Sustainable Sun Prairie: Conversations for a Greener Community

Join host Rose Daily and guests Ben Stanger of Green Box Compost & Noah Bloedorn of Reap Food Group to learn about Dane County food systems. Farmland is a familiar sight across Wisconsin—but have you ever wondered what crops are being grown and where they go after harvest? While today’s food system is geared towards corporate-scale agriculture, many community members seek to support local, sma...

Heat pumps are one of the biggest game changers in home heating and cooling - they're ultra-efficient, all-electric, and the future of home comfort. But there's also some concerns around them: they don’t work in cold climates, they cost too much, and they’re too complicated. So, what’s the truth? Join host Rose Daily and guest Stephen Cavill to learn exactly how heat pumps work, separate myth from...

Art and artists play a powerful role in raising awareness around climate change issues and solutions. Join host Rose Daily and guests Mayela Finol and Raquel Sutherland to learn how art is a force for connection, education, and transformation, and what is lost when art is left out of the climate conversation. This episode also explores how creating art together can build stronger communities, the...

Most of us grow up eating without ever being taught where our food comes from, or how it impacts the planet. Join host Rose Daily and guests Tia Tevaarwerk and Hannah Best as they discuss sustainable food choices: why they matter, their impact on the planet and community, and personal food choices they've made. Additionally, they give tips and advice on how to stay motivated while making these sus...

Trees are capable of so much more than just providing shade and cleaning our air. Join host Rose Daily and guest Brian Wahl (Wisconsin DNR) to learn all of the amazing benefits of trees, including how they reduce energy costs, increase anti-cancer proteins in the body, and bring more business to your downtown. This episode also explores how to protect trees during construction projects and small t...

"Protecting special places forever" is the mission statement of Groundswell Conservancy, a local nonprofit focused on land conservation. Join host Rose Daily and guest BJ Byers to learn how land is selected for conservation, what happens after acquisition, and how community members can get involved in land restoration. Groundswell Conservancy: https://groundswellconservancy.org/ Find your local la...

Spending time in nature has so many physical and social benefits, yet, in today's world, both adults and children are spending less time outside. Join host Rose Daily and guest BJ Beyers for a discussion on the unique connection humans have with nature and the important role this plays in wellbeing. This episode explores why we're spending less time in nature and the unique benefits received just...

In today's world with social media, virtual meetings, and online petitions, advocating has become easier than ever. But it's also brought with it a multitude of advocacy outlets, making it challenging to know where to start. Join host Rose Daily and guests Kim Mintrone and Eneida Hysi for a discussion on the most effective strategies for driving change and ensuring your voice is heard. Through the...

Join host Rose Daily and guest Michael Allen for a deep dive into some of the most promising renewable energy sources and exploring their potential to power the United States. A special focus will be given to utility-scale solar farms and what it take to bring these large energy generation systems to life. This episode will also touch on whether or not fossil fuels can be phased out completely, as...

The cold winters in Wisconsin always bring with them temperatures in the single digits, snowfall, and icy roads. Wisconsinites respond by applying a liberal amount of salt to roads and sidewalks to prevent people and vehicles from slipping. But once the ice is melted, where does the salt go? Host Rose Daily and guest Allison Madison explore the negative impacts of salt on our built world, natural...

Hoping to reduce your carbon footprint this year? Looking for resolution ideas that are good for you AND the planet? This episode has you covered! Host Rose Daily and guest Lorenza Zebell share 25 sustainable resolution ideas for 2025 that anyone can adopt - no matter where they are on their sustainability journey. From small daily shifts to impactful changes in energy use and consumption, they co...

There are currently billions of dollars on the table to support whole-home energy efficiency upgrades in the United States. Wisconsin received a $150 million cut and became the first state in the country to establish its Home Efficiency Rebates (HOMES) program, administered through Focus on Energy. Through the HOMES program, Wisconsin homeowners and renters can receive substantial rebates for ener...

Curbside recycling has been around for over 30 years and has become a staple in our daily lives. We see those blue or green recycling bins everywhere – at home, in our schools, and at work. But even if recycling feels like second nature, there are some surprising facts that many of us might not know. In this episode, host Rose Daily and guest Todd Bollenbach discuss 6 things every consumer needs t...

Have you ever picked up a product claiming to be eco-friendly, only to wonder if that green label was just a marketing gimmick? Do labels such as 'compostable,' 'cruelty-free,' and 'organic' actually hold meaning? What product labels can consumers trust? All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode where we dive deep into the deceptive world of greenwashing. Host Rose Daily and...

What does it take to create a sustainable school? Join us as we discuss this question with Kevin Splain, Sustainability Manager for Sun Prairie School District, and two passionate student activists who have recently graduated from local high schools. Together, they uncover the current state of sustainability initiatives within schools, illuminating the essential shifts needed to make schools green...

There are over 3.3 million registered EVs on the road in the United States today, which makes up just over 1% of our country's total light-duty vehicles. Although EVs have been growing in popularity, there are many misconceptions about their range, performance, affordability, and environmental impact. Join me and Jessica Wagner in this episode as we use national data and our personal experiences t...

What does it take for a restaurant to become "Green Certified" through the National Green Restaurant Association? Join me in this conversation with Jordan Short, the head Chef at Café Manna, to learn about the world of sustainable restaurant practices. Cafe Manna has incoporated sustainability into their operations since 2008 and holds the title of being the first three-star certified green restau...

Spring has officially sprung here in Wisconsin which means our natural environment is buzzing with excitement as our local pollinators emerge from hibernation, our lawns become green again, and flowers begin to bloom. Amidst the seasonal splendor, there’s important work to be done – work that involves our beloved pollinators and the vital ecosystems they support. Ever heard of No Mow May? Or wonde...

Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, please enjoy this bonus episode of Sustainable Sun Prairie that is focused on pollinator conservation. Pollinators are often associated with Earth Day because of the important role they plan in our food production and creating a healthier environment. This episode will provide you with a full toolkit of resources and knowledge that will empower you to transform your...

In this special episode, we celebrate Earth Day, a momentous occasion that reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our precious home. Tune in to learn about the humble beginnings of Earth Day, its evolution over the past 50 years, how it is celebrated around the world, and local programming and events happening all month right here in Sun Prairie. Happy Earth Month! Sun...

As we browse through the racks of trendy clothes or scroll through thousands of pictures of online fashion options, it’s easy to focus on what’s in front of us and to overlook the hidden costs of our fashion choices. The reality is that the garments we wear come with a hefty environmental price tag with a large amount of clothing ending up in landfill. In fact, the average American throws out 81 p...

According to the Environmental Protection Agency, the transportation sector accounts for 29% of all greenhouse gas emissions in the United States, with 57% of these emissions coming directly from personal vehicles. The layout of our country was designed for the convenience of passenger vehicles, yet these passenger vehicles are a major driver of climate change. In this episode, we discuss strategi...

According to the National Institute for Urban Wildlife, it is estimated that anywhere from 100 million to 1 billion birds are killed each year in America by window collisions. How can we best co-exist safely in our built world with avian companions? Join us in this episode as we explore answers to this question and discuss strategies for creating bird-safe backyards, homes, and cities. Preventing...

The holidays are a time for gift giving, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones. But they're also the time when Americans produce an excessive amount of waste: 25% more than any other time of the year! Join us in this special 2-part holiday-themed episode where we unwrap the secrets to a joyous yet eco-conscious holiday celebration and uncover practical steps for cutting back your holida...

The holidays are a time for gift giving, sharing meals, and spending time with loved ones. But they're also the time when Americans produce an excessive amount of waste: 25% more than any other time of the year! Join us in this special 2-part holiday-themed episode where we unwrap the secrets to a joyous yet eco-conscious holiday celebration and uncover practical steps for cutting back your holida...