Sustainability Unplugged

Solar energy is often held up as the clean energy solution. But how much do we actually know about how solar panels are made, what battery storage requires, and the trade-offs that come with it? In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we finally give solar the deeper dive it deserves. We break down:  How solar panels are manufactured — from sand to silicon wafers  How battery storage is made...

In honor of the International Day of Women & Girls in Science, we’re spotlighting one of the most recognizable young climate activists of our time: Greta Thunberg. From her first “School Strike for Climate” sign in 2018 to launching the global Fridays for Future movement, Greta has transformed youth climate activism into a worldwide call for climate justice. We dig into how her activism began,...

Plastic pollution is everywhere—and it’s way worse than most of us realize. In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged , we zoom out from individual plastic swaps to explore what the world is doing to tackle plastic pollution at scale. From global plastic bag bans and deposit return schemes to the United Nations’ attempt at a legally binding global plastics treaty, we break down how plastic waste...

What did everyday life look like before plastic became part of everything we touch? In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we rewind the clock to explore life before plastic — from grocery shopping and food storage to household goods, clothing, and personal care. We break down how plastic was originally invented with good intentions, how it rapidly expanded after World War II, and how conven...

On Martin Luther King Jr. Day, we reflect on Dr. King’s legacy of justice, service, and collective responsibility—and what it means for the climate crisis today. While Dr. King is best known for his leadership in the civil rights movement, his words and actions reveal a deep understanding of interconnectedness that closely aligns with modern environmental justice. From clean air and water protecti...

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 c...

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 pa...

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-ca...

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...

 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 bette...

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, a...

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 fu...

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 lo...

This week on Sustainability Unplugged, we dive into the world of sustainable fashion with Julia Dittmer, co-founder and CEO of Open Wardrobe — an AI-powered platform redefining how we use what’s already in our closets. Julia shares how Open Wardrobe blends technology, style, and sustainability, helping users digitize their wardrobes, reduce decision fatigue, and fall back in love with the clothes...

This week, we honor Indigenous Peoples Day and Native American Heritage Month by exploring how Indigenous communities have long led the way in sustainable living. From “good fire” forest management and Zuni waffle gardens to seed stewardship and salmon restoration, Indigenous peoples have cultivated climate resilience for generations — practices that today’s world urgently needs to learn from. We...

It’s spooky season — and this year, we’re talking about something scarier than ghosts or goblins: medical waste. From used needles and old bandages to expired meds and hospital gowns, the healthcare industry produces millions of tons of waste every year. But where does it all go? In this Halloween episode, we dig into the chilling truth behind medical waste — how it’s handled, why it’s such a big...

What’s the connection between solar panels, tree shade, and climate change? In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged , we explore the surprising role of tree cover in cooling our cities, reducing energy use, and fighting climate change. From staggering stats on rising U.S. heat waves to the many benefits of urban forests — cleaner air, reduced flooding, crime reduction, and even higher property...

October is Energy Awareness Month , and what better way to celebrate than by pulling back the curtain on the system that powers our lives—the U.S. energy grid. From your morning coffee to your late-night Netflix binge, the grid is the invisible backbone keeping everything running. But how does it actually work? And what challenges lie ahead as demand grows and the world shifts toward cleaner energ...

Football season means tailgates, grilling, and lots of fun — but it can also mean mountains of waste. In this episode of Sustainability Unplugged , we break down how to keep the tailgate traditions you love while minimizing your environmental footprint. From reusable cups and compost bins to eco-friendly grilling and carpooling, we share practical tips that make game day greener without sacrificin...

What if poetry could help us see the Earth — and ourselves — in a new way? This week, we sit down with author Shannon Jade to talk about her powerful new book, A Song for the Earth. Through poetry and story, Shannon takes us on a journey across Earth’s biomes — from forests and oceans to cityscapes — capturing both the beauty of our planet and the urgency of protecting it. We talk about the inspir...

Back-to-school season doesn’t have to mean wasteful shopping sprees and mountains of plastic packaging. In this episode, we explore practical ways families, students, and teachers can make eco-friendly swaps—from reusing last year’s supplies to choosing quality over quantity, thrifting for treasures, and packing waste-free lunches. We’ll also highlight upcoming eco-events like World Cleanup Day, C...

We’re kicking off Season 2 with a challenge: Could you fit a week’s worth of trash into a single jar? Every September, people around the world take part in Zero Waste Week, a grassroots campaign started in 2008 by Rachelle Strauss after she witnessed devastating floods in England. Her experience sparked a movement that now spans over 85 countries, encouraging people to rethink what they throw “awa...

It’s a wrap on Season 1! In this special milestone episode, we reflect on what a full year of podcasting has meant to us — from the personal changes we’ve made, to the hilarious moments that made us laugh-cry while editing. We’re diving into our favorite episodes, most surprising lessons (we’re still not over the wipes or EV batteries), and what we’re looking forward to in Season 2. Plus, we’re sh...

We’re melting down—literally and figuratively. In this slightly unhinged episode, we dive into the chaos that is climate change . From ancient volcanoes and woolly mammoths to carbon and fast fashion, we unpack how humans went from riding out natural climate shifts to accelerating them with fossil fuel flair. We break down the science (hello, carbon cycle!), explore the history of global warming (...

In this episode, we dig into our experience on the Urban Farm Tour, hosted by Cultivate KC, where we visited five inspiring local farms, gardens, and co-ops that are changing the way Kansas City grows, eats, and connects. From buzzing bees to food justice, compost piles to community plots, this journey gave us a front-row seat to the green heartbeat of our city.