles of the Transition Network and how it went from a local movement to a global initiative
Tangible benefits that towns and communities have experienced by implementing these principles
Common obstacles when getting started and how to overcome them
Steps to get started in your own community!

Grab the 10 Stories of Transition in the US book to learn more and see some success stories.

Connect with the Transition Network:

International Website https://transitionnetwork.org

National Hub https://www.transitionus.org/

Facebook https://www.facebook.com/TransitionUS/

Donate to the Community Resilience Stimulus Fund: https://www.transitionus.org/stimulus

And be sure to check out our sponsor, OSEA! Use code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50+.

Holistic Dog Care and Raw Diet Tips with Roberta Donaldson Apr 13, 2020

Please welcome back Roberta Donaldson from Millennial Cat Mom! This episode has gone to the dogs. As in, we’re talking all about holistic and sustainable dog care today.

Topics Covered:

The problem with conventional dog kibble, how it’s made, and how it affects health
What label splitting is and why it’s so deceiving on an ingredient list
Raw feeding and why it’s so beneficial for dogs and akin to their wild carnivore diet
Why most vets advise against “grain-free” diets; should we actually be concerned about DCM in dogs?
Better kibble and raw food alternatives
How to get started with raw feeding and supplementation (and why it doesn’t have to break the bank)
Natural treats, eco-friendly toys, and supplies
Holistic flea and tick remedies

Resources Mentioned:

Click & Grow Smart Garden
Dr. Karen Becker's TED Talk
Dr. Susan Thixton from the Truth About Pet Food
Pet Fooled documentary
Grabbies compostable poo bags
Earth Animal flea and tick products
EarthHero dog toys (Beco bones)
Dogs Naturally Magazine
Raw Feeding Community
University of Helsinki study

Better Dog Food Brands to Check Out:

Kibble: Farmina, Open Farm, Zignature, Stella & Chewy’s
Raw: Answers, Primal, Steve’s, OC Raw, Northwest Naturals, The Honest Kitchen

Cheers to drinking Natural Wine with Allie Kruse of Nonfiction Wine Mar 29, 2020

Grab a glass of (natural) wine and join us for a virtual happy hour! We have special guest Allie Kruse, owner of Nonfiction Natural Wines in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. She drops some major knowledge about all things natural, organic, low-intervention wine.

Topics Covered:

What does “natural” wine even mean and what additives are typically found in conventional wines
Debunking the myth of sulfites causing headaches
Common misconceptions about natural wines
Do different regions of the world tend to produce more natural wines?
What to look for on wine labels and why just opting for “organic” shouldn’t necessarily be the first priority!
A look at different terminology used: Organic, made with organic grapes, natural, low-intervention, dry-farmed, biodynamic, etc.

Resources Mentioned:

Thrive Market
Kelsey’s Holistic Home eBook (coupon code positivelygreen)
Importers to look for: Jenny & Francois, Zev Rovine, José Pastor Selections, Fifi’s Wines, Louis/Dressner, Kermit Lynch, Selection Massale, Percy Selections, Scuola di Vino, Amy Atwood Selections, SelectioNaturel

You can visit Nonfiction Natural Wines at 800 E. Potter Avenue in Bay View, Milwaukee. Or go to www.nonfictionwine.com to learn more or order ahead for pickup. Follow Allie on Instagram @nonfictionwine. Cheers!

Nine simple ways to make your home a healthier and safer environment Mar 14, 2020

As more and more of us are working remotely and practicing social distancing as the coronavirus hits the US, we thought it would be helpful to share nine simple ways you can make your home a healthier and safer environment. We hope these tips bring you peace of mind and give you a sense of control during this scary time!

According to the EPA, the average American indoor environment is 2 to 5 times more polluted than the outdoor air. The EPA also stated that the worst air pollution in our nation is right inside our own homes and workplaces and that 50% of all illness is connected to the indoor air quality. Crazy! Thankfully there are many easy ways to help improve this, which we address in today’s episode:

Show Notes:

9-ish simple tips for having a greener home environment
Why it's so important to have good indoor air quality
Typical chemicals and pollutants that lurk in our homes and their health effects
Different types of air purifiers and filters
Best houseplants for clean air
Why you might want to ditch your beloved candles
How cookware might be affecting your air quality
Best practices for bringing new furniture into your home and how to be more conscious about it

Resources Mentioned:

Microsoft Climate Pledge
Episode 19 EMF Radiation with Daniel DeBaun
Pesticide Action Network for pesticide drift
Stink Documentary
Blog post: Is Your Himalayan Salt Lamp Legit?
Blog post: Common Tap Water Contaminants & What to Look For in a Water Filter
Blog post: A Complete Guide to Non-Toxic & Eco-Friendly Kitchen Supplies

Products Mentioned:

The Top 6 Ways To Make 2020 Your Most Sustainable Year Yet Mar 02, 2020

We’re back for Season 2, hooray! Today we’re taking a look at where the top U.S. emissions came from in 2019, and the top six ways you can mindfully live a more eco-friendly and sustainable life in 2020.

RESOURCES MENTIONED:

Local Harvest for CSA boxes, farmer’s markets, etc.
Petition for Trader Joes to reduce its plastic packaging
Petition #1 to get Amazon to reduce the use of plastic
Petition #2 to stop Amazon from using plastic altogether
Carbon180
Carbonfund.org

And be sure to check out our sponsor, OSEA! Use code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50+.

REFERENCES:

Rhodium Group 2019 Emissions

Emissions Gap Report

Global Carbon Project

Climate News 2019 Coal Emissions

What's next for Becca and Kelsey + Season 1 Recap Oct 07, 2019

We can hardly believe it's been a year since we launched the Positively Green Podcast. Launching this sustainable and holistic living podcast has been such a joy. We both love seeing your sustainable swaps, hearing what episodes have inspired you to change your habits, and creating content that can hopefully make a positive impact as we curb climate change.

In this episode we discuss:

How we felt about each of the episodes we created
What episodes are our personal favorites and why
What’s next for both of us
When you can expect Season 2 to air!

To grab Kelsey’s ebook The Holistic Home and learn how to live sustainably room by room in your own home, click here.

To book a consult with Becca and learn more about the process, click here.

Sustainable and Toxin-Free Cat Care with Roberta Donaldson of The Millennial Cat Mom Sep 23, 2019

For all our earth-friendly cat moms and dads out there, we have got the purr-fect episode for you. If you have been wondering how to care for your kitty in a sustainable and toxin-free way, Roberta Donaldson of The Millennial Cat Mom is here to help. In this episode we learn why cats are true carnivores and how to source ethically raised meat for the healthiest and most sustainable feline diet possible. We also cover everything from eco-friendly litter box care to zero-waste cat toys.

Roberta Donaldson is an Environmental Scientist and Conservation Biologist by day and passionate pet parent by night. She is the creator of the blog Millennial Cat Mom and is the pet parent of her two beautiful fur children, Loki and Lambeau. Roberta’s goal is to inspire pet parents everywhere to take their pet's health into their own hands by providing knowledge and resources about the monster that is the pet food industry. She was born and raised in Milwaukee, WI, but is now lost in the mountains in Denver, CO.

In this episode we discuss:

Why cats are true carnivores and how to keep them healthy
The ethical and sustainable issues in the pet food industry
What types of food options exist for sustainably-minded cat parents
How Roberta went from feeding Friskies to pastured chicken hearts
Pet Fooled Documentary and the Talk To Us Campaign
Holistic Pet Radio
What eco-friendly litter options exist and their pros and cons
How to make the litter box transition for your kitty
What zero-waste cat toys are out there
Our cats, because Roberta and Kelsey are crazy cat ladies

Research and Resources:

Pet Food Companies You Can Trust:

Sustainable Litter Box Options

Stay in touch with Roberta:

The Millennial Cat Mom

@LokiTheKittyKing

@LambeauMiniAussie

Why the oil cleansing method is the best way to beautify your skin with Emma of The Sunday Standard Sep 09, 2019

This week on The Positively Green Podcast we have organic skincare formulator Emma, founder of The Sunday Standard. Becca and Kelsey have both dealt with acne-prone skin, so chatting with Emma about her nourishing facial products was so enlightening. We've both been implementing the Oil Cleansing Method (OCM) for a while and Emma took our understanding of why it works to a whole new level. If you've been curious how OCM works or you have been trying it for a while and want to take it a step further, this episode is for you!

The Sunday Standard is a beauty brand based in Milwaukee, WI. Emma's products are made with non-toxic, plant-derived ingredients and are formulated to heal blemish-prone skin from the inside out.

In this episode, we chat with Emma about:

How Emma became interested in clean and natural beauty
Why facial oils are so beneficial for our skin (especially acne-prone skin!)
What the “oil cleansing method” is and how to properly do it
The most effective way to layer your skincare products and how to avoid wasting your money!
Why Emma started her own skincare line and more about the products
Challenges with natural formulas + more about Emma’s Formula Botanica diploma in Organic Skincare Formulation
How Emma practices sustainability with her business and the importance of sourcing high-quality ingredients
What’s next for The Sunday Standard

Blog posts Emma mentions to learn more:

Stay in touch with Emma:

The Sunday Standard's Website and Blog
Follow Emma on Instagram @ThisIsTheSundayStandard
The Sunday Standard Facebook Page

If you want to give her products a try, just use code POSITIVELYGREEN for 10% off your first purchase!

Holistic tips for a good night's sleep, acupressure, and integrative medicine with Kate Eskuri, RN Aug 26, 2019

On today’s episode of the Positively Green Podcast, we have special guest, Kate Eskuri. Kate is a Minnesota girl, registered nurse, holistic health junkie, and the voice behind The Foundation Blog, a modern woman's guide to all things slow living, integrative health, and holistic self-care. Kate got her nursing degree at the University of Minnesota-Twin Cities where competed in Division I track, graduated with honors and completed years of health research introducing yoga to older female adults. Upon graduating and working as an RN at the Mayo Clinic ICU, Kate felt a longing to specialize in holistic health.

Kate is currently getting her doctorate degree in Integrative Health and Healing and is passionate about helping women maximize their health by simple + foundational health practices: quality nutrition, natural remedies, mindset-shifts, and holistic practices. Kate's healthcare experience is a unique blend of Western and Eastern. Having worked in an ICU setting and also studying integrative health, she believes in the miracle of modern medicine, but also encourages patients to get back to their "roots" of quality nutrition, slow living, and being intentional with their health.

In this episode we discuss:

Kate’s journey into nursing
Why she started the Foundation Blog
How we need to rethink healthcare and stop polarizing both western and eastern medicine
How being a 7 wing 8 on the Enneagram means joy is her compass
What it means to be an integrative/holistic nurse
Kate’s experience with competitive running and how she finds balance with exercise
Her go-to sleepy time drinks to promote regenerative rest (With Four Sigmatic, be sure to use her discount code KE10 to save some moolah!)
Why curated a mindful wardrobe should include pajamas
Why she made to switch from conventional cleansers to facial oils (her fave is Primally Pure)
How acupressure has been proven to help with PMS symptoms

To grab Kate’s complete Holistic Nighttime Rituals: A No-Nonsense Guide for Deeper, Dreamier Sleep Guide, click here!

Follow Kate on Instagram

The Foundation Blog

Upleveling your clean beauty routine from habit to conscious self care Aug 11, 2019

If you've fallen into a slump with your green and clean beauty routine and want to take it to the next level - one of mindful and conscious self-care, this episode is for you! Becca walks Kelsey through her very own Custom Green Beauty Consult - which is full of tips on how to take your toxin-free beauty habits from humdrum to heck yes.

Becca recently launched her Organically You: Custom Green Beauty Consult service. So today, you get a front-row seat to the amazing work she does as she walks Kelsey through a consult of her own. With all of Becca’s hard-won knowledge on organic skincare, she helps Kelsey find a perfect, simple, and natural routine with some new clean beauty and skincare products.

Products recommended for Kelsey:

Cleanser: Osea Ocean Cleansing Mudd
Facial Oil: The Sunday Standard Blue Tansy & GLA Ultra-Clarifying Facial Oil (code ORGANICALLYBECCA for discount)
Toner: Osea Sea Minerals Mist
Enzyme Mask: Ursa Major Bright & Easy 3-Minute Flash Mask
Eye Serum: Ladyloved Jupiter Enlivening Under-Eye Serum
Spot Treatment: Osea Corrective Complex Roller
Lipstick: Faraday Face Cream Lip Color
Mascara: W3ll People Expressionist Mascara, Lily Lolo Natural Vegan Mascara

You can book a consult of your own here: https://organicallybecca.com/consult

This episode is sponsored by Osea Malibu, the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. You can use the code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more!

Why EMF radiation is an unseen threat and tips for protecting yourself with Daniel DeBaun Jul 15, 2019

In this episode, we have special guest Daniel DeBaun, an internationally recognized expert in EMF radiation, EMF shielding, and EMF-related health issues with special focus on the effect of exposure from mobile devices such as laptops, tablets, and cell phones. He is the author of Radiation Nation: Complete Guide to EMF Protection & Safety and co-founder of DefenderShield.

Topics we cover in this episode:

What are EMFs (electromagnetic radiation and frequencies) and how they work
Common sources of EMFs and where they can be found in our homes
Minor and major health effects on the human body, and why children and pregnant women are especially vulnerable (and pets!)
Is there a “healthy” daily limit for EMF exposure?
Should you be concerned about smart meters or if you live near cell towers and power lines?
The safest way to talk on a cell phone
Standards and government regulations in place for protecting us from EMFs
Concerns with the rise of 5G cell service and wearable devices
Practical tips for protecting yourself and lessening exposure to EMFs
Effects of artificial blue light from our devices
Advice for what to do if you live in a big city and have close proximity to a lot of radiation

DefenderShield EMF Protective Products:

DefenderShield makes blue light blocking glasses, laptop pads, phone cases, blankets, and more so you can protect yourself. They are independently third-party tested. Use the code GREEN20 for 20% off your purchase! They also have a monthly newsletter to stay up-to-date on the latest EMF news and research.

This episode is sponsored by Osea Malibu, the original plant-based, results-driven skincare line. You can use the code POSITIVELYGREEN10 for $10 off your first purchase of $50 or more!**

How To Mindfully Improve Your Core Areas of Wellness With Integrative Health Coach Karen Malkin Jul 01, 2019

Please welcome Karen Malkin as our special guest today! She is a board-certified health and wellness coach and also serves on the board of directors for the Environmental Working Group.

Topics covered in this episode:

About Karen and her personal health journey, and her foundations of holistic and integrative medicine
How integrative health differs from traditional western medicine
The 7 core areas of health that she focuses on, and how to make health and wellness less overwhelming
Beginner steps we can take to improve our core areas of health
She guides us through a 4-7-8 breathing exercise (developed by Dr. Andrew Weil), which can help you reset and release stress
Her connection with EWG (the Environmental Working Group) and some of their helpful tools

Resources mentioned:

Check out our sponsor, Osea Malibu, the original plant-based, results-driven skin care line. You can enter the code POSITIVELYGREEN at checkout on their site and get a FREE travel-size of your choice ($18 value) with the purchase of $40 or more. Just be sure to add the travel-size to your cart first. oseamalibu.com/positivelygreen

Connect with Karen:

www.karenmalkin.com

@karenmalkinhealth on Instagram

Shop her Transformation protein bars and MCT Lean powders

Period Talk: Holistic Pain Management Tips (Part 2) Jun 17, 2019

In this episode of The Positively Green Podcast, Becca and Kelsey share how they deal with dysmenorrhea, aka periods from the seventh circle of hell. We’ve got a good line up of zero-waste and holistic period pain management options for you. When PMS rears its ugly head for many of us ladies, the conventional options are all we feel we have at our disposal to help manage the pain. Tune in to find out how we deal with the red wave holistically.

Show Notes:

Holistic and zero waste options to help ease period pain
Natural remedies that can help endometriosis or dysmenorrhea
The phases of our menstrual cycles
Tips for tracking your periods and helpful resources

Products and Resources Mentioned:

Fair Trade Natural Rubber Water Bottle
Mountain Rose Herbs Essential Oils
Tippecanoe Herbs
Magnesium Options: Doctor’s Best, Natural Calm, Nutrigold
Ancient Minerals Bath Flakes
Wyld Magnesium Bath Soak
Kindara Wink Thermometer
Daysy Fertility Tracker
Woman Code by Alissa Vitti
Period Repair Manual by Dr. Lara Briden
Beyond the Pill by Dr. Jolene Brighton
MyFlo App

Period Talk: Tips for having a zero waste cycle (Part 1) Jun 03, 2019

In this episode, Kelsey and Becca talk all about why you should work towards a zero-waste and toxin-free menstrual cycle. They also share their favorite zero-waste options for feminine items, like absorbable undies and the menstrual cup, and how to use them.

Show Notes:

Positive News: Green Waste Recycling is turning green waste into greener fields
Study on how synthetic fibers mess with our bacterial environment
Study on how those undisclosed chemicals are absorbed from tampons and pads
Study on how pesticide residue from cotton tampons is present
A great video of Andrea Donsky burning a conventional pad next to an organic one
Detox The Box
Representative Grace Meng (D-NY), the Menstrual Products Right to Know Act of 2017 (H.R. 2416)

Products Mentioned:

The five surprising reasons to get started with organic vegetable gardening May 12, 2019

If you have been thinking this is the year to get your first organic vegetable garden started, then we have the perfect episode to give you the final push. Discover the five surprising reasons to get your first vegetable garden going and how gardening can have a positive impact on your health, community, and the environment.

In this episode we talk about:

How gardening can actually reduce your plastic waste
What food miles are and how what you eat produces carbon emissions
Why choosing organic over conventional gardening is better for your health and the environment
How getting out in the sun when your gardening can help reduce low back pain
What resources are the best to get you started with organic gardening

Books and Blogs Mentions:

Kelsey’s Five-Part Blog Series on Organic Gardening

The All New Square Foot Garden

The Vegetable Gardener’s Bible

What you need to know when it comes to natural sunscreen Apr 29, 2019

Spring is finally here! And in today’s episode of the Positively Green Podcast, we’re talking all about the sun. Believe it or not, we NEED some sun exposure without any sunscreen to help our bodies get Vitamin D. We’re also talking about the ingredients in conventional sunscreens and their health effects, as well as how they are negatively impacting the environment. Then we also leave you with safe, non-toxic, mineral sunscreen options. We’re all about practicing safe sun exposure over here!

Studies:

Environmental Working Group’s Sunscreen Guide

Becca’s SPF Recommendations:

Kelsey’s DIY Recipe:

1 Tbsp shea butter
1 Tbsp Coconut oil
¼ tsp beeswax
½ tsp non-nano titanium dioxide powder
½ tsp non-nano zinc oxide powder

Download the free dminder app!

The truth behind sustainable food packaging with Dan Kurzrock Apr 15, 2019

In this episode, we chat with Dan Kurzrock, the CEO of Regrained, a company that is working hard to find sustainable solutions for food waste and packaging waste. If you’ve been frustrated with the non-recyclable and non-compostable food packaging winding up in your garbage, this is the episode for you.

In this episode we discuss:

Why finding a sustainable food packaging solution is so complex
How compostable food packaging works
The issues we may not realize with compostable food packaging
What innovative solutions are being worked on right now
How consumers can get more involved in the fight for sustainable food packaging

Show notes:

How to easily incorporate herbalism into your lifestyle with Kyle Denton Apr 01, 2019

Today on the Positively Green Podcast we interview herbalist Kyle Denton of Tippecanoe Herbs. Kyle is an educator, medicine maker, and owner of Tippecanoe Herbs & Apothecary in Milwaukee, Wisconsin. Drawing from his background in Ayurveda and Traditional Western Herbalism, Kyle will expand your understanding of our relationship to the natural world and help you introduce simple and easy ways to incorporate herbalism into your everyday life.

Show Notes:

Nourishment by Fred Provenza

HerbRally Podcast

The Plant Path Podcast by Sajah & Whitney Popham

Herbcraft.org by Jim McDonald

Matthew Wood (author)

The Modern Herbal Dispensatory: A Medicine-Making Guide

Eclectic School of Herbal Medicine

Rosemary Gladstar (author)

Instagram @tippecanoe_herbs

Website: Tippecanoe Herbs

Ask Us Anything! Listener Q + A Mar 18, 2019

In this episode, Kelsey and Becca answer listeners’ questions on everything from gardening to soap to getting your significant other on board to live a greener lifestyle.

Laundry + Dishes

Buckaroo Organics Soapberry Detergent

Wool Dryer Balls

Redecker Beechwood Pot and Dish Brushes

Better Life Dish Soap

Seventh Generation

Dr. Bronner’s

CBD Facial Oil

https://www.healthyskinglows.com/cbd-oil-stress-acne-21-day-experiment/

https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC4151231/

https://khus-khus.com/products/sen-face-serum

Becca’s Safety Razor Post

Kelsey ebook The Holistic Home

Stella and Chewy’s Dog Food

Becca’s Natural Dog Product Faves

Why you don't have to go vegan to live sustainably Mar 04, 2019

On this episode of the Positively Green Podcast, we discuss why you don’t have to go vegan to live sustainably. This episode has come at the request of many of our listeners, as well as being born out of the necessity to start a more open dialogue about eating meat and raising livestock in the face of climate change.

Books:

Defending Beef by Nicolette Hahn Niman

Fresh Fruit Broken Bodies by Seth Holmes

Videos:

Allan Savory’s TED Talk

Websites:

Dr. Kelly Brogan “Red Meat For Your Depression”

Psst! Becca is trying TreeBird Floss and loving it

How to have a sustainable and eco-friendly wedding Feb 17, 2019

In this episode, Kelsey and Becca share all their tips on how to have a sustainable, ethical, and zero-waste wedding. Kelsey is currently planning her wedding and compiled all the research she has done, from ethical engagement ring companies to how to reduce waste at the reception.

If you want all the info in one place, be sure to grab Kelsey’s free Green Wedding Guide!

Engagement Rings

Wedding Dresses

Wedding Invitations

Wedding Registry

Ten Thousand Villages

The Top Five Body Products To Swap Right Now Feb 04, 2019

In this episode, Becca and Kelsey discuss the top five body products you should swap now. Our skin is our biggest organ, and what we put on it definitely affects our health. Finding non-toxic products that are both effective and trustworthy can be difficult. That's Kelsey and Becca share their tried and true favorites with you.

Deodorant:

Shampoo + Conditioner:

Toothpaste:

Foundation:

Facial Moisturizer:

Extras!

Perfume:

Mascara:

Becca's Faves

Sunscreen:

Raw Elements Tinted Facial SPF

Bodywash + Lotion:

Bearded Bee Homestead

Feminine Products:

______

Becca's Body and Beauty Faves

Kelsey's #PackagingForThePlanet Signup

The Organic Wine Company

How to get started with composting Jan 20, 2019

In today's episode, we are talking all about how to get started with composting. Starting to compost can feel like such an insurmountable task, that's why we wanted to break it down for you step by step in this episode.

Show Notes:

The Friend and Foe Compost Guide - PRINTABLE

Supplies for Composting:

For smaller green scrap holding try this one
For larger green scrap holding try this one
For medium-sized for brown scrap holding try this one
This is the best compost tumbler Kelsey's ever owned

Want to learn how to compost all your food scraps, even meat and bones, get Kelsey's ebook at this link!

F is for Fluoride with Melissa Gallico Jan 07, 2019

In this episode Becca and Kelsey interview Melissa Gallico, a former military intelligence officer, Fulbright scholar, and intelligence specialist at the FBI. Melissa has studied the negative effects of Fluoride on the human body and our environment and discusses ways we can detox and be more informed.

You can learn more about Melissa and follow her at:

The Hidden Cause of Acne Book

Gallico Studios

Fluoride Free Faces Facebook Group

Instagram @MelissaGallico

Five Easy Ways To Go Plastic Free Dec 14, 2018

In this episode, we are going to talk about all things plastic - what kinds of plastics exist and do they have a negative effect on your health. We will also give you five easy ways to go plastic-free right now.

1. Reusable Grocery Bags instead of plastic grocery bags.

2. Reusable Silverware instead of plastic silverware

3. Ceramic stoneware or mason jars from Goodwill or a metal tiffin instead of plastic Tupperware.

4. Kleen Kanteen or silicone sleeves for your mason jar instead of a single-use to-go cup

5. Reusable washable produce bags instead of plastic produce bags

Thanks for listening and supporting The Positively Green Podcast!

Undressing the fast fashion industry with Marissa Biese Dec 02, 2018

In this episode, we’ll be talking all about how you can navigate the fashion industry when it comes to sustainable brands, materials, and fast fashion.

We are so excited to have our first guest on the show. Her name is Marissa Biese and she is a dear friend of Becca's. They actually met on Instagram of all places. Like Kelsey and Becca, Marissa also lives in the Milwaukee, Wisconsin area. She’s a dog mom, photographer, and blogs about many aspects of living a more waste-free life, from eco fashion, to plastic-free products, to eco-friendly pet supplies. She is one of Becca's go-to resources for learning about sustainable fashion and shares a ton of awesome brands that are doing great things for the environment.

Marissa's Website The Greener Girl

The True Cost Documentary

What is greenwashing and how do you avoid it? Nov 12, 2018

Today we’re going to have a conversation all about greenwashing. You may or may not have heard this term used before, and in our opinion, it’s something that most people fall victim to when trying to switch to a greener lifestyle.

Be sure to check out Becca's Clean Beauty Workbook which will help you navigate the switch to greener beauty products.

Don't forget to use The Think Dirty App the next time you are shopping.

If you decide to do a bathroom purge, try out the EWG Skin Deep Database to see how your current products stack up.

Thanks for listening!

What does sustainable living even mean? Nov 04, 2018

Are you wondering what it even means to live sustainably? This episode of The Positively Green Podcast is for you! Kelsey and Becca debunk these buzzwords we keep hearing on living a green life and set you up for a deeper understanding of sustainable living. You can think of it as our mission statement.

To check out Kelsey's upcoming ebook The Holistic Home click here:

http://www.greenwillowhomestead.com/books

Thanks for tuning in!

Who the heck are these green-loving gals? Oct 17, 2018

Are you curious who Becca and Kelsey are? What's their background in? How did they get started with their sustainable living journeys? This episode is a quick and fun get-to-know us and why we are on a mission to inspire you to live a green life you'll love.

The Teaser Episode Oct 17, 2018

Are you curious to learn more about living sustainably? Are you trying to make some eco-friendly choices in your day-to-day and want two green cheerleaders to guide you through it all? Tune in to the Positively Green Podcast!

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