We kick off 2026 with eco updates—from a low-plastic electric toothbrush to a puzzle rental service that’s redefining reuse—before diving into a much bigger conversation. This episode unpacks Bill Gates’ 2025 open letter “Three Tough Truths About Climate Change,” exploring why it sparked such strong reactions across the climate spectrum. We break down the key arguments, share both supportive and critical perspectives, and wrestle with the tension between climate mitigation and human welfare. Expect thoughtful debate, big feelings, and an honest discussion about what climate action should really center: people, the planet, or both.

#ThreeToughTruths #ClimateConversation #BillGatesClimate #SustainabilityUnplugged #EnvironmentalAwareness

• [0:00] Intro & Updates
• [13:04] Three Tough Truths About Climate Change
• [25:43] Human Welfare vs. Climate Change
• [35:05] Maslow’s Hierarchy of Needs
• [46:43] The Role of Billionaires in Climate Change
• [1:15:00] Next Green Thing

• https://www.gatesnotes.com/home/home-page-topic/reader/three-tough-truths-about-climate
• https://theconversation.com/why-bill-gates-climate-memo-is-being-celebrated-by-skeptics-while-frustrating-scientists-268940
• https://www.nytimes.com/2025/10/28/climate/bill-gates-climate-change-humanity.html
• https://enginetechforum.org/
• https://www.theatlantic.com/science/2025/11/climate-cop-gates-memo.com/

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

New Year’s Eve felt like the perfect time to talk about goals, growth, and—yes—eco-friendly alcohol!
Listen along as we ditch traditional resolutions and reflect on realistic sustainability goals, personal growth seasons, and why “just surviving” can sometimes be enough.

Then we raise a glass to green spirits—breaking down the hidden environmental impact of alcohol, from energy and water use to packaging and transportation. We explore what makes a drink more sustainable, highlight brands doing it right, and even put paper wine bottles, recycled glass, and responsibly sourced tequila to the test (with mixed feelings… and tequila shots).

The big takeaway? Sustainability isn’t about perfection. It’s about asking questions, supporting better brands, and realizing that even what’s in your glass can reflect your values. Cheers to drinking smarter, staying curious, and heading into the new year a little more informed

#SustainableSips #GreenSpirits #EcoFriendlyAlcohol #SustainabilityUnplugged #DrinkWithPurpose#Podcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalAwareness #Podcasting #PodcastEpisode #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenLivingTips #SustainabilityJourney #SustainabilityUnplugged #NextGreenThing #SustainabilityIsSexy

• https://www.countryandtownhouse.com/food-and-drink/eco-friendly-alcoholic-drinks/
• https://www.forbes.com/sites/claudiaalarcon/2025/04/10/eco-friendly-alcohol-brands/
• https://gitnux.org/sustainability-in-the-liquor-industry-statistics/?utm_source=chatgpt.com
• https://www.pernod-ricard.com/en/sustainability-responsibility
• https://www.dublase.com/
• https://mijenta-tequila.com/
• https://www.boulevard.com/

Are the things in your home secretly draining electricity while you sleep—or is “unplug everything” just another energy myth? In this episode of, we break out an energy watt meter and put common and unexpected household items to the test. From coffee makers and air purifiers to nightlights, fridges, space heaters, and even composters, we measure what’s really pulling power, what qualifies as so-called “vampire energy,” and what’s honestly not worth stressing over.

Using two very different approaches—instant wattage readings and multi-day cost tracking—we compare results, crunch the numbers, and share a few surprises along the way. The takeaway? Some of the advice we grew up with doesn’t quite hold up, and understanding your energy use might be more reassuring than alarming. If you’ve ever wondered what’s actually impacting your electric bill (and what isn’t), this episode is your friendly, data-backed reality check.

#WattMeterExperiment #VampireEnergyTest #HomeEnergyInvestigation #PluggedInPodcast #EnergyMythBusting #Podcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalAwareness #Podcasting #PodcastEpisode #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenLivingTips #SustainabilityJourney #SustainabilityUnplugged #NextGreenThing #SustainabilityIsSexy

Talking about climate change doesn’t have to feel awkward, overwhelming, or argumentative. In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we break down how to have more effective, values-driven conversations about climate change—especially with people who don’t already agree with you. Inspired by the Change the Conversation guide from the Climate Action KC Summit, we explore why negotiation skills matter, why the “obvious” isn’t obvious to everyone, and how shifting from alarmist language to opportunity-focused messaging can actually move the needle. From listening instead of lecturing to weaving sustainability into everyday conversations, this episode is all about making climate talk more human, practical, and impactful.

• Why climate conversations are really negotiations—and how to approach them with curiosity instead of conflict
• The myth that “everyone should already know this” (and why that mindset shuts people down)
• How to shift from doom-and-gloom language to value-based framing that resonates
• Why facts alone can overwhelm—and how anchoring conversations in shared values works better
• Common reasons people avoid climate discussions (time, responsibility, impact) and how to respond
• Easy, everyday ways climate conversations naturally show up—without sitting someone down for “a talk”

Next Green Thing: Check out Good Power’s short video on how to talk about climate change—it’s a quick, approachable guide that reinforces everything we discuss in this episode. Then, take a moment to think about how you might naturally start a climate conversation in your own daily life.

• 00:00 Introduction
• 08:58 Change the Conversation
• 23:10 Finding Common Ground in Conversations
• 31:49 Addressing Common Arguments Against Climate Change
• 38:04 The Role of Individuals vs. Government in Climate Action
• 42:03 The Power of Consumer Choices

Resources:

• https://climateactionkc.com/climate-action-summit/
• https://www.psychologytoday.com/us/blog/the-negotiation-edge/202506/mastering-negotiation-beyond-theory-to-action
• https://climate-pact.europa.eu/get-inspired/how-talk-people-about-climate-action_en
• https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=UHPZw0zbHNE

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

In this episode, we sit down with the CEO of Alter Eco Foods — the climate-committed chocolate company leading the charge on dynamic agroforestry, fair-trade supply chains, and plastic-free packaging. We dig into how Alter Eco is reinventing the chocolate industry through farmer-first partnerships, carbon-drawdown cacao, and bold sustainability innovations that challenge Big Chocolate to do better. From the realities of sourcing ethical cocoa to the future of compostable wrappers, this conversation offers a candid behind-the-scenes look at how a mission-driven food brand blends impact with indulgence — and why truly sustainable chocolate starts at the soil level.

• How Alter Eco’s CEO defines dynamic agroforestry and why it matters for cacao farmers
• The link between soil health, carbon sequestration, and climate-positive chocolate
• The company’s approach to fair-trade wages, direct farmer partnerships, and long-term community investment
• The challenges and breakthroughs in developing compostable and plastic-free packaging
• Why consumer education is essential to transforming the future of chocolate
• What it takes to scale sustainability without compromising ethics or flavor

When it comes to chocolate, voting with your dollars really does shape the future of the food system. Look for brands investing in soil health, fair wages, and smart packaging — because every bite can be a climate-positive choice.

• 00:00 The Mission of Alter Eco: Sustainability at Its Core
• 04:56 Dynamic Agroforestry: A New (Old) Approach to Farming
• 10:41 Carbon Neutrality: What It Means for Chocolate Production
• 15:43 Innovations in Packaging: Compostable Wrappers in Confectionery
• 21:07 Scaling Sustainably: Balancing Growth and Mission
• 29:19 The Future of Sustainable Snacking
• 40:24 Next Green Thing

Resources

• www.alterecofoods.com

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

This week, we’re deep in the holiday season and unpacking all things gift-giving—the good, the wasteful, and the wonderfully creative. We walk through simple swaps, mindful mindset shifts, and tons of low-impact ideas to help you choose gifts that make your loved ones happy without creating mountains of holiday trash.

We talk experiences vs. things, long-lasting options, supporting local makers, and why paying attention throughout the year makes gift-giving so much easier (and less chaotic). From DIY kits to consumables to thoughtful upgrades to someone’s favorite hobby, we cover ways to keep joy high and waste low.

And then… a little Reddit wisdom that stopped us in our tracks: gift-giving is not the time to send someone an environmental message. We unpack what that means, how it hits home for both of us, and why staying true to your values doesn’t have to turn you into the Ghost of Christmas Judgy.

#EcoFriendlyHolidays #SustainableGifting #GreenChristmas #EcoGiftIdeas #SustainableHolidaySeason #Podcast #Sustainability #ClimateChange #GlobalWarming #EnvironmentalAwareness #Podcasting #PodcastEpisode #EcoPodcast #ClimatePodcast #EcoFriendlyLiving #GreenLivingTips #SustainabilityJourney #SustainabilityUnplugged #NextGreenThing #SustainabilityIsSexy

It’s our favorite episode of the year — the Annual Good Things Roundup — where we celebrate the wins, wonders, and wildly hopeful moments happening across the planet. From renewable energy surpassing coal for the first time in history and the UK launching its first all-electric football stadium, to massive wildlife comebacks like green turtles, jaguars, and Scottish wildcats, we’re serving up a full buffet of environmental progress. We dive into breakthroughs in bamboo bioplastics, Indigenous-led beaver reintroductions, global youth climate leadership, clean energy job growth, and even a seaweed-based coffin (yes, really). And as we close out the year, we honor the legacies of environmental champions Jane Goodall and Robert Redford, reminding us that hope is alive, well, and very much worth fighting for.

• [00:00] Introduction
• [02:34] Good Things in Energy
• [11:31] Good Things for Wildlife
• [18:04] Good Things with Plants and Water
• [21:36] Good Things by People
• [26:34] Next Green Thing

Resources:

• https://ecologi.com/resources/blog/latest-good-news
• https://thinklandscape.globallandscapesforum.org/71474/climate-events-2025/#:~:text=The%20Global%20Youth%20Climate%20Summit,that%20all%20life%20depends%20on.

Rate & Review on Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/6yPcV81RJQV74HQ8NbymTs?si=hHP7zDEPT6CoozRt_CsMQA

Come along as we explore the environmental impact of going vegan, from carbon emissions and water use to the surprising footprint behind foods like avocados and mushrooms.

We also share our real-life experiences trying vegan dishes at local spots — The Fix, Tree Hugger, Waldo Pizza, and even Joe’s KC BBQ — and what happened when we pushed ourselves to rethink “normal” meals. Spoiler: We tried a lot of awesome food!

Whether you’re vegan, veg-curious, or simply want to make more earth-friendly choices, this conversation is packed with insights, laughs, and simple ways to get started without going all-in.

• [0:00] What is Lynn up to these days?
• [14:36] Eco Events
• [15:37] Intro to Veganism
• [17:25] Stats!
• [35:22] Vegan Options in Kansas City
• [57:17] Next Green Thing

https://www.pcrm.org/good-nutrition/vegan-diet-environment (2023)

https://www.theguardian.com/environment/2023/jul/20/vegan-diet-cuts-environmental-damage-climate-heating-emissions-study (2023)

https://www.bbc.com/future/article/20200211-why-the-vegan-diet-is-not-always-green (2020)

https://treehuggerkitchen.com/

https://www.waldopizza.net/

https://www.joeskc.com/

https://thefixkc.com/