First, the tadpoles and frogs disappeared; then the bats and the songbirds left. Dr. Elizabeth Hilborn, a honey bee veterinarian and environmental health scientist, soon realized the bees—the vital pollinators of fruits, plants, and vegetables—were dying. Everything went still and silent. In 2017, after a large flood, most of the teeming life on her beloved family farm in North Carolina had vanished in a matter of weeks. As a scientist and a naturalist, Hilborn set about to get answers and shares her story in her riveting book, Restoring Eden, and in this episode.No matter where you live- even if it's a city far from farmland- if you drink water and eat food, you are going to want to listen to this episode.HighlightsThe alarming findings about pesticides, particularly Roundup and neonicotinoids, on the environment, wildlife, and human health.Why some pesticides cannot be washed off.Strategies for individuals to minimize exposure to harmful pesticides and support a healthier ecosystem.What YOU Can DoGet in the know by buying her book, Restoring EdenSupport local agriculture, agroecology,  regenerative agriculture, and organic agricultural practices in the food you buy, when possible.Mow less and plant native flowers (grown from uncoated seed) to support wild pollinators.Leaving soil undisturbed and leaving leaves when they fall are ways to support our beneficial insects.The Environmental Protection Agency is soliciting comments about treated seed. Leave a comment in support of regulations. (find other petitions to sign once this comment period is over or create your own)ResourcesVisit Elizabeth's websiteEnvironmental Working Group's Dirty Dozen List Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

The recent COP28 climate change conference concluded with mixed feelings from many stakeholders. Despite this, a noteworthy optimistic takeaway was the emphasis by top scientists on the urgent need to prioritize the protection and restoration of wild ecosystems within global climate strategies, highlighting the necessity of biodiversity conservation. Alison Zak from the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund champions the crucial role of beavers in mitigating the effects of climate change. Her advocacy aims to enhance the acceptance and appreciation of beavers, recognizing the enormous benefits they bring to an area- for people and other species. HighlightsHow are beavers important to other species, including many endangered ones?What do beavers and climate change have to do with one another?How can humans coexist with these animals on their property? What YOU Can DoLearn more about beavers. Apps like iNaturalist and iBeaver are great places to start.Talk to others about their benefits and about the ways to, more conveniently, coexist with them.Visit their habitat. This can help you to grow an appreciation for what they are capable of doing.Donate to the Human-Beaver Coexistence Fund ResourcesHuman-Beaver Coexistence Fund  Alison's personal website   Wild Asana book   Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

What happens when you have a constitutional right that's being violated but you're too young to vote for the constituents who might fix it? These kids asked the courts to step in.Today's guest, author Elizabeth Rusch, has captured this gripping story in her latest book, The Twenty-One. We dive into how, in 2015, twenty-one young Americans, ages 8-19, filed a federal lawsuit against the U.S. government. In this ongoing landmark case, Juliana VS. United States, the plaintiffs claim that the government’s support of the fossil-fuel industry is actively contributing to climate change and, therefore, violating the young generation’s Fifth Amendment rights. They insist that having life, liberty, and property are intrinsically linked to a stable climate. Many legal experts initially thought the case wouldn't go anywhere, however, over the past eight years it has become a potential legal game-changer for our environmental future. If you're a fan of the underdog giving "the big guys" a run for their money, you won't want to miss this episode.Elizabeth Rusch is also the author of You Call This Democracy?, a finalist for the YALSA Award for Excellence in Nonfiction for Young Adults, and more than a dozen acclaimed children’s books, including picture books, middle-grade, fiction, nonfiction, and a graphic novel. In a starred review, Kirkus calls her book, THE TWENTY-ONE, “a nail-biting account of a still unresolved landmark case”. HighlightsHow a small-town lawyer created a case that could have global repercussions.What evidence do the plaintiffs have that their rights, and yours, are being violated?How does the recently successful case of Held v. Montana compare to this one and can it help?What YOU Can DoCall, Email, or Tweet the Department of Justice for your support of the case.For a list of other ideas on how you can get involved, go to the Our Children's Trust website.   Resources Buy the book, The 21  Elizabeth Rusch's website  Twitter/XInstagramFacebookWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

As the world makes strides toward a green economy, the U.S. State of New Jersey is determined to be a leader in the movement. And, the First Lady of New Jersey, Tammy Murphy, is ensuring that citizens are prepared. She has spearheaded the initiative of integrating climate change into school curriculum. New Jersey is now the first State to require the topic be taught across all disciplines in the K-12 grade levels. With the consequences of global warming affecting us all, there's no better time to ensure that students understand the complexities of this issue. By providing them with the knowledge of how and why things are happening, students will be better equipped to tackle the challenges they will face and succeed in the opportunities being created to address them. HighlightsHow did she do it?What does it look like in classrooms?How can other schools and States do the same?What YOU Can DoTalk about what New Jersey is doing with others and encourage your local schools to do the same. They can find help from the resources below.Resources New Jersey Department of Education Climate Change Education ResourcesNew Jersey Climate Change Education Hub To learn more about the Action for Climate School Program that I mentioned at the end of the episode, send me a message at crystal@forcesfornature.com, and let's chat!Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

**This episode first aired in October 2021. Listen to an update from Nina at 26: 27 about the next round of EWCL open to applicants now.The field of wildlife conservation has some of the most passionate and determined people in the world. Building a career protecting animals requires professionals in this field to have a diverse and complex toolbox of skills and knowledge. However, as happens in many other professions, academic training is only the beginning of the learning journey and often does not fully cover the wide range of challenges and opportunities that individuals will face in the real world. Recognizing this gap, Nina Fascione (Exec. Director, International Rhino Foundation) and Jeffrey Flocken (President, Humane Society International), created the Emerging Wildlife Conservation Leaders (EWCL) program in 2005 to afford early-career wildlife conservationists an opportunity to become better-rounded professionals. Through EWCL, participants in the program are equipped with a gamut of skills, techniques, and approaches to wildlife conservation, and are connected to an extensive network of peers worldwide. We talk about the program, its evolution, and the future, diving into some very amusing stories of how EWCL came to be and continues to change people's lives straight from the start.HighlightsThe borderline nutty dedication to getting EWCL off the ground. ;)What kinds of impacts has EWCL had throughout the world?How can someone become a part of this fantastic network?What YOU Can DoIf you're an early career conservationist, apply to join the next EWCL class! Tell them Forces for Nature sent you! Applications will be accepted from October 1st-31st of 2023.Resources ApplicationWebsite Instagram Facebook  Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

**This episode originally aired in May 2021. You can find an update from Julio at 24:19.Today's guest is Julio Prieto. He's an Ecuadorian lawyer working with the Union of People Affected by Texaco, the organization otherwise known as UDAPT. He has been a key player in one of the most well-known battles for environmental justice- the case of Ecuador vs. Chevron-Texaco. After 20 years of litigation, Julio's team won the case that found Chevron to be guilty of egregious pollution and irresponsibility in the Ecuadorian rainforest. However, 10 years later, he is still fighting for the settlement that would benefit the tens of thousands impacted. We talk about his lessons learned, his most recent victory, and why, despite the impossible odds, he will never give up.HighlightsWhat were the allegations brought against Chevron-Texaco?What happened after they were found guilty?His most recent victory was a case brought by nine indigenous girls. What did that involve?Advice he shared if you find that an existing or proposed project in your community raises environmental, social, or animal welfare concerns.What YOU Can Do Join Julio and his team by using #antichevron and #beyondchevron in your social media posts in order to bring more visibility to the issue. In the episode, Julio mentioned how a community in Richmond, California is also fighting against Chevron. He has asked that we support their efforts as well in order to decommission the refinery there. You can do so by writing support letters to officials and/or to editors and posting on social media to increase the case's visibility. You can learn more about these efforts on their website.ResourcesUnion of People Affected by Texaco websiteFacebookTwitter If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate and review! This helps to boost its visibility.Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that!What difference for the world are you going to make today?Want a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

*This episode first aired in April 2021 and Chris's title mentioned in the show has changed since.Climate change and environmental protection haven't always been as politicized as they are today. And, unfortunately, in being so, progress on these fronts gets hindered. Chris Barnard is helping to change that. He's the VP of External Affairs of The American Conservation Coalition, a group founded by political conservatives working to transform the narrative of denialism in order to get more voices to the table. We talk about how these issues shouldn't be political, how you can find allies across the political spectrum, and which solutions may satisfy all.HighlightsHow have conservatives, at least stereotypically, come to be labeled as anti-environment or even anti-science?What does Chris think is missing from the current environmental conversation?What kind of work has his organization done to bridge the political divide on climate change and other environmental matters?What YOU Can DoDecide to be pro-environment over pro-X political party.Have healthy discussions with others who may not necessarily share your political views. As long as your end goal is the same regarding protecting the environment, discussion and compromise can move us so much further, together.Have an open mind to solutions you may have disregarded before.Educate yourself. Chris, for example, recommends resources such as the Market Environmentalism Academy.ResourcesAmerican Conservation Coalition websiteACC InstagramACC TwitterACC FacebookWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

**This episode first aired in April 2020. **When Pablo Borboroglu released his first rehabilitated penguin back into the wild 30 years ago, he saw the ability that one person has to make a difference. Holding steadfast to this belief, he has since become one of the greatest voices for these animals. And, facing threats both on land and in water, they need it. Through the Global Penguin Society, Pablo uses scientific research to help guide conservation actions that have not only protected penguins but have also benefitted many other species that they live among as well as local communities. His enthusiasm for this work is palatable and he uses it to inspire thousands of people to become stewards for these animals too. Pablo is a National Geographic Explorer and recipient of the Whitley Gold Award, Rolex Award for Enterprise, and various other accolades. Though, what’s even more impressive, is all that penguins have gained because of him.Highlights from our talk:1:51) Some surprising penguin facts4:28) Threats on land and in the water11:14) Illegal trafficking of penguins12:41) Why does Pablo feel like he has the power to make change19:34) How has he dealt with pushback from local communities against his conservation actions25:52) How he has overcome feeling discouraged at times31:12) What's his biggest challenge nowWhat YOU can do to help penguins:Take an ecotourism trip to see penguins. This helps local communities economically benefit from the presence of these animals and support their preservation.Be a citizen scientist from your own home! Help scientists know when there changes in population, survival, and breeding through participating in Penguin Watch.Pablo has seen a huge uptick in the presence of plastic in penguin habitats that comes from near and far. Help by decreasing your use of single-use plastic and recycling.From the food you eat to the clothes you wear, try your best to make sure its origin and end are both sustainable.Microplastics are increasingly becoming a problem as they make their way up the marine food chain. Help decrease the microplastics that escape from your laundry by using a Guppy Friend.Help Pablo and the Global Penguin Society accomplish their work with a donation (through the Wildlife Conservation Network).Mentioned in the Episode:El Pedral Wildlife RefugePunta TomboPatagonia AzulOceans on the UN's Sustainable Development GoalsWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

**This episode first aired in June 2021. You can find the updated clip from Timothy and Nicole at 30:35**Did you know that most of the food crops we eat are reliant on pollinators to reproduce? Fruits, vegetables, nuts, even the food fed to cattle, sheep, and pigs, need pollinators such as bees. Unfortunately, there have been staggering declines in bee population numbers over the past couple of decades that have the potential for disastrous consequences. Timothy Paule and Nicole Lindsey saw an opportunity in this crisis to make a two-fold impact. They created Detroit Hives which not only works to protect these vital animals but also to revitalize the city they call home.HighlightsWhat's happening to bees and why is this actually not an issue in Detroit?How is Detroit Hives protecting bees and helping communities?How do you convince city developers to consider pollinators in their plans? And city residents to accept them?Why must we protect all bees, not just the honeybee?What YOU Can DoPlant a bee-friendly garden. Your local plant nursery could help inform you as to what are the best native flowers to have. Even a flower box outside of your apartment window is effective.Provide a water source (a shallow dish with small rocks above the waterline)Use little to no chemicals on your lawn and garden.If you have a swarm at your home, call a local beekeeper to safely take care of it instead of an exterminator.Volunteering with an eco-oriented organization or beekeeper.Have a honeybee hive mindset in that everyone does their own specialized part in bettering the world.Help support Detroit Hives through a donation or purchasing some of their products.Engage with them on socialIf you liked this episode and want to learn more on how you can make your lawn pollinator-friendly, check out Episode 26 with Dave Mizejewski.ResourcesDetroit Hives WebsiteInstagramFacebookBee City USAXerces SocietyWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?

**This episode first aired in June 2020. You can find the updated clip from Ryan at 21:00**Did you know that only 10% of all plastic that's ever been produced has been recycled?!* And that just 60% of communities in the U.S. have access to curbside recycling pick-up?** Our waste is a huge problem but, today's guest, Ryan Hickman, is determined to be part of the solution. At just 12 years old (yes, you read that right!), he's CEO of his own company, Ryan's Recycling. He joins us today with his dad, Damion, and helps to demystify the confusion that recycling can sometimes cause.Highlights from our talk:(1:54) How does Ryan's Recycling work?(2:43) You'll never guess how many customers he has!(4:26) Nor how much he has recycled so far...(6:28) Lightning round of 5 items and their recyclability(12:49) What happens to the items you recycle?(15:11) In addition to saving up for a garbage truck, Ryan also donates some of his profits to the Pacific Marine Mammal Center. His favorite animal there was Heartbreaker. <3(17:02) Why does Ryan feel like he can make a difference?How YOU can do recycling right:Glass, steel, and aluminum can be recycled indefinitely. Try to choose these items over plastic.Recycling codes for plastic #1 (hard) and #2 are the most widely accepted.Plastic #1 (soft), #4, #5 some centers will accept these.Plastic #3, #6, #7 most centers cannot take these but do check.Pizza Boxes- You can recycle the clean lid, but compost or throw out the bottom part that has the grease.Takeaway Soda or Coffee Cups- Despite being paper on the outside, they have a plastic waterproof lining on the inside. This makes them non-recyclable. As for their lids, they tend to be #6 plastic and very few centers will accept them. However, the cardboard slip used to protect you from the heat can be recycled!Plastic Bags- most curbside programs won't accept plastic bags because they can damage the machines. However, many grocery stores have recycling programs for them so drop them off on your next grocery run.Peanut butter jars- This is a lesson about how important it is to clean out the items before you throw them in the bin. Although the jar may be recyclable, if it isn't cleaned, it will be thrown out. Worse, it may cause the whole batch to be thrown out!** You can find more suggestions in the show notes on the episode's webpage!As per Ryan, "When in doubt, throw it out."  Each municipality is different and some take more items and, some, less. A quick online search will find their number for you to call and get clarification from them. *https://www.nationalgeographic.com/news/2017/07/plastic-produced-recycling-waste-ocean-trash-debris-environment/** https://recyclingpartnership.org/wp-content/uploads/dlm_uploads/2020/02/2020-State-of-Curbside-Recycling.pdfWant a free guide to help you become a force for nature? Get it HERE!If you enjoyed this episode, be sure to subscribe, rate, and review it! This helps to boost its visibility. Hit me up on Instagram and Facebook and let me know what actions you have been taking. Adopting just one habit can be a game-changer because imagine if a billion people also adopted that! What difference for the world are you going to make today?