Today’s episode is all about upcycling. Meriam Webster defines upcycling as “to recycle (something) in such a way that the resulting product is of a higher value than the original item: to create an object of greater value from (a discarded object of lesser value).”

In our private Facebook community group Love Earth Big (you can find the link to that group in the show notes), many of you share incredible upcycling projects that you have done at home, including upcycling lamp shades into hanging planters, and upcycling old tires into beautiful outdoor gardens. This community never ceases to amaze and inspire me. On a macro level, companies like Nike have taken the rubber from old shoes and upcycled them into new gymnasium flooring and have turned plastic bags into dry fit clothing. A sector of industry that is rarely discussed in terms of upcycling is the food industry. This episode is devoted to just that, upcycled foods and specifically snacking. Without revealing too much, I’ll introduce you to today’s guest, Shannon Neumann.

Shannon is Associate Director of SnackFutures Innovation – Mondelēz International’s innovation and venture hub that plays a critical role in the company’s aggressive global growth agenda. In the SnackFutures model of Invent and Venture, Shannon is thrilled to have the opportunity to align her work with her personal passions for creating and building brands while connecting people from around the world through food.

Shannon has been with Mondelēz International for 9 years, and before that she worked with Kraft Foods, Cadbury and Nabisco.  Shannon has held a number of key leadership roles in brand management, global breakthrough innovation and portfolio management across multiple categories including Gum, Candy and Biscuits.  She has led and executed multi-market big bet projects for Mondelez collaborating across boundaries with cross-functional colleagues.

Shannon received her undergraduate degree from The University of Massachusetts, Amherst and her MBA from Fairleigh Dickinson University.

Exclusive info: CaPao just launched a new product Quinoa Squares! Keep an eye out for this new flavor!

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Reports and articles discussed in the episode:
Upcycled Food Association, Foundation, and Certification 

In this episode, I have an amazing conversation with Meghan Forest Farmer.  We talk about her mission to kick start a garment factory that is utilizing sustainable fabrics and empowering women who are often over looked. In this episode, we will learn about The Bright Factory and Meghan provides amazing tips at the end of the show on how to shop sustainability. Currently the Bright Factory is in their last few days of their kick starter campaign. Please join me in being apart of something incredible by supporter The Bright Factory's Kick Starter at: https://www.kickstarter.com/projects/thebrightfactory/the-bright-factory

Meghan Forest Farmer has woven her way through the fashion pipeline over the past 10 years, but currently works as a fashion stylist, both on photo shoot sets, and in the wardrobes of her personal styling closet. After learning of the unfortunate, darker side of the fashion industry, specifically within garment manufacturing, she made sustainability and ethical fashion a mission for her personal and professional life.  In today’s conversation we are going to learn more about Meghan’s incredible story and how she went from working in the world of fashion to the idea for her newest business venture; The Bright Factory. A cut and sew factory in Fort Worth, TX, creating sustainable t-shirts, by the hands of women being given another chance. 

When she is not on a photoshoot set, or running a business, she enjoys being a goofball with her amazing husband, karaoke and dance parties, and serving her community and church. 

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The Bright Factory Website
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The Bright Factory Kick Starter Page


Reports and articles discussed in the intro:
UNEP Article Link 

In this episode, financial coach, Heather Langford Oynes, explains how applying intentionality and creating a spending plan for our finances can be great for personal peace and the environment.

Heather is a wife, mother, and money stewardship coach. Her passion is empowering others to give more, save more & become debt free!  To connect with Heather, visit her community group at CREATED for MORE: A Financial Stewardship Community for Christian Women Facebook Community Page.

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CREATED for MORE: A Financial Stewardship Community for Christian Women Facebook Community Page

After a few months hiatus, I'm back and ready to start us off with a Eco-Mindset Challenge. In this episode I explain what an Eco-Mindset means and why understanding "your why" is so important.

Don't have a why? No worries! I'll talk you through defining one!

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In this episode, Kristi Soomer, the founder and CEO of Encircled, discusses with me what makes Encircled both ethical and sustainable. During this episode, she gives insight into what a capsule wardrobe looks like (which is a great way to have a sustainable closet if you are busy and short on time) think less laundry and faster morning routines!  Kristi shares her personal experience as a business owner during the pandemic and ended the episode with a challenge that empowers all of us to be the change in the world.

Kristi Soomer is the founder and CEO of Encircled, a Canadian-made line of versatile, sustainably made clothing that helps women streamline their wardrobes. Coming from a non-traditional background for a fashion designer, Kristi holds an MBA from Queen’s University and a Bachelor of Administrative and Commercial Studies, with a specialization in Economics, from Western University.

Inspired by her love of travel and dislike for checking a bag, Kristi started Encircled in 2012 as a side gig while she was working as a management consultant. Kristi’s first multi-way design - The Chrysalis Cardi - was made on the kitchen floor of her condo using a sewing machine she found on Craigslist. Over the next two years, Kristi immersed herself in fabric research and courses in illustrating and sewing to create a capsule collection of sustainably made basics and multi-way clothing. In 2014, Kristi left her corporate job to open Encircled’s first studio space in Toronto.

As CEO of Encircled, Kristi is committed to meeting high ethical and sustainable standards in all aspects of her company, from using fabrics that honor the environment to providing good working conditions and fair wages for her sewers.

This is an episode you won't want to miss!

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Reports and articles discussed in the intro:
Savelli, Heidi. "Fashion's Tiny Hidden Secret." UN Environment, 13 Mar. 2019, https://www.unenvironment.org/news-and-stories/story/fashions-tiny-hidden-secret

In the midst of all the uncertainty and stress that COVID-19 has brought all of us on one level or another, I wanted to provide everyone with a non-COVID-19 related story of hope and courage. 

In this episode, I spoke with Toya Stone, the host of Hi There Love. We talked about all the things! The story of building her tiny house from YouTube videos, how living in a tiny house has made her family live a life of more intention (including more eco-friendly choices), surviving Hurricane Harvey in her YouTube tiny house, and their inspiring adoption story. 

This is an episode you won't want to miss! 

In this episode, we talk succulents and plants with Rachael Cohen, the Owner of Infinite Succulent. Rachael provides amazing insight into the health and mental benefits of integrating succulents and plants into your home. Rachael talks about the current state of the environment and urges us all to take a stand for the Earth during times of uncertainty. Lets Love Earth Big! 

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Instagram @infinitesucculent
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Reports and articles discussed in the intro:
Goodman, N.B., Wheeler, A.J., Paevere, P.J. et al. Emissions from dryer vents during use of fragranced and fragrance-free laundry products. Air Qual Atmos Health 12, 289–295 (2019). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11869-018-0643-8

Did you know that several research articles have observed a link in air pollution and mental illnesses (such as depression, dementia, anxiety, and suicide)? I sure didn't!

In this episode, I had the pleasure of speaking with Michelle Borunda, a licensed clinical social worker from Fort Worth, Texas. Michelle works with adolescents and adults on life transitions, anxiety, trauma, and many other mental health obstacles. Michelle and I talk about the mental health challenges of social distancing and sheltering in place. She gives us all relatable tips on how to support healthcare workers, how to compartmentalize work and home life, ideas on how to talk to children about the coronavirus, and positive ways to take care of your mental health. She also describes symptoms of anxiety and depression, and how and where to reach out for help.  If you're thinking about suicide, are worried about a friend or loved one, or would like emotional support, the Lifeline Network is available 24/7 across the United States at 1800-273-8255 or www.sucidepreventionlifeline.org. 

Social Up With Us!
Instagram @lifeontheupcycle
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Life on the Upcycle Facebook Community Page
Life on the Upcycle Website

Reports and articles discussed in the intro:
C. Brokamp, J.R. Strawn, A.F. Beck, and P. Ryan, Pediatric Psychiatric Emergency Department Utilization and Fine Particulate Matter: A Case-Crossover Study. Environmental Health Perspectives, 127 (9)(2019).

S. Roberts, L, Arseneault, B. Barratt, S. Beevers, A. Danese, C.L. Odgers, T.E. Moffitt, A. Reuben, F.J. Kelly, H.L. Fisher, Exploration of NO2 and PM2.5 air pollution and mental health problems using high-resolution data in London-based children from a UK longitudinal cohort study. Psychiatry Research, 272 pp 8-17.

Nicole Pajar, 'How To Support People In Health Care Working During Coronavirus,' HuffPost. 

This episode is dedicated to ideas that will help you navigate sustainable living in a social distancing climate. In this episode, I share how our family is using this time to learn and grow. I also will give you tips on how to navigate the toilet paper situation, just in case it persists; a few resourceful activities you can do with your kiddos; and ways to extend kindness and grace to yourself, others, and our healthcare workers.


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Links mentioned in the episode
Buzzsprout Offer https://www.buzzsprout.com/?referrer_id=706196 ($20 Amazon Card)
Aquaus SprayMate Cloth Diaper Sprayer Splatter Shield
Unicorn Clean Laundry Detergent 

In this episode, I sat down with Andee Chamberlain, Sustainability Programs Manager for Texas Parks and Wildlife. We discussed a few of the department's sustainability efforts in our state parks, including the installation of solar panels, rural recycling programs, the Dark Skies Program, and the opening of the Palo Pinto Mountains State Park. Additionally, Andee shares insights into some of the parks she has visited and gives her favorite eco-friendly camping tips!

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Instagram @texasparkswildlife
Texas Parks and Wildlife Wedsite
Click here to make your camping reservation
Texas Parks and Wildlife Facebook Page