Greenie Guide Podcast

Four Season Foraging teaches people how to safely and sustainability identify and harvest wild edibles. I connected with Maria, the founder of Four Season Foraging, to learn more about the Minneapolis-based company. In the interview, learn more about urban foraging and how to get started foraging in your area. How to start foraging: Follow Four Season Foraging on Instagram and Facebook. Take a foraging class. Maria teaches classes in the Twin Cities, or look for options in your area. Search by your city and the term “foraging” or “foraging class.” Watch Learn Your Land on YouTube. Read Samuel Thayer books. Three books: Nature’s Garden, The Forager’s Harvest, Incredible Wild Edibles. Read the Peterson’s Edible Wild Plants Guide. Look for foraging Facebook Groups to learn about foraging and find foraging opportunities in your area. Live in the Twin Cities? Learn how to get started foraging with this Four Season Foraging blog post. Community gardens are a great place to forage for edible weeds, either by finding in your own plot or by asking plot neighbors if you can pick their weeds. Look for foraging rules for the parks in your city. Example: In Minneapolis parks, you aren’t allowed to forage everything, but you can pick nuts from nut trees. Also, think about contamination where you plan to get your wild edibles. Consider pesticides, and contaminates (such as dogs going to the bathroom!). Forage with caution! Learn about where you can legally forage in Minneapolis on the Four Season Foraging blog. Ask your neighbors if you can forage in their yards. Many people would love to have someone take excess berries or pick dandelions (weeds) for them. Learn more about plantain, what I got to try when I went foraging with Maria. It’s important to spend time in nature, especially if you live in a city. Here are a couple good reads about why nature is important: read this, this, and this. Four Season Foraging Website | Facebook | Instagram | YouTube Photo credit: Greenie Guide Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Rerip is on a mission to keep surfboards out of the landfill. I connected with Meghan, the co-founder of Rerip, to learn more about the organization. In the interview, learn more about Rerip, why it’s important to support zero waste programs, and how to make surfing more sustainable. How to support a more sustainable surfboard industry: Follow Rerip on Instagram and Facebook. Donate your old surfboards to Rerip and give them new life. Learn more about sustainability in the surf industry through Sustainable Surf. Learn more about the Surf Industry Manufacturers Association (SIMA). If you’re in the market for a new surfboard, explore secondhand markets (Rerip and its partners are a good resource!). If you spring for a new surfboard or wetsuit, do a little research to find the most sustainable option. Meghan recommended Firewire Surfboards. Follow surf leaders who care about sustainability. Sustainable Surf has some ambassadors and it’s a good list to start! Commit to one surf location to avoid excessive driving (this will minimize carbon emissions from driving around to find the best spots!). Tell people about the Rerip program so they know where to donate used surfboards. Volunteer with Rerip! Rerip Website | Facebook | Instagram Photo credit: Rerip Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

The Ms. Smarty-PlantsTM program empowers kids to change the world. Through school assemblies, class field trips and special events, the program reaches over 80,000 kids and adults per year. In the interview, learn more about the Ms. Smarty-Plants program, why it’s important to provide nature-based learning for kids, and how to be an earth hero. How to save water: Follow Ms. Smarty-Plants! And visit the Ms. Smarty-Plants website for ideas and resources. Take shorter showers. Reducing your shower time even just a few minutes makes a huge difference in the amount of water used. Turn off the water while you brush your teeth. Even Colgate had a commercial about this. Eat less water-intensive foods. The Water Footprint Calculator has some great info on water-use in the food industry. Google “water saving tips” and find resources for kids and adults. Check the San Diego County Water Authority for rebates, ideas, and more in the San Diego County region. When doing laundry, only do full loads so you don’t waste water. Save your pasta water! Let it cool and water your plants with it. If you use a plastic water bottle and only have a little water left, use on your plants rather than pour down the drain. Then, recycle the bottle. Incorporate water-saving strategies in your landscape. Utilize greywater, as well as create swales, install a water tank, and use rain barrels. For more water harvesting ideas, check out a past Greenie Guide interview about water harvesting. Visit The Water Conservation Garden in San Diego County for ideas. If you have kids in your life, share some of these Ms. Smarty-Plants resources. Embody the Ms. Smarty-Plants attitude and make taking eco-action fun. If you have kids, look up environmental education programs in your area and/or do a Google search for “fun activities” and your topic of interest. If you want to inspire the adults in your life, create fun challenges for yourself and your friends. Challenge ideas: host a zero waste dinner, lead a recycled-materials craft day, or organize a bike ride to the park. Ms. Smarty-Plants Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Photo credit: The Water Conservation Garden Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Lumbercycle is on a mission to create zero waste utilization of trees, meaning the organization aims to ensure that trees cut down in San Diego are used in the best way possible rather than sent to the landfill. I connected with Tom, the President and CEO of Lumbercycle, to learn more about the organization. In the interview, learn more about Lumbercycle, why it’s important to utilize fallen urban trees rather than send to the landfill and how to get involved in this topic. How to learn more about urban trees and support organizations like Lumbercycle: Learn more and follow Lumbercycle on Facebook and Instagram. Think of a community project you can do! Some ideas: park benches, park fences, Little Free Libraries, Scout projects (Boy Scouts and Girls Scouts), and more. Contact Lumbercycle for the wood to make it happen. Urban trees are valuable in so many ways: carbon sequestration, community beautification, cooling effect, etc. Learn more about urban trees by checking out urban tree organizations in your area (see what comes up when you search “urban trees” and your city). Take a woodworking class to become more self-sufficient and understand this topic more. Search “woodworking classes” and your city. If you’re in the San Diego area, check out Palomar College classes. This is where Tom got started. If you need a tree cut down, let your tree service know about Lumbercycle to save trees from the landfill and maybe save a little money too. If you aren’t in San Diego County, see if there are programs in your area. Get outdoors and enjoy nature, especially the trees in your area. Volunteer with Lumbercycle! It’s fun and you can get wood for your own projects in return. Watch the milling process with a few of my Stories from my Lumbercycle visit. Adopt a tree in your city to help support urban trees. Hug a tree…just kidding, but it’d probably be nice. Lumbercycle Website | Facebook | Instagram Photo credit: Greenie Guide Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions and more Blue Dot Sessions

Reclaimed Goodness is a company redefining the meaning of new through use of reclaimed materials. I connected with Maria, the owner of Reclaimed Goodness, to learn more about the company. In the interview, learn more about Reclaimed Goodness, why it’s important to reduce our waste and how to utilize reclaimed materials for your own creative pursuits. How to start using reclaimed materials: Follow Reclaimed Goodness and other companies that utilize reclaimed materials. Take a class with your city or county. Find out what’s available in your area by searching your city or county’s name and the term “environment.” Follow some of the people and organizations Maria loves for zero waste inspiration: I Love A Clean San Diego, FROM (and learn more about FROM in my interview with the company), and Eco Goddess. Go to your local farmer’s markets to find local businesses and artists. Plus, you never know who you’ll connect with! Keep an eye out for the businesses that are sustainable and focused on zero waste or other green initiatives. Utilize Google! Maria found her construction debris recycling class by searching this phrase: “San Diego County Green Initiatives.” Search by different terms to find cool events or classes in your area. Think about what reclaimed materials you can get crafty with. Then, email/call/visit businesses or construction sites and ask if you can use materials that would just get thrown away. Reclaimed Goodness Website | Facebook | Instagram Photo credit: Reclaimed Goodness Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Ethel Studio is a company on a mission to eliminate textile waste. I connected with Maggie, the founder of Ethel Studio, to learn more about the company. In the interview, learn more about Ethel Studio, why textile waste is something we all should focus on and how to support a more sustainable industry. How to support a more sustainable textile industry: Follow Ethel Studio and other companies that utilize rescued textiles in their products. Look up the Sustainable Apparel Coalition and learn more about the entities working to reduce the environmental and social impacts of textile products. Learn more about textiles and the textile industry through Textile Exchange. Read Overdressed about the fast fashion industry and look for other books about ethical and sustainable fashion. Develop an awareness and curiosity for the clothes you currently have and the clothes you buy in the future. Look at the labels and see what they’re made from, start to discover what those materials are and what they mean for the environment, figure out who made the clothes and how transparent the company is, etc. Fashion Revolution is a great resource to learn more about the fashion industry. Buy clothes from thrift stores. Research brands that follow better practices for their workers and for the environment. Support sustainable wellness products. If you need a meditation cushion, get an Ethel Studi meditation cushion. Shop locally. Find sustainable brands. For some ideas to get you started, read this article, this article and this article. I mentioned Krochet Kids in the podcast, so look them up too. Read this article on 9 ways to reduce textile waste from Ethel Studio. Ethel Studio Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Photo credit: Ethel Studio Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Little Free Library is the amazing nonprofit responsible for the world’s largest book-sharing movement (did you know: there are over 80,000 Little Free Library sites around the world!). I connected with Branden, the Community Engagement Director at Little Free Library, to learn more about the organization. In the interview, learn more about Little Free Library, why access to books is so important and how to support the nonprofit. How to support Little Free Library: Learn more about Little Free Library with these videos. Check out the Little Free Library sites in your area. The Little Free Library website has a great map to find locations. Or keep an eye out for them as you walk, bike and drive around. Get inspired by libraries around the world. Little Free Library’s Facebook and Instagram are great places to find cool locations, as well as here, here and here. Use your nearby locations. Find books, share books and tell friends about it. Donate to Little Free Library. Start a Little Free Library for your neighborhood (buying a Little Free Library box is one of the best ways to financially support the organization) Sponsor or help support a Little Free Library for another neighborhood through the Impact Library Program. Talk to your workplace, civic group or city about sponsoring one or multiple libraries for the community. It’s a great way to get the company/organization name out there, spend team building money and give back to the community. Learn more about organizational giving options. Learn more about the Native American Impact Library Program. Join the Action Book Club and start a book club with your family and friends. Check out action projects by current groups for a little inspiration. Little Free Library Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Photo credit: Little Free Library Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

FROM is an incredibly cool company that creates recycled stationery and other goods. I connected with Hillery, the postmaster and creator of FROM, to learn more about the company. In the interview, learn more about FROM, why it’s important to repurpose material and how to get crafty. How to get crafty and use reclaimed materials: Follow FROM on Instagram! Get inspired and get updates on the latest events where you can find Hillery and Al Green in person. Get creative. Find materials in your kitchen or your recycle bin. And don’t be afraid to dumpster dive…recycle bins are much cleaner than trash bins so it’s ok! Shop farmer’s markets for artists and vendors utilizing reclaimed materials. Shop on Etsy. Many shops and individuals sell products made from reclaimed materials. Make your own recycled postcards. Take inspiration from FROM, get the raw material and get crafty! Find the standard postcard size here, measure and cut. Then decorate, write and send. For a postcard tutorials, try this or this. FROM Website | Instagram Photo credit: Leah Lipson Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Each episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. Brook is a water harvester, business owner and educator who helps San Diegans save water in their homes and landscapes. In the interview, learn more about water harvesting and how to save water in your home. How to harvest water (and save water!): Look up Brook’s companies, Catching H20 and H2OME Take a class on water harvesting or get a consultation (if you’re in San Diego, check out Brook’s website) Learn more about water harvesting through Art Ludwig’s website Read Brad Lancaster’s book Rainwater Harvesting for Drylands and check out his website to learn about water harvesting Get involved with Greywater Action to support a sustainable water culture Watch Cycle of Insanity from Surfrider Find water harvesting classes through San Diego Sustainable Living Institute Discover water harvesting basics on the Water Use It Wisely website Take the quiz to find your water footprint (or use this more simple water calculator) Observe how water flows on your property Be mindful of water use around your home and find ways to reduce your use Find ways to use less water. Examples: turn off the faucet when brushing your teeth, take shorter showers, put a bucket in your shower as it’s heating up and use that water in your garden.   Brook and Catching H20/H2OME Website | Facebook | Instagram Photo credit: Catching H20/H2OME Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Each episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. Rachel Breen is an artist and the creator of The Garment Solidarity Project, a project aimed to express solidarity and empathy for garment workers around the world. In the interview, learn more about the Garment Solidarity Project, the garment industry and how to support garment workers around the world. How to support garment workers around the world: Look up Rachel’s work and follow along! Learn more about the Garment Solidarity Project Pick one thing you can do and commit to it for a year Buy more used/secondhand clothes Buy less new clothes Research the clothes you want to buy and look for ethical, fair trade clothing Buy from Pact (they have Pact clothes at Whole Foods too!) Make your clothes last longer by washing them less often and air drying versus using a dryer Support organizations that are helping women workers get unionized. Some of Rachel’s examples: International Labor Rights Forum and Clean Clothes Campaign Learn how to mend clothes Follow Fashion Revolution and take action! Learn more about the Rana Plaza Factory Collapse Learn more through Rachel’s resources on her website   Rachel Breen & the Garment Solidarity Project Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Photo credit: Rachel Breen Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

SanDiego350 is an inclusive volunteer organization working to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice. In the interview, learn more about the organization, community choice energy, and how to support community choice energy in your city. How to support community choice energy: Follow SanDiego350. Subscribe to their newsletter and follow on social media (links below). Learn more about community choice energy and see if community choice aggregation exists in your state: LEAN Energy US. Visit CalCCA to learn more about community choice in California. Search “community choice energy” and your city/state to see what local groups are working toward this option. Contact your mayor, county supervisor or city council – let them know you’re interested in community choice energy for your community. Partner with local environmental groups and advocate for community choice energy. SanDiego350 is a great example. If you need help finding a group in your area, contact me and I’ll help with the search! This Minnesota community energy scorecard talks about the differences between CCA and monopoly utility control. Check out the ILSR community power scorecard for 2018. Read an old, but helpful, post about Community Choice from Climate Action Campaign.   SanDiego350 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Photo credit: SanDiego350 Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Each episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. SanDiego350 is an inclusive volunteer organization working to prevent the worst impacts of climate change and climate injustice. In the interview, learn more about the organization, community choice energy, and how to support community choice energy in your city. How to support community choice energy: Follow SanDiego350. Subscribe to their newsletter and follow on social media (links below). Learn more about community choice energy and see if community choice aggregation exists in your state: LEAN Energy US. Visit CalCCA to learn more about community choice in California. Search “community choice energy” and your city/state to see what local groups are working toward this option. Contact your mayor, county supervisor or city council – let them know you’re interested in community choice energy for your community. Partner with local environmental groups and advocate for community choice energy. SanDiego350 is a great example. If you need help finding a group in your area, contact me and I’ll help with the search! This Minnesota community energy scorecard talks about the differences between CCA and monopoly utility control. Check out the ILSR community power scorecard for 2018. Read an old, but helpful, post about Community Choice from Climate Action Campaign.   SanDiego350 Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Photo credit: SanDiego350 Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Each episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. Queer Science creates events and opportunities for LGBTQ high school students to learn about STEM fields and aims to inspire more students to pursue science careers. In the interview, learn more about the program and a few ways to get involved and take action. How to support Queer Science and getting more LGBTQ students into science fields: Share Queer Science events with Minnesota high school students and parents. If you are a queer scientist, start our own chapter and make a difference for students in your area. Look up and get involved with national organizations like OSTEM and NOGLSTP. Share the program on social media (Sample Tweet: Just found out about a great program called Queer Science on the @greenieguide podcast. I LOVE what they’re doing. If you know any high school students in MN, pass along the info: http://queerscience.umn.edu)   Queer Science Website | Facebook Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

This is a special episode of the Greenie Guide Podcast. I’ll get back into regular interview episodes soon, but wanted to share some voter resources in a special solo episode. We have an important election coming up next week, and we all need to get out there and vote. In this episode, I lay out a few ways to make the voting experience easier and more fun, whether it’s getting to the polls or knowing who to cast your vote for. Let’s all make a pact to vote together next week, whether it’s our first time voting or our twentieth. Resources to Learn Who to Vote For ACLU Quiz to help you determine candidates who will stand up for civil rights (usually a pretty good bet they will be pro-climate. Utilize Ballot Ready to learn about candidates and referendums. Learn more about your US Senate and US House candidates and their commitment to climate with their climate score from Vote Climate US PAC. What organizations do you follow that align with your political priorities? Many organizations endorse candidates who are committed to their mission, and this is a super easy way to figure out who to vote for based on values. Check out ACLU, Sierra Club, local LGBTQ organizations, Indivisible, 350action.org, and more for endorsements. Check a sample ballot ahead of time. Browse your state’s Secretary of State website for sample ballots and other resources. You will be depressed by these numbers…I was. How can the majority of our representatives be climate deniers when that does NOT represent the majority of Americans? Depressing, but it should motivate us to VOTE THEM OUT.   Ballots Related to Climate Around the Country Share these articles with family and friends in states with important climate-related ballot measures: Bike-related ballots up for vote, including in California, Colorado, Florida and Rhode Island. Big environmental initiatives across the country. Five big energy and environment related ballot items. Major environmental measures for 2018. Carbon tax on the ballot in Washington state…tell anyone you know in WA to pass it!   Make Voting Easier Find your polling place and map it out now (or use the US government’s main site). Vote early! Most states have early voting. Check for details here. You can also look on your state website for voting info. Spend 20 minutes looking up and writing down who and what you’re voting for. Make a date of it by grabbing coffee at a local shop and looking things up with a partner, friend, or family member. Write down who/what you are voting for, either on your phone or a piece of paper. There are many candidates, categories, and ballot measures. It’s much easier to write things down then have to remember them all! Plan out when you are voting and add to your calendar now. If you can, meet family or friends with the same polling location to vote together. You’ll have more fun waiting and you’ll help one another stay accountable. Reward yourself for voting! You deserve it. Treat yo’ self with a coffee, smoothie, or treat. Seriously, sometimes we need a little external reward for doing the right thing. Get to the polls! A bunch of companies are offering free or discounted transportation on 11/6 to help make voting as easy as possible: Motivate will offer free bike share rides in the Bay area, Boston-metro, Chicago, Columbus, Jersey City, NYC, Portland, Minneapolis, and DC (For free day pass coupon code, check here) Lyft’s offering 50% promo codes and free rides Uber’s offering a $10 off ride Lime is offering two free rides LA Metro will provide free rides on all Metro buses and trains   Extra Credit Volunteer. I signed up for a phonebank shift with my local 350.org chapter. Encourage family and friends to vote. Post on social media, meet for coffee and talk about candidates, or text! Other nonpartisan ways to get involved from The Climate Reality Project.   Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Listen to the latest sustainable travel segment I do for the Sustainable Living Podcast. In this episode, learn more about camping with HipCamp. Hipcamp is a great sustainable travel option, because it allows you to explore the great outdoors by renting camping spots from landowners across the US (like an Airbnb but with campsites!). Alyssa, the founder and CEO of Hipcamp, joined me for the segment. Learn more about Hipcamp: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Learn more about the Sustainable Living Podcast: Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Steemit Photo credit: Hipcamp and Madison K. at Paradise Shores Camp

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Every episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. Blue Ocean Society is a marine conservation organization dedicated to protecting marine life in the Gulf of Maine. In the interview, learn more about this great organization, its cool educational programs, and a few ways to take action for the ocean and marine life. How to support marine life and healthy oceans: Join in on an event with Blue Ocean Society. Reduce your use of single use plastics, like plastic bags, plastic water bottles, and plastic cups. Skip the straw. See Blue Ocean Society’s Skip the Straw Project for inspiration. Support organizations like Blue Ocean Society by donating and/or volunteering (remember, you can do both even if you don’t live on the coast!). Understand where your seafood is coming from. Monterey Bay Aquarium’s Seafood Watch is the place to start. Buy local when possible, since the shipping industry causes damage to ocean health in many different ways. Adopt a whale from Blue Ocean Society. It’s a great way to learn, have some fun, support Blue Ocean Society, and all for only $30! Watch Sonic Sea or screen a showing in your area.   Blue Ocean Society Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Every episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. For this episode, get inspired by an individual taking action for the climate! I chatted with my friend Brian Ettling. He was my mentor at the Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training and he’s incredibly knowledgeable on climate action. In the interview, learn more about one person making a difference and learn a few ways to get involved and take action. How to take action for the climate: Talk about climate change with friends, family, and coworkers. Vote! Vote in November, but also vote for midterm elections! Call your reps and let them know a healthy environment is a priority for you and your city. Sign up for a Climate Reality Leadership Corps Training and learn how to talk about climate change. Follow Brian on Twitter! He shares a lot of interesting climate news, articles and action steps. He’s also the Climate Change Comedian. Brian mentioned a few great organizations working on climate action. They’re great resources for getting involved and taking action: Citizens’ Climate Lobby 350.org Beyond Coal (Sierra Club) The Climate Reality Project Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Listen to a special monthly sustainable travel segment I do for the Sustainable Living Podcast. In this episode, learn more about outdoor gear rental. Gear rental is a great, sustainable travel option for camping and other outdoor sports. Rachelle and Ross, owners of Coozie Gear, joined me for the segment. Learn more about Coozie Gear Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Learn more about the Sustainable Living Podcast Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Steemit

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Every episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. ElectroMotiveLA is an awesome resource to browse, learn, and fall in love with electric vehicles. In the interview, learn more about the EV resource, why electric vehicles are important, and how to support getting more EVs on the road. How to support electric vehicles: Learn about them. ElectroMotiveLA is a great resource. Take an EV quiz and discover your perfect EV match. Talk about them with friends, family, and coworkers. When you’re in need of a new ride, consider buying an EV. Vote for people who support clean energy and healthy communities. Rent an EV or Hybrid. When you need to rent a car, rent (or request!) EVs or Hybrids (Hertz already has a program in place, for example). With more demand, rental companies will look to fill that demand with more options.   ElectroMotiveLA Website | Instagram | Twitter Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Every episode, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. Bootstrap Compost is a food scrap pickup service in the Boston area serving residential and commercial clients. In the interview, learn more about the cool composting company, why it’s important to care about compost, and how to prevent food waste from ending up in the landfill. How to find a compost pick up or compost programs in your area: Google! Search “composting” or “compost pick up” and your city. Visit your city, county or public works website for environmental programs. Many areas have classes, discounted compost bin programs, and more. Do a search for free composting classes in your area. Ask friends and family if they know of any composting programs in your area. See if your city/county offers an organics recycling program by checking its website. If it doesn’t, contact and tell them how much you’d love them to start an organics recycling program for residents. Other great ways to learn more about preventing food waste and composting: Save the Food is a great resource for food waste prevention ideas Bootstrap’s blog! Build your own compost bin with some of these ideas fromBackyard Growers Create your own vermicompost bin Look for composting classes or programs in your area Learn more about composting through Solana Center of Environmental Innovation’s guide   Bootstrap Compost Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter | YouTube Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

Special monthly sustainable travel segment I do for the Sustainable Living Podcast. In this episode, learn more about bike share programs. Bike share programs are a wonderful way to explore at home and while traveling. Nice Ride Minnesota’s Marketing and Events Coordinator, Michele Molstead, joined me for the segment. This monthly segment will revolve around sustainable travel. A big passion of mine is exploring and as a greenie, I also try to be very mindful about what I choose to do. Travel is one of the biggest contributors to our climate issues, but most of us still do it, whether for work, pleasure or things like visiting family. Travel can be very powerful and important—we develop a greater understanding and resolve for caring for our planet and we gain critical understanding of others (which is definitely important nowadays). Through my monthly segment on the Sustainable Living Podcast, I’ll be focusing on sustainable travel, both at home and in our travels Learn more about Nice Ride Minnesota Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram Learn more about the Sustainable Living Podcast Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Steemit Music credit: Dot Wiggin Band

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact for our environment. Every week, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and we’ll share resources to take action. Today, learn more about Alexis and Only Losers Litter. Only Losers Litter is a trash cleanup campaign in San Diego County. They do monthly community clean up walks and make taking care of their community fun and engaging. In the interview, learn more about a cool community cleanup group, why it’s important to keep our neighborhoods litter free, and how to take action. How to find a community cleanup event or group in your area: Google! Search “community cleanup” or “cleanup event” and your city. Talk to your local park or neighborhood associations. If you’re in San Diego County and inspired by Alexis, get out to one of their monthly cleanups. Links below. Ask friends and family if they know of any cleanup events. Start your own! Plan a cleanup with friends or invite your neighbors for a neighborhood cleanup. Other great ways to keep your neighborhood trash-free: Pick up trash on a walk. If you see a soda can or water bottle near a curb, recycle it. Encourage neighbors to pick up after their dogs. Not only is it gross to see and smell, it also ends up in our storm drains and goes directly to our oceans. Start a weekly/monthly social group to pick up litter in the neighborhood and go out for a coffee/drink after.   Only Losers Litter Website | Facebook | Instagram | Twitter Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact through big and small actions. Every week, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and share resources to take action. Today, learn more about Marianne West and the Sustainable Living Podcast. Marianne is the host of the Sustainable Living Podcast, a podcast about sustainable living with topics such as homesteading, permaculture and tiny homes. She’s also an urban farmer, co-founder of a newly created sustainability center in San Diego (link here), and a mother and grandmother. She’s so knowledgeable on all things sustainability and her passion comes through whenever you hear her speak. In the interview, learn more about sustainable living, what made Marianne start her podcast, and how to take action this week to live more sustainably. Simple changes to live a more sustainable life: Evaluate what disposable plastic items you use and make a list of 5 things you can stop using. Listen to the Sustainable Living Podcast. Eliminate single-use plastics and use more reusables, such as reusable straw. Be mindful of waste when going out to eat. Bring your own to-go bag, bring a reusable container for sauces, and carry a cloth napkin. Always have a reusable coffee cup. Get a spork and put it in your purse/car/jacket pocket.   Sustainable Living Podcast Website | Facebook | Twitter | Instagram | Steemit Marianne’s other project: Marianne’s Steemit Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions

There are so many ways people are making a positive impact through big and small actions. Every week, we’ll talk to someone new doing great things for their communities and share resources to take action if the topic or story resonates with you. Today, learn about Growing Lots Urban Farm. Growing Lots Urban Farm is an urban farm in Minneapolis, Minnesota. The farm occupies three previously vacant lots in South Minneapolis, producing veggies and creating a healthy food system for the community. Their CSA program is awesome. CSA members pick up and pack up their own produce shares every week at the farm, allowing lots of face time between the farm and the community. Growing Lots partners with other producers to offer shares of items like flowers, bread, and cheese. Plus, they divert organic waste from the landfill by utilizing organic waste from local companies and producing compost for the farm. I met the two owners, Taya and Seamus, at a local coffee shop to learn more about the urban farm. In this episode, learn more about Growing Lots, why the owners got involved with the urban farm, and how to get involved and support urban farms in your community. How to find a urban farm or community garden in your community: Google (search for urban farms or CSA programs in your city) Explore your neighborhood and don’t be afraid to say hi if you see an interesting urban agriculture project or group Search “community garden” and your city (many cities/communities have community garden listings through nonprofits, Master Gardener programs, and more) Ask friends and family for ideas Great ways to support urban farms Visit and buy from local farmers/producers at farmer’s markets Join a CSA Go to events at local farms Buy, eat and support local food Volunteer at a local farm or garden Visit restaurants that support local producers Join a work share program Share with your friends–swap recipes, talk about how much you love your CSA program, meet up at a farmer’s market for a morning date Growing Lots Urban Farm Website | Facebook | Instagram | Pinterest   Podcast music credit: Blue Dot Sessions