It’s a wrap on Season 1! In this special milestone episode, we reflect on what a full year of podcasting has meant to us — from the personal changes we’ve made, to the hilarious moments that made us laugh-cry while editing. We’re diving into our favorite episodes, most surprising lessons (we’re still not over the wipes or EV batteries), and what we…

We’re melting down—literally and figuratively. In this slightly unhinged episode, we dive into the chaos that is climate change. From ancient volcanoes and woolly mammoths to carbon and fast fashion, we unpack how humans went from riding out natural climate shifts to accelerating them with fossil fuel flair. We break down the science (hello, carbon…

In this episode, we dig into our experience on the Urban Farm Tour, hosted by Cultivate KC, where we visited five inspiring local farms, gardens, and co-ops that are changing the way Kansas City grows, eats, and connects. From buzzing bees to food justice, compost piles to community plots, this journey gave us a front-row seat to the green heartbea…

This week, we’re digging into the world of local food systems—because it turns out eating strawberries from down the road might be more revolutionary than you think. From farmers markets to rooftop farms, we’re exploring what it really means to eat local, why it matters for the environment and economy, and how cities are joining the movement in cre…

Fast food might be quick and cheap, but it comes with a heaping side of packaging waste. In this episode, we unwrap the environmental impact of fast food packaging—from the millions of tons of waste created by global giants like McDonald's to the hidden plastics and PFAs in your favorite takeout. But don’t worry—we’re not just here to bum you out. …

Death comes for us all—but what happens after we go is surprisingly full of choices. In this episode, we dig (pun fully intended) into the many ways people exit this earthly realm, from the conventional to the compostable. We start with the classic: conventional burial. Picture embalming fluid, caskets that outlast your family name, and enough form…

In this episode, we dive deep into our trash—literally. Inspired (we think?) by one of the many podcasts we listen to, we spent a full week tracking everything we threw away. From donut bags and mac & cheese pouches to mystery pillow pieces and fast-food wrappers, no scrap was too small to log. We weren’t totally prepared for how personal this woul…

Are today’s appliances and electronics built to last—or to fail? In this episode, we break down the trend of shrinking lifespans in products like refrigerators, washing machines, and even cell phones. From the solid, steel-built machines of the 1950s to today’s tech-heavy, plastic-packed gadgets, we examine how cost-cutting, complexity, and consume…

Is capitalism the villain or the unexpected hero of the climate story? In this episode, we unpack the complicated world of eco-capitalism — also known as environmental or green capitalism — where companies commodify climate action and profit from "solving" sustainability. From green consumption trends to billion-dollar carbon markets, we explore ho…

Jessica gave Lynn homework, and she aced it! Want to know about some documentaries and films to watch to learn more about environmentalism? We have some great options to get you started. Listen along as we discuss the first ones we have tackled on a long list of homework we will keep working on!By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

We went to a Climate Summit! Climate Action Kansas City puts on a climate summit every 18 months here in Kansas City and we took part in 2025. They covered topics happening locally, nationally and beyond. We heard from 3 panels about ‘Navigating the Energy Transition’, ‘Sustainability of Sustainability’ and (our favorite) ‘Changing the Conversation…

In this episode, we dig into the origins of the modern environmental movement and then shift to the spark that became Earth Day as we know it today. We explore the powerful ripple effects of that first Earth Day: landmark legislation like the Clean Air Act, Clean Water Act, and Endangered Species Act, and the creation of the Environmental Protectio…

This week, we dive into the sustainable side of event spaces—because it’s not just about the music, the game, or the conference keynote anymore. From solar panels on stadium rooftops to food waste being turned into farm animal feed, we explore how venues around the world (and in our own backyard!) are stepping up their green game. We spotlight venu…

In this episode, we dive into one of the most common questions out there about electric cars: “Are they like a normal car?” The short answer? Yes... and no. While driving an EV can feel pretty familiar, the bigger picture reveals some key differences between electric and gas-powered vehicles — from price and maintenance to emissions and everyday us…

Is the "American Dream" just a shopping spree in disguise? This episode kicks off our Sustainability Economics 101 series with a deep dive into consumerism—how it fuels the economy, shapes our culture, and depletes our planet’s resources. We unpack the role of influencers, the psychology of overconsumption, and the not-so-hidden costs of our shoppi…

In this special 30th episode of our podcast, we take a moment to celebrate our journey and the exciting experiences we've had along the way! This week, we were thrilled to participate in the Re.Use.Ful Wednesday 101 Webinar “Starting Your Sustainability Journey.” Join us as we reflect on how we started the podcast, coming up with the name and episo…

In this episode, we dive deep into the history, purpose, and ongoing debates surrounding the Paris Climate Agreement. Originally formed at the 2015 Conference of the Parties (COP) in Paris, this landmark accord brought 197 nations together to combat climate change. We explore what the agreement aims to achieve. We break down the United States' on-a…

We’ve covered a lot of eco-ground this year—from tackling junk mail and composting food waste to greening our holiday shopping and even rethinking our pets’ carbon pawprint. But how much progress have we actually made? In this special recap episode, we’re revisiting our biggest sustainability wins, lessons learned, and the moments that made us say,…

Want to know all things AI and how it relates to sustainability? Come along as we look at what AI is, its history and its demand on the environment.By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

Ah, straws—the tiny plastic villains of the sustainability movement. In this episode, we break down the politics of plastic, why straws became the poster child of the movement (when they’re just the tip of the plastic iceberg), and how we can actually reduce single-use plastics in our daily lives—no matter what the government says. From sneaky plas…

Everyone has had moments in their life when they’ve asked themself, Am I the asshole? We are clearly passionate about climate change and sustainability, but we know not everyone shares that same urgency. So, let’s dig into a few situations where the question whether I’m crossing the line—or maybe just trying to make the world a little better has co…

In the latest episode of Sustainability Unplugged, we talk about the environmental impact of live music events—an industry that's surprisingly resource-hungry. While artists like Michael Jackson dreamed of using their concerts to raise millions for environmental causes, the reality is that the energy, waste, and carbon footprints of modern-day conc…

We all love our pets, but have you ever thought about how their diet, waste, toys, and care impact the environment? In this episode, we dive into the environmental footprint of domesticated cats and dogs, from their meat-heavy diets to their waste disposal. Did you know your furry friends contribute to about 25% of the environmental cost of meat co…

In this episode, we explore the environmental impact of the fashion industry, highlighting disturbing statistics like the fact that a garbage truck full of clothes is dumped or burned every second, and that the industry is responsible for significant carbon emissions and plastic pollution. We discuss the role of synthetic fibers like polyester, whi…

What’s in a Carbon Footprint?? We've touched on this in previous episodes but never fully explored. If you're wondering what it really means, you're not alone! In simple terms, a carbon footprint is the total amount of greenhouse gases, like carbon dioxide and methane, that you emit from your daily activities. But how much is that really? For the a…

In this episode, we dive deep into the topic of greenwashing — the misleading practice where companies deceive consumers into believing their products are more environmentally friendly than they really are. From vague claims like "eco-friendly" and "biodegradable" to the deceptive use of imagery and labels, greenwashing is everywhere. With a mix of…

We’re wrapping up our Around The House series by covering the household as a whole. From the simplest swaps to energy-saving tips, we’ll explore practical ways to make your home more eco-friendly. We dive into the benefits of indoor plants. We also talk about drapes (or is it curtains now?) and their role in insulation. Beyond the basics, we discus…

In this episode, we explore eco-friendly bathroom swaps, from switching to bar soap, shampoo, and conditioner to reduce plastic waste, to sustainable dental care with bamboo toothbrushes and recyclable electric toothbrush heads. We discuss DIY cleaning solutions like distilled white vinegar, eco-friendly brands like Grove Collaborative, and ways to…

Did you know the kitchen is the largest contributor to household waste? While food waste is a major culprit, there are so many other ways you can make your kitchen more sustainable—without overhauling your entire life. In this episode, we’re exploring simple yet impactful swaps that can help you cut waste and reduce your footprint.…

In this episode, we dive into the environmental impact of laundry—something we all do, but rarely think twice about. Washing and drying clothes use up a massive amount of electricity, water, and chemicals that harm both the environment and our health. Whether it's choosing the right detergent, washing less often, or investing in new technologies li…

In this episode, we dive into how you can throw an amazing party while reducing waste and being kinder to the environment. From eco-friendly decorations to energy-efficient lights, we explore how to make greener choices without losing that holiday spirit. Discover why cutting down a real Christmas tree might actually be the better environmental opt…

Having climate anxiety?? Come on down and hear about some good things happening in the world of sustainability. #goodness #goodthings #gameshowvoice #electricwallpaper #bamboozled #sustainabilityunplugged #podcast #sustainability #climatechange #greennewdeal #sustainabilitytips #sustainabilitymatters #sustainabilityresources #sustainabilityissexy #…

The beauty industry’s glittering exterior hides a dark truth: it's wreaking havoc on the environment. Each year, over 120 billion pieces of packaging are produced, and nearly all of it ends up in landfills. But it’s not all doom and gloom. We’ll take a closer look at what cosmetics brands are doing to change the game, from eco-friendly packaging to…

Got leftovers? Wondering about ‘best by’, ‘use by’ and ‘sell by’? Want to go to Texas Roadhouse for dinner? We've got you covered! Listen up for all the ways you can combat food waste and laugh a little along the way. KC Can Compost https://kccancompost.com/ KC Compost Collective https://www.compostcollectivekc.com/ US Compost Council https://www.c…

It's beginning to look a lot like time to start your Holiday Shopping! We want to help make it a little less stressful and a lot more eco friendly. Ditch the glitter wrapping paper and the gifts they might throw out after only enjoying them once. Come find out how to do your Holiday Shopping the sustainable way.…

Halloween can be a Thriller! It can also make you Scream about the amount of waste it creates. Don’t let there be a Nightmare on Your Street. Come along with us to find some Practical(ly) Magic things to make your Halloween more sustainable. And don’t worry, saying Beetlejuice 3x is not required!By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

We dive back into this complicated topic and share more personal views about the beef industry's impact on the environment. Like...will Jessica be a vegetarian in 5 years? And just how many pictures of cows does Lynn have saved?By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

Meat, it’s what for dinner. Or should it be? Join us for a two episode dive into the environmental impact of beef. It’s complicated, but we want to help it become a little easier to digest!By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

Grocery Shopping: Lynn = Loathe. Jessica = Love. We all have to do it, so why not do it the sustainable way? We have your aisle by aisle guide on some ways to cut down on the waste that inevitable trips to the store are going to create!By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

Planes, Trains, and Automobiles...Oh My! Want to know more about how your transportation choices affect the world as a whole? We’ve got you covered! Come listen as Lynn tells us all about how we can make better choices when we decide to travel across the city or across the world.By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

After you finish jumping in that giant pile of leaves, come find out what you can do with all of them! Fall is great, Fall Cleanup can be not so great. But, there is a great way to be sustainable about it. We have you covered (not in leaves) on how to be eco friendly this Fall when working in the yard!…

SHHH! Don’t tell, but we want to talk to you about something no one dares say in public….. Period Products! For all the period-having people out there - listen up! We have some great info you won’t want to miss out on!By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

Ever go to the mailbox and think, ugh, more junk mail and nothing fun? Us too! Let’s talk about how to change this and never have that feeling at the mailbox again.By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

Welcome to Sustainability Unplugged! Get to know your hosts, Lynn and Jessica, as they give five quick changes to make in your life and five businesses to support on your journey to sustainability.By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

What better way to start your sustainability journey than with Basic Recycling! It is where we started and we want to help you with all things recycling. What can be recycled and what can’t, where to recycle and a little history on recycling.By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon

By Lynn Kratzberg & Jessica Gordon