Have you ever picked up a product claiming to be eco-friendly, only to wonder if that green label was just a marketing gimmick? Do labels such as 'compostable,' 'cruelty-free,' and 'organic' actually hold meaning? What product labels can consumers trust? All of these questions and more will be answered in this episode where we dive deep into the deceptive world of greenwashing. Host Rose Daily and guest Kim Mintrone unravel how companies use clever but misleading tactics to appear environmentally friendly, while their actual impact remains questionable. Featured are real-life examples from large brands, such as Target, Shein, McDonalds, and H&M.

Greenwashed Brands Tool: https://greenwash.com/

Third-party verified product labels: https://www.ecocenter.org/sites/default/files/2021-06/updated_Factsheet%20Third-Party%20Certifications%20and%20Eco-Labels.pdf

Eco-labels to look for when shopping: https://www.ecowatch.com/eco-friendly-labels-1881939362.html

(02:28) The definition of greenwashing

(04:35) Our first encounters with greenwashing

(06:40) Corporate motivation to greenwash

(08:47) 58% of CEOs admitted to greenwashing

(10:54) Fashion, meat, and automobiles

(12:16) Using the color green & images of the earth

(13:32) Don't trust the labels!

(17:04) Third-party verified labels

(17:16) BPI certification for compostable products

(18:30) Green Seal cleaning products

(20:02) Non-GMO & USDA Organic

(23:28) Energy Star

(25:00) Cruelty free, sustainable forest, fair trade

(29:43) Target's "fair-trade" jeans

(31:41) Product recyclability

(35:30) H&M's clothing recycling program

(36:53) McDonald's recyclable straws

(39:18) Shein's appeal to eco-consumers

(40:26) Clothing made from recycled material

(42:08) Influencers' role in greenwashing

(46:10) Refillability: the double-edged sword

(49:03) Read the product labels!

(51:04) B-Corp: the label you can trust

(52:37) Product traceability

(55:10) Do your research before purchasing

(56:03) Every small action makes a difference!

What does it take to create a sustainable school? Join us as we discuss this question with Kevin Splain, Sustainability Manager for Sun Prairie School District, and two passionate student activists who have recently graduated from local high schools. Together, they uncover the current state of sustainability initiatives within schools, illuminating the essential shifts needed to make schools greener. From student-led advocacy groups to impactful policy reforms, discover the actionable steps paving the way for greener schools of tomorrow.

(02:48) Geothermal systems, solar, and LEDs in our schools

(05:05) The role of a dedicated school energy manager

(05:45) Start with an energy audit!

(06:57) Making sustainability visible

(11:00) Is school sustainability important to students?

(13:36) Wisconsin's first net-zero school!

(15:59) What does it take to maintain a net-zero school?

(18:48) Resolutions drive sustainable change

(22:23) Students, teachers, staff - who drives change?

(26:21) Tolerating discomfort to reduce energy demand

(27:55) Do students have a voice?

(31:54) Sustainability coordinators for schools

(35:59) Student Line 5 protest

(40:22) vegan food options, natural light, and reusable lunch plates

(46:54) Our dream sustainable school

There are over 3.3 million registered EVs on the road in the United States today, which makes up just over 1% of our country's total light-duty vehicles. Although EVs have been growing in popularity, there are many misconceptions about their range, performance, affordability, and environmental impact. Join me and Jessica Wagner in this episode as we use national data and our personal experiences to debunk the six biggest myths about EVs.

MIT Carbon Counter Tool: https://www.carboncounter.com/?utm_campaign=Monthly%20newsletter&utm_medium=email&_hsmi=107725603&_hsenc=p2ANqtz--dVaDH9VDNuT8z3Jdxu93iFECoXlia5bIlCmKR_7MOhLclBTGnAg6vW7lft-OOnVTnC1UbY1hXzfvPXpNhJkumEGRL3A&utm_content=107725603&utm_source=hs_email#!/explore

EPA Electric Vehicle Myths: https://www.epa.gov/greenvehicles/electric-vehicle-myths

Temperature impacts to battery range graph: https://www.geotab.com/blog/ev-range/

Climate impacts of EVs vs ICEs: https://climate.mit.edu/ask-mit/are-electric-vehicles-definitely-better-climate-gas-powered-cars#:~:text=The%20researchers%20found%20that%2C%20on,vehicle%20created%20just%20200%20grams.

(02:27) The EVs we drive, hesitations about purchasing an EV

(07:36) Charging our EVs at our homes

(08:38) EVs, PHEVs, hybrids, ICEs

(11:40) Myth 1: EVs are more expensive to purchase and drive than ICEs

(15:30) Our EV will pay for itself in 8 years!

(18:17) Myth 2: EVs are worse for the environment that ICEs

(21:44) MIT graph: total cost of ownership vs lifetime greenhouse gas emissions

(24:47) Myth 3: there is nowhere to charge EVs

(30:58) Types of charging: level 1, level 2, level 3 (DC fast charging)

(35:33) Is it expensive to charge your EV?

(37:42) Myth 4: EVs can't handle daily commutes

(40:26) Regenerative braking

(41:10) Does weather impact battery range?

(45:45) Myth 5: EVs will explode & catch fire!

(49:30) Myth 6: EV batteries need to be replaced at 100,000 miles

(53:53) Will the government ban ICE vehicles??

(55:39) Not all EVs are good for the environment!