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Advances in technology have allowed researchers to detect small cellular material known as environmental DNA, or eDNA, and it is changing the way we understand the natural world.  Professor Michael Cunliffe from the Marine Biological Association joins us to discuss what eDNA is and how this research is conducted. He also explains what it's used for, and shares insights into what's next for the industry. Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Much of the world takes for granted that natural resources exist to be owned and used by humans, with no thought to the consequences of these actions. The idea that nature has the right to exist free from human interference has long existed in indigenous communities, and is finally gaining wider support around the world. Quetza and Somabha from the Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) join us to discuss the rights of nature movement and the ways it is being implemented around the world. They share examples of successful rights of nature initiatives, and offer insights into how to gain support at all levels of society. Resources discussed in this episode: Global Alliance for the Rights of Nature (GARN) GARN Facebook GARN Instagram GARN Twitter GARN LinkedIn GARN Eco Jurisprudence Monitor GARN Paper: Financialization of Nature: A false solution to Climate Change Rights of Nature documentary Should Trees Have Standing? book Earth Law book  Hoodwinked in the Hothouse Fossil Fuel Treaty Degrowth Institute Wild Law: A Manifesto for Earth Justice book Ecological Jurisprudence book Quetza Ramirez LinkedIn Somabha Bandopadhay LinkedIn Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Conventional meat production negatively impacts the environment, public health, national security and economic stability. Despite this, meat consumption continues to rise each year. Bruce Friedrich explores these issues in his book MEAT: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food—and Our Future. Bruce joins us to discuss the book, and how advances into alternative methods of meat production could revolutionize the way we eat. Resources discussed in this episode: MEAT: How the Next Agricultural Revolution Will Transform Humanity’s Favorite Food—and Our Future book Good Food Institute GFI Bluesky GFI Instagram GFI LinkedIn GFI Substack GFI Threads GFI Youtube Livestock's Long Shadow report Diet for a Small Planet book Thinking Fast and Slow book Giving Green Bruce Friedrich LinkedIn Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

The ocean provides invaluable ecosystem services enabling the survival of most life on Earth, regardless of whether it lives in the water or near the coast. The ocean also provides ample recreation and tourism opportunities. Alex Fogg from Destin-Fort Walton Beach (DFWB) joins us to discuss marine conservation, eco-tourism and how DFWB is merging the two to help protect local resources and the communities that rely on them. He offers real world examples of how this coastal community is adapting to a changing environment, while engaging both visitors and locals to protect and enhance local ecosystems. Resources discussed in this episode: Destin-Fort Walton Beach website DFWB Instagram DFWB Facebook DFWB YouTube DFWB LinkedIn Alex Fogg LinkedIn Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Sports have a huge personal and cultural impact for people all around the world, bringing communities together and offering unique social experiences. They also have a sizeable impact on the environment. So how do we balance the personal fulfilment and social connection that sports provide with the need for a healthy planet? Claire Poole from Sport Positive joins to discuss this tension, and how the industry is working to reduce its carbon footprint. She also shares examples for how the changing climate is affecting sports, and how the industry is adapting to this new reality. Resources discussed in this episode: Sport Positive website Sport Positive Facebook Sport Positive Instagram Sport Positive LinkedIn What’s Stopping Us? Report The Climate of Sport Podcast Your Brain on Climate Podcast Save the Reef Reef Safe Sunscreen Guide Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Humans produce an incredible amount of rubbish, and it causes an incredible amount of damage to our environment and health. Better waste management practices are part of the solution, but waste reduction is just as vital. Sarah Currie-Halpern from Think Zero LLC joins to discuss how our waste is managed, how to improve this system, and how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) regulations are helping. She emphasizes the importance of waste reduction in both the public and private sectors, and offers tips for how to support these efforts. Resources discussed in this episode: Think Zero LLC Think Zero LLC Instagram Think Zero LLC Facebook Think Zero LLC LinkedIn Sarah's LinkedIn Upstream Skip the Stuff Secondhand shopping sites & apps: 1stDibs, AptDeco, Chairish, eBay, Etsy, Facebook Marketplace, Kaiyo, Once Upon a Child, Play it Again Sports, Poshmark, ThredUp. Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

It's time to change the outdated idea that humans are separate from nature. Bioregioning takes a holistic approach to nature restoration that emphasizes the human connection to the landscapes we inhabit. Sarah Prosser, Weaver and CEO of Bioregioning South East Ireland, joins us to discuss their work and the principles of bioregioning. She shares examples where bioregioning is being successfully implemented, emphasizing the importance of  long-term thinking and a willingness to listen. Resources discussed in this episode: Bioregioning South East Ireland Bioregioning South East Ireland LinkedIn Bioregioning South East Ireland Instagram Bioregioning Tayside Bioregional Learning Centre Sarah Prosser LinkedIn Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Wolves and other apex predators play a critical role in their ecosystems,, but they are often feared and vilified by humans. Katie Stacey explores this tension in her book No Paradise with Wolves. The book follows the journey of Katie and her partner as they restore their farm in Northern Spain, while simultaneously learning about and advocating for protection of the local environment, specifically the Iberian wolf. Katie shares insights from years of conservation storytelling and her lived experiences. Her story is an inspiring example of how humans can coexist with other species, even the "big, bag wolf." Resources discussed in this episode: No Paradise with Wolves book Wild Finca Wild Finca Instagram The Wild Shift How Wolves Change Rivers Rebecca Hoskins Wilding book Braiding Sweetgrass book The Wildlife Trusts RSPB Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

When looking to protect land from development, mining and other harmful activities, Conservation Easement Agreements (CEAs) are perhaps one of the most effective methods for permanently protecting private land. Despite their effectiveness, many are not familiar with this method of land protection, so we've brought in Joel Enman from Ontario Farmland Trust to explain how CEAs work. He also discusses why private land conservation is important, and how his and other land trusts are helping landowners maintain ownership of their land while protecting it for future generations. Resources discussed in this episode: Ontario Farmland Trust Joel Enman Linkedin Ontario Land Trust Alliance Alliance of Canadian Land Trusts Land Trust Alliance Farmland Preservation book A Garden for the Rusty Patched Bumblebee book Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

In this bonus episode we're joined by Kara Escajeda from Parrie Haynes Ranch, a park in Central Texas under threat of being closed. Kara discusses the challenges facing the park, and the current state of public land in Texas. She also explains the importance of parks in general for local communities and the environment, and offers tips for how to advocate for green spaces in your area. Resources discussed in this episode:  Save Parrie Haynes Ranch website Parrie Haynes Ranch Facebook group Environment Texas website New state parks in Texas article Urban Heat Islands article Engagement with Parks report EXPLORE Act Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode: Ordinary Soil book Analog Sun book Alex Woodard website Dr. Zach Bush website Farmer's Footprint website Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) video Previous Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods: Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane Podcast Episode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, Author Episode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture Guild Episode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire Farm Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it has become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is especially attractive, as it allows consumers to produce energy onsite. Owen Barrett from Shine joins us to discuss the basics of residential solar, and how his company is helping make solar available to multifamily housing units. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and why he's optimistic it will continue to grow despite continued opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Resources discussed in this episode: Shine website Owen's LinkedIn Less Talk More Action podcast Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group Our previous episode about solar energy: Soak Up the Sun Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

There are many alternatives to fossil fuels, but how do we pick which one(s) to use? Rinaldo Brutoco, Founding President and CEO of the World Business Academy and H2 Clipper, Inc., joins us to discuss why he believes hydrogen is the best choice. Rinaldo explains how hydrogen works and how it's being used today. He also discusses common misconceptions about hydrogen, and why the transition away from fossil fuels could be much easier than we expect. Resources discussed in this episode:  World Business Academy World Business Academy Books H2 Clipper ARCHES Hydrogen Insight magazine Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

Our planet is home to millions of species, many of which have yet to be discovered. Human activity is threatening an alarming number of these species, resulting in a biodiversity crisis that is drastically impacting human and non-human life. Dr. Debbie Saunders of NatureHelm joins to discuss this crisis and possible solutions. She maintains a hopeful outlook while emphasizing the need for urgent action to protect all life on earth. Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.

This month we're joined by Trevor and Kyle Ritland, authors of the new book The Golden Toad: An Ecological Mystery and the Search for a Lost Species. The book explores the mysterious disappearance of the golden toad from its home in Costa Rica, and how Trevor and Kyle's lifelong fascination with the species led them to investigate its disappearance. They discuss this experience and how it fits into the global amphibian crisis that has emerged in recent decades. We also grapple with the implications of species extinctions, and the ecological grief that accompanies it. Resources discussed in this episode: The Golden Toad book findthegoldentoad.com The Golden Toad Goodreads The Golden Toad on Bookshop.org Trevor's Instagram Kyle's Instagram Adventure Term Instagram Adventure Term Facebook Adventure Term Twitter  Children's Eternal Rain Forest Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at [email protected]. Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen. You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram. Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube. Music by: Peter Emerson Jazz