A Little Greener

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...

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 Live...

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...

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/nrp...

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--no...

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-ar...

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...

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 Alm...

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 Amer...

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...

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 Conse...

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...

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...

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 co...

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...

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 wi...