Show Notes
138: Some of my biggest challenges this Plastic Free July with Mariska Nell
We are in July!! July for me usually means Plastic Free July and making sure I change some of my own habits during the month. This year I had a few items that I have not yet found great alternatives for and decided I will take them on for the month and see if I can go without having to purchase cheese, milk, cream or yoghurt packaged in single-use plastic. Halfway through the month and I had already been a failure, but for sure learning out of this.
During this episode, I share with you my struggles and some solutions that I have found. I also share with you some tips that can help you with your own Plastic Free July journey.
137: How Ecobricks are used as a building and educational tool with Candice Mostert
In this episode, we talk to Candice Mostert. She is the South African founder of Waste-ED, a waste education project with the aim to reconnect people with wasted materials and send less to landfill. Waste-ED is researching and using the Ecobrick as a tool to transform waste systems and re-learn sustainable building practices
During this episode, we talked about Ecobricks. How they are used and the impacts they are making with raising awareness of unrecyclable items and finding better solutions.
136: Why building a resilient and connected community is important for a sustainable future with Shani Graham
In this episode, we talk to Shani Graham. She is one of the co-founders of Ecoburbia. Who won the Fremantle Chamber…
135: How Flow Hive is “beeing” the change with Stuart Anderson
In this episode, we talk to Stuart Anderson. He is a life-long beekeeper and the co-inventor of the revolutionary honey extraction system, the Flow Frame. Inspired by his son, who wondered if there was not a better way to get honey out of the beehive without disturbing the bees. This was the start of a ten-year journey together of designing and testing.
Since its launch in 2015, the Australian-made Flow Hive has inspired tens of thousands of new beekeepers around the world, with over 75,000 hives now flowing in 130 countries.
134: How a company is reviving PPE during a pandemic with Andy Straisfeld
In this episode, we talk to Andy Straisfeld, He has over 15 years of experience in medical sales and us currently the VP of Business Development for Lifecycle Revive, a sustainable PPE supply chain and Canada’s first circular economy-based industry on used medical textiles. Lifecycle takes medical waste, reduces it to plastic pellets, and transforms it into new PPE products. They are currently working with 12 others worldwide to recycle PPE worldwide.
During this episode we look at what is currently happening with our PPE and how Lifecycle Revive created a circular economy for PPE.
133: How My Farm Dubai built an eco system not just a food system with Mohamed Aissaoui
In this episode, we talk to, Mohamed Aissaoui. He is the CEO & Founder of My Farm Dubai that built an ecosystem, not just a food system. He is a 5th farmer with an educational background in the engineering sector. He founded My Farm using the low-Tech and the new-Tech to optimize organic food production safely. He is currently working on circular systems which are key to reach the food security goals they have in the UAE. One of his key priorities is growing plants, fruits and vegetables in a forest soil without disturbing the ecosystem.
During this episode we look at the importance of soil and compost for growing quality food, the process of the seeds collected by my farm as well as the importance of including the community.
132: How a minimalist lifestyle can maximize our wellness with Becca Shern
In this episode, we talk to, Becca Shern. She is a registered dietitian, mother, wife, health-advocate, and podcaster. She founded and runs minimalwellness.com and the new podcast How to Love, along with her husband and co-host, Joshua Fields Millburn of The Minimalists.
During this episode, we talk about her journey to minimal wellness, what exactly is whole foods and how minimalising our lifestyle and health can make us focus more on the important things in life. She also shared some of her top recipes and we talked about her podcast with her husband, How to love.
131: How a Mushroom Revival is changing the way we view fungi with Alex Dorr
In this episode, we talk to Alex Dorr. He is the founder and CEO of the functional mushroom company, Mushroom Revival Inc. He also co-hosts the number one mushroom podcast in the world, The Mushroom Revival Podcast. After earning his degree in mycology, he authored the book “Mycoremediation Handbook: A Grassroots Guide to Growing Mushrooms and Cleaning up Toxic Waste with Fungi.” He was recently nominated as one of Austin Inno’s 25 under 25. He is absolutely obsessed with mushrooms’ healing power and has signed his life away to the bidding of the mushrooms.
During this episode we take a look at the importance of mushrooms, the role they play in the eco system as well as some benefits of making mushrooms part of our daily routines. We also take a look at different type of mushrooms and explore a bit in the fungi world.
130: How cafes can be more responsible with Jo Horsley
In this episode, we talk to Joanna Horsley. She is the General Manager of Responsible Cafes – a community organisation aimed at reducing plastic and carbon emissions from the cafe community. She is also a mum of a 5-year-old and in her ‘spare’ time she writes and illustrate children’s books and sings children’s books with a mental health theme!
During this episode, we talked about the impact cafes can have on reducing waste and how we can encourage more cafe’s to make switches. We also take about the bean rating system they have been using and talked about some amazing cafe’s that are doing wonderful work.
129: My top 10 tips to reduce your waste with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I am sharing with you my top 10 tips to reduce your waste. I’ve been using these tips during my zero waste journey and has helped a lot to reduce the amount of waste that we create.
128: How an urban harvester is bringing awareness to the food crisis with Matt Homewood
In this episode, we talk to Matt Homewood. He is a food waste campaigner who documents, exposes, and researches the extent of supermarket food waste. He is actively bringing awareness to how much perfectly good commercial foods gets wasted.
During this episode, we talk about the enormity of the commercial food waste problem, how this has come to be this way and what needs to take place to see the end of commercial food waste so that society can go on designing a more ethical, sustainable food system.
127: The Very Good Bra with Stephanie Devine
In this episode, we talk to Stephanie Devine. She is the CEO and Founder of The Very Good Bra. She created and launched the world’s first zero, post-production bra in the world via Kickstarter in 2018. Following a breast cancer diagnosis in 2006, she became obsessed with creating a non-wired bra made with natural fibres. She was awarded the prestigious Best in Class Good Design Award for Fashion Impact in 2020.
During this episode, we talked about her journey and find out some interesting facts on the process of making a sustainable bra. She also shared with us a few handy tips on how you can make your bra last longer.
126: How To Live A Low Tox Life With Alexx Stuart
In this episode, we talk to Alexx Stuart. She is an educator, change agent, columnist, speaker, consultant and a four-time bestselling author. She is also the founder of the thriving online education hub, Low Tox Life and the host of the Low Tox Life Podcast.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the toxic ingredients that are hiding in your shopping cart and also provide you with some low-tox life tips.
125: How Your Coffee Can Make A Difference with RAW Coffee
In this episode, we talk to Kim Thompson. She is the founder and managing director of RAW coffee company. She was the first woman in the Middle East to obtain her Speciality Coffee Association Diploma and a certified AST instructor.
During this episode, we dig a little deeper into coffee and look at some of the threats that the coffee farmers are facing and why selecting ethical coffee is more social, economical and environmentally sustainable.
124: Flower Alchemy with Katie Hess
In this episode, we talk to Katie Hess. She is an expert of flower alchemy, using the healing power of flowers to awaken our true potential. She is the author of Flower Evolution and founder of LOTUSWEI.
During this episode, we discover that there are so much more to a flower than just something beautiful to look at and also that sometimes we need to stop and smell the flowers as they can provide us with some flower remedies as well.
123: How One Womans Artivism Is Creating A Ripple Of Change With Emily Ehlers
In this episode, we talk to Emily Ehlers aka Eco with Em. She is a writer and illustrator that uses her superpowers to make heavy environmental issues feel lighter and less terrifying. She focuses on solutions and story-telling and squeezes a lot of hope, humour and puns in her work. Herstory’s have been shared globally and she is known for her bright and busy designs that have helped turned environmental apathy into everyday action.
During this episode, we find out how her journey started, the importance of art in the environmental movement and she gave us some tips to keep us going.
122: Thinking Carbon for a Sustainable Future with Anthony Day
In this episode, we talk to Anthony Day. He is the presenter of the Sustainable Futures Report, a weekly podcast and blog on energy, resources, pollution and the climate crisis in which he looks at how we can face up to these challenges and how far technology can help us.
During this episode, we are taking a look into carbon offset and see if it is used as a get out of jail free card or is it the start to rethinking how much carbon we use? We also talked about voting and how not only your vote at the ballot can make a change but your daily voting with your money could too.
121: Zero Waste During Isolation with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I am sharing with you my experience during 14 days if self-isolation, while trying to still be zero-waste. No way to shop package-free, just online grocery delivery and one delivery from family. I share with you some of my tips and tricks that I used to minimize our waste as much as possible and some of the trash that we were left with.
120: How A Conservation Tribe Can Make A Difference with Blane Edwards
In this episode, we talk to Blane Edwards. He is an architect turned digital conservationist, content creator and podcaster.
During this episode, we find out how our guest definition of a conservationist and why having a conservationist tribe is important to us as well as the environment and how you can start making a difference right where you are.
119: How 1 Million Women is making a difference with Natalie Isaacs
In this episode, we talk to Natalie Isaacs. She is the founder and CEO of 1 Million Women and the author of Every woman’s guide to saving the planet and has was won the Australian Geographics Conservationist of the Year.
During this episode, we find out how important it is to find your tribe. We talked about the inspiration behind finding 1 Million Women as well as Natalie’s book, “Every Woman’s Guide to Saving the planet”. We also find out how we can vote with our money with not just the way we spend our money, but also how we bank our money.
118: How leaders can make a difference for a sustainable future with Arron Wood
In this episode, we talk to Arron Wood. He is was elected as a Councillor of Melbourne in 2012 and 2016 and Deputy Lord Mayor Melbourne. He is the founder and principal of the award-winning environmental educational program, Kids Teaching Kids Program and a respected sustainability and environmental leader. He was selected to be part of Al Gore’s Climate Change Leadership Program and was also the Winner of the United Nations Individual Award for Outstanding Service to the Environment and in 2001 was awarded as Young Australian of the year.
During this episode, we talked about why Arron started his Kids Teaching Kids program, why it was important for him. As well as talked about some of the biggest changes for cities as we know it with the sustainable movement is gaining momentum. And we also touched a little on tiny houses.
117: How the triple-bottom-line can help a regenerative movement with Julian Guderley
In this episode, we talk to Julian Guderley. He is the host of GreenPlanet BluePlanet podcast. He is a Transformational Leadership Coach, Breathwork Facilitator & Teacher and a Movement Catalyst. He is on a quest to identify, interview & collaboratively empower the key players in the regenerative movement.
During this episode, we find out what exactly is the triple-bottom-line that Julian’s podcast GreenPlanet BluePlanet is all about. We also talk about the importance of collaboration and finding your tribe.
116: How a Goodwill Wine company is giving back with David Laity
In this episode, we talk to David Laity. He is the CEO of Goodwill Wine, an organisation that gives back 50% of everything they earned to charities their customers are passionate about. All of their wine is vegan and we took a look at what makes a wine vegan and what some wineries might add other than grapes to not be classified as vegan.
During this episode, we take a look at how David was inspired to give back after a devastating fire. We also talk about their quirky wine labels, what inspired it and how you can do good by having a glass of their vino ad supporting an organisation close to your heart.
115: Sheets and Giggles with Colin McIntosh
In this episode, we talk to Colin McIntosh. He is the founder and CEO of Sheets and Giggles, a Denver-based fast-growing eco-friendly bedding brand that makes their sheets and giggles from eucalyptus trees. The company was launched on Indiegogo in 2018 with a $284,000 crowdfunding campaign.
During this episode, we take a look at what makes their sheets eco-friendly and find out some shocking facts about thread counting that will have you question the comfort of a 1000 thread Egyptian cotton and find out what thread count is worth your buck. We were also greeted by their VP of Barketing, Harvey making sure we know how comfy their bedding is.
114: Single Use Ain’t Sexy with Josh Howard
In this episode, we talk to Josh Howard. He is the CEO and founder of Single Use Ain’t Sexy. A company that combines the health of the environment and cool convenience.
During this episode, we take a look at how these small tablets can have a big impact. We also looked at why it is better for us and the Mama Earth to switch to reusable bottles rather than adding to the recycling pile as that aint sexy at all.
113: How to Tread Your Own Path with Lindsay Miles
In this episode, we talk to Lindsay Miles. She is a Zero Waste, Plastic-Free and sustainability educator, advisor and public speaker. She is also the founder of Treading My Own Path a successful online platform where she has been sharing her personal journey to her zero-waste lifestyle. She is also the author of two books, Less Stuff and Less Waste No fuss kitchen.
During this episode, we take a look at how her journey started with Plastic Free July that sparked a passion for sustainable behaviour change. Lindsay also shares how she transformed her lawn into a wonderful veggie garden and we talked Less Waste No Fuss Kitchen, the title of her recent book and what you can expect when reading it as it is full of handy tips and great stories.
112: The Inspired Little Pot with Krissy Ballinger
In this episode, we talk to Krissy Ballinger. She is the founder of The Inspired Little Pot aka Krissy Ballinger Naturally Inspired. She is also the author of Naturally Inspired, a book full of simple DIY recipes for body care and cleaning. She is passionate about educating and increasing the awareness on reducing the number of toxins that people expose themselves to on a daily basis.
During this episode, we take a look at why it was important for Krissy to ditch chemicals and use natural ingredients. We also talk about her book, Naturally Inspired and she shares some of her favorite DIY recipes. Krissy also shares her go-to ingredients and some staples that she is never without in her house.
111: How you can suck responsibly with a Final Straw with Emma Rose Cohen
In this episode, we talk to Emma Rose Cohen. She studied Environmental Management and Sustainability at Harvard and spent four years working in waste management, before becoming a strawtrepreneur. She started a non-profit called Save the Mermaids, that educate children on the harmful effects of single-use plastic. She is the Founder and CEO of the Final Straw.
During this episode, we take a look at how their Kickstarter raised millions in their first weeks. We also talk about the materials used to create the Final Straw and that they as a company take responsibility for their products and if for whatever reason your straw is no longer used you can send it back and they will correctly recycle it. We also talked about what is next for Final and how they are designing for a more sustainable future.
110: How following a frog can make a difference with Rainforest Alliance’s Melanie Mokken
In this episode, we talk to, Melanie Mokken. She is the Market Development Manager for Rainforest Alliance for the Australian and New Zealand market. The Rainforest Alliance is an international non-profit organization, working at the intersection of business, agriculture, and forests to make the responsible business the new normal.
During this episode, we take a look at what exactly is the Rainforest Alliance and how companies and products can get their green frog, seal and how following the frog can make a difference. We also talk about the UTZ merger and how farmers can switch to a different crop if not paid fair wages and prices for their products and how the Rainforest Alliance is supporting farmers to make sure they can thrive.
109: Chocolate that is Beyond Good with Tim McCollum
In this episode, we talk to Tim McCollum. He is the founder and Chief Executive Officer of Beyond Good, a company that makes heirloom chocolate from the earth’s original variety of cocoa and has sustainability and helping people at the core of the business.
During this episode, we take a look at where the majority of cocoa beans are grown and what the process is from the bean to the bar. We also talked about the different beans and why they decided to use heirloom cocoa beans. Tim also shared some of the hardships that cocoa farmers are facing and how Beyond Good is tacking some of the issues to make sure their farmer is paid fair wages and have all the support they need to thrive.
108: How one bottle of shampoo is making a difference with Lindsey McCoy
In this episode, we talk to, Lindsey McCoy. She has worked in the non-profit sector for 20 years. From 2005 – 2015 she worked on environmental education in The Bahamas. In 2017 she founded along with her sister Plaine Products of which she is the CEO of.
During this episode, we take a look at why they decided to use aluminium bottles for Plaine Products, the process of refilling their bottles and why what was going inside the bottle was just as important as reducing the waste.
107: How a zero-waste chef turns waste into amazing food with Anne-Marie Bonneau
In this episode, we talk to, Anne-Marie Bonneau. She is a zero-waste advocate, that has been living plastic-free since 2011. She is also the inspirational woman behind Zero-Wate Chef and always have an amazing zero waste recipe to share.
During this episode, we take a look at her journey living plastic-free since 2011 and solutions that she found for items hard to find without plastic. She also shares all about her sourdough starter, Elanor and gives us some tips on how to make that perfect bread. We also take a peek into her pantry and look at her key ingredients she cannot live without.
106: How Lonely Whale is spreading ripples for our oceans with Emy Kane
In this episode, we talk to, Emy Kane. She is the Director of Digital Strategy at Lonely Whale and Program Manager of the Ocean Heroes Bootcamp. She is currently leading its online content and strategy that includes spreading the Lonely Whale’s #StopSucking social media challenge. She previously worked in the start-up space as a digital and social expert within tech and entertainment.
During this episode, we take a look at the work that Lonely Whale is doing. How their #stopsucking campaign has been a gateway plastic that many people, cities, states and even football stadiums have now ditched. We also look at the museum of plastic and how it got a lot of people to look at how they hydrate.
105: How one dude is making a difference with Rob Greenfield
In this episode, we talk to, Rob Greenfield. He is an activist and humanitarian dedicated to leading the way to a more sustainable world. He is also the author of Dude Making a Difference and the creator of The Food Waste Fiasco. He’s been named “The Robin Hood of modern times” by France 2 TV and “The Forest Gump of Ecology. He has been taking on many challenges over the years like cycling around the US on a bamboo bicycle, wearing his trash for 30 days in New York and growing and foraging all of his own food for a year and is currently travelling the world with all his possessions that fit in a backpack.
During this episode, we take a look at his decision to earn no more than the federal threshold each year. We also look at the 44 items he owned, fitting in his backpack and what key items he cannot go without. He also shares with us his journey from wearing his trash for 30 days to growing and foraging all his food for a year and gave us some tips on how we can help out Mama Earth.
104: How your yoga mat can make a difference with Anup Chandran
In this episode, we talk to, Anup Chandran. He is a product manager with an 18-year history of software development. He is not only passionate about creating software solutions, but also creating eco-conscious products that have a positive impact on our planet and our lives. He is the founder of Ayuray, a brand that creates organic products by blends the world of Yoga and Ayurveda.
During this episode, we take a look at how traditional yogi’s use to use their mats and why it is important to use an organic cotton mat. We also look in the manufacturing process of the mats and how it is coloured using natural dyes and the health impacts that cotton farming has on farmers if not done organically.
103: What is the true cost of your fashion with Taryn Hipwell
In this episode, we talk to, Taryn Hipwell. She is a creator, educator, author and producer. She is also the founder of Beyond the Label that was started as a partnership with TEDxLA to educated people about the true cost of their fashion purchases.
During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to know what is in your clothing and how it is made. We also look at the pollution caused by the dyeing processes and the number of industrial water pollution. She also gives us some tips on How to Shop for Shi(f)t that is also the title of her book.
102: How Big Green is bringing the focus on food back to schools with Tighe Brown
In this episode, we talk to, Tighe Brown. She is the President of Big Green and has helped to create, build and implement educational programs for schools with learning gardens for the past seven years.
During this episode, we take a look at why it is important to grow food and to establish a connection with our food. Tighe tells us about their learning gardens and how their founders (Kimbal Musk and Hugo Matheson) dream of food education is changing the lives of many families.
101: We Made It to 2020 with Mariska Nell
In this episode, I am looking back at the last 100 episodes, (still can’t believe we made it to a 100) and discuss me moving to Brisbane. I also give you some tips on what you can do when you need to prep and pack for a move and share our goal for 2020.
100: How An Artivist Is Raising Awareness On Pollution with Marina DeBris
In this episode, we talk to, Marina DeBris. She is an artivist on a mission to eliminate waste and cruelty to other species.
During this episode, we take a look at some of her art pieces, the inspiration behind her art as well as some of the weirdest stuff she had picked up from the beach.
099: How A Plastic Ocean Is Changing our Habits with Jo Ruxton
In this episode, we talk to, Jo Ruxton. She is the founder and director at Plastic Oceans UK, producer and ambassador for the film A Plastic Ocean.
During this episode, we take a look at inspired her to work on the multi-award-winning film. We look at some of the worst things she has seen when it comes to plastic pollution and find out what we can do today to have a positive effect on our environment
098: How A Professional Surfer Is Making A Wave of Change with Frank Solomon
In this episode, we talk to, Frank Solomon. He is a professional surfer and the founder of ‘The Sentinel Ocean Alliance‘ and have also created a short film titles The Street Surfers.
During this episode, we take a look at how he has seen the ocean change over the years due to plastic pollution. We also talk about a differ type of surfer, The Street Surfers his short film is about and the important role they play in recycling and the hardships they go through to earn a living in South Africa. Frank also shares how he has used his passion for surfing to create a space where kids of the community can safely learn, play, feel inspired and fall in love with the ocean.
097: How one journalist is making a difference with Candice Batista
In this episode, we talk to, Candice Batista. She is an Award-Winning Environmental Journalist, Writer, Speaker, Educator. She’s also one of a few select Canadians hand-picked to be trained by former U.S. Vice President Al Gore, to give the Inconvenient Truth Presentation.
During this episode, we take a look at greenwashing and fake news and how to better consume information to avoid that. We also look at why it is important to have television shows and news agencies shine a light on environmental issues. She also gave some tips to anyone wanting to start a career in eco journalism.
096: How we can shop more sustainable for clothing with Araceli Gallego
In this episode, we talk to, Araceli Gallego. She is an Entrepreneur & Storyteller with a passion for fashion, creativity, and sustainability. She is also a sustainable fashion advocate and the founder of Goshopia.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the secrets of the fashion industry as well as how fashion brands can be more sustainable. We also look at what exactly is slow fashion and how we can make a difference by supporting more sustainable brands.
095: How we can drop our plastic habits with Tatiana Antonelli Abella
In this episode, we talk to Tatiana Antonelli Abella. She is the Founder and Managing Director of Goumbook, a Social Enterprise dedicated to raising awareness among the local community on Sustainability and Green Living. She is also the founder of the only tree planting initiative of the GCC, Give a Ghaf Tree Planting Program.
During this episode, we take a look at how her journey started and how providing clean water opens an entirely new view of life. We also look at why she wanted to plant Ghaf trees and why it is important to plant indigenous trees in your region. She also gave us some tips on how we can reduce our waste and drop plastic.
094: How a a theater-based collective is driving change with Tanya Daud
In this episode, we talk to Tanya Daud. She is the founder and CEO of Qissa’Go, a theatre-based collective, which focusses on the promotion, preservation and celebration of South Asian languages and literature.
During this episode, we take a look at the importance of preserving a language and how the loss of a language can lead to losing out on a culture. We also talk about how the effects on climate change have an impact, as many South Asian islands are being lost due to climate change and we are seeing more climate refugees leaving their home countries and the effects this has on their culture and heritage.
093: The Last Swab that you would ever need with Isabel Aagaard
In this episode, we talk to Isabel Aagaard. She is the co-founder of LastSwab, a dedicated Danish company creating sustainable alternatives to single-use items. They have designed a reusable cotton swab or q-tip to reduce the 550 billion cotton swabs that are produced every single year.
During this episode, we take a look at why they decided to start with the cotton swab and what their product is made off? We also look at ways that we can take care of our Last Swab and how they are so confident in their products that they offer an 11% refund. We also talked about all the copies of their product that is on the market and how to identify if a product is the real deal and live up to the Last Swab’s high standards.
092: How Plastic Change is making a change with Anne Aittomaki
In this episode, we talk to Anne Aittomaki. She is the is Strategic Director and CSO at Plastic Change, a Danish environmental NGO and fighting hard to break the exponential growth of plastic pollution.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the issues around the single-use culture we have. We also talk about how she and her team are educating many people through their great content and also provides us with some tips to help fight the plastic pollution problem.
091:How we can be more aware this pink October Lina Al-Sharif
In this episode, we talk to Lina Al-Sharif. She is the founder of Hooking Good and is currently going through her second time being diagnosed with Breast Cancer.
During this episode, we take a look at her journey and how she discovered she had cancer, her treatment and how we can do our best to help people going through cancer and what not to ask someone that is going through this.
090: How one tree planted can make a difference with Matt Hill
In this episode, we talk to Matt Hill. He is the founder and CEO of One Tree Planted a Vermont-based non-profit that is making it their mission to make it easier for people to give back to the environment.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the projects that One Tree planted was a part of and we also look at ways how we can get involved to start tree planting as well as the importance of planting trees.
089: How 5 Gyres is helping people kick the single-use habit with Dr. Marcus Eriksen
In this episode, we talk to Dr Marcus Eriksen. He is an environmental scientist, educator and author committed to building stronger communities through art, science, adventure and activism. He is the co-founder of the 5 Gyres and LEAP LAB. He has also written one of the most comprehensive scientific articles on marine plastic pollution, partly based on his own expeditions.
During this episode, we take a look at some of the plastic discoveries that he has made on his exhibitions, including the stomach contents of a camel that died due to a belly full of plastic. We talk about recycling, biodegradable and compostable products and find out ways that we can help to protect our environments.