Second Nature
Society & Culture
About
How can we live sustainably in an unsustainable world? Second Nature is a podcast by Commons exploring how our sustainable choices impact our lives and the planet. Every week hear how listeners are taking public transit, composting food waste, eating more plant-based meals and practicing deconsumption to create the kind of world they want to live in. We'll calculate the carbon impact of collective action and get expert answers to your burning climate questions. Everyone’s sustainable life is unique. Tell us about yours. thecommons.earth/podcast 🌎 Join a community of tens of thousands of people using the Commons app to tr...
Episodes
- Composting Is for Everyone
This episode of Second Nature explains how composting works, offers inspiration and guidance for composting in various living situations, and addresses common composting questions. It also explores the carbon impact of composting food wast…
- Slow Shopping in a Fast World
This episode discusses the concept of slow shopping and its benefits, including saving money and reducing waste. Listeners contribute their experiences and tips on slowing down shopping habits.
- Is There a Sustainable Future for Flying?
This episode of Second Nature examines the environmental impact of the aviation industry and the potential for a more sustainable future. The discussion covers the industry's emissions, the role of sustainable aviation fuel, and the carbon…
- It's Time to Kill Your Lawn
This episode examines the history and impact of lawns, discussing why they are a climate issue and the industry behind them. Nature educator Jason Wise joins the show to provide tips on transforming residential lawns into more sustainable…
- Next Season, We're Following the Money
The upcoming fifth season of the Second Nature podcast explores the relationship between money, the environment, and consumer choices. The season will cover topics such as food security, fossil fuel lobbying, carbon offsets, and the enviro…
- We Want to Hear from You! Season 5 Call for Submissions
Second Nature is currently accepting submissions from listeners to be featured in the upcoming fifth season. Guidelines for the submission process, including the April 3 priority deadline, are provided.
- Reconnection Through Reciprocity: Learning From Nature
In the season finale of Second Nature, the show explores human connection to the natural world. The episode features insights from Robin Wall Kimmerer and reflects on lessons in community, resilience, and patience learned from plants, fung…
- Where Did All the Water Go?
This episode of Second Nature explores the human relationship with water, moving beyond viewing it solely as a personal resource. Journalist Erica Gies discusses the ecological and financial impacts of water management and the need to chan…
- Fertilizer's toxic journey from REAP/SOW
In this episode of Second Nature, produced with WWNO’s Sea Change, reporters examine the environmental and community impacts of synthetic fertilizer in the American farming industry. The show explores how these chemicals have reshaped agri…
- These Sustainable Tips Will Save You Money
In this episode of Second Nature, listeners share practical tips on how sustainable living and frugality often go hand in hand. The discussion covers various ways to save money and reduce consumption in daily life, from grocery shopping to…
- Can We Learn to Love Plant-Based Cheese?
This episode of Second Nature explores the environmental impact of dairy cheese and the evolution of plant-based alternatives. Guest Miyoko Schinner discusses the progress of vegan cheese, offering tips for transitioning and tips for a tas…
- What to Do Before the Next Climate Disaster
This episode of Second Nature discusses how individuals and communities can prepare for climate disasters. It features insights from meteorologist Chase Cain and stories from people around the world about adapting to climate change.
- A No-Buy Challenge Might Just Change Your Life
This episode of Second Nature explores the concept of no-buy and low-buy challenges. Listeners share personal experiences regarding how resisting consumerism has impacted their finances, lifestyle, and perspective on marketing.
- What Actually Happens to Your Clothing Donations?
This episode explores the global impact of clothing waste, examining how unsold donations contribute to pollution in countries like Ghana and Chile. The discussion features insights from the Los Angeles-based Suay Sew Shop and covers poten…
- Can We Recycle Our Way Out of the Plastic Crisis?
This episode of Second Nature examines the extent of the global plastic crisis and explores whether recycling is an effective solution. Host Katelan Cunningham and guest Laurent Lebreton discuss the plastic industry, greenwashing, and the…
- Putting Planet Over Profits: How to Spot and Avoid Greenwashing
This episode of Second Nature explores the issue of greenwashing, featuring an interview with Dr. Mara Einstein on its evolution through social media. The show also provides tips for identifying greenwashing and discusses how the community…
- What Are We Going To Do Now?
In this episode of Second Nature, host Katelan Cunningham discusses the transition from individual climate action to collective, community-focused efforts. Dr. Ayana Elizabeth Johnson joins the show to share insights on systemic thinking a…
- Coming up in Season 4!
Season four of Second Nature will explore themes of community, collective impact, and resilience in the face of climate disaster. The season will feature diverse perspectives, expert insights, and historical data to inform discussions on i…
- Why Don't We Fix Things Anymore?
This episode of Second Nature delves into why we've stopped fixing things, examining planned and perceived obsolescence. It features Adrienne Ferre of a LA Makers Hub and discusses Right to Repair legislation with Sanchali Seth Pal.
- Call for Submissions: Contribute to Season 4!
Second Nature is seeking contributions for its upcoming Season 4. Interested individuals can submit their stories by filling out an online form before or during November to receive instructions for audio recording and submission.
- Are the Kids Alright? Raising a Sustainable Generation
This episode discusses raising a sustainable generation, examining how young people view climate change and exploring actions like plant-based eating and civic engagement. It features community members and Commons founder Sanchali Seth Pal.
- Your Local Library is Fighting Climate Change
This episode explores how public libraries serve as community hubs for climate resilience, offering safe spaces and resources to escape extreme weather. Listener contributions highlight the various ways people benefit from their local libr…
- Microplastics: How Do They Get Into Our Bodies? And What We Can Do About It?
This episode discusses microplastics, their sources from clothing, tires, and packaging, and their ingestion by humans, animals, and plants. It explores the ongoing scientific research into potential health issues and ways to mitigate expo…
- How We’re Coping With Climate Anxiety
This episode discusses climate anxiety, or eco-anxiety, which is stress and sadness related to climate news and environmental issues. It features listener contributions on coping mechanisms, emphasizing nature, community, and gratitude as…
- We Need to Talk About AI
This episode delves into the significant environmental impact of AI, examining its energy, water, and land resource demands. It features expert Shaolei Ren to discuss tracking and regulating AI's footprint and building a sustainable future…
- Connection and Resilience Through Local Food
This episode discusses the benefits of locally grown food, including improved nutrition, biodiversity, and community resilience, while also examining how the food system favors large-scale agriculture and exploring the connections between…
- Conscious Chatter: A Scientific Lens on the Links Between Fast Fashion, Toxicity, & Microplastics
This episode discusses the pervasive issue of microplastics originating from synthetic fabrics in fast fashion. It highlights the need for changes in both manufacturing and consumer habits, featuring insights from environmental scientist D…
- Is the Patriarchy Fueling Climate Change?
This episode discusses how the climate crisis intensifies gender disparities, leaving women under-resourced and at risk. It features insights from Jeannette Gurung of WOCAN on global climate inequities and Sanchali Seth Pal on health dispa…
- Why Don't We Fix Things Anymore?
This episode of Second Nature discusses planned and perceived obsolescence, tracing the shift towards disposable consumption. It features insights from Adrienne Ferre on repair initiatives and Sanchali Seth Pal on Right to Repair legislati…
- Can We Overcome Overconsumption?
This episode of Second Nature discusses overcoming overconsumption by buying less, which saves money, reduces clutter, and lowers emissions. It features listener tips, a conversation with climate activist Lauren Bash about deconsumption st…
- Harvesting Hope in Community Gardens
This episode of Second Nature explores the multifaceted benefits of community gardens, highlighting their role in fostering connection and providing solace in urban environments. Stories from Los Angeles and Brazil showcase how these garde…
- What Actually Happens to Your Clothing Donations?
This episode investigates the destination of clothing donations, highlighting the secondhand market's limitations in textile recycling. It discusses the global consequences of overconsumption and fast fashion, particularly in countries lik…
- Can We Have Ethical Consumption Under Capitalism?
This episode discusses whether ethical consumption is possible under capitalism, featuring community opinions, economist Juliet Schor, and Commons CEO Sanchali Seth Pal discussing boycotts and collective action.
- Here's What's Coming Up in Season 3!
Second Nature season 3 will explore climate action, encouraging listeners with a mix of hope and practical steps like boycotts and community gardens. The season will feature global voices, experts, and data to inspire impactful climate act…
- How to Grow a Little Food in the Big City
This episode of Second Nature focuses on urban gardening, offering practical tips for starting small food gardens in city spaces like stoops and balconies. It discusses the positive ripple effect of growing one's own food on both personal…
- The Prime Effect: How Amazon Has Us Hooked on Convenience
This episode discusses our deep reliance on Amazon, the hidden costs of convenience culture like financial and carbon debt, and offers practical tips for more sustainable shopping habits. MIT research scientist Erez Yoeli shares insights o…
- The Cure for Fast Fashion
This episode of Second Nature discusses the high cost of fast fashion for people and the environment. It offers practical tips to break the cycle, features insights from Kestrel Jenkins on the human cost, and explores the carbon impact of…
- Call for Submissions: Contribute to Season 3!
Second Nature is seeking listener contributions for its third season. Interested individuals can submit via a provided form, after which they will receive specific instructions for audio submissions. The episode features voices from listen…
- Skip the Greenwashing: What to Look for in Sustainable Fashion
This episode of Second Nature discusses the challenges of sustainable fashion, addressing greenwashing and overconsumption. Fashion expert Samata Pattinson and The Commons' Sophie Janaskie offer insights into identifying responsible brands…
- Buy Less, Eat More: How to Reduce Food Waste
This episode discusses reducing household food waste, featuring tips and recipes from plastic-free chef Anne-Marie Bonneau. It covers common food waste struggles, money-saving benefits, and surprising aspects of food delivery.
- The Beef with Beef: How It’s Affecting Our Bodies and the Planet
This episode discusses the excessive consumption of meat, its negative effects on health and the environment, and promotes plant-based eating as a solution. It includes listener testimonials on improved health and insights from Professor C…
- Buy Nothing Groups Put Community Over Corporations
This episode of Second Nature discusses Buy Nothing and free groups, highlighting them as community-driven alternatives to consumerism that foster neighborly connections and resourcefulness.
- Can We Vote Our Way Out of the Climate Crisis?
This episode discusses whether voting can solve the climate crisis, exploring the connection between climate and policy. It includes perspectives from people worldwide on how government actions impact their regions and features insights fr…
- Can We Learn to Love Plant-Based Cheese
This episode discusses the impact of dairy cheese and the advancements in plant-based alternatives, featuring vegan chef Miyoko Schinner. It explores how to appreciate plant-based cheese and includes a taste test.
- Sustainable Gifting is Easier (and Cheaper) Than You Think
This episode of Second Nature explores sustainable gifting, offering practical advice and community-sourced gift ideas that are both eco-friendly and budget-conscious. It discusses the environmental impact of traditional gifting and highli…
- Community Voices: How We’re Coping With Climate Anxiety
This episode of Second Nature features listener stories on coping with climate anxiety, also known as eco-anxiety, which arises from the effects of climate change. Various methods discussed include connecting with nature, building communit…
- Ripple Effects: How to Convince Your People to Live More Sustainably
This episode explores effective communication strategies for encouraging sustainable living and climate action. It features listener stories, expert advice from Alyssa Barber on community building, and uses solar panel installation as an e…
- Should We Have Kids in a Climate Crisis?
This Second Nature episode discusses the climate crisis's influence on the decision to have children, examining population growth, emissions, and historical perspectives with Dr. Jade Sasser.
- Season 2 of Second Nature is Coming Soon!
Season 2 of the podcast Second Nature is announced, focusing on sustainable living, climate optimism, and community action. The show features listener stories, expert advice, and discussions on combating climate change.
- We Want to Hear From You for Season 2!
Second Nature is calling for Season 2 submissions. Listeners can submit audio based on topics they choose by filling out a form.