a little greener by A Little Greener

After being side characters in two episodes (Rocky Mountain Adventures and White-tailed Deer), it's time for moose to step into the spotlight! Casey and Sara discuss what makes moose special, the tangled web of moose population control, conservation, and climate change, and why in the world the plural of moose isn't "meese."

Unless you're living in Florida, you may have missed out on the fallout from a proposed development plan involving nine of Florida's state parks. Casey and Sara discuss the whole situation, from the problems with the proposals to the odd secrecy around the plan to the fallout--and share some lessons that we can all take from the situation to help make our voices heard to protect the planet.

The Chicago Marathon is one of six World Major Marathons, and this year will host around 50,000 runners from around the world, not to mention the spectators, vendors, and volunteers. So, is it possible for an event of this magnitude to be sustainable? On this episode, Casey and Sara chat with Cat Morris, the Sustainability Manager at Chicago Event Management, overseeing the Chicago Marathon. Hear about how the Chicago Marathon became certified as an Evergreen Inspire event through the Council for Responsible Sport, how waste, from water cups to gel packets, is being diverted from landfills, and how runners and spectators can get involved!

This week, Casey and Sara recap Sara's first trip to the Rocky Mountains, covering everything from road trip musings on land use to wildfires to amazing wildlife encounters!

White-tailed deer may not be the first species that pops to mind when you think of conservation, especially if you live across much of North or Central America. For many of us, these animals are commonly seen around our own homes and (unfortunately) roadways. Depending on your perspective, they can be seen as a nuisance, a game species, beloved local wildlife, or all of the above. In this episode, Casey and Sara discuss the history, ecology, and conservation of one of our most recognized animals.

Lithium-ion batteries are found everywhere, from watches to power tools to e-bikes and electric cars. But perhaps you've heard a thing or two about these batteries that make you unsure. This week, Casey and Sara discuss some of the environmental, social justice, and safety issues associated with lithium-ion batteries and how we can look to improve moving forward.

This week, Sara and Casey chat with conservation biologist and data scientist, Dr. Vaughn Shirey, for a wide-ranging conversation about his work in butterfly conservation and climate change. Learn what got Vaughn interested in the field, how artificial intelligence is being used in his work, and what cold climate butterfly species (yeah, that's a thing) are telling us about climate change.

Mosquitoes are common flying insect that inhabit all continents except Antarctica. There are over 3500 species of mosquitoes worldwide, but only somewhere between 6 and 9.3% bite humans and are disease vectors. That said, mosquitos are the deadliest animal on the planet, thanks to their role as a vector for disease. So, would we be better off getting rid of this pesky insect? Casey and Sara discuss the role of mosquitos in the environment, the pros and cons of eradication, and why mosquito gut bacteria is more important than you might expect!

What do you think of when you hear the phrase "artificial intelligence?" Does chatGPT or Alexa come to mind? Do you imagine robots taking over the world? What might not immediately come to mind are things like biodiversity preservation, green energy optimization, and water conservation, but AI is in fact being used in all these areas and more. Casey and Sara take a look at some of the ways AI is or has the potential to be used in the conservation realm and also explore some of the challenges with AI as a conservation tool. 

Jeffrey Rissman is the Senior Director of Industry at Energy Innovation, a nonpartisan energy and environmental policy firm. He is also the author of a new book, Zero-Carbon Industry: Transformative Technologies and Policies to Achieve Sustainable Prosperity. Casey and Sara were thrilled to welcome Jeffrey to the show to discuss his ideas on cleaning up the industrial sector. Jeffrey shares policy ideas, new technologies, and simple changes that can be made to bring global industry to zero carbon within the next 50 years.

Trees help give us clean air to breathe, keep us cool, and can even benefit our mental health. But not everyone has equal access to trees. In this week's episode, Casey and Sara discuss the benefits (and challenges) of urban trees and take a look at the factors involved in tree disparity across different neighborhoods. 

With the total solar eclipse visible over parts of North America in just a few days, Casey and Sara discuss what we know about animal behavior during eclipse events. Listen to find out:

Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on the North Atlantic right whale. Learn where you can find these amazing animals, why they're called "right" whales, and what we can do to help save this incredibly endangered species.

Pulling weeds around the yard isn't most people's idea of a good time. Busting out a spray bottle of herbicide might be the easy way out, but what's the price we pay for that? Casey and Sara discuss the use of herbicides in agriculture and urban areas, including the recent news surrounding the use of dicamba. 

Last spring, Casey and Sara discussed some of the ways parents might be able to make eco-friendly choices while expecting and raising a baby. Now that Casey is a mom, she's taking a look back at how things went for her and sharing some additional tips and resources based on her experiences.

In this reunion episode, Casey returns to the podcast, joining Kristen and Sara in a discussion about the impact of various art forms on the environment, as well as the other ways that art and nature intersect. Nature often inspires art (and might be considered art in and of itself), art often depicts nature, and art can also be used to benefit nature and conservation! 

Kristen and Sara discuss the threats facing coral reefs around the world, what conservationists are doing to help, and how we can all get involved!

When we think of coral most of us probably think of giant, colorful reef structures. But there's so much more to coral! We take a deeper look at the tiny animals that make up those reefs--and that can be found beyond those reefs, as well.

Kristen and Sara discuss the pros and cons of using water to produce electricity. Listen in to learn the three main ways we currently produce hydropower, the environmental impacts, and how hydropower might fit in to the future of energy production. 

With all the hype around Barbie these past few weeks, Sara and Kristen decided to take a look at the environmental impact of the iconic doll--and some of our other toys, as well. Listen in as they chat about their favorite Barbies, the challenges of plastic, and how to balance our desire to give the kids in our lives the things that they want and still be a little greener. 

Kristen and Sara chat about one of Kristen's favorite animals, the aardvark! Learn about the behavior and adaptations of this unique African mammal, the conservation issues they face, and what on Earth aardvarks have to do with  cucumbers. 

With increased awareness of bee pollinators and the value of their conservation over recent years, there has been growing discussion (and controversy!) over the nature of the relationships between managed western honey bees (Apis mellifera) and wild bees. In this episode, Kristen and Sara chat with entomologist Jon Elmquist, who shares the current evidence for conflict between managed honey bees and wild bees and the implications this may have for bee conservation efforts. Along the way you'll learn how Jon got interested in pollinators and conservation, some of the differences between honey bees and wild bees, and hear about some of the amazing native bee species in North America.

We often think about conservation on either the global scale (climate change!) or on a personal level (sustainable swaps!), but community-based, local conservation is an extremely important piece of the puzzle. This week, our guest co-host, and Soil and Water Conservation District professional, Kristen, talks us through the history and roles of SWCDs and touches on some other local conservation resources you might not have known that you have!

In order to protect the planet, we have to care about it. And pop culture can sometimes help make nature more relatable and accessible. With that in mind, Sara and our amazing new guest co-host, Kristen, have some fun discussing the real-world counterparts to the sidekicks in the new live action version of The Little Mermaid. 

Parental care in the animal kingdom takes a variety of forms. Who are the gold star parents and who never even sees their kids? Do animals babysit? And do quakkas really throw their babies? 

The state of rhinos around the world is precarious. At worst, rhino species are critically endangered, and even the species with the largest population, the white rhino is still classified as near threatened by IUCN, and their population is declining. Despite protection and education efforts, the threat of poaching for their horn looms large over all species of rhinos. So, where do we go from here? Casey and Sara look at what drives the rhino horn trade and discuss the pros and cons of an outside the box solution--rhino farming. 

Rhinos are iconic animals that most of us can recognize from the time that we're little. However, there's more to rhinos that most people realize! For example, did you know that there are more species of rhinos outside of Africa than inside? Have you ever heard of the hairy rhinoceros? If not, this episode's for you. Sara and Casey discuss the five species of rhinos and what's being done to keep them safe.

The Willow Project is an oil drilling project set to begin in the National Petroleum Reserve in northern Alaska--albeit in a scaled down version of the original plan. Casey and Sara explore the history of the project, look at the environmental impacts, and discuss the challenges of breaking free from fossil fuels.

Chances are you've heard about the environmental impacts of plastics and how air travel contributes to climate change, but did you know that there's a man-made substance that contributes more than double the emissions of the aviation industry? It's estimated that up to 8% of global carbon dioxide emissions is from the concrete industry--and this is mainly due to the production of cement, an essential ingredient in concrete. Sara and Casey discuss what needs to be done to clean up concrete on this 100th episode of A Little Greener!

Expecting your first child can be an overwhelming time, with so much to acquire, learn, and do before baby arrives. The thought of trying to do all that and be environmentally friendly at the same time might feel like too much, but never fear! Casey and Sara are here to discuss being a little greener with a few aspects of baby care: how to prepare for your baby, how to feed your baby, and, oh yes, how to diaper your baby. Listen for the do's and don'ts of getting secondhand items, how to cut down on microplastics, and whether or not cloth diapers are as eco-friendly (or as scary) as you might think. 

The Dolphin Company, owner of the Miami Seaquarium, recently announce plans to release an orca from the Sequarium back into the wild. Many headlines suggest this is a positive story, and indeed, a whale returning to the wild and rejoining their family would be amazing to see. But, is it reality? Sara and Casey discuss the issues surrounding this particular whale, Tokitae, often called Toki, as well as some of the issues surrounding keeping orcas in human care. 

You may have seen or heard the acronym PFAS floating around, or perhaps heard of "forever chemicals." Or maybe you've heard that there are some potential concerns with using non-stick cookware, but weren't sure what it was all about. Around since the 1940s, PFAS are used in a variety of ways including in non-stick cookware, stain, grease, and water-resistant clothing, some firefighting foam, and some cosmetics. However, there are a number of concerns around these chemicals, some of which have already been phased out of discussion. Casey and Sara discuss the issues around and potential paths forward from PFAS.

Chocolate is a much beloved treat around the world, but chocolate can have some high environmental costs. By some calculations, chocolate can have a higher environmental impact that some types of meat. Sara and Casey discuss why that is, and what small steps we can take to make our chocolate a little greener. 

Growing food at home has so many upsides, from a lower environmental impact to saving you some money at the grocery store to benefiting your physical and mental health. It's also something you can do even if you don't have a yard! In this episode, Casey and Sara talk through some tips to help you plan your very own veggie garden.

If you look at a picture of an elephant shrew, you might assume that it's perfectly named. It certainly looks similar to shrews found in many parts of the world and has an elongated nose, reminiscent of an elephant's trunk. While the elephant shrew was initially grouped in with shrews, we now know that it is actually NOT a true shrew. Elephant shrews (now also called sengis) are, in fact, most closely related to...elephants! Sara and Casey discuss these very cute, slightly obscure animals and encourage us to keep small species in mind on this week's episode.

On February 3rd, a train owned by Norfolk Southern Railroad was traveling from Madison, Illinois to Conway, PA, when it derailed near the town of East Palestine, Ohio. Some cars on the train were carrying hazardous materials, and ultimately this resulted in the temporary evacuation of residents near the derailment site, and continued monitoring of air and water quality. Casey and Sara discuss some of the potential factors involved in the derailment and safety concerns associated with the materials, as well as their thoughts around railroad safety and the press received by this event.

Articles on climate change will often talk about carbon dioxide levels being higher than they've been in thousands, or even millions, of years. You may also hear things about temperature moving in cycles, or about how different the climate of a certain area used to be. But how do scientists know all of this information before we started taking measurements? That's where proxy data comes in. On this episode, we discuss a few different types of proxy data, learn some new words, and find out just what crystalized rat urine can tell us about climate.

Have you ever heard that climate change is a result of solar cycles or volcanoes? Or maybe you've found yourself thinking that it's too late to do anything about climate change anyway, so why bother? Casey and Sara talk through those myths and more, as well as share some tips for having conversations around climate change on this week's episode.

With the TV show The Last of Us currently all the rage, Sara and Casey talk the real-life zombie fungus. They discuss how zombie fungus works, what the show gets right and wrong, and whether we should be afraid of a zombie fungus pandemic. They also discuss the amazing diversity of fungi and some of the benefits we get from these often overlooked organisms.

Many people may have a passing familiarity with the slow-moving sloth, especially with their recent explosion in pop culture, but there is so much more to the sloth than most people realize. Casey and Sara discuss some of the incredibly unique features of sloths, and also take a look at the pros and cons of their popularity for wild sloth populations.

Wondering how to be a little greener in your own life this year? Join Sara and Casey for a discussion on making environmental resolutions that you can stick to, their personal eco-resolutions, and podcast goals for 2023...plus, a VERY special announcement!

Tuna is a popular seafood choice, but the tuna fishing industry has a number of potential environmental impacts. Casey and Sara talk through how you can determine which tuna is a more sustainable choice simply by the information provided right on the can.

Towards the end of 2022, headlines declared a new breakthrough in nuclear fusion experiments: for the first time ever, scientists were able to get more energy from a fusion reaction than they put in. Like nuclear fission, nuclear fusion does not produce any carbon emissions during the energy production process, so it has potential as a player in clean energy down the road. But, how far down the road? And is the possibility of fusion worth diverting time and resources away from other clean energy technologies w have right now? Sara and Casey discuss the history of nuclear fusion research, what really happened in this latest breakthrough, and what's next for the future of fusion. 

There is a lot to consider before choosing to bring a new pet into your home. Do you have the appropriate space? Can you find and afford veterinary care? Is it even legal for you to own the animal (did you know it's illegal to own a hedgehog in Pennsylvania)? Casey and Sara walk though five big questions to ask yourself before taking on a new pet.

Sara and Casey discuss some of the laws governing ownership and care of exotic cats in the United States, including the new Big Cat Public Safety Act. They explore what this new law means for the welfare of big cats currently in human care, as well as the future of exotic cat ownership.

If we asked you to think of a cute, furry, bamboo-eating animal, we suspect a certain black and white bear might come to mind. But, this week, we're talking about another panda. The red panda shares a name and some other characteristics with the more famous giant panda, but is actually a very unique species. Casey and Sara discuss why the red panda is actually the OG panda, the pros and cons of being incredibly cute, and why we should care about the conservation of this species.

Our series on energy continues as Sara and Casey discuss wind energy. They focus on a couple of specific concerns, especially the impact that wind farms have on birds on bats, and how or if this should impact our use of wind energy moving forward.

You may have seen recent headlines about the loss of 69% of wildlife from 1970. This data comes from a World Wildlife Fund project called The Living Planet Index, which comes out every two year. Casey and Sara take a look at the report, highlighting what it shows, what it doesn't, what the major areas of concern are, and where we go from here.

Turkey for Thanksgiving dinner is a big tradition in the United States, but how much do you know about the bird itself? Sara and Casey discuss some of the features of the wild turkey and take a look at their conservation success story.

The moon is a constant in our lives. Most of us have marveled at a full moon, some of us remember when man first walked  on the moon, but what we probably don't think about much is how the moon impacts life on Earth. In this episode, Casey and Sara discuss the ways, both large and small, that the moon affects our world.

We're well into the fall season here in the northern hemisphere, so Sara and Casey take a look at what causes those brilliant fall colors, and why trees lose their leaves in the fall, anyway. 

As Halloween approaches, we take a look at an animal that is sometimes considered spooky: the spider. From "excessive leggy-ness" to powerful venom, Casey and Sara discuss why people might be creeped out by spiders, and whether or not they really deserve their bad reputation (spoiler alert: they don't). 

Outdoor apparel company, Patagonia, recently made headlines after owner Yvon Chouinard donated the company to two non-profits, the Patagonia Purpose Trust and the Holdfast Collective. His aim is to use company profits to protect the environment and fight climate change. Casey and Sara discuss the pros and cons (yes, there are cons) of the decision, and also take a look at the environmental commitments Patagonia has made through the years.

While some environmentalists feel that nuclear power is an essential part of cleaning up the power grid, others feel that the risks don't outweigh the benefits. Sara and Casey break down how nuclear power works, look at some pros and cons, and share  some of the thoughts and experiences that shape their views of nuclear power.

Just as people will gather food and water or move to safer areas as a hurricane approaches, animals must find ways to make it through the storm. Casey and Sara discuss how creatures from birds to alligators prepare, react, and adapt to hurricanes.

While electronic waste (or e-waste) isn't the largest percentage of our solid waste stream, it is a quickly growing one, and one with large environmental impacts. Electronics contain hazardous materials that can leach into the environment when disposed in landfills. Materials used in electronic devices can also be mined in areas that provide critical wildlife habitat. One way that we can combat these issues is by properly recycling electronics. This week, Casey and Sara chat with John Shegerian, the co-founder, chairman, and CEO of the e-waste recycling company, ERI (eridirect.com), to learn about the challenges of e-waste, how we can safely recycle our electronics, and what the future of e-waste recycling looks like. 

Stories of mythological dragons are found in cultures around the world--and continue to be prevalent in pop culture today. But are there real-life dragons? Sara and Casey take a look at a few species that we call dragons and discuss how and why animals like this can be important in connecting people to nature. 

In this very special episode, Casey and Sara chat with Justin Gillis, an award-winning journalist who has written for multiple major newspapers, including the Washington Post and New York Times. He served as the lead climate reporter for the New York Times for nearly a decade.

Casey and Sara tease next week's very special episode of A Little Greener: an interview with climate journalist and co-author of the new book, The Big Fix: Seven Practical Steps to Save Our Planet, Justin Gillis.

Go beyond the Venus fly trap with this week's episode on carnivorous plants. Sara and Casey discuss why some plants trap prey, how different carnivorous plants work, and which one would be the most horrifying way to go out. 

The Inflation Reduction Act of 2022 recently passed through the United States Senate, and while that may not sound like it has anything to do with the environment, this bill contains a number of items related to climate and emissions reduction, and is a big step forward in fighting climate change. Casey and Sara discuss what the bill does and doesn't do, and talk about the next steps as the bill moves to the House of Representatives.

Sara and Casey take a look at how animals perceive color and discuss the purposes of color and patterns in nature.

If you're asked to picture a butterfly, odds are the image that springs to mind pretty quickly is of the beautiful orange-and-black monarch. Despite being so well known and loved, the population of migrating monarch butterflies has been declining over recent decades, leading to their recent classification of endangered on the IUCN Red List. This week, Casey and Sara break down the amazing life cycle of monarch butterflies, discuss the factors perpetuating the population decline, and share what everyone living in migrating monarch range can do to help.

Sara and Casey take a look at the history of the United States' Environmental Protection Agency, and explore the recent Supreme Court decision in the case of West Virginia v. EPA.

Although coal has played an important role in the history of our country, it has some health and environmental impacts that are difficult to ignore. In this episode, Casey and Sara continue their series on energy and take a look at the pros and cons of coal, and the state of the coal industry in the United States today.

The beach is a fun and relaxing vacation destination for many people, but it is also part of a vital habitat for many species. Sara and Casey discuss some of the ways that we can incorporate sustainability into a day at the beach.

A wedding is a big event for many people, but if you're looking for a way to keep your big day from having a big environmental impact, there are lots of options out there for you! And even if you're not planning a wedding, Casey and Sara discuss some of the was we can be a little greener participants and attendees.

First up in our energy series: solar! How do we harness the energy from the sun to produce electricity? Why should we? What are the environmental impacts?

With works like the documentary My Octopus Teacher appearing on Netflix and  National Book Award Finalist honors given to Soul of an Octopus, more and more people are coming to appreciate these graceful and intelligent cephalopods. But, what is a cephalopod, you ask, and what is it really that makes the octopus so amazing? And what's the plural of octopus, anyway? Casey and Sara answer all this and more as they geek out over the octopus on this week's episode!

Frogs and toads are an incredibly diverse group of animals. They're found nearly everywhere around the world, are a critical component of the food web, and are valuable environmental indicators. On this episode, learn how you can get involved in frog conservation (and have some fun) by learning the unique calls of the frogs in your area.

According to the World Health Organization, over 9 out of 10 people live in areas with excessive air pollution, and yet, it's something many of us may not often think about. Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on what causes air pollution, its impacts on health and the environment, and what we can do about it. 

It might be tempting to dismiss cities as nature wastelands, but not only are cities here to stay, and only projected to grow, they actually have some environmental benefits. Sara and Casey discuss the pros and cons of cities, and what we need to do to make cities sustainable in the future. 

What is HPAI and what does it have to do with the price of eggs (get it)? While this may not immediately seem relevant to conservation, the fact is that both human health and our food supply are intrinsically connected to nature--and diseases like HPAI are a reminder of this. This week, Casey and Sara discuss the origin, impacts, and control of the current strain of avian influenza. 

From color change to flight to pulling water from the air, plants and animals have some pretty amazing adaptations. Biomimicry is the idea that we can look to and learn from the natural world to find innovations and solutions to challenges that we might face. On this episode, Sara and Casey discuss favorite animal adaptations and share a few examples of biomimicry in action.

You may have seen or heard about the IPCC climate change reports in the news on a fairly regular basis recently--often connected to talk of climate deadlines and dire warnings. So, what does this mean? Is there hope in the face of climate change? Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on the IPCC, fears, faith, and finding hope to fight climate change.

Fossil fuels provide the bulk of our energy supply today, but how did we get to this point? What other options are out there? Join Sara and Casey for a quick history of energy and a closer look at where we get the energy that powers our daily lives. 

If you're searching for ways to live a little greener, one of the suggestions you'll likely come across is to reduce your dairy intake. This week, Sara and Casey discuss the environmental impacts of dairy and consider the pros and cons of some of the available alternatives.

Whether you're growing food, planting for pollinators, or creating a landscape for curb appeal, gardening is an activity that helps us to get outdoors and get connected to nature. How we garden and what we put in our gardens also has an impact on our local environment. This week Casey and Sara discuss tips and tactics for becoming a greener gardener.

Casey and Sara discuss the joys, challenges, and impacts of the first year of A Little Greener and take a look at where the podcast is headed in the future. 

Seeing someone toss food to birds or squirrels is probably something most of us have experienced--or maybe done ourselves. We've also all probably seen plenty of signs posted at parks, restaurants, or beaches asking us not to feed wildlife. So why do we still do it? And is it really a problem? Sara and Casey discuss the motivations for and consequences of feeding wild animals.

With heavy hearts for those suffering from conflict, Casey and Sara take a look at the wildlife of Ukraine and discover that it feels surprisingly close to home! 

On this lighthearted episode, Casey and Sara chat with Olivia, creator and host of Remarkable Parks podcast, about the importance of parks, which parks they want to visit most, and some of the challenges our parks face. Sara and Olivia also take on Casey's National Park Trivia Challenge!

We love cats. Cute, cuddly, and playful, as well as tough and independent, domestic cats are found around the world. A study from the American Veterinary Medical Association indicates that there are around 58 million pet cats in the United States alone. While cats can make great pets, when they're left to roam the great outdoors, they have a detrimental impact on native wildlife and ecosystems--not to mention their own health. Join Casey and Sara for a challenging discussion on how to approach the complex issue of cats as invasive species.

What's the difference between a non-native species and an invasive species? Why does it matter if a species ends up outside of its native range? What does Shakespeare have to do with any of this? And what on earth are Eco-Men in Black? Find answers to all of this and more in this week's episode.

What is a species? You probably thought you learned this in middle school science class, but we're here to tell you the answer is more complicated than it seems! Join Casey and Sara for a discussion on how, why, and by whom decisions on species are made.

Although composting might feel overwhelming at first, it's really a simple process, and most issues that might arise have a simple solution. This week, Sara and Casey discuss some common composting questions and concerns, like dealing with smelly compost, protecting your pile from unwanted guests, and how to compost (or not) in the winter. 

What makes an owl an owl? Whether you are already an owl aficionado or you don't yet know a screech owl from a snowy owl, we guarantee you will come away from this episode with a greater appreciation for these beautiful birds of prey.

Composting is a great way to help improve soil quality and reduce waste going to landfill, while cutting out some greenhouse gas emissions in the process. However, it can feel a little overwhelming to get started! Join Casey and Sara as they discuss the what, why, and how of composting and give you some steps to get started composting in your own home. 

Join Casey and special guest-host, Kristen Latzke, co-founder of the Indiana Chapter of the Cheetah Conservation Fund, for a discussion about cheetahs. With an estimated population of only about 7,000 individuals, cheetahs need our help. Learn about the challenges these animals face, the work being done to protect them, and how you can get involved.

Happy 2022! To kick off the new year, Sara and Casey take a look at some of the iconic wildlife that can be found in Sara's new home state of Florida and discuss what's on their wildlife viewing bucket lists.

It's hard to believe that we've reached the end of the year! In the final episode of 2021, Casey and Sara take a look at holiday traditions and discuss how we can be a little greener while throwing our holiday parties, decorating, spending time with family, and more. Happy listening, and happy holidays! 

Around this time of year, there is no end to the movies, songs, stories, and images, featuring Santa and his sleigh, pulled by his flying reindeer. Reindeer have become so closely tied with the holiday season and the mythology of Santa Claus (at least in some parts of the world) that some people aren't aware they are real animals! But how did reindeer come to be associated with Christmas? What are reindeer really like? This week, Sara and Casey discuss the myth and reality of reindeer, including the real-life practice of reindeer herding still practiced in some indigenous cultures today. 

Real tree or fake tree, what should you get? Join hosts Casey and Sara as they settle the Great Christmas tree debate once and for all! OK, not really, but on this week's episode, you'll definitely find some great information about the pros and cons of fresh-cut vs. artificial trees, as well as some lesser-known options that might work for you.

It's the most wonderful time of the year (according to Sara), but unfortunately, the holiday season tends to be the most wasteful time of year, too. Although we don't like to think about it, holiday gifts can be a big source of that waste, from the wrapping, to the packaging, to those unwanted gifts that are going to end up forgotten or trashed. But, never fear, we don't have to completely give up on gifts. In this episode, Sara and Casey discuss how we can adjust our gifting habits to hang on to the joy of the season while being a little greener in the process.

This week, Casey and Sara discuss some of the agreements that came out of COP26, the UN's recent conference on climate change. Take a listen to find out what they liked, what they didn't, and just what COP stands for, anyway! Your hosts also share some fun wildlife encounters they had this week.

Winter is coming, and whether you love it or hate it, you can't deny that without heat, shelter, and warm clothing, winter would be pretty rough, if not downright dangerous. So, how do our wildlife neighbors make it through the season without freezing? Sara and Casey break down the possibilities. If you've ever wondered where your chipmunks go in the winter or worried about a bird's feet in the cold, this episode is for you!

After marveling at migration in Part I, Casey and Sara are back for another discussion on migratory birds; this time focusing on the challenges of making these yearly trips and how we can help them along the way.

What do you picture when you think of the fall season? Leaves changing color? Cozy sweaters and fires in the fireplace? Depending on where you live, another iconic fall image might be the flying V of a flock of geese overhead. As we enter into the fall season, many bird species, including those Canada geese, are migrating south, where they will hang out during the colder months. On this episode of A Little Greener, prepare to be amazed by our feathered friends as Casey and Sara dive into why and how birds make these epic journeys each year. 

Have you heard the news? Earlier this month, the governor of California signed a number of environmental bills into law. Casey and Sara discuss some of the highlights, including laws aimed at clarity in labelling materials for recycling and composting, and talk about how these laws might have an impact beyond state lines.

When you think of tools to combat climate change, dirt may not be at the top of your list. But, a recent documentary now streaming on Netflix, Kiss the Ground, aims to show us that preserving and regenerating healthy soil is an essential part of the fight. Join Casey and Sara as they discuss what they felt the film did really well, where it missed the mark, and what on Earth Tom Brady has to do with it, anyway.