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    Ethical Consumer Podcast

    Welcome to The Ethical Consumer Podcast! Join me, Julia Abbott, as we meet with innovators in the food and beverage industry. From responsible sourcing to community impact, we have your sustainability information covered - and all of the people behind these tasty things are pretty rad too. Our mission is to mend the disconnect between the products we consume and our knowledge of where they came from. Whether you’re a seasoned label reader and background checker or just dipping your toes in the waters of a sustainable lifestyle, we’re here to keep you informed.
    en-us82 Episodes

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    Episodes (82)

    Recap #3 Ep. 31-40

    Recap #3 Ep. 31-40

    I hope you've enjoyed Season 1 of the Ethical Consumer Podcast!  Listen to this recap to hear what you've missed in the past 10 episodes!  We'll be taking the summer off to let you catch up on Season 1 and so we can get a head start on Season 2!  Be sure to keep following us on social media so you know when we're BACK!

    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 29, 2021

    Minisode - Summer Sustainability

    Minisode - Summer Sustainability

    This is our LAST minisode of season 1!  Listen as Julia shares some previous minisode highlights to keep your sustainable habits on point through summer!  Check back next Tuesday for our final Recap episode of the season to see what you’ve missed over the past few months.  

    *****

    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)

    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer

    See you next time!

    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 24, 2021

    Ditching Fast Fashion for Sustainable Inclusion w/ Julia Ahrens of Miakoda (Episode 40)

    Ditching Fast Fashion for Sustainable Inclusion w/ Julia Ahrens of Miakoda (Episode 40)

    We’ve asked you who harvests and makes your food - but we have yet to ask you who makes your clothes!  Julia Ahrens, co-owner and designer of Miakoda knows exactly who makes her clothing line, how they’re treated, compensated, and where her fabrics come from.  Not only does she care about how Miakoda’s pieces are made - she is extremely passionate about inclusive sizing and representation.  Listen to hear how she chooses her manufacturers, models, her experience in the industry, and the process behind how your clothes are made.  


    https://www.miakodanewyork.com

    https://www.instagram.com/miakodanewyork

    https://www.instagram.com/miakodamoodboard


    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!



    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 22, 2021

    Minisode - Is General Mills about to change the food packaging industry?

    Minisode - Is General Mills about to change the food packaging industry?

    When you think of a General Mills company… sustainability isn’t the first word that comes to mind.  But - maybe that’s changing.  Nature Valley wrappers are now store drop-off recyclable!  Listen to hear WHY this is so important for the food and beverage industry, learn a little more about store drop-off recycling, and how Nature Valley is making it possible for other companies to do the same.  


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 17, 2021

    The Importance of Local Partnerships Between Farmers, Food, and Consumers w/ Jodie Huegerich RD - UNI Local Food Program Manager (#39)

    The Importance of Local Partnerships Between Farmers, Food, and Consumers  w/ Jodie Huegerich RD - UNI Local Food Program Manager (#39)

    How can I find access to local, farm-fresh food?  When is the next farmers market?  How can I partner my farm with restaurants and school systems?  What is being done about food deserts in the Cedar Valley?  These are just a few of the many questions Jodie answers on the podcast.  Learn how coalitions and networks are working to strengthen the local food economy by working with producers, buyers, and consumers!


    https://cvfoodfarmnetwork.org/ 

    https://cedarvalley.localfoodmarketplace.com/ 

    https://ceee.uni.edu/uni-local-food-program/


    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!




    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 15, 2021

    Sustainable Tomatoes All Year Round! w/ Chuck Tryon of Bushel Boy Farms

    Sustainable Tomatoes All Year Round! w/ Chuck Tryon of Bushel Boy Farms

    The midwest is known best for two things: agriculture, and awful winters.  These two things don’t go well hand in hand - unless you have a greenhouse!  Meet Chuck Tryon - president of Bushel Boy Farms based in Owatonna, MN with site number two in Mason City, IA.  Check out this episode to year how Bushel Boy Farms keeps their greenhouse operations as sustainable as possible, learn about their budding strawberries (coming soon to Iowa?!), and the possible future of greenhouse farming!


    https://www.bushelboy.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/bushelboyfarms/


    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!



    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 08, 2021

    Minisode - Is Your Sunscreen Harming Marine Life?

    Minisode  -  Is Your Sunscreen Harming Marine Life?

    Did you know that 50% of the world's coral reefs have died in the last 30 years?  Listen to find out why your sunscreen might be the culprit!

    Did you see we're having a giveaway over on our Instagram?  Get reacquainted with a few past guest and enter to win some of their amazing products over at @the.ethical.consumer on Instagram!

    *****

    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)

    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer

    See you next time!

    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 03, 2021

    Tea as a Catalyst for Social Change w/ Nishchal Banskota of Nepal Tea (#37)

    Tea as a Catalyst for Social Change w/ Nishchal Banskota of Nepal Tea (#37)

    Did you know that tea is NEVER washed?  This is why it’s SO important to make sure your tea is organic.  Not only is Nepal Tea the first certified organic tea company in Nepal, they package at origin for maximum freshness and minimal middle man!  Listen to hear Nishchal’s story of how a 7 year old child pivoted his career from CPA to social change maker and community builder, and how Nepal Tea is not only helping get communities out of poverty, but help them to thrive!


    www.nepalteallc.com

    https://www.instagram.com/nepalteallc/


    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!


    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usJune 01, 2021

    Announcing our Giveaway!

    Announcing our Giveaway!

    We're having another giveaway!  Check our Instagram @the.ethical.consumer next Tuesday, June 1st for all details!  Thank you so much for your support on Season 1 of the Ethical Consumer Podcast - we have a few more episodes for you this season and then we will be on summer break for July and August!

    Ethical Consumer Podcast
    en-usMay 27, 2021

    Creating a more Sustainable Future w/ Blake Rupe of University of Iowa Sustainability

    Creating a more Sustainable Future w/ Blake Rupe of University of Iowa Sustainability

    Blake loves trash - studying it, not creating it!  If you didn't grow up in a rural area, you might not realize that not every place has garbage pickup - just like different municipalities have varying options for recycling and composting.  When you’re in charge of disposing of your own trash, you become aware of just how much you make!  From the sustainability of a college campus to what Blake learned while picking up a metric ton of garbage from beaches in Mexico, we talk about creating better spaces for trash, recycling, composting, and what we can do to further reduce wasteful habits and reduce our trash output!  


    https://sustainability.uiowa.edu/about-us/our-staff/blake-rupe

    https://www.instagram.com/blakeatiowa



    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!



    Minisode - 3 Sustainable Book Recommendations

    Minisode - 3 Sustainable Book Recommendations

    In today's minisode, Julia shares 3 books to read if you're interested in learning more about sustainability! Through these books you'll learn: 
    How our modern society is impacting the world, 
    The effect different ways of eating has on the environment, 
    and the start of the company Patagonia and their sustainable practices. 

    We hope you enjoy reading these super informative yet interesting books!

    *****

    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)

    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer

    See you next time!

    Sustainable To-Go Meals that Give Back w/ Ben Weir of Simply Good Jars #35

    Sustainable To-Go Meals that Give Back w/ Ben Weir of Simply Good Jars #35

    Philly based B-Corp Simply Good Jars has a unique, preservative free method of placing healthy, on the go food at your fingertips!  Currently found in 9 states with more to come, Simply Good Jars donates to a local food organization when you promise to reuse or recycle your container properly.  What could be better?!  Good food for you, good food for someone else, and good for the planet!

    https://simplygoodjars.com/
    https://www.instagram.com/simplygoodjars/

    *****

    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)

    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer

    See you next time!

    Minisode - Farmer's Markets

    Minisode - Farmer's Markets

    If you're wondering what your local farmer's market may look like this year or how to prepare to have a successful experience, this minisode is for you! Julia shares her tips and tricks for everything from payment and scheduling to a reminder to bring your own bag. We hope you have a blast shopping at your local farmer's market whether you've been doing it for years or it's your first time!

    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!

    Fast, Fresh, Iowa Grown Tofu w/ Jake Gratzon of Old Capitol Food Co. #34

    Fast, Fresh, Iowa Grown Tofu w/ Jake Gratzon of Old Capitol Food Co. #34

    Based in Iowa City, Iowa, Old Capitol Food Co. uses IOWA soybeans!  Did you know that the majority of soybeans grown in Iowa leave the state to be used elsewhere?  Not only that, but most tofu has quite a long process from maker to distributor, to store.  Old Capitol Food Co. delivers the freshest tofu out there with direct distribution to your Iowa local stores, campuses, and co-ops!


    https://oldcapfood.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/oldcapfood/


    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!

    Minisode - Sustainable Periods

    Minisode - Sustainable Periods

    Alright menstruating humans, we need to chat! Each year approximately 12 billion pads and 7 billion tampons are discarded in the U.S. alone. In this minisode, Julia shares sustainable alternative period products. From reusable pads, to menstrual cups, to period underwear, there are so many options that are better for the environment and for your body!

    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!

    Powered by Plants w/ Emily Hanna of Hanna Valley Protein #33

    Powered by Plants w/ Emily Hanna of Hanna Valley Protein #33

    After a health scare, it was more important than ever to Emily Hanna to make sure she and her family were eating well.  Emily was in search of a pure, clean, plant based protein and just wasn’t finding what she wanted.  Some had fillers, some had artificial ingredients, and some contained allergens that would affect her and her family.  With just 5 simple ingredients and a lot of behind the scenes formulation and experimentation, Hanna Valley Protein was born.  Hanna Valley Protein is organic, non - GMO, vegan, and free from fillers, natural and artificial flavors, and common allergens.  Listen to hear about Emily’s formulation process, why it’s so important to use clean, whole food ingredients, and her own inspiring health journey!


    https://www.hannavalley.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/hannavalleyprotein


    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!



    Minisode - Sustainable Skincare Routine

    Minisode - Sustainable Skincare Routine

    Attention skincare fans - You can have an effective and luxurious skincare routine while still being sustainable! In this episode, Julia shares the skincare textiles, tools and products she uses as well as how to repurpose or recycle old skincare products!

    *****

    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)

    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer

    See you next time!

    Where's the SCOBY?! w/ Rich Awn of Mombucha #32

    Where's the SCOBY?! w/ Rich Awn of Mombucha #32

    Rich Awn, founder of Mombucha and kombucha aficionado, may have scaled up from home brewing in his kitchen, but prefers to keep his operation small, traditional, and pure.  No mass brew tanks here!  Just many, many bowls of kombucha the way mom used to make it.  Listen to hear about his inspiration for Mombucha, the reintroduction of The KOMBUCHA Act, and keeping the non-industrialized spirit of kombucha alive!  I learned SO much about kombucha in this episode - and I’m sure some of you will be shocked to hear about some of the on-goings of the kombucha industry!  


    http://www.mombucha.com/

    https://www.instagram.com/mombucha


    *****

    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)

    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer

    See you next time!

    Minisode - Earth Day Celebrations

    Minisode - Earth Day Celebrations

    Earth Day Celebrations!

    Happy Earth Day! Today Julia shares some ways to celebrate Earth Day without spending any money. We hope you're able to get outside and enjoy our beautiful planet sometime soon.

    *****


    Thanks for listening to the Ethical Consumer Podcast! If you liked this episode, we'd love it if you shared it with a friend or reviewed the show on Apple Podcasts :)


    Get notified when new episodes drop by following us on Instagram @the.ethical.consumer


    See you next time!