Eco Chic

We are speaking on current rollbacks of environmental regulations with Dr. Gretchen Goldman of the Union of Concerned Scientists. The US EPA is responsible for creating standards promoting the health of individuals and the environment; unfortunately, our current administration is seriously undermining that mission by rolling back regulation on air pollutants, chemical outputs, and harmful toxins. Dr. Goldman Gretchen sheds light on the current EPA rollbacks, the regulation process, why these rollbacks can happen, and what a science-backed administration needs to look, both for today’s environmental protection and for our long-term climate security.  Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Learn more about the Union of Concerned Scientists here. Check your voter registration here!!!

There’s more to sustainability than the environmental component; today, we’re shining light on the concepts of social and economic sustainability. While climate change impacts everyone, we know marginalized groups will the first to feel the effects of climate change. We also know that some groups are feeling the burden of pollution and ecological injustices than others. We’re walking through some real-life examples of groups that are feeling the impacts of climate change, and giving ourselves some encouragement to bring absolutely everyone into the climate conversation. Follow us on social media! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. More info on: * Bahamas, GDP and Tourism, Sea level rise* South Bronx, air pollution and asthma* Dakota Pipeline, Standing Rock Sioux Tribe* HBCUs* Environmental racism

I love a call-in episode! We are speaking with four people today about what research they’re currently working on, the value they’re adding to the scientific community, and how their projects are impacted by the current pandemic. Claire is a PhD student working on cancer biology; Charlotte is a PhD student working on hydrology and flooding; Leah is an undergraduate in environmental engineering interested in natural resource management; and Erika is an undergraduate in microbiology working on coral. Follow us on socials @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Episode 72: The Value of Immersive Environmental Education | CJ Casey, The Green Program

We are celebrating Earth Week here every day this week! We are starting off with today’s episode with five at-home sustainability tips. Whatever quarantine phase you’re in – cooking, gardening, home improvement, impulse shopping – you have the opportunity to reassess how those actions are impacting the planet. Below, I have linked episodes that expand on specific points made in today’s episode. Follow us on socials @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez, sign up for our newsletter + support our shop at totallyecochic.com + find us on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Helpful episodes to learn more, in the order respective topics are mentioned: * 9: The Compost Convo* 46: 10 Things to Stop Buying and Start Making from Your Food Scraps* 43: Your Guide to Becoming A Zero Waste, Vegan Home Cook | Jessie Stokes, Tiny Yellow Bungalow* 12: Green at Home* 98: Electricity Solutions for Saving Money + The Planet; Efficiency, Production, and Improving The System* 18: Get Thrifty* 90: How T

We’re joined today by Brittany Peet, the Director of Captive Animal Law Enforcement division for the PETA Foundation. We are talking all about captive animals: the current status of captive animals in America, where regulation needs to go, and also all things Tiger King! This conversation was heavily inspired by Netflix’s Tiger King, a docu-series focusing on exotic animal zookeepers and breeders. Brittany was featured in Tiger King speaking about captive animal law, the animal abuse allegations brought against Joe Exotic, and the Big Cat Public Safety Act. She works in behalf of animals who are held captive in roadside zoos, circuses, and aquariums and has personally overseen the rescues of hundreds of animals from roadside zoos. We speak about cub petting, how to tell the difference between a true sanctuary and a pseudo-sanctuary, and gaps in federal regulation. Brittany peels back the curtain and tells us more about some scenes and characters in Tiger King, like Carole Baskin’s Big Cat Rescue and who the P

We’re speaking today with Brooke Harris, founder of Goodmylk Co., a Los Angeles based sustainable, organic, and fresh alternative milk company. Brooke is peeling back the curtains of alternative milks: a lot of the options on the market now are full of strange gums, artificial flavoring or other unmentionables, in nearly-impossible-to-recycle containers. Brooke takes us through her own whole food wellness journey, and how her homemade almond milk experiment became a full-blown, wildly innovative beverage company. Brooke is candid in discussing challenges and finding creative solutions to stay true to her mission of only using simple, pure ingredients. We also discuss hemp milk, how cafes can cut waste, and where the mylk industry is going. Connect with me on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast + Facebook ECO CHIC Podcast. Shop totallyecochic.com (and sign up for our newsletter there too!). Email me laura@lauraediez.com. The milk frother on Amazon; your morning coffee routine will not be the same! You can f

Today’s milestone episode is focusing on the discussions swirling around climate and current events: what can the COVID-19 pandemic teach us about how to deal with the climate crisis? We’re discussing today the roles of individuals, corporations, and the environmental responses we’re seeing around the world in response to the tragic pandemic. Thank you to our first responders – hospital staff and public frontline workers making sure the world stays healthy and functioning so many of us can practice social distancing. Please keep in touch! I want to hear your thoughts. On Instagram, @ecochicpodcast + on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com + shop our Social Distancing Sale. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

Today we are speaking all things health with The Modern Pharmacist, Dr. Mona Vand! Dr. Mona is a health practitioner that believes in preventative, proactive wellness, from diet, exercise, and mindset. We’re speaking today about food, and how dietary choices may help your immunity, nutrient levels, and even overall mood. Dr. Mona shares some insight on Ayurvedic medicine and how food combining may help your digestion. We segway into skincare, and Dr. Mona breaks down from a chemical level why certain exfoliants, serums, and other products are useful to include in your routine. We also talk about long-term helpful skincare steps, like the vampire facial (or Platelet Rich Plasma Therapy) and dermaplaning. Shop our sale: totallyecochic.com + sign up for our newsletter while you’re there! Connect with me on Instagram @ecochicpodcast, @lauraediez, ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook.

As they say, in the pie chart of life … electricity and heat production make up 25% of our global greenhouse gas production. We’re speaking today about climate solutions that could massively cut back on our electricity consumption, carbon-intensive generation, and improve our long-term resiliency. Plus, these measures could save you money today at home. We’re discussing ways we can improve our energy dependancies through efficiency, shifting production, and improving the electric system. Today’s episode pulls from research by Drawdown, and their just-released update, The Drawdown Review! Drawdown is the world’s leading resource for climate solutions – the most digestible, encompassing list of already-existing ways to combat climate change. The original book (here linked on Amazon)  is a must-have for anyone interested in climate solutions, and the update is available here as a downloadable PDF. Also mentioned: The Quest by Daniel Yergin. Let’s hang out during these quaran-times on Instagram, @ecochicp

We’re chatting today with Daniella Monet: actress, singer, animal rights advocate and big time supporter of plant-based businesses. Daniella shares her journey to veganism (spoiler: she was not even 13!). We converse openly about her dedication to investing in plant-based businesses, from her first stocks to her now full-on involvement in uplifting the vegan economy. She is heavily involved in Kinder Beauty, Sugar Taco, Outstanding Foods, Mo4Paws, and most recently, Bridget. Daniella shares her simple philosophy for decision making, both as a consumer and an investor: be a voice for the voiceless. Connect with me! @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez, and ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Use code ECOCHIC for a surprise gift in your first Kinder Beauty Box. Daniella’s podcast, Adulting Like A Mother Father + @daniellamonet

Did you know that the cosmetics industry is one of the least regulated industries in America? We’re joined today by Lindsay Dahl, SVP of Social Mission at Beautycounter. Beautycounter is quite literally revolutionizing the clean beauty movement; they are actively demanding stricter regulations in their own industry. Beyond their cosmetics and skincare products, Beautycounter does an amazing amount of activism in policy and consumer education. Lindsay leads safety, sustainability, advocacy and philanthropy – an incredibly comprehensive approach to what it means to be truly safe. Lindsay has been working for over 15 years to remove toxic chemicals from everyday consumer products (including leading America’s first BPA ban in baby bottles!). Lindsay and I talk about working in government, the process of passing legislation, the value of regulation and how Beautycounty is setting standards to encourage tighter regulation in their own industry. Join us on social media, @ecochicpodcast on instagram, @laurae

We’re talking about art, activism, and how environmental issues can be creatively tackled. Tre’ and Akira of Pangeaseed Foundation are joining us to discuss the crossroads of sustainability, education, ecology, and design. Pangeaseed Foundation has facilitated approximately 400 public art projects in 15 countries through a community-first approach. Artists become spokespeople and educators for local concerns. Right now, they’re working on their Sea Walls project; artists all over the globe are prompting conversations around pollution, conservation, ocean acidification… they’re bringing the sea into the streets. Follow along – @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez, and find us on Facebook at ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Find Pangeaseed Foundation on social media, @pangeaseed and online at pangeaseed.foundation and seawalls.org.

Perhaps our most thought-provoking call-in episode yet! We’re exploring today the social psych concept of environmentalism and green habits often being associated with femininity. Are you less “manly” if you’re carrying a reusable bag or opting for a fuel efficient vehicle? We’re hearing thorough breakdown from two environmentalist working through this issue in their own circles, Ryan and CJ. Ryan opens up our episode laying the foundation for better understanding these generalized groups of men, and CJ has some meaty research to back up his environmental mission among machos. Follow us on social – @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez on Instagram, ECO CHIC on Facebook. Sign up for our newsletter + support the show on totallyecochic.com. Listen to the last episode CJ joined us on, Episode 72: The Value of Experiential Education + read his blog post on today’s topic here, Climate Change and the Fragile Male Persona! Listen to Episode 28: ECOFEMINISM: Women + The Environment Read more about

It’s easy to be impressed by all the “sustainable” products entering stores, but it’s also easy to be tricked into believing deceitful eco-friendly labels. Today, we’re discuss greenwashing: a marketing tactic leading consumers to assume a company’s products are more environmentally sound than they truly are. This episode gives an overview of items currently in market, plus campaigns and habits that we should be thinking more critically about regarding their environmental impact. We discuss certifications to look out for, questions to ask your brands, and overall mindfulness in the marketplace. Follow us on Instagram @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez or on Facebook, ECO CHIC Podcast. Sign up for our newsletter at totallyecochic.com (where you always get 10% off with code ECO CHIC). Email me directly at laura@lauraediez.com.

We’re taking our conscious consumption one step further today! We’re speaking with Charity Driggs of Morningstar, an investment research firm. Charity is shedding light on lots of topics across the financial landscape for us individuals. Because we aim to be more eco-conscious in our daily lives, we should also start thinking more deeply about our savings. We know that the vast majority of greenhouse gas emissions are attributed to major corporations… and if you have a 401K, you’re an investor! Charity educates us on how to make sure your savings profile puts your money towards causes that align with your values, and how to assess where your dollars currently are. We also learn more about ESG, environmental social governance, a rating criteria for corporate actions. We spoke last week with Christine Bader about Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), listen here. We spoke about corporate sustainability on the latest Chic Chats call-in episode, listen here. Email me! laura@lauraediez.com. Find us on

This episode is such a treat! Christine Bader is the author of The Evolution of a Corporate Idealist: Girl Meets Oil. In her book, she recounts her experiences working for BP on social impact on major projects around the world. Christine was working in corporate social responsibility (CSR) before it was truly a dedicated concern for organizations. Christine goes on to a United Nations mandate dedicated to human rights, and various teaching and speaking roles. Later on, she is the Director of Social Responsibility at Amazon, where she bettered supply chains and ethical, sustainable operations. Christine is sharing her perspective on corporate idealism; there are people in all organizations genuinely interested in doing “the right thing.” She encourages us to think broader about our careers and personal roles in corporations, plus gives a positive perspective on where environmental, ethical efforts are headed. Connect with us on Instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez; ECO CHIC Podcast on Facebook; sign up

Shopping secondhand can be a treasure hunt… and luxury secondhand is a whole new ballgame. We’re chatting today with Meredith Fineman, host of It Never Gets Old: A Firsthand Account of All Things Secondhand. Meredith is sharing tips on how to begin finding designer pieces for a fraction of their retail prices. We’re talking about authentication, where to look for your high-end pieces, and what brands hold the most value. We also discuss how to begin reselling goods and looking at your closet as a business. Meredith is sharing insight on the different label associated with the resell economy: resale, consignment, vintage, thrift, pre-loved… they all have surprisingly different meanings that the fashion industry is still working through. If you’re coveting an item that feels a bit out of reach, this episode will give you the best tips to start your luxury secondhand hunt. Connect with us! @ecochicpodcast on Instagram, @lauraediez + ECO CHIC on Facebook. You can also join our Facebook group, Low Waste Shoppe

The Australian Fires are unprecedented in their size, destruction, and duration. The staggering number of lost lives, homes, and wildlife is heartbreaking. We’re all wondering: is this happening because of climate change? We’re exploring today how and why climate change exacerbates natural hazards. First, we’re clarifying the difference between weather and climate, and then getting into human-induced climate change as a risk multiplier. Beyond breaking down the impact of temperature rise and low rainfall on the Australian bushfires, we’re also briefly discussing the severity of hurricanes in the Caribbean. Follow us @ecochicpodcast + shop totallyecochic.com (use code ECOCHIC for 10% off – the sale for silicone storage bags is still on!) Personal page is @lauraediez + you can email me laura@lauraediez.com Some great organizations to donate to if you’re willing and able are the Australian Red Cross, Australian Salvation Army, NSW Rural Fire Service, and Wires Wildlife Rescue. Information, stats, an

This call-in episode is overflowing with career inspo! We’re speaking with six women today about their professional dedication to environmental work at climate change, all in different fields and different organizational levels. Across five conversations, we’re hearing from: Sophia in research with NASA Develop; Ariel in corporate sustainability with MacMillan Publishing; Hannah and Lacie in socially conscious Public Relations with Lum A Terra Media; Gabi interning on climate literacy with the CLEO Institute nonprofit; and Alison formerly consulting with an efficiency initiative through Duke Energy. There is truly a place for everyone, across the board, to get involved with environmental responsibility. Sign up for our newsletter!! totallyecochic.com (and while you’re there, use code ECOCHIC for 10% off) If you’d like to participate in the next CHIC CHATS, enter our giveaway for silicone storage bags, or just keep in touch… follow along on instagram! @ecochicpodcast + @totallyecochic (or my personal p

We know plant-based diets require less resources and encourage nutrient diversity. But did we realize that a plant-based diet also helps us lessen the amount of toxins, chemicals, and other grossness that enters our lives? We’re introducing today the concepts of bioaccumulation and biomagnification: how toxins build up in organisms and move up the food chain. In fish, beef, or any other supermarket animal product, it’s tricky to know what exactly we are ingesting. We go through the Cliff’s Notes version of two classic cases: 1960’s birds and DDT, and Minamata Disease. Let’s agree to normalize selective veganism: the occasional plant-based meal helps us not only lower our environmental footprints, but also eat a little cleaner. SHOP totallyecochic.com with code ECOCHIC Connect with me!! @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez on Instagram