How do you reinvent your style while trying to do your best for people and planet? How can you navigate your desire to buy new clothes, the pressure to consume from the world around us, and your values around sustainability? In this episode, we talk about Brandee’s exploration of personal style and how she has approached clothes shopping so far. We also chat about consumerism, how even buying second-hand might be taking us away from the path we want to be on, and how to set goals that feel good ...
Jun 11, 2024•27 min
Hey y’all! It's been a while, but we’re happy to be back. We’ve come back with a broader understanding of what we mean by sustainability - and what we want it to mean for our show! We want our habits and lifestyles to support and align with our sustainability values, whether that’s getting in more movement or reducing our clothing waste. Hannah kicks off our new experiment by sharing a habit she’d like to change - her phone usage - with the aim of building more intentionality into her free time....
May 21, 2024•26 min
AKA the stuff Hannah’s “not very good at.” In today’s episode, we’re rounding out our sustainable travel series with the third and final episode all about what to do after your trip. We try and answer questions like, what should we keep in mind for the future? How can we plan our future trips better? How can we bring travel into our everyday lives? We also chat about trip-specific clothing, leaving positive reviews for restaurants and other businesses, and a note on souvenirs (because we ran out...
Jun 06, 2023•36 min
Do you like to travel like a local or a tourist? Or a good mix of both?? In today’s episode, we’re continuing our sustainable travel series by chatting about what to do while you’re actually on your trip. (And if you haven’t already, go back and listen to episode #28 first!) Join us as we discuss traveling like a local versus a tourist (and what that even means), tourist traps, David of Michelangelo, neighborhood impact, swimming with dolphins, and more. So grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that...
May 16, 2023•34 min
Are you planning a trip this summer?? (And if not, still read and listen for future you!) With the summer holidays just around the corner, we thought taking a deeper dive into sustainable travel would be fun (and hopefully helpful). We’re breaking it down into stages, and in this first episode of our three-part mini-series, we’re talking about the planning stage. As in, what can we do in this stage to decrease our impact and have a more sustainable trip? From carbon offsetting ( check out our pr...
May 02, 2023•31 min
In this episode, we go beyond the immediate impact of our daily purchases to talk about the impact of the money we have in our savings, investments, and pensions. While banks have traditionally been part of the problem by financing fossil fuel projects and not prioritizing sustainable investments, this is beginning to change. Banking investments can have a significant impact on promoting sustainable development and combating climate change. But do we go for a green bank or stick with one of the ...
Apr 18, 2023•29 min
Were you taught about climate change in school? Are you feeling a bit worried about the state of the climate crisis now? Is there a connection between those two questions? We don’t know; we’re not psychologists or mental health experts. But, according to a 2001 report, 84% of 16-25-year-olds feel worried about climate change, with 45% saying that their feelings negatively affect their daily life and functioning*. Today, we’re looking at this statistic through the lens of education and discussing...
Apr 04, 2023•30 min
Did you know that 11 people in 1 company made decisions that were responsible for 0.45% of all carbon emissions in 2020*? Sure, that doesn’t sound like much - except when you realize that the entirety of Africa only contributed 3.8% of global carbon emissions in 2020**. In this episode, we talk about the difference between individual vs. corporate impact and action and the mindset shift needed to start viewing these companies as things that are made up of actual people. What can we do? What can ...
Mar 14, 2023•31 min
Feeling a bit uncomfortable after seeing the word “shame” in the episode title? You’re not alone. In this episode, we try and work through some difficult emotions as we explore our own shame, guilt, frustration, and anger when it comes to climate action. We also discuss the role wealth plays in climate change, holding yourself accountable, and why it’s hard to make changes despite having so much information. Can shame and guilt be useful drivers of climate action? Or should we stick with the mor...
Feb 28, 2023•34 min
It’s time to feel the love! This Valentine’s day, we chat about all the things we love about our planet. From people to bacteria to planes, we share some of the things we find awe-inspiring about the world we call home. We believe that finding our love for the earth can help us find the why behind our climate activism and conservation. We also hear from a few of our listeners, who’ve shared the things they love about our planet. (Thank you, listeners!) Ready to feel the love? Grab some tea, get ...
Feb 14, 2023•28 min
Feeling overwhelmed by the accumulation of another year's worth of stuff? You're not alone! January is the time for fresh starts, but there's nothing fresh about that pile of bags that’s been hanging around since last year's New Year's resolution. We discuss how we can recycle or reuse old items in our houses, where we can take different materials….and when to say fuck it and just throw it all in the bin. So grab some tea and a bag to sort through, and hit that play button. Links and resources :...
Jan 31, 2023•35 min
What brings you joy? What is the climate work that needs doing? What are you good at? If you can answer all 3 of those questions (and find a common theme), you’ve just identified your unique climate action. Yay! In today’s episode, we’re taking a closer look at Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson’s Climate Action Venn Diagram to (try and) determine the climate action that makes the most sense for us. You’ll hear us share our answers to the above questions and help each other find where they overlap. (Yo...
Jan 17, 2023•49 min
And just like that, 421 minutes later, we're at the end of 2022! We're pretty proud of managing to put out 16 episodes this year, and we can't wait to see what next year brings. Join us as we look at our stats for this year, update you on some of our key episodes, and share our hopes for next year. We also respond to our first-ever voice note (thanks, Allison!). We're still hoping to hit 1000 downloads, so grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button. Who knows, maybe it will be a new year...
Dec 20, 2022•36 min
Would Amazon and convenience exist in your utopia? What would that look like? We surprise ourselves as we delve deeper into the Amazon problem. At first, it seems clear that Amazon is definitely in the naughty corner, but maybe there is more to it than meets the eye. Today we’re exploring the need to add friction to our purchases, whether Amazon’s efficiency is commendable, and even taking a look into Hannah’s Amazon history. So grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button. And if you have...
Dec 07, 2022•31 min
Would YOU throw soup at a Van Gogh painting? In today’s episode, we discuss some recent examples of climate activism, how we feel about them, and what our climate activism barriers are. Because there’s no one right way to tackle this climate crisis, but does that mean we can’t contribute a bit more to these organizations? Even if it’s just starting conversations? Are we getting too caught up in the acts themselves? Grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button. Resources : #7 | To fly or no...
Nov 22, 2022•37 min
When was the last time you had an amazing night's sleep? You probably woke up the next day feeling much more energized and ready to face the day. Yet, with rising temperatures making sleep harder to come by, sleep is fast becoming a precious resource. In today’s episode, we discuss the link between a good night’s sleep and sustainable action. Links : Article | National Geographic - Climate change is eroding a precious resource: sleep Article | Atmos.earth - Sleep More, Save the Planet? Article |...
Nov 08, 2022•28 min
Have you ever bought something simply because you wanted it? Yeah, we thought so. (Well, we’re assuming so.) Or maybe you’re like Brandee and occasionally go on spending sprees. In this week’s episode, we’re diving into the wave of guilt her recent spree has brought on, what makes us want to consume in the first place, and whether there’s a way to consume that is more ethical. So grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button. Links and resources : Article | Capitalism is killing the planet ...
Oct 25, 2022•33 min
Today, we’re diving back in after the summer break with our opinions on two big pieces of environmental news: Nespresso’s recent B Corp Certification and Patagonia’s founder donating the company to fight the climate crisis. Links and resources : B Corp - Nespresso Global Certified B Corporation Nespresso - Nespresso B Corp Fair World Project - Nespresso: Known for human rights violations, now B Corp certified Open democracy - The B-Lab is wrong about human rights - but there’s a fix Green prophe...
Oct 11, 2022•52 min
That’s a wrap on season 1! Can you believe we’re still here recording podcast episodes? Because we can’t… (Well, one of us more than the other.) Join us in our season 1 wrap-up episode as we take time to reflect, celebrate, review some stats, and talk about what the future of this podcast (and our Instagram) looks like. Basically, it’s a producer meeting turned podcast episode. Whether this is your first episode or you've listened to every single one, we just want you to know that we appreciate ...
Jun 14, 2022•32 min
Are you a “set it and forget it” environmentalist, or do you need to know the details behind each action you take? In this week's episode, we take a look at some of the broader issues that intersect with sustainable practices and advocating against climate change. When so much is interconnected, how do we take action? We have a conversation that many of you will be familiar with. Do we focus on individual or systemic action? How do we choose where to focus our energies? Do we choose to trust the...
May 31, 2022•34 min
Because even though it doesn’t always feel like it, water is a limited resource. In today’s episode, we are taking a deep dive into (wasting) water and how we can start treating it more like the limited resource that it is. We chat about Brandee’s love of long hot showers (and what’s even considered long), the proper way to wash dishes, and some of our more intimate bathroom secrets (like how often we flush and whether we brush our teeth in the shower). Links and resources : In China, agroforest...
May 17, 2022•41 min
Today, we are spilling the tea on moving (house) and living with roommates. We get it; it can be very tempting to simply leave all of your old crap behind (or throw it away) and buy all new stuff in your new apartment/flat/whatever you call it. But that’s probably not the most environmentally friendly way to move. In today’s episode, we struggle (slightly) to get back into the groove of podcasting after Hannah’s brief hiatus. We chat about Hannah’s recent move (the reason for her hiatus), how th...
May 03, 2022•46 min
Welcome to part 2 of my chat with longtime friend and #1 fan of this podcast, Kelly Pucillo! If you haven't listened to part 1 yet, episode #9 , go back and listen to that now. Or after. Your choice! I’m so excited to finally talk about the sustainability of motherhood with Kelly, as I am not a mom (unless you count cats as children??). In today’s episode, Kelly spills the tea on motherhood and some of the sustainability and environmental struggles she now faces as a mom. She also shares her tak...
Apr 19, 2022•22 min
Today, we have a very special episode for you with our #1 fan. (And please pardon the hammering that would not stop in time for the start of this episode. Construction on the weekends should not be allowed.) Sadly, Hannah could not join us for this one, so I (Brandee) am flying solo. Well, not quite. In today’s episode, I have a very impromptu chat with Kelly Pucillo, one of my closest friends, about healthcare and the sustainability struggles she faces as a CRNA (Certified Registered Nurse Anes...
Apr 05, 2022•26 min
What is Fairtrade? How do we cope with sticker shock when in the shops? Is it possible to have environmental justice without justice for workers? We tackle these questions and more as we return to one of our favourite topics - yes, you guessed it, food! In today’s episode, we use the UK-based Fairtrade Fortnight (yes, that means two weeks, Brandee) as a jumping-off point to discuss Fairtrade labels, sustainable production, and justice for all. We share our thoughts about navigating the supermark...
Mar 03, 2022•26 min
That is the question indeed. Whether you’re team fly, no-fly, or somewhere in between, there’s a lot to unpack with this topic. In today’s episode, we share our initial thoughts on flying and how much individual responsibility we have to make drastic changes (like avoiding flights) in our lives in the name of fighting climate change. Yeah, it’s a recurring theme. Tune in for our usual grey area exploration and learn how you can still make a difference. Even if you don’t plan on quitting flying. ...
Feb 17, 2022•31 min
Warning: This episode may cause an increase in hunger. We strongly advise against listening to today’s chat about food on an empty stomach. Please plan accordingly. Thank you, and enjoy! (Seriously, we do not want to be held responsible for any hanger situations.) In today’s episode, we’re spilling the tea on labels. Whether it’s a food label or one that someone chooses to identify with (vegan, vegetarian, etc.), they can be equally helpful and harmful. So, if you’re feeling stressed or overwhel...
Feb 03, 2022•32 min
Have you set any goals for 2022? Don’t worry; this episode isn’t about guilting you into making any. Today’s episode IS about how we feel about goals/resolutions/intentions/whatever you want to call them in general and how you can still make a difference while being gentle with yourself. So grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button. Welcome to 2022! Links and resources : #3 | Is plastic really that bad? What is Black Tea? What is Earl Grey? Nanjing Vertical Forest The Four Tendencies by...
Jan 13, 2022•45 min
We just wanted to wish you Happy Holidays and let you know that we will be returning with regular episodes in mid-January. See you in 2022! Send us a text message and let us know what you thought about the episode! Or questions for us to answer in future episodes :) Support the show Connect with us on Instagram @theteaonsustainableliving https://www.instagram.com/theteaonsustainableliving -Brandee and Hannah...
Dec 23, 2021•1 min
‘Tis the season, indeed. For useless gifts, too much sparkly wrapping paper, and just overall too much merriment. It’s time we cancel the holidays in the name of sustainability. Just kidding! In today’s episode, we discuss the grey area of balancing the joys of celebrating the holiday season with loved ones while also minimizing that consumerism pressure and the environmental impact of said consumption. So grab some tea, get comfy, and hit that play button. Links and resources : #3 | Is plastic ...
Dec 16, 2021•27 min
