A Little Greener

Greening Our Holiday Traditions

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! 

Reindeer: Myth and Reality

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. 

The Greenest Christmas Tree

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.

Greener Gifts

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.

An Overview of COP26

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.

Frozen: Wildlife in Winter

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!

Migratory Birds: Part II

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.

Migratory Birds: Part I

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. 

Good News from California

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.

Kiss the Ground: A Discussion

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.