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Explore every episode of the podcast Forces for Nature

Dive into the complete episode list for Forces for Nature. Each episode is cataloged with detailed descriptions, making it easy to find and explore specific topics. Keep track of all episodes from your favorite podcast and never miss a moment of insightful content.

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TitlePub. DateDuration
Connecting at EarthX with the Conservation Connection Podcast, Ep. 8103 Sep 202400:30:40

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

In this special episode recorded live at the EarthX Conference, Crystal sits down with Chance and Sarah Katheryn Ruder from the Conservation Connection Podcast. They discuss the power of collaboration in conservation, the importance of bringing diverse perspectives together to address sustainability challenges, and share insights from their on-the-ground experiences in nature education and science communication. You get to hear about some of the exciting guests they interviewed while at EarthX - including oceanographer Dr. Sylvia Earle- and Crystal teases an exciting new development coming soon for the show. Tune in for this behind-the-scenes look at what it’s like at the bustling EarthX Conference!

We're now on YouTube! If you want to watch this episode, head on over to the Forces for Nature YouTube Channel!



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Bridging Divides for a Sustainable Future at EarthX with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep8020 Aug 202400:08:05

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

This new season of the Forces for Nature podcast is a special one! All interviews were done on location at the EarthX Congress of Conferences, an event dedicated to fostering sustainability and environmental action. Initially, though, I was hesitant about attending due to its surprising mix of sponsors and speakers, many of whom you would never expect to see at a conference about protecting the Earth. However, I chose to go with an open mind, ready to challenge greenwashing if I saw it and explore genuine intentions when present. 

 To my delight, EarthX was a melting pot of ideas and collaborations, uniting individuals from various backgrounds, including energy companies, environmental activists, and political figures, all driven by a shared passion for conservation.

The experience was eye-opening and underscored the importance of including all stakeholders in our environmental discussions to create lasting solutions. This episode marks the beginning of a season filled with enlightening conversations and my personal reflections on navigating this complex but crucial path toward sustainability. Tune in to hear about my most vulnerable and educational journey yet, and let's discuss how we can all contribute to a healthier planet.

We're now on YouTube! If you want to watch this episode, head on over to the Forces for Nature YouTube Channel!



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Defending our Health from Plastic Contamination with Dr. Roopa Krithivasan, Ep. 7129 Jan 202400:25:33

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

We all know that plastics have become a problem, but there's even more to it than the litter you see thrown on the ground. Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is the Director of Research for Defend Our Health, an environmental health and justice organization. They recently released a report titled Hidden Hazards: The Chemical Footprint of a Plastic Bottle which tracks the impact of plastic bottles on human health and climate change. Turns out, we can experience the hazards of our plastic use well before the items even end up in our homes- and afterward.


Highlights

  • What's the untold story about plastics?
  • What do we need to consider regarding our summer backyard activities?
  • Why is recycling not the answer like we thought?

 
What YOU Can Do

  • Look for refillable options for the items that you buy. And use a refillable water bottle.
  • Buy versions of items with minimal packaging (do you really need that cucumber that's wrapped in plastic?).
  • Don’t recycle canisters unless you fully rinse them out (ESPECIALLY bottles that contain chemicals or detergents).
  • Use laundry sheets instead of bottles of detergent (less plastic use).
  • Buy secondhand (to avoid having raw plastic needing to be made).
  • Call out companies on social media.
  • Write letters or sign petitions to companies and governments about reducing single-use plastics and plastic contamination.

Resources

  • Sign Defend Our Health's petition asking Coca-Cola to clean up its plastic.
  • Defend Our Health's website
  • Learn about plastic alternative, Notpla, with this episode of The Healthy Seas Podcast (Crystal is the host of that show too!)
  • In the show's outro, I mentioned my Action for Climate education program. If you know of a school who may want to empower its students with actions that experts are saying are the most impactful at reducing our carbon footprints, then let's connect!

*Since the taping of this episode, Dr. Roopa Krithivasan is no longer the Director of Research for Defend Our Health.



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Unveiling the Shocking Secrets of Pesticides with Elizabeth Hilborn, Ep7007 Jan 202400:42:00

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

First, the tadpoles and frogs disappeared; then the bats and the songbirds left. Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn, a honey bee veterinarian and environmental health scientist, soon realized the bees—the vital pollinators of fruits, plants, and vegetables—were dying. Everything went still and silent. In 2017, after a large flood, most of the teeming life on her beloved family farm in North Carolina had vanished in a matter of weeks. As a scientist and a naturalist, Hilborn set about to get answers and shares her story in her riveting book, Restoring Eden, and in this episode.

No matter where you live- even if it's a city far from farmland- if you drink water and eat food, you are going to want to listen to this episode.

Highlights

  • The alarming findings about pesticides, particularly Roundup and neonicotinoids, on the environment, wildlife, and human health.
  • Why some pesticides cannot be washed off.
  • Strategies for individuals to minimize exposure to harmful pesticides and support a healthier ecosystem.

What YOU Can Do

  • Get in the know by buying her book, Restoring Eden
  • Support local agriculture, agroecology,  regenerative agriculture, and organic agricultural practices in the food you buy, when possible.
  • Mow less and plant native flowers (grown from uncoated seed) to support wild pollinators.
  • Leaving soil undisturbed and leaving leaves when they fall are ways to support our beneficial insects.
  • The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting comments about treated seed. Leave a comment in support of regulations. (find other petitions to sign once this comment period is over or create your own)

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

The Surprising Benefits of Beavers with Alison Zak, Ep6916 Dec 202300:25:30

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

The recent COP28 climate change conference concluded with mixed feelings from many stakeholders. Despite this, a noteworthy optimistic takeaway was the emphasis by top scientists on the urgent need to prioritize the protection and restoration of wild ecosystems within global climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of biodiversity conservation.

 Alison Zak from the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund champions the crucial role of beavers in mitigating the effects of climate change. Her advocacy aims to enhance the acceptance and appreciation of beavers, recognizing the enormous benefits they bring to an area- for people and other species.

 
Highlights

  • How are beavers important to other species, including many endangered ones?
  • What do beavers and climate change have to do with one another?
  • How can humans coexist with these animals on their property?

 

What YOU Can Do

  • Learn more about beavers. Apps like iNaturalist and iBeaver are great places to start.
  • Talk to others about their benefits and about the ways to, more conveniently, coexist with them.
  • Visit their habitat. This can help you to grow an appreciation for what they are capable of doing.
  • Donate to the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund

 
Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

The Ongoing Story of the Youth Who Sued The US Government Over Climate Change with Elizabeth Rusch, Ep.6827 Nov 202300:27:04

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

What happens when you have a constitutional right that's being violated but you're too young to vote for the constituents who might fix it? These kids asked the courts to step in.

Today's guest, author Elizabeth Rusch, has captured this gripping story in her latest book, The Twenty-One. We dive into how, in 2015, twenty-one young Americans, ages 8-19, filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government. In this ongoing landmark case, Juliana VS. United States, the plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change and, therefore, violating the young generation’s Fifth Amendment rights. They insist that having life, liberty, and property are intrinsically linked to a stable climate. Many legal experts initially thought the case wouldn't go anywhere, however, over the past eight years it has become a potential legal game-changer for our environmental future. 

If you're a fan of the underdog giving "the big guys" a run for their money, you won't want to miss this episode.

Elizabeth Rusch is also the author of You Call This Democracy?, a finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and more than a dozen acclaimed children’s books, including picture books, middle-grade, fiction, nonfiction, and a graphic novel. In a starred review, Kirkus calls her book, THE TWENTY-ONE, “a nail-biting account of a still unresolved landmark case”. 

Highlights

  • How a small-town lawyer created a case that could have global repercussions.
  • What evidence do the plaintiffs have that their rights, and yours, are being violated?
  • How does the recently successful case of Held v. Montana compare to this one and can it help?

What YOU Can Do

Resources 



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Empowering our Students with Climate Education in New Jersey Schools with Tammy Murphy, Ep6706 Nov 202300:26:48

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

As the world makes strides toward a green economy, the U.S. State of New Jersey is determined to be a leader in the movement. And, the First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, is ensuring that citizens are prepared. She has spearheaded the initiative of integrating climate change into school curriculum. New Jersey is now the first State to require the topic be taught across all disciplines in the K-12 grade levels. With the consequences of global warming affecting us all, there's no better time to ensure that students understand the complexities of this issue. By providing them with the knowledge of how and why things are happening, students will be better equipped to tackle the challenges they will face and succeed in the opportunities being created to address them.

 Highlights

  • How did she do it?
  • What does it look like in classrooms?
  • How can other schools and States do the same?
What YOU Can Do

  • Talk about what New Jersey is doing with others and encourage your local schools to do the same. They can find help from the resources below.
Resources 

To learn more about the Action for Climate School Program that I mentioned at the end of the episode, send me a message at crystal@forcesfornature.com, and let's chat!



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

66. Empowering Future Wildlife Conservation Leaders with Nina Fascione & Jeff Flocken25 Sep 202300:28:32

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

**This episode first aired in October 2021. Listen to an update from Nina at 26: 27 about the next round of EWCL open to applicants now.

The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. Building a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge. However, as happens in many other professions, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and often does not fully cover the wide range of challenges and opportunities that individuals will face in the real world. Recognizing this gap, Nina Fascione (Exec. Director, International Rhino Foundation) and Jeffrey Flocken (President, Humane Society International), created the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program in 2005 to afford early-career wildlife conservationists an opportunity to become better-rounded professionals. Through EWCL, participants in the program are equipped with a gamut of skills, techniques, and approaches to wildlife conservation, and are connected to an extensive network of peers worldwide. We talk about the program, its evolution, and the future, diving into some very amusing stories of how EWCL came to be and continues to change people's lives straight from the start.

Highlights

  • The borderline nutty dedication to getting EWCL off the ground. ;)
  • What kinds of impacts has EWCL had throughout the world?
  • How can someone become a part of this fantastic network?


What YOU Can Do

If you're an early career conservationist, apply to join the next EWCL class! Tell them Forces for Nature sent you! Applications will be accepted from October 1st-31st of 2023.

Resources 

 




Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

65. Advocating for Environmental Justice in the Ecuadorian Rainforest with Julio Prieto UPDATED09 Sep 202300:27:08

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

**This episode originally aired in May 2021. You can find an update from Julio at 24:19.

Today's guest is Julio Prieto. He's an Ecuadorian lawyer working with the Union of People Affected by Texaco, the organization otherwise known as UDAPT. He has been a key player in one of the most well-known battles for environmental justice- the case of Ecuador vs. Chevron-Texaco. After 20 years of litigation, Julio's team won the case that found Chevron to be guilty of egregious pollution and irresponsibility in the Ecuadorian rainforest. However, 10 years later, he is still fighting for the settlement that would benefit the tens of thousands impacted. We talk about his lessons learned, his most recent victory, and why, despite the impossible odds, he will never give up.

Highlights

  • What were the allegations brought against Chevron-Texaco?
  • What happened after they were found guilty?
  • His most recent victory was a case brought by nine indigenous girls. What did that involve?
  • Advice he shared if you find that an existing or proposed project in your community raises environmental, social, or animal welfare concerns.

What YOU Can Do

  •  Join Julio and his team by using #antichevron and #beyondchevron in your social media posts in order to bring more visibility to the issue. 
  • In the episode, Julio mentioned how a community in Richmond, California is also fighting against Chevron. He has asked that we support their efforts as well in order to decommission the refinery there. You can do so by writing support letters to officials and/or to editors and posting on social media to increase the case's visibility. You can learn more about these efforts on their website.

Resources

 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

64. Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher Barnard28 Aug 202300:43:57

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

*This episode first aired in April 2021 and Chris's title mentioned in the show has changed since.

Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the VP of External Affairs of The American Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more voices to the table. We talk about how these issues shouldn't be political, how you can find allies across the political spectrum, and which solutions may satisfy all.

Highlights

  • How have conservatives, at least stereotypically, come to be labeled as anti-environment or even anti-science?
  • What does Chris think is missing from the current environmental conversation?
  • What kind of work has his organization done to bridge the political divide on climate change and other environmental matters?

What YOU Can Do

  • Decide to be pro-environment over pro-X political party.
  • Have healthy discussions with others who may not necessarily share your political views. As long as your end goal is the same regarding protecting the environment, discussion and compromise can move us so much further, together.
  • Have an open mind to solutions you may have disregarded before.
  • Educate yourself. Chris, for example, recommends resources such as the Market Environmentalism Academy.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

63. Protecting the World's Penguins with Pablo Borboroglu14 Aug 202300:34:08

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

**This episode first aired in April 2020. **

When Pablo Borboroglu released his first rehabilitated penguin back into the wild 30 years ago, he saw the ability that one person has to make a difference. Holding steadfast to this belief, he has since become one of the greatest voices for these animals. And, facing threats both on land and in water, they need it. Through the Global Penguin Society, Pablo uses scientific research to help guide conservation actions that have not only protected penguins but have also benefitted many other species that they live among as well as local communities. His enthusiasm for this work is palatable and he uses it to inspire thousands of people to become stewards for these animals too. Pablo is a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Whitley Gold Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, and various other accolades. Though, what’s even more impressive, is all that penguins have gained because of him.

Highlights from our talk:

1:51) Some surprising penguin facts

4:28) Threats on land and in the water

11:14) Illegal trafficking of penguins

12:41) Why does Pablo feel like he has the power to make change

19:34) How has he dealt with pushback from local communities against his conservation actions

25:52) How he has overcome feeling discouraged at times

31:12) What's his biggest challenge now

What YOU can do to help penguins:

  • Take an ecotourism trip to see penguins. This helps local communities economically benefit from the presence of these animals and support their preservation.
  • Be a citizen scientist from your own home! Help scientists know when there changes in population, survival, and breeding through participating in Penguin Watch.
  • Pablo has seen a huge uptick in the presence of plastic in penguin habitats that comes from near and far. Help by decreasing your use of single-use plastic and recycling.
  • From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, try your best to make sure its origin and end are both sustainable.
  • Microplastics are increasingly becoming a problem as they make their way up the marine food chain. Help decrease the microplastics that escape from your laundry by using a Guppy Friend.
  • Help Pablo and the Global Penguin Society accomplish their work with a donation (through the Wildlife Conservation Network).

Mentioned in the Episode:

El Pedral Wildlife Refuge

Punta Tombo

Patagonia Azul

Oceans on the UN's Sustainable Development Goals



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

62. Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Nicole Lindsey & Timothy Paule31 Jul 202300:33:00

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

**This episode first aired in June 2021. You can find the updated clip from Timothy and Nicole at 30:35**

Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey saw an opportunity in this crisis to make a two-fold impact. They created Detroit Hives which not only works to protect these vital animals but also to revitalize the city they call home.

Highlights

  • What's happening to bees and why is this actually not an issue in Detroit?
  • How is Detroit Hives protecting bees and helping communities?
  • How do you convince city developers to consider pollinators in their plans? And city residents to accept them?
  • Why must we protect all bees, not just the honeybee?

What YOU Can Do

  • Plant a bee-friendly garden. Your local plant nursery could help inform you as to what are the best native flowers to have. Even a flower box outside of your apartment window is effective.
  • Provide a water source (a shallow dish with small rocks above the waterline)
  • Use little to no chemicals on your lawn and garden.
  • If you have a swarm at your home, call a local beekeeper to safely take care of it instead of an exterminator.
  • Volunteering with an eco-oriented organization or beekeeper.
  • Have a honeybee hive mindset in that everyone does their own specialized part in bettering the world.
  • Help support Detroit Hives through a donation or purchasing some of their products.
  • Engage with them on social
  • If you liked this episode and want to learn more on how you can make your lawn pollinator-friendly, check out Episode 26 with Dave Mizejewski.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Experiencing the Success Stories of Rwanda with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.7902 Jul 202400:31:23

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Did you ever travel somewhere that left a deep impression on you? Join Crystal DiMiceli as she reflects on her recent adventure to Rwanda, where she fulfilled her dream of seeing gorillas. Turns out, they weren't the only things that left her speechless.

Highlights

  • The incredible influence of Dian Fossey.
  • Recovering wildlife populations in the country's national parks.
  • The country's resilient community spirit after a turbulent past.

If you're looking for a story that combines travel, wildlife, and a touch of inspiration, this one's for you.

If you can't get enough of gorillas, listen to this past episode (episode 25) about gorillas in Uganda with Dr. Gladys Kalema-Zikusoka: https://chtbl.com/track/DEB9GF/www.buzzsprout.com/774236/7861105-ep25-protecting-gorillas-through-human-health-with-dr-gladys-kalema-zikusoka.mp3?download=true

 



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

61. Recycling to Keep Our Seas Trash Free with Ryan Hickman16 Jul 202300:24:11

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

**This episode first aired in June 2020. You can find the updated clip from Ryan at 21:00**

Did you know that only 10% of all plastic that's ever been produced has been recycled?!* And that just 60% of communities in the U.S. have access to curbside recycling pick-up?** Our waste is a huge problem but, today's guest, Ryan Hickman, is determined to be part of the solution. At just 12 years old (yes, you read that right!), he's CEO of his own company, Ryan's Recycling. He joins us today with his dad, Damion, and helps to demystify the confusion that recycling can sometimes cause.


Highlights from our talk:

  • (1:54) How does Ryan's Recycling work?
  • (2:43) You'll never guess how many customers he has!
  • (4:26) Nor how much he has recycled so far...
  • (6:28) Lightning round of 5 items and their recyclability
  • (12:49) What happens to the items you recycle?
  • (15:11) In addition to saving up for a garbage truck, Ryan also donates some of his profits to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. His favorite animal there was Heartbreaker. <3
  • (17:02) Why does Ryan feel like he can make a difference?

How YOU can do recycling right:

  • Glass, steel, and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. Try to choose these items over plastic.
  • Recycling codes for plastic #1 (hard) and #2 are the most widely accepted.
  • Plastic #1 (soft), #4, #5 some centers will accept these.
  • Plastic #3, #6, #7 most centers cannot take these but do check.
  • Pizza Boxes- You can recycle the clean lid, but compost or throw out the bottom part that has the grease.
  • Takeaway Soda or Coffee Cups- Despite being paper on the outside, they have a plastic waterproof lining on the inside. This makes them non-recyclable. As for their lids, they tend to be #6 plastic and very few centers will accept them. However, the cardboard slip used to protect you from the heat can be recycled!
  • Plastic Bags- most curbside programs won't accept plastic bags because they can damage the machines. However, many grocery stores have recycling programs for them so drop them off on your next grocery run.
  • Peanut butter jars- This is a lesson about how important it is to clean out the items before you throw them in the bin. Although the jar may be recyclable, if it isn't cleaned, it will be thrown out. Worse, it may cause the whole batch to be thrown out!

** You can find more suggestions in the show notes on the episode's webpage!

As per Ryan, "When in doubt, throw it out."  Each municipality is different and some take more items and, some, less. A quick online search will find their number for you to call and get clarification from them.

*https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/
**



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

60. Forces for Nature Season 3 Wrap-Up and Updates with Crystal DiMiceli28 Jun 202300:12:26

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Whoohoo! Sixty episodes in! This seems like a good time to take a step back and introduce to new listeners some of Forces for Nature's older episodes. So, the season break to follow won't be a break, per se, because you'll keep seeing episodes be published. But, they will be some favorites from Seasons 1 and 2, many with bonus updates from the guests! 

If you have a favorite that you loved and would like to hear their "where are they now" update, let me know!

I had two asks in this episode. Here they are again:

1) Check out my other show, The Healthy Seas Podcast, right here on this podcasting app that you're using. And, if it's of interest to you, please subscribe and rate it!

2) Let me know what subjects or who you would like to hear from for Season 4. You can send me a DM on social media or an email to crystal@forcesfornature.com.

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/becoming.forces.for.nature/

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

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/crystal-dimiceli-4705218/



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

59. How to Spot Abusive Animal Situations on Social Media & Live Interactions with Devon Schowe05 Jun 202300:27:44

Send Crystal a text letting her know what you thought about the show!

Have you had wild animal photo opportunities while on vacation? Have you "liked" cute exotic animal videos on social? Are you dying for an opportunity to hold a baby monkey? If so, you may unintentionally be fueling a dark industry and promoting animal abuse.

Devan Schowe is the campaigns director for Born Free USA, an organization that works to ensure that all wild animals, whether living in captivity or in the wild, are treated with compassion and respect and are able to live their lives according to their needs. Devon works to increase public awareness of pertinent wildlife conservation issues and works to change legislation regarding practices that harm wild animals kept in captivity for exploitative purposes. If you want to know how to avoid supporting these dangerous practices unknowingly, this episode is for you!


Highlights

  • How can "liking" a video on social media endanger wildlife?
  • Why are seemingly innocent animal photo ops, not so innocent?
  • The Big Cat Public Safety Act has passed! What does this mean?

What YOU Can Do

  • Do not visit or in any way support places that exploit wild animals in the ways talked about.
  • Report any abusive online content you see on the website or platform.
  • Petition social media outlets to modify their definition of harmful animal content, um, to reflect a definition that is more in line with wild animal welfare.
  • Don't view like, comment, save, post or share the content. Even dislikes or quoting angry reactions or comments will add to the overall popularity. So restraining from doing that even if you want to.
  • Respectfully educate others.

Resources



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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

58: Following the Path of the Panther and Bringing Hope for a Wild Florida with Carlton Ward Jr.15 May 202300:43:52

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Driven to near extinction in the eastern United States, the Florida panther was able to escape complete persecution by disappearing into the untamed wilderness of the Everglades. However, for its long-term survival, they need more than just a small pocket of land at the bottom of the State. Carlton Ward Jr., a National Geographic Explorer, and photographer, has spent almost two decades advocating for the conservation of the vital acres of land and water that this, and so many other species, need to survive- including humans. With over 1000 people moving to the State per day, development is quickly closing in on the remaining natural lands, threatening the animals, and even the ranchers, who have called the area home for generations.

 Highlights

  • We talk about Carlton's 2,000-mile-long trek, over two expeditions, through the heart of Florida to illustrate the natural corridors wildlife need to migrate.
  • How his storytelling of the panther helped lead to the passing of the Florida Wildlife Corridor Act in 2021 (with full bipartisan support!)
  • Why two unlikely stakeholders- panthers and cattle ranchers - need one another to survive?
  • How can we balance the need for economic development with the need to protect natural habitats and ecosystems?

What YOU Can Do

  • Take various actions for panthers and a wild Florida through the website.
  • Watch Path of the Panther on Disney+, Hulu, or at a screening near you. 
  • Buy the Path of the Panther book.  
  • Not mentioned in the episode, there is also a campaign to encourage people to drive the posted speeds in wildlife crossing areas. With road collisions being one of the biggest threats to the panther, driving slower through these areas only means a minute or two added to your journey, but could mean a lifetime for these animals. To learn more tips and info on what to do if you see a hit animal go to PantherCrossing.org.

Resources



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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

57. Spreading Happy Eco News with Grant Brown20 Apr 202300:24:05

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If you're tired of only hearing about environmental destruction and that we're around the corner from doomsday, you're going to want to listen to this episode! Grant Brown is the founder of the website and newsletter, Happy Eco News. He's not naïve to the pressures that the world is facing - we talk about what he has seen with his own two eyes - but he has also seen, and gotten to know, people who are doing something about them. He's created this platform to share their stories and inspire others to also be the change that they wish to see in the world.  And it seems to be working.

Highlights

  • How did he go from climbing up the corporate ladder to creating Happy Eco News?
  • How has this had ripple effects on others?
  • What does he think is key to being able to make a difference?

What YOU Can Do

  • Figure out whatever it is that you're passionate about and use that to make a difference.

Resources



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What difference for the world are you going to make today?

56. Animal Rescue in the Big City with Mary Beth Purdy Artz28 Mar 202300:26:50

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Nothing could be cuter than baby animals. But, their adorableness can easily distract you from the lifelong responsibility that their care requires. Unfortunately, this reality check can result in animals- especially those that we associate with their wild cousins like ducks and bunnies- being dumped out into the wild after they are grown and their care becomes too much. Except, these animals don't have the instincts to survive outdoors. This "wild" is often your local neighborhood park and Mary Beth Purdy Artz knows this all too well. She's an animal rescuer and rehabilitator in Brooklyn, NY, and has saved hundreds of abandoned and injured animals through the years. If you've ever wondered about getting an unusual pet or how you could help an animal you've seen outside, this episode is for you.

Highlights

  • How can you tell the difference between a wild animal and its domestic cousin?
  • What's the craziest animal that's been found in her park? (this one's a doozy!)
  • When might you be more likely to find dumped animals?

What YOU Can Do

  • Do not buy animals for someone and be sure you know the care requirements of an animal before you buy one for yourself.
  • Contact help, whether you can no longer care for an animal yourself or if you see a dumped or injured one in the wild.
  • Petition for signage and cameras in your local park to discourage the dumping of animals and encourage the cleanup of fishing gear.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

55: Show Swap! Becoming Forces for Nature with Carly Puch & Crystal DiMiceli09 Mar 202300:36:59

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Show Swap! The host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, joined Carly Puch on her podcast, Consciously Clueless, to talk about her own cluelessness on this lifelong journey toward sustainability.

Highlights

  • What does she do when she’s not feeling optimistic about the world?
  • What made her almost throw in the towel on this journey?
  • How did Forces for Nature come to be?
  • What are her go-to's to lessen her carbon footprint?

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

54: Working to Save the World's Most Trafficked Mammal with Four Pangolin Champions15 Feb 202300:38:48

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The organization, Save Pangolins, is raising awareness and supporting conservation efforts of the world's most trafficked mammal. One of their initiatives is the Pangolin Champions Program which aims to support emerging leaders in the pangolin conservation landscape.  Since its inception in 2020, they have accepted 12 passionate, committed, and inspiring pangolin conservationists into its program- I speak with four of them here. The Champions comprise of a global team of conservationists who have proven dedication to pangolins, have carved their own path in unchartered terrain, and have unique and impactful contributions to these endangered species.

If you ever feel that a problem is too big or too far along, these guys will prove to you that the small can be mighty!

As a side note, also in 2020, I launched this podcast (this month, actually!) with Paul Thomson from Save Pangolins as my guest. This feels like a full-circle moment for this show.  :)

Highlights

  • A rescue and release story that will touch your heart.
  • How can CSI help pangolins?
  • What's a surprising challenge faced by one of the champions?

What YOU Can Do

Resources

Happy World Pangolin Day! (February 18th)



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53: An Intro to The Healthy Seas Podcast with Crystal DiMiceli & Various Pod Guests05 Feb 202300:28:36

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Are you concerned about the state of our oceans and seas and all the life in them? Do you worry that not enough is being done to help? Come dive in and meet the people doing all they can for these ecosystems - from above and below the waves! The Healthy Seas Podcast is hosted by Forces for Nature creator, Crystal DiMiceli, and, in this episode, she takes you through snippets of the first six episodes of this show. Last year, it was ranked in the top 25% of podcasts most shared globally on Spotify. So now's your chance to see what you're missing!

Did you love it? Subscribe now on this app to never miss a new one!

Want to watch the documentary Frederic Fougea talked about? Check it out here! Use password: med

And, by signing up for the Healthy Seas newsletter, you will receive a bonus clip of Frederic talking about the dolphin with Alzheimer’s, one of the most incredible stories told in the documentary! Sign up here

Links to each episode







 






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52. Sustainable Style: Mitigating Fashion's Environmental Impact with Anna Bakst and Michele Rutigliano13 Jan 202300:23:11

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According to the OECD, if fashion were a country, it would be the fourth largest emitter of CO2 in the world*! And a significant percentage of those emissions comes from just the creation of the textiles and leathers that are to be used for clothing and accessories. Unfortunately, too many of these raw materials are left unused and either end up in a landfill or in climate-controlled (aka energy-guzzling) warehouses. 

Anna Bakst and Michele Rutigliano are two fashion industry veterans that saw this waste as an opportunity and created the brand We-Ar4. Through their experience, relationships, vision, and skills, they are engineering a new fashion system with beautiful, limited-edition garments that have an immediate and sustainable impact. They use material excess for about 85% of their collection and are very conscious and transparent about what they utilize for the rest. They also have an option to resale items that have been pre-loved.

Before making your next fashion purchase, you must listen to this episode!

Highlights

  • What is deadstock?
  • Why using deadstock is one of the more sustainable fashion choices?
  • How is We-Ar4 reengineering a new fashion system? 

 What YOU Can Do

  • Over 100 billion items of clothing are produced a year**! Buy less.
  • Before you buy, ask yourself, "Will I wear this clothing item at least 30 times before throwing it out ?”
  • Buy better quality to wear for longer.
  • Choose more sustainable materials.

Resources

* https://theecohub.com/how-fashion-and-climate-change-are-linked/
** https://earth.org/fast-fashion-facts/

 



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Show Swap! Inspiring Powerful Forces for Nature with Crystal DiMiceli, Ep.7817 Jun 202400:32:55

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Get to know the host of Forces for Nature, Crystal DiMiceli, better! In this show swap, she joins Stephanie Manka on The Fancy Scientist podcast. Stephanie has a great show that helps wildlife conservationists navigate their careers and she also provides coaching and mentoring for those struggling and feeling stuck as to what to do next. 

Highlights

  • How did Forces for Nature come to be?
  • What was Crystal's conservation career path (and how it brought her to various countries)?
  • What's next for Crystal and Forces for Nature?

What YOU Can Do

  • Sign up to receive show notes, practical tips, and eco-inspiration from Crystal (don't worry, we won't spam you!)!

Resources

 



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

51. How To Do Composting Right At Your Home With Michelle And Java Bradley21 Dec 202200:20:33

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Did you know that we send about 40-50% of our food scraps and organic material, like fallen leaves, to landfills? Landfills don't allow for proper decomposition so those materials end up releasing harmful methane into the atmosphere as they break down. To avoid this much waste, we can compost instead! Michele and Java Bradley, the founders of Java's Compost, help individuals make composting an easy addition to their recycling routine and they give us some insights as to how!

If it surprises you to learn that your banana can transform into rich soil, this episode is for you!

Highlights

  • Dos and Don'ts of starting to compost.
  • Will it be smelly, gross, and full of bugs?
  • Why are not all things that are labeled compostable actually so?

What YOU Can DO

  • See if your municipality has a food scrap pick-up program.
  • Or maybe a drop-off program (ask local nurseries or farms too because they would then use the dirt)
  • Learn to compost at home! Start here.
  • Get your community, school, or local farm to compost with this resource.
  • Look for the BPI Certification label to know if items labeled compostable truly are readily compostable.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

50. How To Be More Sustainable-ish With Jen Gale24 Nov 202200:34:43

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Jen Gale is the founder of Sustainable(ish), a podcast and blog that have grown into a myriad of resources meant to help individuals find support and ideas in their efforts of becoming more eco-friendly. She's all about embracing the "-ish" in our actions. We all have different circumstances and, within those, she helps you to aim for progress and not the unattainable perfection. If you ever thought your contribution to saving the planet was insignificant, Jen will surely change your mind.

Highlights

  • Compared to the systems change that's needed, how much can our individual actions really move the needle (you'll be surprised!)?
  • Tips on how to change a habit.
  • How can you get your family or housemates on board with changes that you would like to make?

What YOU Can Do

Oh goodness, this episode is full of golden nuggets! Here are some big-impact ones:

  • You would be surprised at just how responsive local politicians can be if they heard from their constituents. Write to them or call!
  • Break down your sustainability goals into the smallest steps so that the big goal isn't so intimidating.
  • Lower your consumption. A trick to avoiding impulse buying is by placing the item in your cart and waiting 3+ days before going to buy it. Often, it's that pause that makes us realize that we don't really need it.
  • Talk about sustainability, your eco-concerns, or your goals. This helps to normalize it in society.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

49. How to Have an Eco-Friendly Holiday Season with Crystal DiMiceli06 Nov 202200:18:00

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With everything going on during this time of the year, you may not want to be bothered with trying to change your holiday habits to be more eco-friendly. However, I have a few suggestions on what you can do WITHOUT adding to your to-do list!  With these tweaks, you can end the year on a sustainable note! 

Highlights

  • Thanksgiving
  • Black Friday
  • Christmas



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48. Show Swap! Becoming a Force for Nature with Julie Delucca-Collins & Crystal DiMiceli17 Oct 202200:39:17

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Today's episode is different than usual in that it's actually from another podcast that I guested on a few months back. The podcast is called Casa de Confidence and it's hosted by the incredible Julie Delucca-Collins. Her show highlights people who are confident dreamers. And, although I can't say I've always done it with confidence, I can say that I have always followed my North Star in order to reach for my dreams and live the life I imagined. We chat about imposter syndrome, my path to living abroad for the last decade, how Forces for Nature came to be, and what dreams I will be chasing next.

Resources

If you liked this episode, be sure to check out others at the Casa de Confidence podcast here.

To get in touch with Julie:

Description of Casa De Confidence Podcast
The Casa De Confidence Podcast highlights individuals who are Confident Dreamers. These amazing guests come from all walks of life, are of different ages, and have unique stories. The one common thread between them is that they have embarked on the path to go after their dreams. These dreamers have failed, learned, and ultimately triumphed to walk confidently and live the life they have imagined. Take a journey to learn about what it takes to Go Confidently and reach your dreams.



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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

47. Working For Well-being For All Beings with Beth Allgood26 Sep 202200:26:08

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According to the World Health Organization, the pandemic triggered a 25% increase in the prevalence of anxiety and depression worldwide. Today's guest, Beth Allgood, has a suggestion on what could help. She is an expert in well-being but in a very niche way. She looks at the connections that nature and wildlife play toward the well-being of communities. What's really interesting, but concerning though, is how our current systems are designed in a way that doesn't consider well-being nor value the elements that can lead to it. Beth is on a mission to change that through the organization she founded, OneNature. OneNature seeks to transform policies and practices to foster happiness, interconnection, and well-being for all beings. 

Highlights

  • How has being disconnected from nature affected us? 
  • How can ignoring the value of well-being in our economic systems actually result in the opposite? 
  • How is her work leading to the creation of tools that can result in greater conservation successes? 
  • Why is just considering trees, and not wildlife, in wellbeing metrics flawed? 

What YOU Can Do

  • Connect with nature! If something like hiking is not your thing, even just pausing and listening to birds singing or playing with your dog can increase your levels of well-being.
  • Don't stay isolated for too long.
  • Look for the beauty in the everyday. 

 Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

46. Breaking Down Climate Change & What We Can Do with James Lawler02 Sep 202200:35:01

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This summer, it's been hard to ignore the fact that climate change is no longer something we can think of as a future threat. It is here and it is impacting lives and livelihoods on unprecedented scales. But, it's also something that many people are still trying to fully understand. Today's guest is James Lawler, the founder of Climate Now, a Webby Award-nominated multimedia resource that distills the science and economics of climate change. He's here to answer questions sent in from listeners about what climate change is, what we can expect, and what we can do- in understandable and relatable terms. And he offers exciting resources we can all take advantage of.

Highlights

  • Isn't more CO2 good for plants?
  • Is it better to use less or recycle more?
  • What are these terms being thrown around lately- CO2 removal, negative emissions tech, net zero, offsets?

What YOU Can Do

  • Take advantage of the subsidies now available through the Inflation Reduction Act to buy more energy-efficient appliances and eco-friendlier heating for your home.
  • Find the renewable energy providers in your area and see what other financing may be available.
  • Join a group like those mentioned below. There is power in collectives!
  • After you reduce your emissions as much as possible, offset the rest.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

45. Saving Bats (and Tequila!) with Dr. Rodrigo Medellin03 Aug 202200:29:34

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Did you know that bats provide you with the services of pest control and plant pollination that directly benefit the food you eat, the clothes you wear, and even the liquor you drink? In fact, for example, the existence of tequila and mezcal is thanks to these mammals. Unfortunately, industrialized farming is endangering bats- and your favorite margarita. Renowned ecologist, Dr. Rodrigo Medellin, has a simple way to fix that. He has not only spent his life working to rectify the misunderstandings surrounding these important animals but also has found effective ways for us all to help conserve them.

Highlights

  • What makes bats indispensable to humans?
  • What's the connection between bats and agave?
  • Did COVID-19 come from bats?
  • What do we have to be conscious of in our transition to renewables so that they aren't a threat to bats?

 What YOU Can Do

  • Ask your local liquor store, bar, and restaurant, to stock Bat Friendly™ tequila and mezcal. And choose it for home as well!*
  • Talk to your friends, family, and colleagues about the amazing things bats do for us.
  • Connect with bat protection organizations in your area to do citizen science.
  • Buy a bat detector to learn what species of bats are flying in your area.   
  • Put up a bat house on your property. They'll take care of pest control for you!

*This suggestion is meant for responsible adults of the legal drinking age. We do not advocate overconsumption or the abuse of alcohol. 

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

44. Living with Wildlife- Elephants in a Developing Landscape with Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman10 Jul 202200:29:47

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As humans increasingly dominate the landscape through building homes, farms, highways, etc, the territories of wildlife are getting smaller and smaller. Animals are finding themselves in what are now our backyards as they are trying to satisfy their own needs for food, shelter, water, and finding mates. Elephants in Malaysia are no exception. Dr. Nurzhafarina Othman is a Bornean Elephant researcher and founder of the organization Seratu Aatai whose mission is to create a society that is willing and capable of protecting and coexisting with elephants and other wildlife. We talk about how teaching people about wildlife's behavior has helped increase tolerance of their presence, what has helped her the most in protecting the animals, and her thoughts on the palm oil industry (they might surprise you!).

Highlights

  • Why human-to-human conflict may be the bigger issue compared to human-wildlife conflict?
  • The importance of understanding animal behavior where you live.
  • How the palm oil industry can be an asset.

What YOU Can Do

  • Awareness is important! Learn more about the Malaysian elephants and share that knowledge with those you know.
  • Palm oil is found everywhere, from the daily soap you use to the delicious Nutella you spread on your toast. Seek out the products that use certified palm oil. This creates a demand that the companies can hear loud and clear.
  • When visiting Malaysia, choose responsible tours that let you view wild elephants at a distance. Getting too close can change their behavior which can be dangerous for both you and them.
  • Create a wildlife neighborhood watch team. Learn about the wildlife in your area and share resources with your neighbors to develop a communal sense of pride and acceptance of the other beings that share your space.
  • Support the work being done by researchers like Dr. Farina.

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

43. Sustainable Investing for Climate Change with James Regulinski01 Jun 202200:50:37

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James Regulinski is the cofounder of Carbon Collective, the first financial investment advisory firm focused solely on solving climate change. We talk about how we may, unintentionally, be supporting industries that we don't want to see in our world's future (such as fossil fuels and nuclear weapons) and James provides tangible resources and ways for us to change that.
*The opinions expressed in this episode are not meant to be taken as financial advice. Investing comes with risks that should be discussed with your personal financial advisor.

Highlights

  • There is a misconception that sustainable investing has lower returns. Is that the case?
  • How can someone find out what industries their investment is going towards?
  • Does ESG investing count as sustainable?

Resources

What YOU Can Do

  • Get clear on what industries and activities you are willing to support and not support.
  • Find out where your 401k and other investments are going.
  • Find an advisor who respects your values and perhaps even shares them.
  • Learn more about sustainable investing.



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

42. Getting the Peregrine Falcon Off the Endangered Species List with Art McMorris27 Apr 202200:29:23

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By 1964, there were no successfully nesting peregrine falcons in North America east of the Rockies and south of the Arctic. They were functionally extinct. So, why do we have them now? How did they come back? And why are they loving cities? One of the heroes of their story is Art McMorris. He was the Peregrine Falcon Coordinator with the Pennsylvania Game Commission from 2004 to 2021. Under his leadership, the Peregrine came to be removed from the endangered species list. This is a story not only for anyone interested in bringing a species back from the brink of extinction but also for those determined to reach their goals while having fun- a requirement for Art.

Highlights

  • What makes the Peregrine super unique in the animal kingdom?
  • How does a species go from functionally extinct to off the endangered species list?
  • Once a neuroscientist, what skills did Art transfer to help the Peregrine?
  • What lessons did he learn from doing this?

What Can YOU Do

  • Engage with the natural world. It'll remind you that we are not separate, but rather, a part of it.
  • When you learn of the presence of Peregrine Falcons somewhere, tell that information to your local wildlife agency so they can monitor the animal.
  • Volunteer to monitor nests or be a part of rescue squads and rehabilitators.
  • If you see an injured bird, contact your local wildlife rehabilitator(s) before you try to intervene.
  • Vote for candidates that will support nature.
  • Avoid pesticides. Although we no longer use DDT, what unknown dangers might the pesticides we use have?

Resources



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Promising Eco Stories with Laura Sitterly, Ep. 7727 May 202400:34:23

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It often feels like there's only bad news being reported these days. It's easy to feel that way but, if you dig a little deeper, you can find reports of hopeful things that are happening. Laura Sitterly is a climate reporter that you can trust to find the silver lining in her stories. We talk about three recent articles she's written- one about a youth climate summit in Upstate New York, another about the downfalls (yet easy solutions) of our evolution towards a clean energy future, and, lastly, about a novel new way to help bees. Dive into some good news today!

Highlights

  • How are schools "filling in the gap" in terms of climate change education when they don't have it integrated into their curriculum?
  • How can we evolve into a clean energy future without putting biodiversity at risk?
  • How can you help bees with your cell phone?

What YOU Can Do

  • Encourage your local BOCES, community college, or school district to host a Youth Climate Summit. You can find a toolkit here.
  • Download the iNaturalist app to be able to become a citizen scientist with the snap of a picture.
  • If there are wind turbines in your area, petition the town to mandate blade speed reductions during peak migration times. 

Resources

Links to Laura's Articles:

  • Addressing the gap, the demand for climate education in New York K-12 schools 
  • Coping with the green-green dilemma: how can we pursue renewable development without wreaking further havoc on the ecological landscape and wildlife habitats?
  • No More No Mow May: how smartphones are helping a region in Upstate NY save the bees


Laura is a Climate Reporter who covers midcoastal Maine and, previously, a Breaking News Reporter for the USA Today New York State team. Her lifelong love of the outdoors was sparked by a childhood spent paddling the lakes and rivers of New York State’s Adirondack Mountains. She earned a bachelor’s degree at Auburn University and a graduate degree from the Columbia University Graduate School of Journalism. She spends most of her free time cross-country skiing or swimming in the sea, depending on the season. 



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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Ep41: Restoring Wild Salmon in the Cowichan with Parker Jefferson09 Apr 202200:32:51

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It has been found that 70% of wild fish populations are either fully used, overused, or in crisis from overfishing. And with food demand projected to increase by 50% by 2050, there is simply not enough fish in the sea for fishing to be sustainable. Fish farming, otherwise known as aquaculture, is intended to supplement this demand. In fact, salmon aquaculture is the fastest-growing food production system in the world- although not without its own share of controversy. Parker Jefferson is a fly-fisherman in Cowichan, Canada, and has been an integral part of the success story for wild salmon in that area. We talk about the environmental and social importance of protecting these animals but also address how we can make choices that lessen the negative impacts of salmon aquaculture.

Highlights

  • How are salmon culturally important to the First Nation Tribes of Western Canada?
  • What are the negative impacts of salmon aquaculture in that area?
  • How has Parker's community come together to restore and protect the populations of wild salmon in the Cowichan?
  • How can salmon aquaculture lessen its negative impacts?

What YOU Can Do

  • Choose wild or certified fish (some certifications can be found in the Resources below).
  • Use a guide such as the Monterey Bay Aquarium Seafood Watch Guide to help make responsible choices, either on your phone or printed. The Environmental Defense Fund also has a guide called Seafood Selector.
  • Ask "where did this fish come from" at restaurants and grocery stores. The more people who make it known that they care, the more businesses will ask their suppliers and distributors the same.
  • Eat more plant-based meals

Resources


Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/


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Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-ch



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Ep:40 Ghost Gear- From Waste to Wear with Jenny Ioannou25 Mar 202200:26:15

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Have you seen the images of whales dragging buoys wrapped around their tails? Or turtles entangled in ropes? These are examples of what is called "ghost gear," which are lost or abandoned fishing nets or gear that then aimlessly drift through the ocean, catching whatever comes into their path. Jenny Ioannou is with Healthy Seas, an organization dedicated to fixing this problem. Their work focuses on the retrieval of this pollution from the sea, prevention activities, and awareness building. And, once these materials are removed from the ocean, they work with partners to have them recycled and given a new life as a material called Econyl (used in a lot of today's sustainable fashion). 

Highlights

  • What is ghost gear?
  • What kind of impact does Healthy Seas have on marine ecosystems?
  • How does Healthy Seas contribute to circular economies?

What YOU Can Do

  • Volunteer with or donate to Healthy Seas.
  • Report abandoned fishing gear to your local authorities or ask for help from organizations like Healthy Seas.
  • Throw away your trash in the proper receptacles.
  • Do not cut your fishing lines and let them go into the water.
  • Look for products made from Econyl. You can find all sorts of products from their partners on the Healthy Seas website. (It's important to mention that Econyl acts just like virgin nylon in that it also sheds plastic microfibers when washed. To keep those fibers from going into the water system, use a bag such as a Guppy Friend when washing them.)

Resources


 Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Ep:39 Conservation Success Stories with Emma Illick Frank08 Mar 202200:24:35

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More often than not, when you hear about the state of the natural world, you hear allllll the bad things. Yes, they are happening and, yes, they suck. But what you might not realize is that there are also soooo many good things happening. People are coming together to make the changes that we wish to see. Emma Illick Frank is a journalist and she joins us today to be the bearer of some great news. Although, our tangent about natural flavoring may make you cringe. ;)

*Correction: Emma mentioned that condors can get lead poisoning from eating carcasses killed by lead-laced bullets. It turns out, they have to actually ingest the bullets––not just the meat surrounding them.

Highlights

  • Beavers are back in the UK after being locally extinct.
  • Population boom for monarch butterflies.
  • Multistakeholder collaborations, including with the Yurok Tribe, are helping to bring back the California Condor.

What YOU Can Do to Help

  • For Beavers:
    • Support their reintroduction to your local streams (if they are native).
    • Don't buy their fur.
  • For Monarch Butterflies:
    • Plant Milkweed flowers.
    • Avoid using pesticides on your property. There are alternative methods available. But, if you must, use the minimum that is needed and only in those very specific areas.
  • For Condors:
    • Same as above regarding pesticides.
    • Don't use lead bullets if you hunt.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Ep38: Empowering Future Wildlife Conservation Leaders with Nina Fascione & Jeff Flocken21 Oct 202100:27:42

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The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. To build a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge.  However, as happens in many other careers, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and often does not fully cover the wide range of challenges and opportunities that individuals will face in the real world. Recognizing this gap, Nina Fascione (Exec. Director, International Rhino Foundation) and Jeffrey Flocken (President, Humane Society International), created the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program in 2005 to afford early-career wildlife conservationists an opportunity to become better-rounded professionals. Through EWCL, participants in the program are equipped with a gamut of skills, techniques, and approaches to wildlife conservation, and are connected to a large network of peers around the world. We talk about the program, its evolution, and future,  diving into some very amusing stories of how EWCL came to be and continues to change people's lives straight from the start.

Highlights

  • The borderline nutty dedication to getting EWCL off the ground. ;)
  • What kinds of impacts has EWCL had throughout the world?
  • How can someone become a part of this fantastic network?

 What YOU Can Do
If you're an early career conservationist, apply to join the next EWCL class! Tell them Forces for Nature sent you!
Applications are due October 31st, 2021.

 Resources 


Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it here!



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep37: Season 2 Closer: Update and What's Next05 Aug 202100:07:27

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Hey there! We're wrapping up this season with an update on what Crystal's been up to and a call to action.

What would you like to see from Forces for Nature? What topics, people, tips, etc? Find me on social media or write to me at crystal@forcesfornature.com. I can't wait to hear from you!

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

What action for the world are you going to take today?

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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep36: Restoring Coral Reefs with Francesca Virdis22 Jul 202100:24:28

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Despite its protected status, the marine waters surrounding the Caribbean island of Bonaire are not immune to the global effects of climate change, warming waters, and ocean acidification. These dangers, among others, are greatly impacting coral reefs all over the world. Francesca Virdis of Reef Renewal Bonaire is working to protect and restore these ecosystems by propagating new coral growth and transplanting these animals (did you know they are animals!?) back into degraded landscapes. This work is important for us all because coral reefs not only provide important tourism income for communities but also are nurseries to many commercial fish species, protect coastlines, and provide biomedical compounds.

What YOU can do to help coral reefs:

  • Only use reef-safe sunscreen when you go into the ocean (see a link in the resources section of the show notes).
  • Don’t stand or anchor on coral reefs (only on clear sand patches).
  • Don't buy coral souvenirs or jewelry.
  • Be a volunteer for Reef Renewal Bonaire   
  • Spread awareness of this issue.
  • Vote for those with a pro-environmental agenda.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?


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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep35: Leading a Global Movement Against Trash with Sharona Shnayder09 Jul 202100:26:04

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If you live in a country with a highly developed garbage collection system, such as the US, you might not be fully aware of the impact that trash and litter have. However, even the US is in the top 20 of all countries generating the greatest amount of ocean-bound trash. These items end up choking the waters we swim in, ingested by the fish we eat, and degrading ecosystems across the world. Sharona Shnayder is the co-founder of Tuesdays for Trash. What started as her way to get outside during the pandemic and do something good by picking up litter, has become a global movement bringing together people from all over with the desire to clean up their neighborhoods and, in turn, the world.

If you want to learn how YOU can help, be sure to check out this episode's show notes at www.forcesfornature.com!

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it here!

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review!

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep34: Bee-ing the Change for Detroit with Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey24 Jun 202100:32:01

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Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey saw an opportunity in this crisis to make a two-fold impact. They created Detroit Hives which not only works to protect these vital animals but also to revitalize the city they call home. 

What can YOU do to help bees?

  • Plant a bee-friendly garden. Your local plant nursery could help inform you as to what are the best native flowers to have. Even a flower box outside of your apartment window is effective.
  • Provide a water source (a shallow dish with small rocks above the waterline)
  • Use little to no chemicals on your lawn and garden.
  • If you have a swarm at your home, call a local beekeeper to safely take care of it instead of an exterminator.
  • For more ideas, check out this episode's show notes on the website!

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

If you enjoyed this episode, please be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook (Page / Private Group) and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep33: Changing the Perception of Sharks with Tadzio Bervoets10 Jun 202100:39:01

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Sharks have a bad rep. But Tadzio Bervoets is here to tell us why our fear should be replaced with respect and intrigue instead. These animals are keystone species that, if removed, can cause a cascading negative effect on the entire ocean ecosystem and human livelihoods- and it's already been witnessed in some places. We talk about how an obsession, not a fear, has been their main demise (an obsession for their fins), the unexpected way scientists get their hands on sharks, and how a trip to New York City can get you more bites than one to the beach.

Tadzio is the Director of the Dutch Caribbean Nature Alliance. He recently created the Caribbean Shark Coalition which aims to foster collaboration among various stakeholders in the greater Caribbean to increase the region's capacity for protecting sharks and rays.

What can YOU do to help sharks?

  • When doing shark diving tourism, be sure you are going with a reputable and responsible tour operator.
    • Check if they are third-party certified.
    • Ask what their safety protocols are.
    • Be sure they don't let you swim too closely (there have been documented negative impacts on whale sharks because of improper diver interactions).
    • Make sure operators use very little food to lure in the animals so they don't become dependent on humans to feed them.
    • Don't be tempted by the lowest prices. If the standard cost is X, anything much lower is a red flag.
  • To avoid sharks being caught as bycatch, support responsible fishing practices. You can use the Monterey Bay Aquarium's portable guide here.
  • Don't buy any shark products, from jaws to leather to soup. If you would like a shark's tooth, buy a fossilized shark's tooth so as not to support the killing of these animals for their parts.
  • Check to see if your fish oil supplement contains shark liver.
  • Shark meat contains mercury. For your health, avoid eating it.
  • Support policies for shark conservation and sound ocean governance.
  • Donate to shark research and education efforts.


Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook (Page / Private Group) and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Ep32: Curating Sustainable Lifestyles with Jaclyn Tracy26 May 202100:29:41

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The connection of how consumerism impacts the environment may not always be so clear. However, when you take a moment to think about how and what products are made of, and what their life cycle may be, a very discouraging picture can start to emerge. And, to find what is and isn't "good" can be quite overwhelming when we're juggling all the other things. Jaclyn Tracy is here to help. She created the lifestyle brand, Sistain, to connect conscious consumers with sustainable solutions. She does this through careful product curation, in-depth research, and knowledge-sharing. She's working to change the perception of what sustainability looks like and how it can fit within our lives.

How YOU can be a more conscious consumer:

  • Start with simple sustainable swaps such as a reusable bottle or a dish brush (instead of a sponge).
  • Utilize Sistain's website for Sistain-Approved Brands.
  • When shopping for clothes, try to choose natural materials (aka not polyester, it's plastic).
  • Reach out to Sistain with your sustainability questions. They are happy to help!
  • For beauty products, assess the packaging (is it recyclable?), ingredients (natural?), is it cruelty-free.

Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it at https://forcesfornature.com/becoming-a-force-for-nature-free-guide/

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook (Page / Private Group) and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Balancing Forest Conservation with Economic Development with Laurie Wayburn, Ep.7607 May 202400:54:38

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Conserving land doesn't have to be all or nothing. We don't have to choose between setting aside whole tracks of forests to protect them or cutting them all down for economic development. Laurie Wayburn, the co-founder and president of Pacific Forest Trust, has found a middle ground. Since 1993, Pacific Forest Trust has transformed over 350,000 acres of privately owned forests in California and Oregon into carbon-sequestering and climate-fighting assets. Through the use of conservation easements, she works with landowners to find the best ways for them to keep the ecosystem intact, yet, still gain economic benefit from what they own. With nearly 60% of U.S. forests under private ownership, this "middle ground" could be key in protecting our natural treasures.

 Highlights

  • How hass her international experience with conservation influenced her work today?
  • How can conservation and economic development go hand in hand?
  • How can we avoid the terrible wildlife seasons we have been seeing?

 
What YOU Can Do

  • Plant native trees, bushes, and plants within your community as part of your parks and natural areas or as borders around play fields, etc. This can be very powerful in supporting the ecosystem. 
  • Urge whether it's your city council, your county, the commissioners and supervisors, your state legislature, your federal, representatives, etc to support forest conservation as a critical climate change policy, and that means putting some real money behind it and really guiding how that forest conservation is done for the future.
  • Provide financial support to Pacific Forest Trust so they can do the work that you want to have done.

 
Resources 



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

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Ep31. Advocating for Environmental Justice in the Ecuadorian Rainforest with Julio Prieto UPDATED14 May 202100:27:34

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 *This episode originally aired in May 2021. You can find an update from Julio at 24:44.

Today's guest is Julio Prieto. He's an Ecuadorian lawyer working with the Union of People Affected by Texaco, the organization otherwise known as UDAPT. He has been a key player in one of the most well-known battles for environmental justice- the case of Ecuador vs. Chevron-Texaco. After 20 years of litigation, Julio's team won the case that found Chevron to be guilty of egregious pollution and irresponsibility in the Ecuadorian rainforest. However, 10 years later, he is still fighting for the settlement that would benefit the tens of thousands impacted. We talk about his lessons learned, his most recent victory, and why, despite the impossible odds, he will never give up.

If you want to learn how YOU can help, be sure to check out this episode's show notes at www.forcesfornature.com!



Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep30: Watch, Connect, and Take Action on the Waterbear App with Andrea Walji28 Apr 202100:21:58

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 Have you ever watched a documentary that made you want to do something about what you were seeing? But then, after the credits, life takes back over and that inspiration quickly fades. It happens to all of us. But today's guest, Andrea Walji, is going to introduce us to a new streaming platform that lets you take action as you're watching the action. Waterbear is a free, interactive streaming platform dedicated to the future of the planet. We talk about the edu-tainment they offer, the impact they are already having, and how you can easily become a member. 

Check out this episode's show notes for resources on how YOU can take action!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?


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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep29: Making All Cosmetics Cruelty-Free with Aviva Vetter14 Apr 202100:14:24

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Did you know that over 100k animals still suffer and die each year due to the testing of chemicals used to make mascara, shampoo, and other cosmetics despite there being more effective non-animal testing methods available? This antiquated practice is still legal in 4 out of 5 countries but today's guest, Aviva Vetter, is part of a global team working to change that. She is the campaign manager for Humane Society International's latest project to end animal testing in the cosmetics industry, Save Ralph. We talk about their spokes-bunny, Ralph, this star-studded campaign, and the very easy things you can do to make sure your beauty routine is cruelty-free.

See Ralph for yourself in this stop-motion animation short film by Andrew Gent that features a Hollywood A-list cast of voices. Check the film here and then rush over to sign this petition. Be a part of this global movement to end cosmetics testing once and for all. 

 Want to do more? It's easy! Check out this episode's show notes for resources on how you can learn what is and isn't cruelty-free in your cabinets. 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook (Page / Private Group) and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?


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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

Ep28: Bridging the Partisan Divide with Christopher Barnard01 Apr 202100:44:21

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Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the Policy Director at The Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more voices to the table. We talk about how these issues shouldn't be political, how you can find allies across the political spectrum, and which solutions may satisfy all.

For tips on how YOU can help bridge the divide wherever you are, check out this episode's show notes! 

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review! 

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook (Page / Private Group) and let me know what eco-actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?


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Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!

If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility.

Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!

What difference for the world are you going to make today?

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