A Little Greener

After being side characters in two episodes (Rocky Mountain Adventures and White-tailed Deer), it's time for moose to step into the spotlight! Casey and Sara discuss what makes moose special, the tangled web of moose population control, conservation, and climate change, and why in the world the plural of moose isn't "meese."   The two articles referenced in the last portion of the show are: How Should Colorado Handle Its Booming Moose Population? | Smithsonian Do Moose “Belong” in Colorado?   Additional resources for this episode: Moose Research in Rocky Mountain National Park Species Spotlight - Moose (U.S. National Park Service) ‘No chain stores, but moose on every corner': as Colorado herds thrive, clashes with people rise | Wildlife | The Guardian Minnesota Department of Natural Resources Moose Survey Moose Research | Vermont Fish & Wildlife Department Winter tick Winter Ticks: Moose: Mammals: Species Information: Wildlife: Fish & Wildlife: Maine Dept of Inland Fisheries and Wildlife As New England Winters Warm, Ticks are Killing Moose at High Rates | Appalachian Mountain Club (AMC) Moose in New Hampshire  

Unless you're living in Florida, you may have missed out on the fallout from a proposed development plan involving nine of Florida's state parks. Casey and Sara discuss the whole situation, from the problems with the proposals to the odd secrecy around the plan to the fallout--and share some lessons that we can all take from the situation to help make our voices heard to protect the planet. Resources for this episode DEP Announces 2024-25 Great Outdoors Initiative to Increase Public Access, Recreation and Lodging at Florida State Parks Florida State Parks Threatened by Development https://floridawildlifefederation.org/wp-content/uploads/2024/08/1-Overview.jpg Legislation Scrapped in 2011 Offers Clues to How Florida Might Fund ‘Great Outdoors' Initiative) State offers more details on plan to revamp parks including in South Florida DeSantis' plan to develop state parks faces setback as golf course backer pulls out | AP News Audubon Protects Florida State Parks from Development Proposals

The Chicago Marathon is one of six World Major Marathons, and this year will host around 50,000 runners from around the world, not to mention the spectators, vendors, and volunteers. So, is it possible for an event of this magnitude to be sustainable? On this episode, Casey and Sara chat with Cat Morris, the Sustainability Manager at Chicago Event Management, overseeing the Chicago Marathon. Hear about how the Chicago Marathon became certified as an Evergreen Inspire event through the Council for Responsible Sport, how waste, from water cups to gel packets, is being diverted from landfills, and how runners and spectators can get involved!   Sara will be running the 2024 Chicago Marathon as part of Team Fox, raising funds for the Michael J Fox Foundation for Parkinson's Research. If you'd like to donate to support the Foundation's work to find a cure for Parkinson's, you can donate through Sara's fundraising page here: https://give.michaeljfox.org/fundraiser/5270913   Resources for this episode:  Chicago Marathon Sustainability Community Impact through Compost: Chicago Distance Series Instagram: Tina Muir, Chicago Marathon Sustainability Ambassador Instagram: Chicago Marathon Know Before You Go: Sustainability  

This week, Casey and Sara recap Sara's first trip to the Rocky Mountains, covering everything from road trip musings on land use to wildfires to amazing wildlife encounters! Resources for this episode: Natural Features & Ecosystems - Rocky Mountain National Park (U.S. National Park Service) Moose Research in Rocky Mountain National Park Tribal Partners - Rocky Mountain

White-tailed deer may not be the first species that pops to mind when you think of conservation, especially if you live across much of North or Central America. For many of us, these animals are commonly seen around our own homes and (unfortunately) roadways. Depending on your perspective, they can be seen as a nuisance, a game species, beloved local wildlife, or all of the above. In this episode, Casey and Sara discuss the history, ecology, and conservation of one of our most recognized animals. Resources for this episode:

Lithium-ion batteries are found everywhere, from watches to power tools to e-bikes and electric cars. But perhaps you've heard a thing or two about these batteries that make you unsure. This week, Casey and Sara discuss some of the environmental, social justice, and safety issues associated with lithium-ion batteries and how we can look to improve moving forward. Resources for this episode: How Lithium-ion Batteries Work | Department of Energy A Comprehensive Comparative Analysis: Lithium vs Alkaline Batteries - The Earth Awards Safety Risks to Emergency Responders from Lithium-Ion Battery Fires in Electric Vehicles EVs are being set on fire in Ottawa for NRC battery abuse research Electric Car Fires: What You Should Know | Edmunds Deadly fires from phone, scooter batteries leave lawmakers playing catch-up on safety Environmental impact of direct lithium extraction from brines | Nature Reviews Earth & Environment The Environmental Impacts of Lithium and Cobalt Mining Potential impacts of proposed lithium extraction on biodiversity and conservation in the contiguous United States - ScienceDirect How is lithium mined? | MIT Climate Portal Maine Has the Lithium America Needs, But Won't Allow Mining | TIME Society Watch: Across the globe, indigenous rights are being trampled in lithium goldrush | Reuters What Is Thermal Runaway? | UL Research Institutes Their batteries hurt the environment, but EVs still beat gas cars. Here's why This electric car battery takes less than 5 minutes to charge | CNN Business Tribes face an uphill battle to defend their sacred land against lithium mining A fire at a lithium battery factory in South Korea kills 22 mostly Chinese migrant workers

This week, Sara and Casey chat with conservation biologist and data scientist, Dr. Vaughn Shirey, for a wide-ranging conversation about his work in butterfly conservation and climate change. Learn what got Vaughn interested in the field, how artificial intelligence is being used in his work, and what cold climate butterfly species (yeah, that's a thing) are telling us about climate change. Resources for this episode: Find more on Dr. Vaughn Shirey and his work HERE Find Vaughn Shirey on Twitter Find Vaugh Shirey on Instagram Vaughn Shirey - Google Scholar

Mosquitoes are common flying insect that inhabit all continents except Antarctica. There are over 3500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, but only somewhere between 6 and 9.3% bite humans and are disease vectors. That said, mosquitos are the deadliest animal on the planet, thanks to their role as a vector for disease. So, would we be better off getting rid of this pesky insect? Casey and Sara discuss the role of mosquitos in the environment, the pros and cons of eradication, and why mosquito gut bacteria is more important than you might expect! Resources for this episode: Mosquitopia - NCBI Bookshelf MOSQUITOES Why Are Some People Tastier to Mosquitoes Than Others? | Pfizer About Mosquitoes - CDC Robust network stability of mosquitoes and human pathogens of medical importance | Parasites & Vectors Can Garden Plants Really Repel Mosquitoes? - Consumer Reports. Invasive Mosquitoes - Birds Not Mosquitoes Aedes communis: The Pollinating Mosquito. Millions of Mosquitoes Will Rain Down on Hawaii to Save an Iconic Bird | Scientific American Genetically Modified Mosquitoes - CDC

What do you think of when you hear the phrase "artificial intelligence?" Does chatGPT or Alexa come to mind? Do you imagine robots taking over the world? What might not immediately come to mind are things like biodiversity preservation, green energy optimization, and water conservation, but AI is in fact being used in all these areas and more. Casey and Sara take a look at some of the ways AI is or has the potential to be used in the conservation realm and also explore some of the challenges with AI as a conservation tool.  Resources for this episode: A.I.'s ‘Her' Era Has Arrived - The New York Times Platforms - Wild Me TrailGuard AI and Nightjar Saving our Planet's Biodiversity with AI | Ganes Kesari | TEDxAsburyPark ASC Science Sundays - Tanya Berger-Wolf: AI for Wildlife Conservation How artificial intelligence is helping tackle environmental challenges Tackling climate change with machine learning | MIT Sloan Artificial Intelligence to Help Prevent Extinction? | Wildlife.ai: Conservation Charity tinyML Talks: Efficient AI for Wildlife Conservation Seven ways utilities are exploring AI for the grid | Latitude Media Why AI and energy are the new power couple – Analysis - IEA AI for the grid has potential, DOE says — but comes with pitfalls | Latitude Media How AI Is Cropping Up In The Agriculture Industry US farms are making an urgent push into AI. It could help feed the world Artificial Intelligence Can Prevent Enormous Amounts Of Damage And Water Loss From Building Leaks AI and Water: Pioneering Solutions for a Thirsty Planet AI to stop water pollution before it happens Hundreds of sewage leaks detected thanks to AI    

Jeffrey Rissman is the Senior Director of Industry at Energy Innovation, a nonpartisan energy and environmental policy firm. He is also the author of a new book, Zero-Carbon Industry: Transformative Technologies and Policies to Achieve Sustainable Prosperity. Casey and Sara were thrilled to welcome Jeffrey to the show to discuss his ideas on cleaning up the industrial sector. Jeffrey shares policy ideas, new technologies, and simple changes that can be made to bring global industry to zero carbon within the next 50 years. To purchase the book and get a 20% off coupon code, visit https://zerocarbonindustry.com/ Resources for this episode: https://www.jeffreyrissman.com/ We must cut carbon from industry. Here's how we can do it.

Trees help give us clean air to breathe, keep us cool, and can even benefit our mental health. But not everyone has equal access to trees. In this week's episode, Casey and Sara discuss the benefits (and challenges) of urban trees and take a look at the factors involved in tree disparity across different neighborhoods.  Resources for this episode: The Inequitable Distribution of Urban Trees Tree Equity Score National Explorer Public Health Benefits of Urban Trees Urban Trees and Human Health: A Scoping Review Green gentrification in European and North American cities | Nature Communications Ten-Year Urban Forestry Action Plan: 2016 -2026

With the total solar eclipse visible over parts of North America in just a few days, Casey and Sara discuss what we know about animal behavior during eclipse events. Listen to find out: What are Baily's Beads and why does Sara like them so much? How would Casey's pets respond to a total solar eclipse? Why should we care about how animals act during an eclipse?  If you are in the path of the eclipse, whether total or partial, you can join North Carolina State University's Solar Eclipse Safari project or take a look at NASA's Eclipse Soundscapes project. And if you are viewing the eclipse, remember to do so safely! Never look directly at the sun! Total Solar Eclipse Safety - NASA Resources for this episode: Researchers to observe how total solar eclipse affects animal behavior | PBS NewsHour NASA Eclipse Science 2024 Total Solar Eclipse - NASA Total Eclipse of the Zoo: Animal Behavior during a Total Solar Eclipse - PMC Unlocking the mysteries of animal behavior during cosmic events: IU News Surprising Ways Animals React to Solar Eclipses - National Geographic How Do Animals Respond to a Total Solar Eclipse? | Scientific American Animals act weirdly during an eclipse. Help NASA find out why | CNN

Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on the North Atlantic right whale. Learn where you can find these amazing animals, why they're called "right" whales, and what we can do to help save this incredibly endangered species. Resources for this episode: Reducing Vessel Strikes to North Atlantic Right Whales | NOAA Fisheries North Atlantic Right Whale | NOAA Fisheries We know how to save the endangered North Atlantic right whale. Why aren't we? - Vox IUCN Red List of Threatened Species Female North Atlantic right whales growing smaller, leading to fewer births Scientists release annual population estimate for critically endangered North Atlantic right whale amid ongoing threats - New England Aquarium North Atlantic Right Whale Calving Season 2024 | NOAA Fisheries Maine fishing rope found in dead North Atlantic right whale | National Fisherman

Pulling weeds around the yard isn't most people's idea of a good time. Busting out a spray bottle of herbicide might be the easy way out, but what's the price we pay for that? Casey and Sara discuss the use of herbicides in agriculture and urban areas, including the recent news surrounding the use of dicamba.    Resources for this episode: Protecting Pollinators from Herbicides: Rethinking Weed Management at Home Benefits and risks of the use of herbicide-resistant crops - Kathrine Hauge Madsen & Jens Carl Streibig How to use herbicides to safely control weeds on farms | OSU Extension Service Different pesticides dominate in different land-use areas Video: Herbicides: A Double-Edged Sword? What We Know about Herbicide Impacts on Pollinators History of Weed Control in the United States and Canada Herbicide Use in the Era of Farm to Fork: Strengths, Weaknesses, and Future Implications - PMC New Study: Agricultural Pesticides Cause Widespread Harm to Soil Health, Threaten Biodiversity Glyphosate-based herbicides and cancer risk: a post-IARC decision review of potential mechanisms, policy and avenues of research - PMC Weed Management in Lawns Guidelines--UC IPMBee Precaution Pesticide Ratings

Last spring, Casey and Sara discussed some of the ways parents might be able to make eco-friendly choices while expecting and raising a baby. Now that Casey is a mom, she's taking a look back at how things went for her and sharing some additional tips and resources based on her experiences. Resources for this episode: Climate change is making people think twice about having children Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding - PMC Disposable Diaper - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Facts | Breastfeeding | CDC Study: Plastic Baby Bottles Shed Microplastics When Heated. Should You Worry? : Goats and Soda : NPR A highway paved with recycled diapers may change the cloth vs. disposables debate - The Washington Post Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Nappies in the UK

In this reunion episode, Casey returns to the podcast, joining Kristen and Sara in a discussion about the impact of various art forms on the environment, as well as the other ways that art and nature intersect. Nature often inspires art (and might be considered art in and of itself), art often depicts nature, and art can also be used to benefit nature and conservation!  Resources for this episode: Physiological Benefits of Viewing Nature: A Systematic Review of Indoor Experiments - PMC Understanding the Hazardous Environmental Impact of Paint Painting Safety In The Arts Sustainability of Art Supplies. Art is a powerful means of conveying… | by Libby McClough | Environmental Justice Coalition | Medium Mindful of Its Impact on the Planet, the Art World Aims for Sustainability Meet Abhi; The Charcoal Artist raising Climate Change Awareness | by Abhijeet Shrivastava | Medium Quick Guide: Detox Your Art Studio | Artwork Archive How to Create an Eco-Friendly Art Studio | Artwork Archive Resin Art and Sustainability Backlash How to Make Plant Paints: Zero Waste Art - Greenify Me KaiNav Conservation Fund Painted Dog Conservation Washed Ashore

Kristen and Sara discuss the threats facing coral reefs around the world, what conservationists are doing to help, and how we can all get involved! Resources for this episode: Visual Feature | Status of Coral Reefs of the World What Florida's coral bleaching means as high ocean temperatures continue - The Washington Post Warming, acidic oceans may nearly eliminate coral reef habitats by 2100 - AGU Newsroom Extreme Ocean Temperatures Are Affecting Florida's Coral Reef | NESDIS Coral on the Red List of Endangered Species | FAU Erlangen-Nürnberg Natural Threats to Coral Reefs Crown-of-thorns Starfish - Oceana Five fascinating facts about crown-of-thorns starfish - Great Barrier Reef Foundation Coral Diseases – South Florida Aquatic Environments Threats to Coral Reefs | US EPA Coral Nurseries | Reef Resilience Coral bleaching 101 | gbrmpa The Truth About Corals and Sunscreen | Smithsonian Ocean The Great Reef Census Deepest Fish Discovered Hydropower Map

When we think of coral most of us probably think of giant, colorful reef structures. But there's so much more to coral! We take a deeper look at the tiny animals that make up those reefs--and that can be found beyond those reefs, as well. Video for Weekly Challenge: Lens of Time: Corals in Motion   Resources for this episode:  What are corals? | ICRI NOAA CoRIS - What are Coral Reefs All About Soft Corals - Ocean Conservancy Coral tentacle elasticity promotes an out-of-phase motion that improves mass transfer | Proceedings of the Royal Society B: Biological Sciences Coral Polyp Anatomy - Coral Disease & Health Consortium Did you know: How do corals form colonies? Coral Reef Ecosystems in the Deep Sea Red Sea Expedition: Acrobatic mushroom corals are fun-guys IUCN: Eastern Water Dragon National Zoo: Asian Water Dragon

Kristen and Sara discuss the pros and cons of using water to produce electricity. Listen in to learn the three main ways we currently produce hydropower, the environmental impacts, and how hydropower might fit in to the future of energy production.  Resources for this episode: Planning a Microhydropower System | Department of Energy Dam that threatens orangutan habitat faces three-year delay BATANG TORU HYDROPOWER PROJECT Factcheck and References on Key Issues Internal Displacement Monitoring Centre: Dam Displacement Why hydropower is the forgotten giant of clean energy UN warns most will live downstream of ageing large dams by 2050 | Flooding | The Guardian What Is Green Power? | US EPA Hydropower Basics | Department of Energy Hydropower explained - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Hydropower: US Department of Energy Why aren't we looking at more hydropower? | MIT Climate Portal Hydropower - IEA Run-of-the-river hydroelectricity - Energy Education Where hydropower is generated - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Hydro power by state in 2022 (United States)

With all the hype around Barbie these past few weeks, Sara and Kristen decided to take a look at the environmental impact of the iconic doll--and some of our other toys, as well. Listen in as they chat about their favorite Barbies, the challenges of plastic, and how to balance our desire to give the kids in our lives the things that they want and still be a little greener.  Resources for this episode: (From intro) Nuclear fusion breakthrough repeated by lab | Fortune (From intro) Tour de Turtles Barbie Sustainability | Mattel Barbie and the Problem With Plastic - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Plastic Pollution Facts and Issues | The Problems With Plastic In Our Real World, Barbie's Plastic Is Not So Fantastic Most materials are recyclable, so why can't children's toys be sustainable? | Yale Environment Review Life in Plastic, It's Not Fantastic - Earth Day Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) - U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) Mattel launches sustainable new Barbie Loves the Ocean range My Kids Want Plastic Toys. I Want to Go Green. Here's the Middle Ground Hasbro: Environmental Responsibility

Kristen and Sara chat about one of Kristen's favorite animals, the aardvark! Learn about the behavior and adaptations of this unique African mammal, the conservation issues they face, and what on Earth aardvarks have to do with  cucumbers.  Resources for this episode: National Geographic: Aardvark Carnegie Museum of Natural History: A is for Aardvark ScienceDirect: Aardvark Cincinnati Zoo: Adventures with Aardvarks San Diego Zoo: A is for Aardvark

With increased awareness of bee pollinators and the value of their conservation over recent years, there has been growing discussion (and controversy!) over the nature of the relationships between managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild bees. In this episode, Kristen and Sara chat with entomologist Jon Elmquist, who shares the current evidence for conflict between managed honey bees and wild bees and the implications this may have for bee conservation efforts. Along the way you'll learn how Jon got interested in pollinators and conservation, some of the differences between honey bees and wild bees, and hear about some of the amazing native bee species in North America. Resources for this episode: Scientific American: The Problem with Honey Bees Floral Resource Competition Between Honey Bees and Wild Bees: Is There Clear Evidence and Can We Guide Management and Conservation? An Overview of the Potential Impacts of Honey Bees to Native Bees, Plant Communities, and Ecosystems in Wild Landscapes What are the 4Rs?

We often think about conservation on either the global scale (climate change!) or on a personal level (sustainable swaps!), but community-based, local conservation is an extremely important piece of the puzzle. This week, our guest co-host, and Soil and Water Conservation District professional, Kristen, talks us through the history and roles of SWCDs and touches on some other local conservation resources you might not have known that you have! Resources for this episode: Non-farmers bumped from Florida's soil and water conservation district boards Contact Your Local SWCD – IASWCD Conservation Districts | State Conservation Committee | NH Department of Agriculture, Markets and Food.

In order to protect the planet, we have to care about it. And pop culture can sometimes help make nature more relatable and accessible. With that in mind, Sara and our amazing new guest co-host, Kristen, have some fun discussing the real-world counterparts to the sidekicks in the new live action version of The Little Mermaid.  Resources for this episode: Snopes: Myths, Manatees, and Mermaids Northern Gannet Life History, All About Birds, Cornell Lab of Ornithology Northern Gannet - American Bird Conservancy NatGeo: Flounders' Eyes Face Skyward, How Do They See the Ocean Floor? Video: Flatfish Metamorphosis Fast Facts About Flounder - Ocean Conservancy Abudefduf saxatilis – Discover Fishes Blue Crab FAQ | FWC Galapagos Conservation Trust: Ghost Crab

Parental care in the animal kingdom takes a variety of forms. Who are the gold star parents and who never even sees their kids? Do animals babysit? And do quakkas really throw their babies?  Resources for this episode: Parental Care - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Patterns of parental care in vertebrates Humans aren't the only ones that help out their adult kids — here's why animals do it too | One Thing They Aren't: Maternal - The New York Times Why Some Animals Forgo Reproduction in Complex Societies | American Scientist Fact or Fiction?: Birds (and Other Critters) Abandon Their Young at the Slightest Human Touch - Scientific American Seven Super Mums of the animal kingdom | Pursuit by The University of Melbourne Professor Allen J. Moore - Uncovering The Evolutionary Origins Of Parental Care • scientia.global Meet the Alloparents | Natural History Magazine Parenting in Animals - PMC

The state of rhinos around the world is precarious. At worst, rhino species are critically endangered, and even the species with the largest population, the white rhino is still classified as near threatened by IUCN, and their population is declining. Despite protection and education efforts, the threat of poaching for their horn looms large over all species of rhinos. So, where do we go from here? Casey and Sara look at what drives the rhino horn trade and discuss the pros and cons of an outside the box solution--rhino farming.  Resources for this episode: World's Largest Rhino Farm in South Africa for Sale--Business Insider The horns of a dilemma: Ethical questions about legalising rhino horn trade RHINO HORN CONSUMERS, WHO ARE THEY? | Traffic.org World Rhino Day 2022: TM Practitioners warned prescribing endangered species is a crime - Wildlife Trade News from TRAFFIC Former billionaire to auction world's biggest rhino farm after spending his fortune to save the animals - CBS News Is the rhino horn trade a cartel? Economic analysis suggests it works like one State of the Rhino China's Legalization of Domestic Rhino Horn Trade: Traditional Chinese Medicine Practitioner Perspectives and the Likelihood of Prescription 2,000 'near threatened' white rhinos are up for auction : NPR2,000 'near threatened' white rhinos are up for auction : NPR Did a Legal Ivory Sale Increase Smuggling and Poaching? | NBER Legalizing ivory trade won't save elephants, study concludes | Science | AAAS After legal-ivory experiment, black markets thrive from greater demand, less risk iucncsg.org - Farming and the Crocodile Industry Wildlife Poaching and Trafficking: Combating a Source of Terrorist Funding | United States Institute of Peace Combating rhino horn demand in Vietnam | African Wildlife Foundation Powers of Persuasion: Conservation Communications, Behavioural Change and Reducing Demand for Illegal Wildlife Products  

Rhinos are iconic animals that most of us can recognize from the time that we're little. However, there's more to rhinos that most people realize! For example, did you know that there are more species of rhinos outside of Africa than inside? Have you ever heard of the hairy rhinoceros? If not, this episode's for you. Sara and Casey discuss the five species of rhinos and what's being done to keep them safe. Resources: International Rhino Foundation: Rhino Species IUCN Red List Development of third Sumatran rhino sanctuary advances to save species Save the Rhino: Dehorning Rhino Resource Center: Why the Name of the White Rhinoceros is not Appropriate Rhino poaching and illegal trade decline but remain critical threats – new report - Press release | IUCN Will Fake Rhino Horns Curb Poaching? | Live Science Rhino Rescue Project: Devaluing Rhino Horn

The Willow Project is an oil drilling project set to begin in the National Petroleum Reserve in northern Alaska--albeit in a scaled down version of the original plan. Casey and Sara explore the history of the project, look at the environmental impacts, and discuss the challenges of breaking free from fossil fuels. Resources for this episode: Q&A: Willow oil project and Arctic drilling limits Alaska's Willow oil project is controversial. Here's why. | AP News What is the Willow project? The Alaska oil drilling debate, explained. - The Washington Post The Willow Project and the Race to Pump the “Last Barrel” of Oil - Carnegie Endowment for International Peace Biden Administration Sued Over Willow Oil Project in Alaska's Western Arctic - Center for Biological Diversity Interior Department Substantially Reduces Scope of Willow Project Willow drilling: How will it affect polar bears?  

Chances are you've heard about the environmental impacts of plastics and how air travel contributes to climate change, but did you know that there's a man-made substance that contributes more than double the emissions of the aviation industry? It's estimated that up to 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions is from the concrete industry--and this is mainly due to the production of cement, an essential ingredient in concrete. Sara and Casey discuss what needs to be done to clean up concrete on this 100th episode of A Little Greener! Resources for this episode: The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet by Hal Harvey and Justin Gillis Cement vs. Concrete: A Case of Mistaken Identities Explained: Cement vs. concrete — their differences, and opportunities for sustainability | MIT News Concrete: the most destructive material on Earth | Cities | The Guardian MIT Researchers Develop New Additives For "Green" Concrete - CleanTechnica PPE Waste Makes Stronger, More Flexible, Green Concrete Heat Island Compendium | US EPA Want To Build A Carbon Neutral Skyscraper? Easy: Just Don't Use Cement. Good Luck With That | Digg Materials scientist working to revolutionize concrete and radically reduce CO2 emissions Countering climate change with cool pavements | MIT News Effects of pavement texture and colour on Urban Heat Islands: An experimental study in tropical climate - ScienceDirect    

Expecting your first child can be an overwhelming time, with so much to acquire, learn, and do before baby arrives. The thought of trying to do all that and be environmentally friendly at the same time might feel like too much, but never fear! Casey and Sara are here to discuss being a little greener with a few aspects of baby care: how to prepare for your baby, how to feed your baby, and, oh yes, how to diaper your baby. Listen for the do's and don'ts of getting secondhand items, how to cut down on microplastics, and whether or not cloth diapers are as eco-friendly (or as scary) as you might think.  Resources for this episode: Climate change is making people think twice about having children Environmental Impact of Feeding with Infant Formula in Comparison with Breastfeeding - PMC Disposable Diaper - an overview | ScienceDirect Topics Facts | Breastfeeding | CDC Study: Plastic Baby Bottles Shed Microplastics When Heated. Should You Worry? : Goats and Soda : NPR A highway paved with recycled diapers may change the cloth vs. disposables debate - The Washington Post Life Cycle Assessment of Disposable and Reusable Nappies in the UK

The Dolphin Company, owner of the Miami Seaquarium, recently announce plans to release an orca from the Sequarium back into the wild. Many headlines suggest this is a positive story, and indeed, a whale returning to the wild and rejoining their family would be amazing to see. But, is it reality? Sara and Casey discuss the issues surrounding this particular whale, Tokitae, often called Toki, as well as some of the issues surrounding keeping orcas in human care.  Resources for this episode: Scientists: End of orca program a loss The Debate - The Ethics Of Keeping Whales And Dolphins Captive | A Whale Of A Business | FRONTLINE | PBS Orcas Don't Do Well in Captivity. Here's Why - National Geographic Here's why SeaWorld probably won't release its whales into the wild - Los Angeles Times Tooth damage in captive orcas (Orcinus orca) - ScienceDirect Bias and Misrepresentation of Science Undermines Productive Discourse on Animal Welfare Policy: A Case Study Public Display of Marine Mammals | NOAA Fisheries Cetaceans in Captivity: A Discussion of Welfare - 1999 AVMA Animal Welfare Forum Killer Whale | NOAA Fisheries National Aquarium - Dolphin Sanctuary At Baltimore's National Aquarium, Climate Change Presents Challenges Inside And Out : NPR Health and Welfare Assessment of Tokitae (also known as Lolita), killer whale housed at Miami Seaquarium Bottlenose dolphin habitat and management factors related to activity and distance traveled in zoos and aquariums | PLOS ONE Release of whales from notorious Russia ‘whale jail' complete - National Geographic miami-seaquarium-inspection-report - DocumentCloud Something Rotten at the Miami Seaquarium - International Marine Mammal Project PolitiFact | SeaWorld says their whales live as long as wild whales do Towards understanding the welfare of cetaceans in accredited zoos and aquariums - PMC Take Action for Southern Resident Killer Whales | NOAA Fisheries

You may have seen or heard the acronym PFAS floating around, or perhaps heard of "forever chemicals." Or maybe you've heard that there are some potential concerns with using non-stick cookware, but weren't sure what it was all about. Around since the 1940s, PFAS are used in a variety of ways including in non-stick cookware, stain, grease, and water-resistant clothing, some firefighting foam, and some cosmetics. However, there are a number of concerns around these chemicals, some of which have already been phased out of discussion. Casey and Sara discuss the issues around and potential paths forward from PFAS. Resources for this episode: PFAS chemicals overview | ATSDR PFAS in the US population | ATSDR Bucks and Montco residents learn more about their exposure to the toxic chemicals in PFAS study - WHYY Toxic timeline: A brief history of PFAS | Searchlight New Mexico Authorized Uses of PFAS in Food Contact Applications | FDA Governments endorse global PFOA ban, with some exemptions Environmental and Health Impacts of PFAS | | Wisconsin DNR PFAS Foam on Lakes and Streams Per- and Polyfluoroalkyl Substances (PFAS) | US EPA Not All In-Home Drinking Water Filters Completely Remove Toxic PFAS | Nicholas School of the Environment Consumers file class action lawsuits over PFAS in products; EPA focuses on water, landfills  

Chocolate is a much beloved treat around the world, but chocolate can have some high environmental costs. By some calculations, chocolate can have a higher environmental impact that some types of meat. Sara and Casey discuss why that is, and what small steps we can take to make our chocolate a little greener.  Resources for this episode: Our World in Data Food Graph Mongabay: Delectable but Destructive: Tracing Chocolate's Environmental Life Cycle Science of Cooking: How is Chocolate Made? Study: Environmental analysis along the supply chain of dark, milk and white chocolate: a life cycle comparison World Cocoa Foundation: Cocoa and Forests Initiative Study: The Impacts of Cocoa Sustainability Initiatives in West Africa CABI: Trade-offs between shaded and full-sun cocoa Utopia: The Difference Between Cacao and Cocoa Explained Lake Champlain Chocolates: How is Chocolate Made? Study: Detecting cocoa plantations in Côte d'Ivoire and Ghana and their implications on protected areas Motivations for shade-grown cocoa production in Ghana Washington Post: What the heck is shade-grown cacao? This pricey treat is actually good for the planet. Beyond Good Chocolates

Growing food at home has so many upsides, from a lower environmental impact to saving you some money at the grocery store to benefiting your physical and mental health. It's also something you can do even if you don't have a yard! In this episode, Casey and Sara talk through some tips to help you plan your very own veggie garden. Resources for this episode: Gardening: Invest in guaranteed growth in your own backyard Gardening for health: a regular dose of gardening Backyard gardening: grow your own food, improve your health Harvesting peat moss contributes to climate change, Oregon State scientist says Why Gardeners Should Stop Using Peat, and What to Use Instead Dig into the Benefits of Gardening Environmental Impacts of Food Production

If you look at a picture of an elephant shrew, you might assume that it's perfectly named. It certainly looks similar to shrews found in many parts of the world and has an elongated nose, reminiscent of an elephant's trunk. While the elephant shrew was initially grouped in with shrews, we now know that it is actually NOT a true shrew. Elephant shrews (now also called sengis) are, in fact, most closely related to...elephants! Sara and Casey discuss these very cute, slightly obscure animals and encourage us to keep small species in mind on this week's episode. Resources for this episode: Tiny Elephant Shrews Go On Show After Mum Hid Them From Zookeepers https://sengis.org/ The Guardian: This article is more than 2 years old Tiny elephant shrew species, missing for 50 years, rediscovered Journal of Anatomy: The rostral nasal anatomy of two elephant shrews. Mammalia: Footdrumming patterns of southern African elephant shrews Animal Diversity Web: Macroscelididae Re:wild  

On February 3rd, a train owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad was traveling from Madison, Illinois to Conway, PA, when it derailed near the town of East Palestine, Ohio. Some cars on the train were carrying hazardous materials, and ultimately this resulted in the temporary evacuation of residents near the derailment site, and continued monitoring of air and water quality. Casey and Sara discuss some of the potential factors involved in the derailment and safety concerns associated with the materials, as well as their thoughts around railroad safety and the press received by this event. Resources for this episode: EPA Letter to Norfolk Southern NY Times: Ohio Train Derailment: Separating Fact from Fiction Huff Post: Animal Deaths Calculated at 43,700 Following Train Derailment in East Palestine NPR: 7 Key Points about the East Palestine Train Derailment NPR: How EPA Plans To Keep East Palestine Residents Safe After Derailment AP: Buttigieg Warns Norfolk Southern to Support Ohio Community CNN: The Ohio toxic train wreck was ‘100% preventable' – but there's no evidence the crew did anything wrong, investigators say NY Times: In Fog of East Palestine's Crisis, Politicians Write Their Own Stories AP: EPA Orders Norfolk Southern to Clean Up Toxic Derailment Independent (UK): Ohio crew tried to stop train after wheel issue warning, says probe – but it came too late to stop derailment

Articles on climate change will often talk about carbon dioxide levels being higher than they've been in thousands, or even millions, of years. You may also hear things about temperature moving in cycles, or about how different the climate of a certain area used to be. But how do scientists know all of this information before we started taking measurements? That's where proxy data comes in. On this episode, we discuss a few different types of proxy data, learn some new words, and find out just what crystalized rat urine can tell us about climate. Resources for this episode: NASA: Carbon Dioxide Vital Signs NASA: The Raw Truth on Global Temperature Records NOAA: What are Proxy Data MIT: How are Gases in the Atmosphere Measured? British Antarctic Survey: Ice Cores and Climate Change Scientific American: How are Past Temperatures Determined from Ice Cores? Texas A&M: Ancient Deepsea Shells Reveal 66 Million Years of Carbon Dioxide Levels NOAA's Paleoclimatology Data Map Carbon Brief: How Proxy Data Reveals the Climate of Earth's Distant Past (with alternative access to NOAA's Paleoclimatology Data Map)  

Have you ever heard that climate change is a result of solar cycles or volcanoes? Or maybe you've found yourself thinking that it's too late to do anything about climate change anyway, so why bother? Casey and Sara talk through those myths and more, as well as share some tips for having conversations around climate change on this week's episode. Resources for this week's episode: National Grid: Six Myths about Climate Change Busted NASA: Is the Sun Causing Global Warming? NASA: What Do Volcanoes Have to do with Climate Change? WWF: 10 Myths About Climate Change USGS: Volcanoes Can Affect Climate USA Today: These lies about climate change just wouldn't die in 2022

With the TV show The Last of Us currently all the rage, Sara and Casey talk the real-life zombie fungus. They discuss how zombie fungus works, what the show gets right and wrong, and whether we should be afraid of a zombie fungus pandemic. They also discuss the amazing diversity of fungi and some of the benefits we get from these often overlooked organisms. Resources for this episode: Discovery: The Largest Living Thing on Earth is a 3.5 sq mi Fungus Smithsonian: The Real Zombie Fungus That Inspired HBO's The Last of Us Vox: The “zombie” fungus in The Last of Us, explained by a biologist PNAS: Three-dimensional visualization and a deep-learning model reveal complex fungal parasite networks in behaviorally manipulated ants BMC Ecology: Behavioral mechanisms and morphological symptoms of zombie ants dying from fungal infection National Geographic: Fungi Are Key to Our Survival, Are We Doing Enough to Protect Them?

Many people may have a passing familiarity with the slow-moving sloth, especially with their recent explosion in pop culture, but there is so much more to the sloth than most people realize. Casey and Sara discuss some of the incredibly unique features of sloths, and also take a look at the pros and cons of their popularity for wild sloth populations. Resources for this episode: The Sloth Conservation Foundation

Wondering how to be a little greener in your own life this year? Join Sara and Casey for a discussion on making environmental resolutions that you can stick to, their personal eco-resolutions, and podcast goals for 2023...plus, a VERY special announcement!

Tuna is a popular seafood choice, but the tuna fishing industry has a number of potential environmental impacts. Casey and Sara talk through how you can determine which tuna is a more sustainable choice simply by the information provided right on the can. Resources for this episode: Statista: U.S. Consumption of Tuna National Geographic: How to Pick the Most 'dolphin-safe' Tuna Seafood Watch: Tips for Choosing Sustainable Canned Tuna National Geographic: These Popular Tuna Species are No Longer Endangered Human Rights Watch: Hidden Chains: Rights Abuses and Forced Labor in Thailand's Fishing Industry Investigation finds suspected human rights abuse by suppliers of major US and Taiwanese seafood companyBusiness and Human Rights Resource Centre: Global Labor Justice - International Labor Rights Forum Sues Global Tuna Giant Bumble Bee Over False Advertising of ‘Fair and Safe' Fishing Practices NPR: Is Sustainable Seafood Really Sustainable? AquaDocs: Fish Stakes Seafood Watch: Fishing and Farming Methods NOAA: Fishing Gear: Pelagic Longlines Atuna: Wild Tuna vs. Farmed Wild Planet: Sustainability and Sourcing FAQs

Towards the end of 2022, headlines declared a new breakthrough in nuclear fusion experiments: for the first time ever, scientists were able to get more energy from a fusion reaction than they put in. Like nuclear fission, nuclear fusion does not produce any carbon emissions during the energy production process, so it has potential as a player in clean energy down the road. But, how far down the road? And is the possibility of fusion worth diverting time and resources away from other clean energy technologies w have right now? Sara and Casey discuss the history of nuclear fusion research, what really happened in this latest breakthrough, and what's next for the future of fusion.  Resources for this episode: What is ITER? ITER: What is Fusion? Nature: Nuclear fusion lab achieves 'ignition.' What does it mean? CNBC: Nuclear Fusion Breakthrough Investors Have Now Spent $5 Billion Pursuing the "Holy Grail of Energy" BBC Science Focus: Why the Promise of Nuclear Fusion is No Longer a Pipe Dream IAEA: Magnetic Fusion Confinement with Tokamaks and Stellarators    

There is a lot to consider before choosing to bring a new pet into your home. Do you have the appropriate space? Can you find and afford veterinary care? Is it even legal for you to own the animal (did you know it's illegal to own a hedgehog in Pennsylvania)? Casey and Sara walk though five big questions to ask yourself before taking on a new pet. Resources for this episode: USA Captive Constrictor Snake Human Fatalities Dog Bite Facts and Statistics Texas Assistant Coach, Girlfriend Sued After Pet Monkey Allegedly Bites Child Pet Monkey Euthanized After Biting NY Woman Do Primates Make Good Pets? World Wildlife Crime Report Turtle Poaching for Pet Trade Threatens Half the World's Species A Shaky Case for Wobbly Snakes

Sara and Casey discuss some of the laws governing ownership and care of exotic cats in the United States, including the new Big Cat Public Safety Act. They explore what this new law means for the welfare of big cats currently in human care, as well as the future of exotic cat ownership. Resources for this episode: Congress.gov: Big Cat Public Safety Act Bill Text WWF: In a Win for Wild Tigers, the US Senate Passes Major Legislation Against Wildlife Crime The Regulatory Review: Regulating Tiger Kings MSU Animal Legal & Historical Center: Detailed Discussion of Exotic Pet Laws US Fish & Wildlife Service: Captive Wildlife Safety Act Animal Welfare Institute: Big Cat Public Safety Act MSU Animal Legal & Historical Center: Map of Private Exotic Pet Ownership Laws

If we asked you to think of a cute, furry, bamboo-eating animal, we suspect a certain black and white bear might come to mind. But, this week, we're talking about another panda. The red panda shares a name and some other characteristics with the more famous giant panda, but is actually a very unique species. Casey and Sara discuss why the red panda is actually the OG panda, the pros and cons of being incredibly cute, and why we should care about the conservation of this species. Resources for this episode: ‘Fake market': Red panda study finds no real demand behind rise in poaching IUCN Red List: Red Panda Red Panda Network

Our series on energy continues as Sara and Casey discuss wind energy. They focus on a couple of specific concerns, especially the impact that wind farms have on birds on bats, and how or if this should impact our use of wind energy moving forward. Resources for this episode:  Onshore vs Offshore Wind Energy University of Michigan: Wind Energy Factsheet DOE Wind Vision Report American Bird Conservancy: How Many Birds are Killed by Wind Turbines? American Bird Conservancy: Wind Risk Assessment Map Audubon: Can Painting Wind Turbine Blades Black Really Save Birds? NREL: Partnerships Explore Coexistence of Bats and Wind Farms Bat Conservation, International: Bats and Wind Energy Contextualizing avian mortality: A preliminary appraisal of bird and bat fatalities from wind, fossil-fuel, and nuclear electricity

You may have seen recent headlines about the loss of 69% of wildlife from 1970. This data comes from a World Wildlife Fund project called The Living Planet Index, which comes out every two year. Casey and Sara take a look at the report, highlighting what it shows, what it doesn't, what the major areas of concern are, and where we go from here. Resources for this episode: A Deep Dive into the Living Planet Index Living Planet Report 2022 National Geographic: Wildly Misinterpreted Report Still Shows Catastrophic Animal Decline (2018)

Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner is a big tradition in the United States, but how much do you know about the bird itself? Sara and Casey discuss some of the features of the wild turkey and take a look at their conservation success story.   Resources for this episode: PBS: Wild Turkey Fact Sheet The Cornell Lab of Ornithology: Wild Turkey Audubon New York: How Wild Turkeys Made a 49-state Comeback NC State College of Natural Resources: Talking Turkey: How the Bird Made a Comeback in North Carolina Audubon: Let's Talk Turkey Beards National Wild Turkey Federation: History of the Wild Turkey in North America Florida Fish and Wildlife: Living With Wild Turkeys The Peregrine Fund: Did Ben Franklin Really Want the Wild Turkey to be the National Symbol of the United States? The Franklin Institute: Did Benjamin Franklin Want the National Bird to be a Turkey?

The moon is a constant in our lives. Most of us have marveled at a full moon, some of us remember when man first walked  on the moon, but what we probably don't think about much is how the moon impacts life on Earth. In this episode, Casey and Sara discuss the ways, both large and small, that the moon affects our world. Resources for this episode: Natural History Museum: How Does the Moon Affect Life on Earth? Institute of Physics: How Does the Moon Affect Earth? Nature: Pull of the Moon NASA: Earth's Moon Science News: How the Moon's Light Affects Animals Lunar and Planetary Institute: The Moon's Influence on Us

We're well into the fall season here in the northern hemisphere, so Sara and Casey take a look at what causes those brilliant fall colors, and why trees lose their leaves in the fall, anyway.  Resources for this episode: National Weather Service: Why Do We Have Seasons? Young People's Trust for the Environment: Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves in Winter? Three Rivers Parks: Why Do Leaves Change Color in Fall? Three Rivers Parks: Why Do Some Trees Keep Their Leaves Through Winter? Forestry and Land Scotland: Why Do Trees Lose Their Leaves? University of Florida: Florida Fall Color WCJB: Where to Find Fall Colors in NCFL