The Hopeful Environmentalist

In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with Lilly Woodbury, to take a deep dive into the all things plastic. From waste colonialism (if you're sitting there thinking, wtf is waste colonialism, then take a listen), the Plastics Treaty, to the Optimism Pendulum. We discuss the actions needed to move away from plastic and fear, to a world that is plastic free and activated by hope.Ways to take action:Get involved with Surfrider Canada or Surfrider USA - you can find local Surfrider chapters and get involved in community projects!Find a chapter near you (they have many opportunities to get involved locally!)Educate and empower the next generation by purchasing my environmental children's book, Greeny La-Roo and the Earth CrewLearn more about the Global Plastics TreatyLearn more about how plastic impacts people, planet + wildlife

In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with communications strategist, filmmaker, and author of the recently published book, Haiku and Hope, Maggie Dewane. We delve into the importance of storytelling and art in communicating complex topics such as climate change and how these forms of advocacy and communication can inspire us to take action. We protect what we love, and Maggie provides us with insight into exploring the places around us to deepen our love for the land. You can purchase Maggies book, Haiku and Hope by visiting: https://www.fulcrumbooks.com/product-page/haikus-and-hope-50-states-of-climate-change. The book is also available on Amazon, Barnes and Nobles, etc.Follow Maggie on Social Media: @maggiedewaneMaggie's Website: https://maggiedewane.com/If you would like to preorder my environmental children's book, Greeny La-Roo and the Earth Crew, visit: https://linktr.ee/HopefulEnvironmentalist?utm_source=linktree_profile_share

Factory farming is a notoriously cruel practice; but did you know that it also impacts both people and the planet? In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, talks with the Senior Director of the Humane League, Mia Fernyhough, about how factory farming impacts animals, people and the planet. Episode Resources:Donate.TheHumaneLeague.orgTheHumaneLeague.org/Take-ActionFastActionNetwork.comCrumblCruelty.com EndCages.com Call to Action:Sign the CrumblCruelty.com petition (this can be done in under a minute)Donate to the Humane League if that is accessible for you (Donate.TheHumaneLeague.org) Take 10 minutes to check out the Humane League website and educate yourself about something newGuest Speaker:Mia Fernyhough: Senior Director of Animal Welfare of the Humane LeagueYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!Support the Hopeful Environmentalist by becoming a Patron for a dollar a month!This episode was edited by the Hopeful Environmentalist's incredible Audio Intern, Onochie Emeka.

Climate change is wreaking havoc on our world - from melting glaciers, to more intense storms. But did you know that climate change is also coming for our food and wine? In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with Michael P. Hoffmann, who is a distinguished professor at Cornell University, and one of the authors of the book, Our Changing Menu, to discuss the ways in which climate change impacts our food and food systems, how coffee and wine production are being impacted, and what we all can do to protect the future of the foods we so desperately need and love.Everyone needs food, so this episode is especially important. Episode Resources:Our Changing Menu WebsiteLink to purchase the Our Changing Menu BookCall to Action:The last 10 minutes of this episode discuss some ways to take action!Guest Speaker:Michael P. Hoffmann; Professor Emeritus in Cornell's Department of Entomology; Author of Our Changing MenuYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!This episode was edited by the Hopeful Environmentalist's incredible Intern, Onochie Emeka.

SOA’s Chief Program Officer Brandon Levy brand ON (he/him)Ensuring ocean and environmental solutionists have the funding they need to turn their innovative ideas into action, is a critical part of fighting the climate crisis that we find ourselves in. The Sustainable Ocean Alliance (SOA) is helping to do just that: fund innovative ocean and climate solutions and activate and arm young people with the tools and knowledge they need to take action. In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, speaks with Brandon Levy, the Chief Program Officer at SOA, about the various programs they have that are available to young people and ocean solutionists and innovators. We also discuss what deep sea mining is and how everyone listening has the ability to take action, no matter where you are in the world. Episode Resources:Ecoprenuer application: Sustainable Ocean Alliance WebsiteSustainable Ocean Alliance InstagramJohn Oliver’s youtube video discussion on deep sea-miningCall to Action:Take action to stop deep sea-mining and #DefendTheDeep https://www.soalliance.org/campaign-against-deep-seabed-miningGuest Speaker:Brandon Levy; Chief Program Officer, Sustainable Ocean Alliance You can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!This episode was edited by the Hopeful Environmentalists incredible Intern, Onochie Emeka.

How do the movies we watch and the shows we binge help normalize having conversations about climate change (hint hint, you can find the answer to this in the episode)?In this episode, I speak with the Editor-In-Chief of Good Energy, Carmiel Banasky, to dive into their latest report which looks at how, and if, todays films discuss /mention the climate crisis. We also discuss the role that Hollywood has in shaping our reality, and resources that screenwriters can access to integrate climate in their creative work.Episode ResourcesCheck out the the full reportThe Playbook (a guide to help screenwriters integrate climate change)Check out Carmiel's WebsiteMore about the Climate Reality CheckThe Last City PodcastYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!

Women in leadership is a climate solution. In this episode, our host, Taylor, speaks with the founder and executive director of the Women’s Earth and Climate Action Network (WECAN), Osprey Orielle Lake, to dive deeply into the concept of how women play integral roles in the fight for an equitable future. We discuss some incredible statistics that show how women in leadership can positively impact climate outcomes, how being open to other worldviews can change our collective behaviors, incredible rights of nature cases, and much more.In Osprey’s book, "The Story is in Our Bones: How Worldviews and Climate Justice Can Remake a World in Crisis", she poses the question, “can we undo the doing”. After listening to this episode, let us know your thoughts. Do you think we can undo the doing?EarthX Congress of Conferences Event Info:Registration: earthx.org20% Discount Code for EarthX Congress of Conferences: EXGREEN20Instagram: @earthxorgEpisode ResourcesCheck out the Women's Earth and Climate Action NetworkBuy Osprey's BookCheck out Osprey's WebsiteYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!

Have you ever wondered how the natural world and mental health are connected? In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, speaks with Pamela Lowell, a licensed therapist, to discuss this very question, while also diving into topics like the interdisciplinary nature of the environmental field, how connecting with nature and wildlife helps us protect them, the power of community and working together to create solutions, among many other interesting topics.We also take a journey to discover our spark bird. What is your spark bird? Or what is your reason to take action? Check out this episode to find out what this is and the importance of deeply examining this question and our own personal answers.EarthX Congress of Conferences Event Info:Registration: earthx.org20% Discount Code for EarthX Congress of Conferences: EXGREEN20Instagram: @earthxorgEpisode ResourcesPurchase Pamela's Book: My Summer With OspreysCheck out Pamela's WebsiteYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!

What do sustainable landscape design, tomatoes, rainwater harvesting, and humor have in common? They’re all discussed in this episode with our incredible guest speaker, Daryl Lindsey!We dive into a variety of hot topics like the debate of whether or not to leave the leaves, why pollinator gardens are important, how sustainable landscape designs can save billion of gallons of water through collective action, and MORE!Tune into this episode to get a whole lot of knowledge, and a splash of comedic relief.EarthX Congress of Conferences Event Info:Registration: earthx.org20% Discount Code for EarthX Congress of Conferences: EXGREEN20Instagram: @earthxorg Episode Resources:Dary’s WebsiteDaryl’s Instagram: @yardfarmer.coMake Your Sustainable Yard FunctionalYour Landscaping Choices Can Save 75% More WaterHow To Support Native Wildlife In Your YardYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!

Have you heard people talking about Rights of Nature and wanted to learn more about it? Well, you’re in luck! In this episode of the Hopeful Environmentalist, our host, Taylor, sits down with Liz Downes from the the Rainforest Information Centre to talk about Rights of Nature, the court cases in Ecuador, and more!EarthX Congress of ConferencesRegistration: earthx.org20% Discount Code for EarthX Congress of Conferences: EXGREEN20Instagram: @earthxorgEpisode Resources:Rainforest Information CentreWebsite: https://www.rainforestinformationcentre.org/Global Alliance for Rights of NatureWebsite:Instagram:Yes to Life No to MiningWebsite: https://yestolifenotomining.org/Instagram: @yestolifenotominingYou can follow the Hopeful Environmentalist on Instagram @hopeful_environmentalist to stay up to date on when episodes will be released and to get weekly doses of hope!

Have you ever wondered how an environmental court case works? Or maybe you're wondering how youth can get involved in environmental law. In this episode, our host, Taylor Ganis, sits down with the Assistant Dean for Environmental Law Studies, Randall S. Abate, to discuss what environmental law is, how you can get involved, and where you can find resources about this topic. The George Washington University Law School's Environmental and Energy Law Program is holding their annual Shapiro Environmental Law Symposium in in Washington, DC (and virtually) on March 27 and 28, visit this page here. This years event, “Environmental Justice Solutions Summit: Strategic Litigation, Resilience, and Hope,” will explore environmental justice with a cross-sectional and interdisciplinary lens and feature youth climate activism, climate migration, strategic litigation, and community engagement perspectives. If you are interested in attending, visit the event page here.  About our guest:1. Randall S. Abate bio (with publications)2. LinkedIn profile3. Get in touch with Randall: e-mail address: randall.abate@law.gwu.edu4.  Organizations that were discussed in the podcast:Youth climate litigation: Our Children's TrustRights of nature: Earth Law CenterAnimal welfare and rights: Animal Legal Defense FundList of U.S. environmental law clinics (including environmental justice clinics)

In this episode, I sit down with the brilliant Sebrena Rhodes to discuss the environmental injustices plaguing her community and their fight for justice. We discuss environmental racism, the impacts of industry and capitalism on black, brown, and low-income communities all over the world, and ways that we can move towards a more equitable world for ALL communities. It is important to note that some of the conversations that we are having in this episode are challenging to discuss, but we should not shy away from them (especially for those of us who are not experiencing these injustices). It is important to listen to communities who are on the frontlines of injustice and support their work in ways that they need, while ensuring that their voices are the ones being amplified. If you would like to support the Ivy City Communities fight for justice, visit https://www.empowerdc.org/closenepI also implore you to do your own research. As Sebrena wonderfully describes in the episode, find out what's happening in your community (or to communities within your geographic location).Resources and Links:Watch the Film (only 10 minutes)Contact Sebrena Rhodes: ivycity@empowerdc.org Empower DCFOIA (Freedom Of Information Act)EJScreen (tool that Sebrena discusses in the episode)

What do forest fires and colonialism have in common? As it turns out, a lot. In this episode, I speak with forest fire researcher, Jessika McFarland, about how colonialism impacts the forest fires we see today, what a forest fire is, how climate change is fueling them, and why we must change our current fire management and land management practices.Jessika McFarland- IG @jessforplanetActivists, Scientists, and Authors:- Robin Wall Kimmer- Latino Outdoors- Frank Lake- Margo RobinsSupport Maui Families Impacted By Wildfires:https://linktr.ee/alex.haraus?utm_source=linktree_profile_share&ltsid=270ac953-bfbc-4967-b19e-7de90ceef38eJoin the Hopeful Environmentalist Discord and/or Geneva!

What is the correlation between extinct bananas, COP28 events, building community, and documentaries? The correlation is that these things are all discussed in this exciting episode!In this weeks episode, Taylor speaks with Time For Better's Director of Climate Action, Charly Frisk, who is a climate storyteller. Charly is the director of the documentary, Nordic Seed Heroes, which sheds light on the importance of seed biodiversity (which we discuss in the episode). She also gives us some insight on the events Time For Better is planning for COP28, while also discussing the success of their past events at NY Climate Week and COP27. We look at how community is crucial to creating climate solutions and how storytelling can be a huge part in not only building community, but providing hope and connection.Resources:Time for Better WebsiteTime for Better InstagramCharly Frisk InstagramLink to Charly's DocumentaryMusic from Tunetank.comTrack: Time To Breathe by Crystal Squadhttps://tunetank.com/track/5688-time-to-breathe/

How does wildlife filmmaking positively impact wildlife conservation? In this episode, our incredible guest speaker, Kaush, discusses the answer to this question, while also providing advice to anyone interested in getting started in wildlife filmmaking. An award-nominated photographer and having worked with conservation organizations and media outlets such as BBC, Kaush is extremely experienced in the wildlife filmmaking field. He shares with us what got him started, how you can get started in wildlife filmmaking, and the role that wildlife filmmaking has on conservation efforts globally. He describes what it was like to have the opportunity to film the last few northern white rhinos, his work filming coral reefs, and so much more! You're not going to want to miss this episode!Learn more about Kaush’s work:Instagram: @kaushmanWebsite: https://kaush.net/Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCid4fZVhpoFhqHfzj2UCCrw

Have you heard people talking about the High Seas and the High Seas Treaty? Well, what exactly is it and why do the High Seas matter? Tune into this weeks episode to hear from the brilliant Director of the High Seas Alliance, Bec Hubbard, who will answer all of these questions and explain why the High Seas are critically important to everyone, even if you don't live near the ocean!High Seas Alliance Website

What is Disability Justice and what are the connections that it has to Environmental Justice? In this episode, I speak to disabled activist and attorney, Marissa Ditkowsky, on the intersections of disability justice and environmental justice, while also discussing cross movement solidarity, the difference between disability justice and disability rights, and how to advance disability justice within the environmental movement. This episode is available via transcript at https://docs.google.com/document/d/1-THtNWEvsNcr9s9HroHnGKD_W5tNVNlXrxJai6-hVHo/edit?usp=sharingResources discussed in the episode:National Partnership of Women and Families Twitter @npwfJen Deerinwater’s work: https://truthout.org/articles/indigenous-people-with-disabilities-are-on-the-front-lines-of-the-climate-crisis/Justice Shorter’s work: https://justiceshorter.com/black-disables-lives-matter/Tiffany Yu: https://rootedinrights.org/its-time-to-recognize-climate-change-as-a-disability-rights-issue/Krystal Vasquez: https://www.ehn.org/natural-disasters-disabled-community-2652503611/wildfire-bobcat-fireLuticha Andre Doucette: https://www.yesmagazine.org/issue/solving-plastic/2021/05/10/toward-disability-justiceLinks to the National Partnership of Women and Families

What's the difference between ocean plastic and ocean bound plastic? How much plastic is in our oceans? How do you start a sustainable and ethical business? Our amazing guest speaker, Deidre Horan, founder of Dri, gives us the answers to all of these questions. Whether your considering starting a sustainable company or you just want to learn about ocean plastics, this episode has something for everyone!To support Dri’s kickstarterTo follow Dri on InstagramTo visit Dri’s website

In this mini episode, I speak to Shannon Baker-Branstetter, who is the Senior Director of Domestic Climate Policy at the Center for American Progress. We discuss the Inflation Reduction Act and the many different incentives that it offers, what it is, where you can find the resources, and how to stay in the loop!Resources discussed in the episode:cleanenergy.govRewiring America Calculator

In this episode, Taylor speaks to Jim and Jamie Dutcher, who are both two well known wolf advocates and extremely accomplished wildlife filmmakers, winning 3 Primetime Emmys. Our discussion focuses on their experiences living with the famed Sawtooth Wolf Pack for 6 years, the lessons they learned from wolves, and why wolves are crucial, keystone species."It's not hard to be a Matsi" - Jamie (learn more about the importance of this quote during the episode)Support Jim and Jamie's non-profit, Living With WolvesShop their books (like I mentioned in the episode, I read Wisdom of Wolves in 2 day - it's a must read)