Eco Chic

We are speaking to the thoughtful, empowering, badass woman behind the most fabulous, transparent, ethical beauty brand I’ve known yet – Abena Boamah-Achempong, founder of Hanahana Beauty! Hanahana began as a line of whipped shea butter, created through Abena’s own desire for a moisturizer that both reflected her cultural roots and wasn’t full of weird filler ingredients. Abena shares with us her childhood in a Ghanian household, her impactful travels to Ghana, and how she continues to support her community through her business. Her time as a public school teacher influenced Abena’s understanding of ethics and access, and she’s since ensured that Hanahana holds itself to high standards: fair wages, ethical sourcing, and holistic sustainability. We learn how shea butter is made (honestly, wow!) and how the beauty industry has watered down such a cultural precious ingredient. Plus, we chat about how Abena practices self-care and boundary setting as an innovator and industry leader. This conversation was seirous

Our Earth Week episode has me fired up about the topic that first brought many of us into sustainable living: the plastic crisis! We’re joined today by Emma Rose Cohen, the CEO and founder of Final, creators of FinalStraw—the world’s first reusable, collapsible straw that raised nearly $2 million on Kickstarter. We’re talking all about the product idea that that totally took the internet by storm: resourcefulness, building community, and of course, everything about fighting single-use. We also chat about our collective qualms with the recycling economy, greenwashing, corporate sustainability, and innovative plastic alternatives. Prior to launching Final, Emma earned a Bachelor of Science in Neuroscience from University of California, Santa Barbara and received a Master’s Degree from Harvard in Environmental Management and Sustainability. She then spent four years working in the Waste Minimization Department at Los Alamos National Laboratory. In the last decade, Emma’s passion for sustainability motivat

We are gossiping today about environmental scandals! We’ll start off breaking down last week’s events at Piney Point, a resovoir in Florida holding toxic phosphate mining byproducts that began leaking. We then discuss America’s first Superfund site, Love Canal, NY – and why Superfund sites must be discussed through the lens of environmental racism. Then, we’ll detail water contamination in Hinkley, CA, the largest class action lawsuit in American history and the sceanario that inspired the film Erin Brockovich. Lastly, we discuss oil spills: the 2010 Deepwater Horizon, the largest oil spill in history, and the Exxon Valdez. We wrap up discussing the ‘value’ in scandals, regulation, advocacy, and what we’re still waiting on. Listen to our episode with Erin Brockovich here: 123: Water, Public Health, + A Julia Roberts Film Let’s chat!! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9

We are speaking today with Elizabeth Segran, senior staff writer at Fast Company, about her February article, “President Biden, Appoint A Fashion Czar!“. The article gained wild amounts of attention and support from fashion advocates online, and we’re discussing today why this concept makes so much sense given the lack of transparency between brands and consumers. We discuss garment workers, sweat shops, pollution, emissions, global coordination… all the nuances to solving the fashion crisis. We also dive deep into what policy mechanisms may be used to support such government regulation and oversight to the industry. Elizabeth Segran is senior staff writer at Fast Company, whose work has appeared in a range of publications including The Atlantic, Foreign Policy, Foreign Affairs, and more. She received her Ph.D. from the University of California, Berkeley in the field of South and Southeast Asian Studies with a Designated Emphasis in Women, Gender and Sexuality. She is a global nomad who grew up in Brussel

We talk about ethical, ‘clean’ beauty, but today we’re taking it one step further and learning about the tools on our vanities: brushes. We’re learning about fibers (did you know brushes were historically animal fibers?!), self-love, sustainable supply chains, and more with beauty pioneer Anisa Telwar Kaicker of ANISA International. As the #1 global manufacturer of your favorite make-up tools since the 1990’s (think Estée Lauder, NARS, Tom Ford, Shiseido, TooFaced and more), Anisa has been a pioneer in clean beauty and fair trade in both her products and factories. She spearheaded initiatives like using synthetic fibers instead of animal hair in make-up brushes, and reducing her company’s landfill waste by 20% each year – we’re discussing innovation and the value in owning both of her manufacturing facilities! We also explore the necessity efficient, ethical supply and chain processes, any always ensuring employees and brush artisans (a 90% female workforce) are paid fairly and well taken care of.    U

We’re joined by five brilliant, trailblazing, superstar listeners to learn about their careers in climate and sustainability! I also share some insight on my career in local government and podcasting. We chat with: Julia, a clean tech journalist turned communication professional in renewable financing; Corinne, a park ranger and conservationist; Jaiko, a sustainability analyst focused on the built environment; Victoria, a retail/education professional for a sustainable lifestyle brad; Meagan, an ESG professional for a large tech company. The central message of today’s episode is that there is room for everyone in the climate fight – whatever your career, background, calling in life, there is some opportunity for sustainability advocacy. It’s an exciting time to get into sustainability, but it’s also an exciting time to get into *anything* and make sure your values of climate action are incorporated in your day-to-day. Next CHIC CHATS will be focused on sustainability in communal living spaces (roommate

Welcome to book club!! This month we read Deluxe: How Luxury Lost Its Luster by Dana Thomas with supply chain professional and fashion blogger Megan McSherry of @Acteevism. We discuss the “democratization” of luxury fashion, consumer psychology, celebrity product placement, “it” bags, perfumes… everything that you’ve ever wondered about the behind-the-scenes of the luxury fashion industry, this book got into. We also share some of our favorite iconic luxury fashion moments, retrospective disdain for trends, and the value of artisanship. Spoiler alert: we discuss why we don’t believe an Hermes Birkin Bag should fall into the same vague “luxury” category as a Louis Vuitton. Just kidding – there are no true spoilers in this episode as we are reading a nonfiction, research-based account. While you will get more out of our chatty conversation if you read Deluxe, you certainly do not have to read with us to participate and get value out of Book Club episodes. We will be reading Hood Feminism: Notes from the Wom

We are joined by eco educator extraordinaire (and my friend!) Isaias Hernandez, creator of Queer Brown Vegan. @QueerBrownVegan is a space where Isaias creates introductory forms of environmentalism through colorful graphics, illustrations, and videos. He seeks to provide a safe space for like-minded environmentalists to advance the discourse around the climate crisis. We discuss his environmental, nature-facing background, education, academia, and current career as a content creator focused on topics like zero waste, environmental justice, veganism, and intersectionality. Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. I’m also on clubhouse as @lauradiez ! Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic Thank you to our sponsor, Ettitude! Use code ECO15 for 15% off their breathable, silky, sustainable bedding

Dr. Mamina Turegano is a triple board certified dermatologist, internist, and dermatopathologist. Dr Mamina’s content has in recently months completely taken the internet by storm, because she provides bite-sized educational moments, focusing on the science of skincare and research backed answers to rituals or products. She also shares content featuring her mom, which I love and we discuss, the natural, more anecdotal, cultural skincare practices that have been passed down, in conjunction with her medical background. Dr. Mamina has a unique interest in connecting how things beyond medicine influence skin health, and her practice and teachings evaluate how nutrition, lifestyle, sleep and environmental factors can play a significant role in inflammation, aging, chronic disease… She takes us through her whole medical journey, and how she came into this complex multifaceted niche. And we also talk about skincare topics like acne and anti-aging – ingredients, mistakes, and when you really should see a professional

We are celebrating Inauguration Day 2021 with Dr. Gretchen Goldman! Today, Gretchen and I speak about what happened to environmental protection during the Trump Administration, and then start to set the scene for what we can expect from the incoming Biden Administation. We discuss Cabinet appointments and the specific qualifications of a few notable positions, and we also talk about barriers by Congress and the Courts to certain priorities. We also talk about environmental policy and climate action check points, looking at the Biden Administration’s clear commitments already to climate and environmental justice.  Dr. Gretchen Goldman is the research director for the Center for Science and Democracy at the Union of Concerned Scientists. For nearly a decade, Dr. Goldman has led research efforts at the nexus of science and policy on topics ranging from federal scientific integrity to fossil energy production, climate change, and environmental justice. Dr. Goldman has testified before Congress and currently se

We are opening up our year by acknowledging what must come before we can reasonably expect people to care about the environment: social sustainability. At its core, social sustainability looks at the societal structures in place that allow people to live healthy, happy lives: equity, culture, job opportunities, safety, wages, and all the other things we believe to be indicators of a “good” community. We also touch today on economic sustainability and go through a handful of case-study thought exercises: why do people buy fast food? what conditions may support crime? how are we organizing our communities? Caring about climate change is a privilege, and until we create more just, stable societies, we can’t expect everyone to be enthusiastically on board with supporting eco-conscious activities. Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

Aja Barber is a celebrated writer and stylist focused on the intersection of fashion and equity issues. We touch on two of her recent conversations: #IQuitFastFashionBecause, and the myth of fast fashion existing “for poor people,” when it is actually fueled by the middle class. We also touch on consumerism during the pandemic, marketing tactics, and holiday shopping pressures. What are we telling ourselves to justify supporting this exploitive, oppressive industry? Aja is one of the strongest, most insightful voices on ethical fashion and intersectional feminism, and I am thrilled to share this conversation with you – let me know your thoughts via social media! Find me online: I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter. Sign up for my weekly newsletter: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic

We are joined by superstar science communicator Danni Washington! Danni Washington is a TV host and Science Communicator who is also the first African-American woman to host her own science television series. She is sharing her tips on how to be an effective science communicator, how to maintain the momentum of the climate movement in politics, and the importance of equity and inclusion conversations in science. Miami native with Jamaican roots, Danni Washington is deeply passionate about our oceans and science communications. Currently, Danni is featured as a correspondent on a weekly nationally syndicated CBS series called Mission Unstoppable with host Miranda Cosgrove. Danni has also hosted Xploration Nature Knows Best on FOX, a STEM educational TV series that featured the latest advancements in bio-inspired technology and design — making her the first African-American woman to host her own science television series. A special thank you to Climate Power 2020 for facilitating this conversation. Ad

Jessica DeFino is a beauty reporter covering supportive, sustainable skincare based in science and spirituality. She has made a serious name for herself as a beauty reporter firstly specializing in clean beauty, which is a niche, and furthermore as a beauty reporter than does not actively participate in beauty routines and products. Her work aims to break down the mystery of products and brands and beauty trends by discussing ingredient efficacy and skin science – she gives you the research to say whether or not something is really going to work, or if it’s just nice packaging. Her can be found in The New York Times, Vogue, Teen Vogue, Harper’s BAZAAR, Allure, New York Magazine’s The Cut, ELLE, Cosmopolitan, Marie Claire, Glamour, SELF, Coveteur, Man Repeller, HelloGiggles, Business Insider, The Zoe Report, Fashionista.com, and more.  Today Jessica and I are talking about her career, and finding this very specific, stand-out in beauty reporting, it’s a fascinating path from music videos to the Kardashians,

The annual Black Friday episode! Holiday sales are here, our inboxes are flooded, and we are all wondering: how much is *too* much to spend this year? In this episode we are reflecting on what we’ve learned this year: mindful spending means reassessing why you’re feeling pressured to buy, where you want your money to circulate, and maybe even reassessing your spending habits and relationship with your finances. Supporting small, BIPOC-owned, ethical brands means asking yourself questions around the value of your purchase and double-checking that you’re not accidentally buying fast fashion. Also mentioned: Last year’s Black Friday episode: Ep 83: 3 Tips For Conscious Consumption During The Holidays Ep 129: Sustainable Minimalism: How to Declutter and Set Boundaries for Eco-Friendly Living | Stephanie Seferian, Sustainable Minimalists Podcast Ep 127: 10 Questions to Ask Yourself Before An Impulse Purchase Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and

Kendra Kolb Butler, founder of Alpyn Beauty, traded NYC for Jackson Hole five years ago and never looked back. Today, she’s sharing what she’s learned about skincare, the potency of plants, starting a beauty brand in Wyoming, and making your dreams a reality. A former Manhattanite and 20-year beauty industry veteran, Kendra first created Alpyn Beauty for the clients at her Jackson Hole apothecary, Alpyn Beauty Bar. She’s led sales, marketing and public relations initiatives at leading luxury beauty companies from Givenchy and Dr. Dennis Gross Skincare to Clarins and Coty, yet her proudest achievement to date has been finding the courage to trade her high-power NYC lifestyle for (quite literally) greener pastures. The WY forests of arnica, chamomile, lavender, and sage… became the basis for Alpyn Beauty. Alpyn Beauty is the first sustainably sourced natural skin care line formulated with wildcrafted and hand-cultivated alpine botanicals grown in the mountains surrounding Jackson Hole, WY. At the core o

We are joined by secondhand expert Emily Stochl of Pre-Loved Podcast! We are discussing the global and domestic secondhand economy; supporting garment workers and the Garment Workers’ Protection Act; scratching the surface of the gentrification of thrift; and tips on shopping for vintage or pre-loved items. I am on Pre-Loved Podcast this week! Also check out: Episode 90: How to Shop for High-End + Luxury Pieces Secondhand; Designer Resale; Making Money from Vintage Finds | Meredith Fineman Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!Audio Player

We’re joined by Stephanie Seferian of Sustainable Minimalists! Stephanie of Mama Minimalist is a mom inspiring others to reevaluate their “stuff” without compromising on their environmental commitments. Stephanie and I discuss her philosophy of the sustainable minimalism lifestyle; she shares how to declutter, plus types of clutter we may be emotionally attached to. Stephanie also gives tips for navigating the holidays while supporting this lower-waste lifestyle; how to set boundaries and expectations for receiving, and also how to give in a more minimal way. Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!

We’re joined this week by Taryn Rasgon of Vegetaryn! Vegetaryn is a vegan lifestyle brand based in positive, welcoming plant-based activism. Taryn herself is an excellent example of an entrepreneur that is very truly living her values through every business decision and lifestyle change.  Taryn and I discuss: her vegan journey and her subsequent vegan entrepreneurship journey; welcoming, happy activism; social media; design theft; running a small business during the pandemic; conscious consumption and supporting other small businesses. Mentioned: Episode 75 with Christina Vidal of Jetet Christina: When a Fast Fashion Brand Steals from a Creator Find me online! I’m on Instagram @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez, on Facebook, Twitter, and if you’d like to check out our store closing sale, shop totallyecochic.com!

Between Prime Day, upcoming holiday season, and Instagram ads… it can sometimes be challenging to keep your values of conscious consumption and sustainability in mind before impulse shopping. Today, I’m sharing ten quick questions you can ask yourself before “adding to cart.” We’re considering who you’re buying from, why you’re buying, and how you can replace that urge to purchase with a little creativity and tapping into your circles. Let’s hang out! Instagram is @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, + I am now on Twitter, @lauraediez. We’re on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for my Monday newsletter at: https://mailchi.mp/f9324e3609e4/eco-chic. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. You can shop our store closing sale at totallyecochic.com – our shop is currently liquidating, so prices are significantly reduced!!