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!

What does it take for a restaurant to become "Green Certified" through the National Green Restaurant Association? Join me in this conversation with Jordan Short, the head Chef at Café Manna, to learn about the world of sustainable restaurant practices. Cafe Manna has incoporated sustainability into their operations since 2008 and holds the title of being the first three-star certified green restaurant in the state of Wisconsin. In this episode, we'll explore opportunities for restaurants to embrace sustainability without compromising on taste or profitability.

National Green Restaurant Association: https://www.dinegreen.com/

Cafe Manna: https://cafemanna.com/

(02:23) Inspiration to strive for a Green Restaurant certification

(04:37) Does being Green excite employees?

(06:30) Saying no to polystyrene foam and yes to recycling & composting

(09:37) LED lightbulbs & high efficiency appliances

(11:28) Restaurant water savings

(12:33) Composting and smart meal planning

(15:42) No straws and compostable takeout containers

(20:46) Eco-friendly soaps & cleaners

(22:15) Vegan entrees, garden-grown ingredients, and serving based on the season

(32:21) Sourcing tables and chairs made from recycled materials

(34:22) Education & transparency

(37:01) Plans to achieve 4 stars?

(38:32) Does becoming a Green restaurant save money?

(42:35) Drawing in a diverse set of customers

(45:58) Do consumers prefer dining at Green restaurants?

(47:46) Sustainable practices for customers

(51:24) Advice for restaurants who want to pursue a Green Restaurant Certification

Spring has officially sprung here in Wisconsin which means our natural environment is buzzing with excitement as our local pollinators emerge from hibernation, our lawns become green again, and flowers begin to bloom. Amidst the seasonal splendor, there’s important work to be done – work that involves our beloved pollinators and the vital ecosystems they support. Ever heard of No Mow May? Or wondered about the magic of community pollinator gardens? Well, you’re in for a treat! Today we’re discussing these eco-friendly practices and exploring how they’re sowing the seeds of change in our local landscape.

(05:50) Community pollinator gardens in Sun Prairie

(09:20) Value of community gardens

(11:14) Many hands contribute

(13:55) Step-by-step process for establishing a community garden

(17:17) Lesson learned in engaging stakeholders

(25:19) Selecting a prime location

(26:45) Identifying a water source

(31:51) seeds, seedlings, mature plants - oh my!

(33:41) When should I order plants?

(34:46) Dog urination & splitting plants

(37:40) Alternative lawns!

(41:08) What's the deal with No Mow May??

(43:44) No Mow May IS effective

Happy Earth Day! To celebrate, please enjoy this bonus episode of Sustainable Sun Prairie that is focused on pollinator conservation. Pollinators are often associated with Earth Day because of the important role they plan in our food production and creating a healthier environment. This episode will provide you with a full toolkit of resources and knowledge that will empower you to transform your yard into a pollinator paradise. It's so important that we focus on taking actions in our own yards because native pollinator species are declining rapidly due to urbanization, habitat destruction, and the use of pesticides. We as individuals can work to protect them by creating safe, friendly spaces in our own yards that provide food, water, and shelter to our native pollinators.

Did you catch the keyword? Email this episode's keyword to forestry@cityofsunprairie.com to receive a free pollinator-friendly tree or shrub, while supplies last!

Xerces Society Pollinator-Friendly Native Plant Lists: https://xerces.org/pollinator-conservation/pollinator-friendly-plant-lists

UW-Madison Pollinator Resources: https://pollinators.wisc.edu/

Pollinator-Friendly Trees & Shrubs: https://www.pollinatorsnativeplants.com/uploads/1/3/9/1/13913231/treesshrubs1.pdf

(5:01) How the City of Sun Prairie is helping pollinators

(9:00) City park participation in No Mow May

(11:14) Native vs ornamental - which type of flower is better for pollinators?

(19:16) concentrated garden or distributed flowers?

(21:15) Native flower species recommendations!

(24:37) Best practices for ground covers

(28:10) Starting from seed, seedling, or mature plants

(30:36) Short-term and long-term pollinator garden maintenance

(36:44) Patience is key - your plants need time to grow strong root systems

(39:50) 6, 7, or 8 feet tall!

(43:00) Leave the leaves & delay spring cleanup

(48:54) Water sources, trees, shrubs

(52:36) How do I communicate my conservation intentions to my neighbors?

In this special episode, we celebrate Earth Day, a momentous occasion that reminds us of our collective responsibility to protect and preserve our precious home. Tune in to learn about the humble beginnings of Earth Day, its evolution over the past 50 years, how it is celebrated around the world, and local programming and events happening all month right here in Sun Prairie. Happy Earth Month!

Sun Prairie Earth Month Events: https://cityofsunprairie.com/1620/2024-Earth-Month

Sun Prairie Park Friends: https://parksfriends.org/earthday/

(2:33) Gratitude vs thankfulness

(5:59) History of Earth Day

(16:34) Annual park cleanup

(20:57) Earth Day events: "Make Haste to Reduce Waste!"

(26:01) How is Earth Day celebrated around the world?

(29:09) Sun Prairie Park Friends initiatives

(34:11) We are one

As we browse through the racks of trendy clothes or scroll through thousands of pictures of online fashion options, it’s easy to focus on what’s in front of us and to overlook the hidden costs of our fashion choices. The reality is that the garments we wear come with a hefty environmental price tag with a large amount of clothing ending up in landfill. In fact, the average American throws out 81 pounds of clothes every year. Join us in this engaging episode as we discuss the true cost of the fashion industry and practical strategies anyone can implement to combat fast fashion.

(02:34) 20 years in the fashion industry

(04:34) Environmental impacts of fashion

(10:28) Fast vs Slow fashion

(13:26) Pressure to consume fashion

(18:31) How to identify fast fashion

(20:38) A peek into the supply chain

(26:08) Inadequate wages & dangerous work places

(29:43) Greenwashing in the fashion industry

(32:32) How sustainable are your favorite brands??

(34:18) Can we trust "made in America" brands?

(35:44) Practical strategies to fight fast fashion

(42:41) Wear 30 Times challenge

(47:12) Clothing swaps & fashion rentals

(51:54) What happens to the clothes we donate?