Eco Chic

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

If you’re just beginning your environmental journey, or curious to know what the zero waste movement is all about… this episode is for you! We’re giving a grand overview of what a zero waste or low waste lifestyle stands for: reduce, reuse, recycle, repair, rot. Plus, sharing tips to help you lower your footprint today. Helpful episodes to learn more: * How To Shop Package Free* Straws vs Fishing Nets: What’s The Big Deal?* Get Thrifty * How To Recycle Almost Anything* The Compost Convo Shop produce bags (and more) at totallyecochic.com – use code ECOCHIC for 10% off! Thank you for supporting this show! Let’s connect on instagram – @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com

It may seem like the answer to your sustainable wardrobe goals may be minimalism… and minimalism can be intimidating! Today we’re speaking with Erin Orbach, Brand Manager of Boody Ecowear, a brand of eco-conscious basics. We’re discussing why bamboo is an ultra-sustainable fabric choice and certifications to look for when you’re choosing your pieces. Plus, we’re sharing easily implementable tips to help you streamline your closet, shift your buying habits, and reshape your idea of a “green” wardrobe. Use code ECOCHIC for 15% off your boodywear.com purchase! (I won’t stop talking about their long-sleeve shirt in black.) Follow along + chat with me – @ecochicpodcast on Instagram or @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Support this show by shopping our sister brand for your chic sustainability supplies! TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop at totallyecochic.com + follow along on social media, @totallyecochic.

The United Nations has set Sustainable Development Goals to help us tackle concerns across multiple dimensions: societal, economic, and environmental. Today, we’re speaking with Claudia La Rue, the First Secretary to the Dominican Republic mission of the United Nations. We’re first overviewing the Millennium Development Goals, then discussing what the Sustainable Development Goals hope to accomplish for global wellbeing by 2030. There is really an opportunity for individuals across sectors to contribute to solving these international issues! We’re sharing ideas and progress to look towards, beyond the agenda. You can find more information on the Sustainable Development Goals here. Connect with me! @ecochicpodcast on Instagram or @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Check out our new shop! totallyecochic.com is eco-conscious lifestyle shop.

Black Friday sales are upon us, and holiday gift giving is definitely testing our commitment to being conscious consumers! On today’s bonus episodes, we’ll be going through guidelines to be a mindful shopper for both yourself and others. We’re sharing some creative ideas as alternatives to likely landfill-bound presents, plus reframing our mindset around extreme sales. Let’s hang out on Instagram! – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez . Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. Check out TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop at totallyecochic.com + use code LAUNCH10 through Monday, December 2. Find us on social media at @totallyecochic on Instagram + Facebook.

I am beyond thrilled to welcome you today to TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop! I am sharing my journey thus far: how this podcast began, including some behind-the-scenes insight, like why we don’t have advertisers. TOTALLY ECO CHIC is our new sister brand – a place for all your stylish sustainability supplies. I’ll discuss the vision behind the products in our first drop: produce bags, silicone bags, baseball caps, and postcards featuring one-of-a-kind, cheeky graphics. You’ll also be introduced to the team behind the shop! You can shop with us online at totallyecochic.com + keep in touch via Instagram, @totallyecochic + Facebook, @totallyecochic. I truly cannot wait for you to see the products and experience this movement!! Let’s connect on Instagram: @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez . Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

With some potential sticky climate conversations looming this holiday season, we’re learning today how to have thoughtful, relatable conversations with climate skeptics. We’re chatting with Sarah Ott, a chapter leader with Citizens Climate Lobby in a conservative North Georgia region, and a teacher ambassador with the National Center for Science Education. Sarah is a former climate skeptic herself, College Republican, and the granddaughter of a coal miner. We’re sharing lots of tangible, take-home tips on how to handle conversations around your environmental values with people who may not hold the same concerns. TOTALLY ECO CHIC: The Eco-Conscious Lifestyle Shop. Coming very, very soon at totallyecochic.com!! Connect with me – @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez. Email me at laura@lauraediez.com.

It’s Election Day! We’re gearing up to hear about a lot of different environmental plans this next campaign season, so this episode is breaking down the basics to help you better determine which policies really speak to you. We’re talking about carbon pricing – explaining the difference between a carbon tax and a cap-and-trade policy – plus all the ways we can label net zero emissions. We’ll touch on the Paris Climate Accord, and how the U.S. leaving may have major economic implications. It’s easy to get overwhelmed with politics, but this episode will ideally help you quickly realize what certain plans are really about. Episode 69: What Is The Carbon Budget? Connect on instagram – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez . Email me at laura@lauraediez.com. A great blog post from Patagonia on the withdrawal from the Paris Climate Accord

We love a call-in episode! Today is all about encouraging those around you to think deeper about eco-conscious lifestyles. We’re speaking with three listeners about their initiatives in their respective local communities: Bella, creator of Sage Magazine; Faith, a host of local TV segments and workshops; and Nika, president of a free campus pop-up thrift shop. Across all conversations, we’re talking about those personal connections that really help those around you transition into more eco-conscious lifestyles. Connect with us @ecochicpodcast on instagram or via email at laura@lauraediez.com

April Davis of The Vagina Blog joins up today to talk about all things menstruation! We’re discussing all of your options for period products – health benefits, reusable versus disposable, and encouraging you to find what works best for your body. April is also discussing fertility, and how we can support our cycle all month long. Other episodes mentioned are Episode 24 on menstrual cups + Episode 48 on sexual health products. Chat with me!! @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez Find April at http://thevaginablog.com + @thevaginablog Products recommended: * O.b. applicator-less tampons * Dot Cup (featured on Episode 24, listen here!)* Smartliners reusable pads + liners – use code “ecochic” for 15% off! Books recommended: * The Happy Hormone Guide* Beyond The Pill * Period Repair Manual* Taking Charge of Your Fertility

We’re talking about your dog’s environmental impact today. Let’s chat about poop bags: are they really biodegradable? We’re also addressing the age-old question of whether or not your dog should be a vegetarian. Plus, we’re talking about the best options for toys and beds that will last. Thank you to all listeners that gave recommendations to share on this episode! Connect with us on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez Items mentioned: * BioBag (compostable doggie bags)* Nylon bag (zero waste bags)* SERTA CertiPUR pet beds* Natural Balance Vegetarian

Plastic isn’t inherently “bad”… but what we’re doing with it definitely is! We’re talking today about where plastic comes from and how it ends up in your drinking water (and food!). Is recycling a good option? What’s wrong with those “eco” plastic water bottles? Plus, we’re touching on the environmental and health impacts of Styrofoam. Lots of good tidbits to help you educate and encourage your friends to join the plastic-free movement. Email me if you would be interested in taking a survey for a new ECO CHIC project!! Just write “survey” in the email subject line, laura@lauraediez.com Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Scooters are popping up on streets across the world… big cities, campuses, and coming to just about everywhere in between. E-scooter share programs are selling the idea of the “last mile ride,” but we’re breaking down why they’re not quite living up to that promise. On this episode, we’re talking about policy concerns, emissions, but also how e-scooters could definitely serve as a climate action tool in the future. Connect with me @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez