Eco Chic

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

We are diving deep today with Christina Vidal of JetSet Christina + Watercolors Swim! She’s explaining the intricate process of creating a swimwear line, and how a smaller fashion brand really operates. We also discuss the true meaning of “sustainability” in the fashion industry. Plus, Christina shares her experience of having fast fashion giant, Zara, steal one of her designs. We’re chatting about waste, consumer responsibility in America versus Bali, and ensuring passion throughout a supply chain. Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez Read jetsetchristina.com (here is the blog post I keep referring to!) + follow on her instagram, @watercolorsswim +@jetsetchristina

The local food movement is gaining popularity, and we’re here for it! We’re chatting today with Wen-Jay Ying of Local Roots NYC, a CSA in New York City. We’re discussing how regenerative agriculture supports our long-term ability to farm (and why the time is now to make a change!). Plus, we learn the value of supporting local farms both for your environmental footprint and your personal health. Your food choices are the easiest, most impactful way to lessen your impact on the planet – and we totally have the power to make a difference.  Find Local Roots NYC online or on instagram Connect with me!! On instagram @ecochicpodcast or @lauraediez

The Amazon Rainforest has been burning for three weeks largely due to deforestation for cattle ranching. This episode is a special report on the current situation: how the fires began, why this emergency will accelerate climate change, + what you can do. We are explaining deforestation, carbon sinks, and current climate science predictions for global temperature thresholds. Statistics shared today are collected from BBC and CNN. Organizations to donate to, helping protect the Amazon (bottom of the article has a good list!) The latest IPCC Special Report, Climate Change and Land Episodes, if you’d like to learn more about today’s topics: * 69: What is the Carbon Budget?* 66: 5 Ways to Eat A More Plant-Based Diet* 46: 10 Foods to Stop Buying and Start Making with Your Food Scraps* 3: What’s The Beef?* 9: The Compost Convo Chat with me on insta – @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez or email me at laura@lauraediez.com

Honesty hour: I sometimes struggle my to balance my environmental lifestyle + “regular” millennial culture. Today, I’m sharing a couple of tidbits from my life + internal conflicts around vegan leather handbags, introducing myself as an environmentalist, and when bringing your own metal straw is nonnegotiable. This episode is the first of a few more personal episodes I’d like to share – opening up the conversation around our collective concerns + conflicts with becoming truly ECO CHIC. Listen to Episode 16 with Ashlee Piper here Connect with me on instagram, @ecochicpodcast / @lauraediez (I would love your feedback!)

Tis the season for education, career shifts, and even back-to-school fever for those of us out in the workplace. Today, we’re speaking about the value of short-term, immersive experiences to build on your environmental education. Whether you are looking to dive deeper into your passions or learn about a totally new topic, there is plenty to gain from field stations, programs abroad, or bootcamp-style institutes. We are specifically today discussing our personal times at: * The Green Program (through which CJ went to Iceland); learn about CJ’s scholarship program here * Highlands Biological Station (but also mention Flathead Lake Biological Station and Woods Hole Oceanographic Institute)* University of Illinois – Chicago’s Summer Institute for Sustainability and Energy * WWOOF, World Wide Opportunities on Organic Farms Connect with CJ at @cjcasey3320 on Twitter + Instagram Listen to Episode 58, Careers in Climate Hang out with me on insta! @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez

Recycling incorrectly can be just as harmful as not recycling at all! However, recycling properly can be challenging based on where you live or what you’re disposing of. While every area may have different regulations around their specific acceptable items, we’re discussing things you should always recycle, plus programs for your hard-to-recycle items, like contact lens packaging and toothpaste tubes. We also chat about the importance of personal care product take-back programs and dispel myths about what bathroom items can’t be diverted from a landfill. While we should be focused on reducing and reusing, correct and effective recycling should also be a priority. Previous episodes mentioned: Episode 64, Dating Sustainably: Chic Chats; Episode 67, The World’s First Totally Zero Waste Makeup Palette; Episode 9, The Compost Convo Learn more about TerraCycle here Learn more about E-Steward here Check out Greenpeace’s electronics report card + EPEAT here

Our second Chic Chats call-in episode! Today, we’re speaking with four women about their experiences with environmental lifestyles around the world: Celine from Germany, Lynn in South Korea, Marley in Uganda, and Jainan in China. We’re discussing national policies and location-specific challenges, plus coming to terms with things like family and social norms. Pollution, food, recycling, and so much more! This episode is one of my favorites yet, because it is so full of personal knowledge and relatable stories. Follow along @ecochicpodcast (or my personal page, @lauraediez), and email me at laura@lauraediez.com

We’re breaking down the elusive “carbon budget” – what is really means, and what it will take to keep our planet within reasonable levels of warming. Between the promise of shiny technologies and human habits, we’re talking about limiting emissions with the current reality of a climate crisis. Connect with me @ecochicpodcast + @lauraediez on instagram. I’d love to send you stickers!