A Mostly Green Life

Up until now, not much attention has been paid to the sustainability of spirits. In this episode, we explore how tequila is made and how Mijenta Tequila is leading the spirits industry towards a more sustainable future with Elise Som, their Director of Sustainability. Mijenta is an artisanal small batch tequila from the highlands of Jalisco, Mexico built on the desire to maintain nature and its wonders through environmentally responsible agriculture practices, conservation, a commitment to biodiversity and sustainable manufacturing. Show notes here - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/alas-a-truly-sustainable-tequila-with-elise-som-of-mijenta-tequila/ Connect with us on Instagram! Connect with Mijenta on Instagram! Sign up for our newsletter! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

While we're not talking about making sustainability more fun and approachable, we're helping launch companies that make sustainability more fun and approachable. Our first project is upcycling restaurant kitchen scraps, before they're mixed with spices/sauces, into nutritious pet food! We've partnered with Break it Down, an innovative compost company and prior guest, to launch this idea in Austin, TX. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

It's amazing to hear how far we've come as hosts since launch, but Walter's insights are timeless so we wanted to give it a revisit (original air date 11/10/21). Whole Foods Market, the world's leader in natural and organic foods, grew from 12 stores to over 500 under the leadership of Walter Robb. In this episode, Mason and Jess had the opportunity to connect with Walter about his eco-journey and profound retail success. Something we all struggle with is whether to choose balance over fulfillment or money over it all. Walter shares the path he chose to focus on and some new projects he's really excited about right now. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

From the traceability of the seafood supply chain, to fish farming and the depletion of fish stocks, Errol Schweizer educates us on what consumers can do to help some of these issues beyond personal consumption habits. Show Notes here - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/food-system-challenges-with-errol-schweizer/ Connect with us on Instagram! Sign up for our newsletter! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

If you missed an episode or two or just want the abbreviated version of them, Jess & Mason reminisce on their guests and what they learned from them during Earth Month. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

When people think of environmental activism or activities to protect the environment, land conservation may not be the first thing that comes to mind. We discuss what conservation easements are, how they can impact landowners as well as the public, the benefits of land conservation and why it's so important to our ecosystem. This tool could even be used by John Dutton to protect his ranch without killing so many people! George Cofer has dedicated the last 23 years of his life and career to Hill Country Conservancy, which he founded, and has created conservation easements for 40,000 acres of land in Texas. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

"Do you know how much energy it took to make your 5mg THC gummy? Shawn Cooney, Co-Founder of the Sustainable Cannabis Coalition discusses cannabis' impact on the environment across various grow operations, efforts of the SCC, and how consumers can help push the industry towards increased transparency and sustainability. The Sustainable Cannabis Coalition is helping to improve sustainability in the cultivation, manufacturing and distribution of cannabis throughout the market. " --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Did you know that the fashion industry is one of the top polluters in the world? We discuss with the Rizzutis, founders of House of ZZ swimwear, and what can be done about it. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

With Earth Day coming up, it's a great time to have a conversation around actionable & simple ways you can help out the planet, a little more than you already are. From community involvement and at-home tips, to documentary recommendations, Brandi Clark Burton, one of the most knowledgeable environmentalists and Austinites we know, helps us reflect and inspires us to make some changes this month, however big or small. Show Notes here - --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Known for elevating the mind and the body, cold therapy has gained a lot of traction in the wellness space over the last several years, though it dates back to BC and was used by Anglo-Saxon monks, Hippocrates and has been referenced in the most ancient medical text known. Ryan Duey, Co-founder of The Plunge, shares the multitude of benefits of cold plunging, a few best practices and ways you can expose yourself to cold therapy without exerting a lot of effort or investing in your own at-home tub. Show notes here - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/how-cold-can-you-go-the-benefits-of-cold-therapy-with-ryan-duey/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Show Strike is a powerful, fun, and quirky fundraiser that funds clean water projects in East Africa and also spreads awareness about global water challenges. Participants pledge to Skip Showers, Walk for Water, or Just Fundraise until they reach their goals and you can be a part of it! Every $15 you raise will provide 1 person with lasting clean water. Listen to some eco-curious kiddos discuss the fundraiser and how people can participate. You can head on over to showerstrike.org to register to help Well Aware create more lasting water systems for those who need it most. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Ever get confused or experience research fatigue while shopping for better, more sustainable products? Sifting through all those labels and ingredients, while also considering a product's packaging and carbon footprint can be a big burden for the average consumer. Lizzie Horvitz shares how her background in sustainability led her to create Finch, a company that helps people make better choices through algorithm-based ratings of various consumer products by decoding their environmental and social impacts. Show Notes - --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

While not a brand new concept, upcycling food is being better-defined and called out as a solution to the 30%-40% of food that goes to waste each year. Dan Kurzrock of Regrained and the Upcycled Food Association, shares his journey and vision for reducing food loss. Mason & Jess also tease their brand new project that incorporates upcycled food! Show Notes - https://www.mostlygreen.life/podcasts/what-is-upcycled-food-and-why-should-you-care --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Do you know what the most important biomarkers are for overall health? Mark Holland, CEO of Choose Health, shares what they are, along with some other interesting facts about health screening and blood tests. We know how important it is to eat right and exercise, but it's also just as crucial to understand how your lifestyle choices are impacting your long-term health through your biomarkers. With the increasing adoption of at-home test kits, listen to learn how you can take control of your own health without having to leave your home! Show Notes here - --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Staying informed and engaging on issues that affect your farms and food is easier than you think. For the last 50 years the government's policy has been “get big or get out.” Consolidation of our food and agricultural systems with the goal of the cheapest food possible has been driving small farmers out of business for decades. Judith McGeary, founder of Farm and Ranch Freedom Alliance, shares how she found herself in a position to speak up and advocate for small-scale farmers and ranchers who produce food using sustainable and regenerative methods. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Mason and Jess discuss prior episodes from the Clean Eating Series and share their personal journeys with food and path to a clean eating lifestyle. They also share their vices, morning routines, and their good and not-so-good habits. Show notes - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/clean-eating-summary/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Do you want to know the easiest way to avoid a wine hangover? Todd White, Founder & CEO of Dry Farm Wines, the world's premier source of Natural Wine, shares the biggest culprits for hangovers, the reason for the lack of transparency in the wine industry and how his company goes the extra mile to ensure their wines are the healthiest option for your body and the planet. Show Notes here - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/why-all-wines-arent-created-equal-with-todd-white-of-dry-farm-wines/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

What do women search for most when browsing for porn? The answer will surprise you. Lilly shares her journey from big firm accountant to entrepreneur founding afterglow, a sexy and disruptive tech-company that merges porn and sexual wellness by creating high quality ethical films ranging from steamy videos, wellness articles and helpful exercises - all in an effort to foster sexual intimacy and pleasure and create more sexual awakenings. For show notes - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/lilly-sparks-of-afterglow --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Listen to learn what essential nutrient 97% of Americans are deficient in. Rip Esselstyn, a former firefighter and triathlete, shares the profound and scientifically proven benefits of plant-based living and how his company, PLANTSTRONG, simplifies the journey to a whole foods lifestyle. Show notes can be found here - --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

From their kitchen to 10,000 retail shelves, Yellowbird has reinvented the hot sauce category with their veggie-forward recipes. George and Erin share their humble beginnings, success in the marketplace and sustainability efforts. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Joe Dickson is the absolute authority on quality in the natural foods industry. He helps us break down the different certifications and labels and shares how his new company, Merryfield, is helping people make better choices in the grocery store. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

We explore various food topics from the psychology of merchandising to Marissa's experience in working with Michelle Obama on the Let's Move! campaign. In this episode, Marissa reminds us that culture and happiness play a impactful role in our lives when it comes to food choices we make. --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Sustainability doesn't have to come at the expense of fun and with Austin, Texas being a mecca for the natural food industry, there's no shortage of either. Aimy shares her passion for sustainability in business and fostering a community for entrepreneurs and brands with similar ethos. See show notes at - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/aimy-steadman-of-beatbox-and-naturally-austin --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

We've all been learning a lot lately about what we need to eat. But did you know when we eat the nutrition can be as important as what we eat? We'll explore chrononutrition with Paul and learn about the impactful reasons he has dedicated his company to raising awareness for mental health. Show notes here - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/paul-janowitz-of-mantra-labs-talks-chrononutrition-and-mental-health/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

You may be surprised to learn what's really behind 80% of the water problems in the US. In this episode, we dig into the the world's profound water crisis with Sara Evans, founder of Well Aware, an Austin-based nonprofit that implements clean water systems for impoverished communities in East Africa. For show notes, visit https://www.mostlygreen.life/podcasts/sarah-evans-well-aware-water-conservation --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

In this unique series we'll hear inspiring stories of people devoting their lives to sustainability. The first installment is a scientist turned agri-forester. Listen to hear his journey and perspective on reconnecting with nature, how to work on a farm and learn what it's like, and evaluating risk in one's career and life. Show notes can be found here - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/sustainable-stories-inspiring-stories-of-sustainability-pioneers/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

In episode, Jess and Mason do a complete overview on the trio of Household Waste Deep Dive episodes with fact checks, useful information and actionable tips on how to do better by the planet. The United States is 4% of the world's population but produces 12% of the world's waste. By taking small steps, we can collectively narrow this gap and increase our positive impact on the planet. Show Notes - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/household-waste-summary-tips-and-info-on-recycling-and-composting --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

"Did you know that food is the largest single source of landfill waste in the U.S. and more food ends up in landfills than plastic or paper? Listen to learn about ways to help minimize your impact, while also improving the health of your house plants or garden! In this episode, Jeff Paine of Break It Down, the most comprehensive recycling and composting service in Austin, Texas chats all things composting with us. For show notes visit - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/household-waste-deep-dive-the-dirty-truth-about-compost/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Are you curious on ways you can lower your household waste or get more involved at your place of business when it comes to decreasing its carbon footprint? We can all learn something from our guest this week, Stacy Savage, founder and president of Zero Waste Strategies. An active community leader working to affect positive environmental policy and change, Stacy started her company to help businesses reduce their carbon footprint. Visit the show notes for more at https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/going-lower-waste-with-stacy-savage --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Are you confused on what should go in your recycling bin and what shouldn't at times - especially when it comes to the various Amazon packages? Listen to learn some tips on the right way to recycle & find out which metric of recycling Austin tops the nation in! In this episode, Jess and Mason chat with Richie Getter of Balcones Resources, a comprehensive environmental services company that specializes in recovering resources through recycling, document and product destruction, and alternative energy. For show notes, visit https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/richie-getter-of-balcones-resources --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Roy and Ryan Seider's father was a small family business owner who engrained in the brothers “if you can't find what you want, make it.” So that's exactly what they did. In this episode, Jess and Mason sit down with Roy and Ryan, co-founders of YETI, to chat about their founder story, love for fishing and conservation efforts. Listen to learn about how a pivotal new product development that catapulted the brand was also a major win for sustainability. For show notes, visit - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/s1e5-co-founders-of-yeti/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Whole Foods Market, the world's leader in natural and organic foods, grew from 12 stores to over 500 under the leadership of Walter Robb. In this episode, Mason and Jess had the opportunity to connect with Walter about his eco-journey and profound retail success. Something we all struggle with is whether to choose balance over fulfillment or money over it all. Walter shares the path he chose to focus on and some new projects he's really excited about right now. Visit the show notes for more at https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/s1e4-walter-robb/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

The Monterey Bay Aquarium is deeply committed to making a difference on critical ocean conservation issues and continues to make big waves to protect the ocean. The organization's Sustainability and Operations Manager, Claudia Pineda Tibbs, enlightens Jess and Mason on some big topics around ocean plastics, sustainable fishing practices and how social equity can affect sustainability decisions. Listen to learn about a comprehensive program MBA created to help people make better seafood choices for a healthy ocean. See show notes for additional information - https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/s1e3-monterey-bay-aquarium/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

When there's wine, there's a way! Jess and Mason join Dave Schavone, co-founder of RedThumb Wine, a new transparent & natural wine company with a ‘do no harm' approach in their low-intervention winemaking process. What's really in your wine, where and how can you get great wine on the cheap and what's the minimum you should spend on a bottle of wine are just a few questions uncovered in this episode. Check out our show notes at https://mostlygreen.life/podcasts/s1e2-dave-of-red-thumb-wine/ --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

Welcome to A Mostly Green Life podcast! Founded by sustainability nuts Mason Arnold and Jessica Kezar, mostlygreen.life is a new company helping people navigate the crazy world of just trying to do the right thing for the planet. In this episode, the duo shares how their individual eco-journeys got started, what prompted the this new eco-venture and their takeaways from the first few podcast recordings. To learn more, visit www.mostlygreen.life --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message

While we admire and respect our eco-warrior friends who are pushing quite hard on all of us to make better decisions, we think there's a voice missing for those who want to do the right thing but are confused or maybe overwhelmed. To the eco-curious out there who aren't sure how to make sense of it all and who are interested in learning what's the best thing to do in any given eco-dilemma. We want to join you on an eco-journey. From health & wellness topics to at-home sustainability practices, to conservation efforts we can all support, we'll talk to sustainability pioneers, regular people like us trying to do the right thing, and dig into environmental issues without all the politics and polarization. A Mostly Green Life podcast is here to save the day….and the planet! --- Send in a voice message: https://anchor.fm/amostlygreenlife/message