Good Together: Ethical, Eco-Friendly, Sustainable Living

Kellie Brown of "And I Get Dressed" and "Deeply Madly Modern" is known for her incredible taste in style and interior design. But you won't always find her buying new—she prefers being thrifty and is a pro at scoring secondhand home finds that belong in your favorite magazines. In this week's episode, we're stealing all her secrets. For show notes, visit https://brightl...

When it comes to environmental footprints, our water use warrants a serious conversation—and Jonah Schein, the national program manager for Homes & Buildings at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program, agrees. This week, Jonah settles the dishwasher vs hand washing debate (once and for all!), as well as shares other ways we can increase our efficiency around usage. For sh...

Scientists say climate change is already affecting every region across the globe. And, animals are responding quicker than humans. This week, we're resharing a past episode with Thor Hanson, a biologist and the author of Hurricane Lizards and Plastic Squid. In it, he discusses how animals are adapting to climate change right before our eyes. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/animals-a...

Plant-forward, sustainable eating and scrappy cooking are on the rise as ways to mitigate climate change and better the planet. This week, we’re resharing a past episode with Max La Manna, a sustainable chef and award-winning author. In it, he shares simple ways to reduce food waste, how to incorporate more plant-based foods into your routine, and more. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/m...

Climate change hasn't always been part of the curriculum at schools across the nation, but that's changing. In 2020, New Jersey became the first state to require that climate change is taught across all subjects. Then in 2022, Connecticut passed a law that required that lessons on human-caused climate change be incorporated into the science curriculum. Now, New York City has officially rol...

We get energy from wind and the sun, but have you ever looked toward the vast, untapped energy potential of our oceans? Yep, that's right—with more than 70% of the earth's surface covered by water, wave energy has the potential to become a key contributor to our global energy needs. The topic is something this week’s guest, Jan Skjoldhammer, the founder and CEO of the wave energy developer...

This week, we're diving into “mindful consumption”—a concept that allows us to make more intentional choices in our daily lives. By being more mindful about what we’re buying, we can foster a more sustainable lifestyle, benefitting both our bank accounts and the planet. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

As we witness the mounting challenges posed by climate change, soil degradation, and biodiversity loss, regenerative agriculture emerges as a beacon of hope, offering a paradigm shift from conventional farming practices. This week, we’re diving into the ins and outs of the innovative approach to farming with Evan Harrison, the CEO at Kiss the Ground. For more information, visit https://brightly.ec...

Laura Wittig recently sat down with Nick Huzar, the co-founder of OfferUp, to talk about the impact that all of the stuff we accumulate has on the planet. (Spoiler: It's not good!) This week, you can listen in from the other side: We're sharing Nick's interview with Laura on his own podcast, StuffTV. For more episodes, visit stufftv.org. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/bra...

Bee species are being threatened by multiple factors, from pesticide use to habitat loss. That's why we all need to do our part to help save them. This week, we're resharing an important past episode with Jonathan Powell, a trustee at Natural Beekeeping Trust and a natural beekeeper himself. In it, you'll learn about the vital role bees play in the environment, what a "natural beek...

We all love the feeling of accomplishment that comes with making small upgrades around the home. Unfortunately, these changes can come at a cost to the planet—be it in the form of excess waste, buying decor or furniture that’s cheaply made and doesn’t last, or using non-renewable resources that have a hefty environmental footprint. This week, Laura is sharing eco-upgrades she's made around her...

If you haven’t jumped on the meal prepping bandwagon yet, you’ll want to change that ASAP. It’s a secret weapon that can transform your life into a sustainable, money-saving, waste-reducing adventure. This week, Dini Klein, the founder of Prep + Rally, is sharing everything you’ll need to know to get started on your journey. For more tips and tricks, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/how-to-make-hom...

This week, Laura is chatting about an interesting new report from the Yale Program on Climate Change Communication that will leave you feeling hopeful for the future of our planet. Plus, a Stasher rant you won't want to miss. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Privacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We have a major “stuff” problem. With everything we want just a click away, we bring new things into our homes every day… just to toss them out. This excessive consumption has led to an alarming statistic: The average American produces 4.5 pounds of trash each day. For a family of four, that’s 6,570 pounds of trash generated per year. This week, we dive into the issue with Nick Huzar, the co-found...

We all want to put our money toward saving the environment, and luckily, there are many organizations to choose from that are doing just that. The unfortunate reality is that it can be really hard to tell where your donations are actually going—and whether or not they’re making an impact. This week, Chris Vargas, a Silicon Valley-based tech entrepreneur and the founder of ReWorld, is sharing the s...

It feels impossible to scroll through social media without stumbling upon a fast fashion haul. And it's no wonder why fast fashion is so popular—it's cheap, easily accessible, and trendy. But there are much better ways to shop for both your wallet and the planet. This week, we're resharing a past episode that dives into how to break up with fast fashion for good and finally build a sus...

PVC or polyvinyl chloride, one of the most widely used plastics in the world, has a unique combination of properties, making it versatile and useful in the fashion industry and beyond. However, it’s also a controversial material due to its environmental impact and potential health risks. This week, Laura dives into the topic with Alden Wicker, an award-winning journalist and the author of ‘To Dye...

If you’ve ever wished there was a thrift store for crafters filled with paint, fabrics, scrapbooking supplies, stickers, beads, and essentially everything else your creative heart desires, you’re in luck. Creative reuse centers are on the rise, and they’re giving these odds and ends a new destiny—one that doesn’t involve the landfill. This week, Toban Nichols, the director of education and develop...

Clean beauty is a complicated topic. This week, Laura shares what "clean beauty" really means, the benefits of switching to cleaner products, how to make the transition, and the tried-and-true products she can't live without. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/how-to-successfully-transition-into-a-clean-beauty-routine. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/bra...

Hydropower is one of the world's oldest renewable energy sources. But what is it, how does it work, and how does it benefit the planet? In this week’s episode, Dr. Melissa Lott, the Director of Research at Columbia University’s Center on Global Energy Policy, is diving into all of the above. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/hydropower-guide. Advertising Inquiries: https://...

There are many reasons why it’s hard to get a good night’s sleep—stress, too much scrolling on your phone, too much caffeine, and beyond. But did you know that the materials your mattress is made of could be impacting the quality of your sleep, too? To discuss this important topic is Arin Schultz, the vice president of sales and marketing at Naturepedic. Save 15% sitewide at Naturepedic.com by usi...

There are so many benefits to going outside and getting your hands dirty. This week, Dominique Charles, the CEO and creator of Plots & Pans, talks gardening with purpose—from growing produce that inspires creative cooking to deepening your connection with nature. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/urban-gardening-tips. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brands Priv...

Gone are the days of solely relying on grocery stores to provide fresh produce, eggs, and other meal essentials. Now, an increasing number of individuals are reconnecting with their agricultural roots and discovering the advantages of urban farming. Two people who are very familiar with this trend are this week’s guests—Stephanie Thurow and Michelle Bruhn, the co-authors of the new book ‘Small-Sca...

Are your seasonal allergies extra bad this year? According to a recent report, allergy season is said to be earlier, longer, and worse—all due to climate change. To discuss this matter, Laura is joined by Dr. Lewis Ziska, the senior author of the study and an associate professor in the Environmental Health Sciences at the Mailman School of Public Health at Columbia University. For more information...

Everyone is a fan of the Peanuts gang, whether that’s Snoopy, Charlie Brown, or Lucy. We’ve partnered with Peanuts to create an exclusive capsule collection of sustainable products, called the “Brightly x Take Care with Peanuts Collection,” to help you make small swaps in your daily routine that better the planet. This week, Laura is joined by Melissa Menta, the Senior Vice President of Marketing...