Sustainability Unplugged

This week, we’re digging into the world of local food systems—because it turns out eating strawberries from down the road might be more revolutionary than you think. From farmers markets to rooftop farms, we’re exploring what it really means to eat local, why it matters for the environment and economy, and how cities are joining the movement in creative ways. Plus, we unpack what "food miles&...

Fast food might be quick and cheap, but it comes with a heaping side of packaging waste. In this episode, we unwrap the environmental impact of fast food packaging—from the millions of tons of waste created by global giants like McDonald's to the hidden plastics and PFAs in your favorite takeout. But don’t worry—we’re not just here to bum you out. We’re spotlighting the chains making real pro...

Death comes for us all—but what happens after we go is surprisingly full of choices. In this episode, we dig (pun fully intended) into the many ways people exit this earthly realm, from the conventional to the compostable. We start with the classic: conventional burial. Picture embalming fluid, caskets that outlast your family name, and enough formaldehyde in the ground each year to pickle a city....

In this episode, we dive deep into our trash—literally. Inspired (we think?) by one of the many podcasts we listen to, we spent a full week tracking everything we threw away. From donut bags and mac & cheese pouches to mystery pillow pieces and fast-food wrappers, no scrap was too small to log. We weren’t totally prepared for how personal this would get (you’re about to learn a lot about our e...

Are today’s appliances and electronics built to last—or to fail? In this episode, we break down the trend of shrinking lifespans in products like refrigerators, washing machines, and even cell phones. From the solid, steel-built machines of the 1950s to today’s tech-heavy, plastic-packed gadgets, we examine how cost-cutting, complexity, and consumer expectations have fueled a culture of frequent r...

Is capitalism the villain or the unexpected hero of the climate story? In this episode, we unpack the complicated world of eco-capitalism — also known as environmental or green capitalism — where companies commodify climate action and profit from "solving" sustainability. From green consumption trends to billion-dollar carbon markets, we explore how businesses are turning climate respons...

Jessica gave Lynn homework, and she aced it! Want to know about some documentaries and films to watch to learn more about environmentalism? We have some great options to get you started. Listen along as we discuss the first ones we have tackled on a long list of homework we will keep working on! 

We went to a Climate Summit! Climate Action Kansas City puts on a climate summit every 18 months here in Kansas City and we took part in 2025. They covered topics happening locally, nationally and beyond. We heard from 3 panels about ‘Navigating the Energy Transition’, ‘Sustainability of Sustainability’ and (our favorite) ‘Changing the Conversation’ around sustainability. Come along as we walk and...

  In this episode, we dig into the origins of the modern environmental movement and then shift to the spark that became Earth Day as we know it today. We explore the powerful ripple effects of that first Earth Day: landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA). But not all progress stays prote...

This week, we dive into the sustainable side of event spaces—because it’s not just about the music, the game, or the conference keynote anymore. From solar panels on stadium rooftops to food waste being turned into farm animal feed, we explore how venues around the world (and in our own backyard!) are stepping up their green game. We spotlight venues like the Overland Park Convention Center, Alleg...

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions out there about electric cars: “Are they like a normal car?” The short answer? Yes... and no. While driving an EV can feel pretty familiar, the bigger picture reveals some key differences between electric and gas-powered vehicles — from price and maintenance to emissions and everyday usability. We also talk about alternatives like hybr...

Is the "American Dream" just a shopping spree in disguise? This episode kicks off our Sustainability Economics 101 series with a deep dive into consumerism—how it fuels the economy, shapes our culture, and depletes our planet’s resources. We unpack the role of influencers, the psychology of overconsumption, and the not-so-hidden costs of our shopping habits. Plus, we spotlight sustainabl...

In this special 30th episode of our podcast, we take a moment to celebrate our journey and the exciting experiences we've had along the way! This week, we were thrilled to participate in the Re. Use. Ful Wednesday 101 Webinar “Starting Your Sustainability Journey.” Join us as we reflect on how we started the podcast, coming up with the name and episode ideas, and what our favorite episodes ha...

In this episode, we dive deep into the history, purpose, and ongoing debates surrounding the Paris Climate Agreement. Originally formed at the 2015 Conference of the Parties (COP) in Paris, this landmark accord brought 197 nations together to combat climate change. We explore what the agreement aims to achieve. We break down the United States' on-again, off-again relationship with the agreeme...

We’ve covered a lot of eco-ground this year—from tackling junk mail and composting food waste to greening our holiday shopping and even rethinking our pets’ carbon pawprint. But how much progress have we actually made? In this special recap episode, we’re revisiting our biggest sustainability wins, lessons learned, and the moments that made us say, “Oops, we can do better.” Whether you’re new to t...

Want to know all things AI and how it relates to sustainability? Come along as we look at what AI is, its history and its demand on the environment. 

Ah, straws—the tiny plastic villains of the sustainability movement. In this episode, we break down the politics of plastic, why straws became the poster child of the movement (when they’re just the tip of the plastic iceberg), and how we can actually reduce single-use plastics in our daily lives—no matter what the government says. From sneaky plastics hiding in everyday items (looking at you, wet...

Everyone has had moments in their life when they’ve asked themself, Am I the asshole?   We are clearly passionate about climate change and sustainability, but we know not everyone shares that same urgency. So, let’s dig into a few situations where the question whether I’m crossing the line—or maybe just trying to make the world a little better has come up. In this episode, we’ll walk you through s...

In the latest episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we talk about the environmental impact of live music events—an industry that's surprisingly resource-hungry. While artists like Michael Jackson dreamed of using their concerts to raise millions for environmental causes, the reality is that the energy, waste, and carbon footprints of modern-day concerts are staggering. We spotlight the pop sta...

We all love our pets, but have you ever thought about how their diet, waste, toys, and care impact the environment? In this episode, we dive into the environmental footprint of domesticated cats and dogs, from their meat-heavy diets to their waste disposal. Did you know your furry friends contribute to about 25% of the environmental cost of meat consumption in the US? Tune in as we share ways to c...

In this episode, we explore the environmental impact of the fashion industry, highlighting disturbing statistics like the fact that a garbage truck full of clothes is dumped or burned every second, and that the industry is responsible for significant carbon emissions and plastic pollution. We discuss the role of synthetic fibers like polyester, which contribute to microplastics in the environment,...

What’s in a Carbon Footprint?? We've touched on this in previous episodes but never fully explored. If you're wondering what it really means, you're not alone! In simple terms, a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, that you emit from your daily activities. But how much is that really? For the average American, it’s a whopping 16...

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of greenwashing — the misleading practice where companies deceive consumers into believing their products are more environmentally friendly than they really are. From vague claims like "eco-friendly" and "biodegradable" to the deceptive use of imagery and labels, greenwashing is everywhere.  With a mix of humor, frustration, and prac...

We’re wrapping up our Around The House series by covering the household as a whole. From the simplest swaps to energy-saving tips, we’ll explore practical ways to make your home more eco-friendly. We dive into the benefits of indoor plants. We also talk about drapes (or is it curtains now?) and their role in insulation. Beyond the basics, we discuss more mindful habits like unplugging electronics...

 In this episode, we explore eco-friendly bathroom swaps, from switching to bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner to reduce plastic waste, to sustainable dental care with bamboo toothbrushes and recyclable electric toothbrush heads. We discuss DIY cleaning solutions like distilled white vinegar, eco-friendly brands like Grove Collaborative, and ways to reduce bathroom waste by recycling and conservin...