A Little Greener

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

As Halloween approaches, we take a look at an animal that is sometimes considered spooky: the spider. From "excessive leggy-ness" to powerful venom, Casey and Sara discuss why people might be creeped out by spiders, and whether or not they really deserve their bad reputation (spoiler alert: they don't). Resources for this episode: National Geographic: Spiders Evolved Spare Legs WSJ: Spiders' Legs are Hydraulic Masterpieces Why 8 Eyes Are Better Than 2 (If You're a Spider) [VIDEO] Scientific American: Fact or Fiction? People Swallow 8 Spiders a Year While they Sleep Eight Fun Facts About Black Widows Penn State Extension: Brown Recluse Spiders Natural History Museum of Utah: Don't Fear the Widow Museums Victoria: Top Spider Myths National Library of Medicine: Black Widow Spider Toxicity UK Entomology: Brown Recluse Spider

Outdoor apparel company, Patagonia, recently made headlines after owner Yvon Chouinard donated the company to two non-profits, the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective. His aim is to use company profits to protect the environment and fight climate change. Casey and Sara discuss the pros and cons (yes, there are cons) of the decision, and also take a look at the environmental commitments Patagonia has made through the years. Resources for this episode: The Non-profit Times: Patagonia Founder Transfers Ownership to Boost Climate Advocacy Fashion United: Patagonia Owner Gives Company Away to Help Fight Climate Crisis Fashion United: Patagonia: Pioneering a New Form of Environmental Corporate Leadership Boardsport Source: Patagonia Transfers Ownership to Patagonia Purpose Trust and Holdfast Collective One Percent for the Planet B Corp Fair Trade Certified

While some environmentalists feel that nuclear power is an essential part of cleaning up the power grid, others feel that the risks don't outweigh the benefits. Sara and Casey break down how nuclear power works, look at some pros and cons, and share some of the thoughts and experiences that shape their views of nuclear power. Links for the weekly challenge: Navajo Nation statement to Subcommittee on Energy and Mineral Resources UNECE Technology Brief on Nuclear Power Resources for this episode: https://www.eia.gov/energyexplained/nuclear/ https://www.iaea.org/newscenter/news/what-is-nuclear-energy-the-science-of-nuclear-power EPA: Radioactive Waste from Uranium Milling and Mining Nuclear Waste Disposal Review of Environmental Impacts of the Acid In-situ Leach Uranium Mining Process Why Nuclear Power Must be Part of the Energy Solution: an opinion article with a lot of info, including impacts of the major nuclear disasters Why Nuclear Power is Safer than Ever

Just as people will gather food and water or move to safer areas as a hurricane approaches, animals must find ways to make it through the storm. Casey and Sara discuss how creatures from birds to alligators prepare, react, and adapt to hurricanes. Resources for this episode: National Geographic: What Happens to Wild Animals During a Hurricane NOAA: How Do Hurricanes Affect Sea Life? Florida Fish and Wildlife: Wildlife and Storms

While electronic waste (or e-waste) isn't the largest percentage of our solid waste stream, it is a quickly growing one, and one with large environmental impacts. Electronics contain hazardous materials that can leach into the environment when disposed in landfills. Materials used in electronic devices can also be mined in areas that provide critical wildlife habitat. One way that we can combat these issues is by properly recycling electronics. This week, Casey and Sara chat with John Shegerian, the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of the e-waste recycling company, ERI (eridirect.com), to learn about the challenges of e-waste, how we can safely recycle our electronics, and what the future of e-waste recycling looks like.

Stories of mythological dragons are found in cultures around the world--and continue to be prevalent in pop culture today. But are there real-life dragons? Sara and Casey take a look at a few species that we call dragons and discuss how and why animals like this can be important in connecting people to nature. Resources for this episode: Popular Science: Are Dragons Real? National Zoo: Komodo Dragon Beware of the Dragon: A Case Report of a Komodo Dragon Attack Australian Museum: Central Bearded Dragon Marine Bio: Leafy Sea Dragons

In this very special episode, Casey and Sara chat with Justin Gillis, an award-winning journalist who has written for multiple major newspapers, including the Washington Post and New York Times. He served as the lead climate reporter for the New York Times for nearly a decade. Justin has written a book, along with co-author Hal Harvey, called The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet. The book outlines specific areas that we need to address to drive down our GHG emissions and how individuals can get involved. The book will be available on September 20, but can be pre-ordered now. You can find more information and purchase the book here: Simon & Schuster: The Big Fix

Casey and Sara tease next week's very special episode of A Little Greener: an interview with climate journalist and co-author of the new book, The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet, Justin Gillis.

Go beyond the Venus fly trap with this week's episode on carnivorous plants. Sara and Casey discuss why some plants trap prey, how different carnivorous plants work, and which one would be the most horrifying way to go out. Resources for this episode: Let's Talk Science: Needs of Plants Southern Illinois University: Carnivorous Plants Live Sciences: Killer Petunias and Murderous Potatoes Revealed Natural History Museum: Carnivorous Plants Australian Academy of Science: The icky, sticky and quite tricky world of predatory plants Science Daily: This Plant Sucks! (But How?) Plant Physiology: Digestive Systems of Carnivorous Plants This Carnivorous Plant Evolved to Also Be a Rodent Toilet

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 recently passed through the United States Senate, and while that may not sound like it has anything to do with the environment, this bill contains a number of items related to climate and emissions reduction, and is a big step forward in fighting climate change. Casey and Sara discuss what the bill does and doesn't do, and talk about the next steps as the bill moves to the House of Representatives. Resources for this Episode Summary of the Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 Committee for a Responsible Federal Budget: What's in the Inflation Reduction Act? What the Inflation Reduction Act Means for Climate Vox: What Could the Inflation Reduction Act Mean for You? USDOT: President Biden, USDOT and USDOE Announce $5 Billion over Five Years for National EV Charging Network, Made Possible by Bipartisan Infrastructure Law Energy.gov: Heat Pump Systems

Sara and Casey take a look at how animals perceive color and discuss the purposes of color and patterns in nature. Resources for this episode: UK research shows how to build more effective monarch butterfly gardens How Do We See Color? The Eyes and Vision of Butterflies Optimizing Countershading Camouflage The 'Why' of a Leopard's Spots

If you're asked to picture a butterfly, odds are the image that springs to mind pretty quickly is of the beautiful orange-and-black monarch. Despite being so well known and loved, the population of migrating monarch butterflies has been declining over recent decades, leading to their recent classification of endangered on the IUCN Red List. This week, Casey and Sara break down the amazing life cycle of monarch butterflies, discuss the factors perpetuating the population decline, and share what everyone living in migrating monarch range can do to help. Resources for this episode: US Forest Service: Monarch Butterfly Migration Retention of Memory Through Metamorphosis IUCN Red List: Migratory Monarch Butterfly

Sara and Casey take a look at the history of the United States' Environmental Protection Agency, and explore the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of West Virginia v. EPA. Resources for this episode: Reorganization Plan No. 3 of 1970 (Nixon's message to Congress) EPA: The Basics of the Regulatory Process Laws and Executive Orders Related to the EPA EPA Denies Petition to Regulate Greenhouse Gas Emissions from Motor Vehicles (2003) Supreme Court Opinion on West Virginia v EPA The Atlantic: How the U.S. Protects the Environment, from Nixon to Trump The Atlantic: The Supreme Court's EPA Ruling is Going to be Very, Very Expensive Allsides.com The Future of Federal Agency Rulemakings After West Virginia v. Environmental Protection Agency Law and the Multiverse: Ghostbusters and the EPA

Although coal has played an important role in the history of our country, it has some health and environmental impacts that are difficult to ignore. In this episode, Casey and Sara continue their series on energy and take a look at the pros and cons of coal, and the state of the coal industry in the United States today. Resources for this episode: NASA Climate Kids: Coal US Energy Information Administration: Coal Explained Forbes: Renewable Energy Prices Hit Record Lows EPA: Sources of Greenhouse Gas Emissions End of Coal in Sight at COP26 Our World in Data: Fossil Fuels National Geographic: High Cost of Cheap Coal

The beach is a fun and relaxing vacation destination for many people, but it is also part of a vital habitat for many species. Sara and Casey discuss some of the ways that we can incorporate sustainability into a day at the beach. Resources for this episode: Eco-friendly Sunscreen Guide NOAA: Sunscreen Chemicals and Marine Life PLOYS: items made from recycled pool inflatables The Ecoboard Project Sea Turtle Conservancy: What To Do If You Encounter a Sea Turtle Tour De Turtles

A wedding is a big event for many people, but if you're looking for a way to keep your big day from having a big environmental impact, there are lots of options out there for you! And even if you're not planning a wedding, Casey and Sara discuss some of the was we can be a little greener participants and attendees. Resources for this episode: Bastet Noir Dear Cleo Wildlife Friendly Wedding Guide (Center for Biological Diversity)

First up in our energy series: solar! How do we harness the energy from the sun to produce electricity? Why should we? What are the environmental impacts? Resources for this episode: National Renewable Energy Laboratory How Does Solar Work (energy.gov) End of Life Solar Panels: Regulations and Management How to Have Your Solar Farm and Keep Your Regular Farm Too (NPR) Solar Panels are Starting to Die (Grist) Life Cycle Assessment Harmonization Land Use Requirements of Solar

With works like the documentary My Octopus Teacher appearing on Netflix and National Book Award Finalist honors given to Soul of an Octopus, more and more people are coming to appreciate these graceful and intelligent cephalopods. But, what is a cephalopod, you ask, and what is it really that makes the octopus so amazing? And what's the plural of octopus, anyway? Casey and Sara answer all this and more as they geek out over the octopus on this week's episode! Resources for this episode: Cephalopods (Smithsonian) Octopuses Keep Surprising Us (The Natural History Museum) Vision and Camouflage (Scientific American) Cephalopod Brains (Frontiers) The Case Against Octopus Farming (Arizona State University) World's First Octopus Farm Stirs Ethical Debate (Reuters)

Frogs and toads are an incredibly diverse group of animals. They're found nearly everywhere around the world, are a critical component of the food web, and are valuable environmental indicators. On this episode, learn how you can get involved in frog conservation (and have some fun) by learning the unique calls of the frogs in your area. Resources for this episode: FrogWatch USA Chapter List Frog and Toad Calls, Amphibian Research and Monitoring Initiative (USGS): calls used in episode FrogID: citizen science program in Australia Frog Fact SheetThe FrogID dataset: expert-validated occurrence records of Australia’s frogs collected by citizen scientists Frogs and Toads of Pennsylvania

According to the World Health Organization, over 9 out of 10 people live in areas with excessive air pollution, and yet, it's something many of us may not often think about. Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on what causes air pollution, its impacts on health and the environment, and what we can do about it. Resources for this episode: Deadly Denora Smog of 1948 (Smithsonian Mag) Air Pollution (WHO) Air Pollution: Everything You Need to Know (NRDC) Effects of Air Pollution (Center for Science Education) Air Pollution: Current and Future Challenges (EPA) Air Pollution Laws Aimed at Human Health also Help Birds (Cornell) Urban Environment and Cancer in Wildlife

It might be tempting to dismiss cities as nature wastelands, but not only are cities here to stay, and only projected to grow, they actually have some environmental benefits. Sara and Casey discuss the pros and cons of cities, and what we need to do to make cities sustainable in the future. Resources for this episode: Field Guide to Conservation In Cities (The Nature Conservancy) Cities Aren't the Wildlife Deserts Scientists Once Feared Large Cities Fall Behind in "Neighborhood Biodiversity" How to Tell if You Live in the Suburbs Public Health Reviews: Urbanization, A Problem for the Rich and the Poor? Cities Can Be Part of the Solution in Sustaining Species Plan Melbourne: Inclusive, Vibrant, and Healthy Neighborhoods

What is HPAI and what does it have to do with the price of eggs (get it)? While this may not immediately seem relevant to conservation, the fact is that both human health and our food supply are intrinsically connected to nature--and diseases like HPAI are a reminder of this. This week, Casey and Sara discuss the origin, impacts, and control of the current strain of avian influenza.

From color change to flight to pulling water from the air, plants and animals have some pretty amazing adaptations. Biomimicry is the idea that we can look to and learn from the natural world to find innovations and solutions to challenges that we might face. On this episode, Sara and Casey discuss favorite animal adaptations and share a few examples of biomimicry in action. Resources for this episode: www.asknature.org Biomimicry: A History (Ohio State University) Butterfly Wings Have a Hidden Structure That Rivals Vantablack in Its Darkness Researching the Kingfisher's Hydrodynamic Design

You may have seen or heard about the IPCC climate change reports in the news on a fairly regular basis recently--often connected to talk of climate deadlines and dire warnings. So, what does this mean? Is there hope in the face of climate change? Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on the IPCC, fears, faith, and finding hope to fight climate change. Resources for this episode: MRSC Local Climate Response Project Scientific American: Climate Report Offers Some Hope but the Need for Action is Urgent Christian Science Monitor: Amid the Gloom of Climate Change there is Hope Climate Home News: Saudi Arabia dilutes fossil fuel phase out language with techno fixes in IPCC report

Fossil fuels provide the bulk of our energy supply today, but how did we get to this point? What other options are out there? Join Sara and Casey for a quick history of energy and a closer look at where we get the energy that powers our daily lives. To complete your weekly challenges, visit: eGRID Power Profiler: https://www.epa.gov/egrid/power-profiler#/ US Energy Mapping System: https://www.eia.gov/state/maps.php Resources for this episode: Energy timelines: https://alternativeenergy.procon.org/historical-timeline/ https://www.nature.com/articles/d41586-017-07506-z Data from the National Academies of Science, Engineering and Medicine: http://needtoknow.nas.edu/energy/energy-use/home-work/ http://needtoknow.nas.edu/energy/energy-sources/ Power grid information and eGRID: https://www.cfr.org/backgrounder/how-does-us-power-grid-work#chapter-title-0-2 https://www.epa.gov/egrid

If you're searching for ways to live a little greener, one of the suggestions you'll likely come across is to reduce your dairy intake. This week, Sara and Casey discuss the environmental impacts of dairy and consider the pros and cons of some of the available alternatives. Resources for this episode: How Dairy Milk has Improved its Environmental and Climate Impact (UC Davis) GHG Emissions by Livestock (UN FAO) Dairy Vs. Plant-Based Milk: What are the Environmental Impacts (Our World in Data) Nutrient Density of Beverages in Relation to Climate Impact Milking the Planet (Institute for Agriculture and Trade Policy) Should I Give Up Dairy Because of Climate Change? What Plant Milk Should I Drink?

Whether you're growing food, planting for pollinators, or creating a landscape for curb appeal, gardening is an activity that helps us to get outdoors and get connected to nature. How we garden and what we put in our gardens also has an impact on our local environment. This week Casey and Sara discuss tips and tactics for becoming a greener gardener.

Casey and Sara discuss the joys, challenges, and impacts of the first year of A Little Greener and take a look at where the podcast is headed in the future.

Seeing someone toss food to birds or squirrels is probably something most of us have experienced--or maybe done ourselves. We've also all probably seen plenty of signs posted at parks, restaurants, or beaches asking us not to feed wildlife. So why do we still do it? And is it really a problem? Sara and Casey discuss the motivations for and consequences of feeding wild animals. Resources for this episode: Killing Deer With Kindness: article on changes in mule deer GI bacteria due to human feeding Do's and Don'ts of Duck Feeding Does Wedding Rice Make Birds Explode? Feeding Wildlife Can Disrupt Animal Social Structures A Framework to Evaluate Wildlife Feeding in Research, Wildlife Management, Tourism and Recreation

With heavy hearts for those suffering from conflict, Casey and Sara take a look at the wildlife of Ukraine and discover that it feels surprisingly close to home! Resources for this episode: 20 Endangered Species At Risk in Ukraine Wildlife in Ukraine Common Nightingale Audio Here's How You Can Help the People in Ukraine (NPR article)

On this lighthearted episode, Casey and Sara chat with Olivia, creator and host of Remarkable Parks podcast, about the importance of parks, which parks they want to visit most, and some of the challenges our parks face. Sara and Olivia also take on Casey's National Park Trivia Challenge! Resources for this episode: https://findyourpark.com/ Benefits of parks: https://www.nrpa.org/uploadedFiles/nrpa.org/Advocacy/Resources/Parks-Recreation-Essential-Public-Services-January-2010.pdf Overcrowding in parks: https://www.livescience.com/overcrowding-us-national-parks.html

We love cats. Cute, cuddly, and playful, as well as tough and independent, domestic cats are found around the world. A study from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that there are around 58 million pet cats in the United States alone. While cats can make great pets, when they're left to roam the great outdoors, they have a detrimental impact on native wildlife and ecosystems--not to mention their own health. Join Casey and Sara for a challenging discussion on how to approach the complex issue of cats as invasive species.

What's the difference between a non-native species and an invasive species? Why does it matter if a species ends up outside of its native range? What does Shakespeare have to do with any of this? And what on earth are Eco-Men in Black? Find answers to all of this and more in this week's episode. Resources for this episode: Definition of invasive species: https://www.invasivespeciesinfo.gov/what-are-invasive-species Burmese python introduction to Florida: https://www.history.com/news/burmese-python-invasion-florida-everglades General information on invasive species: https://www.history.com/news/invasive-species-list-mammals-birds-aquatic https://www.nwf.org/Educational-Resources/Wildlife-Guide/Threats-to-Wildlife/Invasive-Species

What is a species? You probably thought you learned this in middle school science class, but we're here to tell you the answer is more complicated than it seems! Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on how, why, and by whom decisions on species are made. Resources for this episode: A Few Bad Scientists are Threatening to Topple Taxonomy: Smithsonian magazine article covering Raymond Hoser. NOTE: The article states he has named over 800 taxa, not species, as we stated in the episode. This could mean species or genera, or other category--still a lot of naming! IUCN Red List

Although composting might feel overwhelming at first, it's really a simple process, and most issues that might arise have a simple solution. This week, Sara and Casey discuss some common composting questions and concerns, like dealing with smelly compost, protecting your pile from unwanted guests, and how to compost (or not) in the winter. Resources: Earth 911: Composting Cheat Sheet Farmer's Almanac: Trench Composting UC Master Gardeners of Monterey Bay: 7 Solutions to Common Compost Problems Planet Natural: Troubleshooting Composting Problems Gardening: Knowhow: How to Fix Bad Smelling Compost Honestly Modern: Carbon Emission Analysis of the Vitamix FoodCycler

What makes an owl an owl? Whether you are already an owl aficionado or you don't yet know a screech owl from a snowy owl, we guarantee you will come away from this episode with a greater appreciation for these beautiful birds of prey. Resources for this episode: Audubon Society: Thirteen Fun Facts About Owls Owl Research Institute: About Owls Animal Diversity Web: Tytonidae Owls of North America and Their Calls (VIDEO) Owl Conservation Organizations: Owl Research Institute The Barn Owl Project The Barn Owl Trust

Composting is a great way to help improve soil quality and reduce waste going to landfill, while cutting out some greenhouse gas emissions in the process. However, it can feel a little overwhelming to get started! Join Casey and Sara as they discuss the what, why, and how of composting and give you some steps to get started composting in your own home. Resources for this episode: The Finished Product: benefits of composting and a look at how to use the finished product The Lazy Gardener's Guide to Compost: a reminder that our composting system doesn't have to be perfect to work Composting 101: a comprehensive overview, including the information on San Francisco's composting success Compost Basics: a great infographic on what and how to compost Composting: summary article with charts on greens/browns and choosing a composter What's the Difference Between Hot, Cold, and Warm Composting?

Join Casey and special guest-host, Kristen Latzke, co-founder of the Indiana Chapter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, for a discussion about cheetahs. With an estimated population of only about 7,000 individuals, cheetahs need our help. Learn about the challenges these animals face, the work being done to protect them, and how you can get involved. Links for this week's episode: Cheetah Conservation Fund website IUCN Red List profile on cheetahs CCF Teacher's Resource Guide: see page B10 for source on the genetic relatedness of cheetahs For further reading on cheetah genetics: Genetics of the African cheetah continue to inspire and excite researchers

Happy 2022! To kick off the new year, Sara and Casey take a look at some of the iconic wildlife that can be found in Sara's new home state of Florida and discuss what's on their wildlife viewing bucket lists.

It's hard to believe that we've reached the end of the year! In the final episode of 2021, Casey and Sara take a look at holiday traditions and discuss how we can be a little greener while throwing our holiday parties, decorating, spending time with family, and more. Happy listening, and happy holidays!

Around this time of year, there is no end to the movies, songs, stories, and images, featuring Santa and his sleigh, pulled by his flying reindeer. Reindeer have become so closely tied with the holiday season and the mythology of Santa Claus (at least in some parts of the world) that some people aren't aware they are real animals! But how did reindeer come to be associated with Christmas? What are reindeer really like? This week, Sara and Casey discuss the myth and reality of reindeer, including the real-life practice of reindeer herding still practiced in some indigenous cultures today.

Real tree or fake tree, what should you get? Join hosts Casey and Sara as they settle the Great Christmas tree debate once and for all! OK, not really, but on this week's episode, you'll definitely find some great information about the pros and cons of fresh-cut vs. artificial trees, as well as some lesser-known options that might work for you.

It's the most wonderful time of the year (according to Sara), but unfortunately, the holiday season tends to be the most wasteful time of year, too. Although we don't like to think about it, holiday gifts can be a big source of that waste, from the wrapping, to the packaging, to those unwanted gifts that are going to end up forgotten or trashed. But, never fear, we don't have to completely give up on gifts. In this episode, Sara and Casey discuss how we can adjust our gifting habits to hang on to the joy of the season while being a little greener in the process.

This week, Casey and Sara discuss some of the agreements that came out of COP26, the UN's recent conference on climate change. Take a listen to find out what they liked, what they didn't, and just what COP stands for, anyway! Your hosts also share some fun wildlife encounters they had this week.

Winter is coming, and whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that without heat, shelter, and warm clothing, winter would be pretty rough, if not downright dangerous. So, how do our wildlife neighbors make it through the season without freezing? Sara and Casey break down the possibilities. If you've ever wondered where your chipmunks go in the winter or worried about a bird's feet in the cold, this episode is for you!

After marveling at migration in Part I, Casey and Sara are back for another discussion on migratory birds; this time focusing on the challenges of making these yearly trips and how we can help them along the way.

What do you picture when you think of the fall season? Leaves changing color? Cozy sweaters and fires in the fireplace? Depending on where you live, another iconic fall image might be the flying V of a flock of geese overhead. As we enter into the fall season, many bird species, including those Canada geese, are migrating south, where they will hang out during the colder months. On this episode of A Little Greener, prepare to be amazed by our feathered friends as Casey and Sara dive into why and how birds make these epic journeys each year.

Have you heard the news? Earlier this month, the governor of California signed a number of environmental bills into law. Casey and Sara discuss some of the highlights, including laws aimed at clarity in labelling materials for recycling and composting, and talk about how these laws might have an impact beyond state lines.

When you think of tools to combat climate change, dirt may not be at the top of your list. But, a recent documentary now streaming on Netflix, Kiss the Ground, aims to show us that preserving and regenerating healthy soil is an essential part of the fight. Join Casey and Sara as they discuss what they felt the film did really well, where it missed the mark, and what on Earth Tom Brady has to do with it, anyway.