Whether it's a clothing item that doesn't fit or decor that isn't your style, returns are inevitable. But while most people assume a returned item goes back onto the shelf, that's unfortunately not always the case. In this week’s episode, we dive into what *actually* happens to your returns—and what you can do to combat the issue. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/what-happens-to-returns. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

In today's fast-paced, stressful world, a wellness routine isn’t a luxury—it’s essential. This week, Laura chats with Samantha Leal, the deputy editor at Well+Good, about how taking care of yourself and the planet can go hand-in-hand. From choosing activewear made from eco-friendly materials to swapping single-use beauty products for refillable options, consider this your go-to guide. To learn more, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/sustainable-wellness-tips. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Let’s be real—some people are really hard to shop for. This week, Laura is sharing her top tips for choosing the perfect holiday gifts, which not only brings on the holiday cheer, but also prevents returns—a category that accounts for five billion pounds of landfill waste every year. To shop her top sustainable picks, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/gifts-for-people-who-are-hard-to-shop-for. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The holidays are quickly approaching, and you know what that means: it’s time to decorate the Christmas tree! Before making a purchase, let’s dive into one of the most popular holiday debates: Which is better for the environment—real or artificial? This week, we answer that question with Andy Finton, a Massachusetts-based Forest Ecologist for The Nature Conservancy. For more information, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/christmas-tree-sustainability. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

We talk a lot about greenhouse gas emissions and what they’re doing to our atmosphere. But what about our oceans? That’s a question best posed to Dr. Jessica Cross, a research oceanographer with the National Ocean and Atmospheric Administration (NOAA) in Seattle, WA. In this week’s episode, you’ll learn everything there is to know about ocean acidification and the effect it has on the planet. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/ocean-acidification. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Last year, 27 million Americans moved. Not surprisingly, that many moves result in a lot of waste. Think about all the boxes, packing tape, and bubble wrap it takes to pack up and transport your entire life to a new location. This week, you’ll get tips and tricks from the Brightly team that will make your next move more sustainable. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/10-tips-for-an-eco-friendly-move. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

When it comes to environmental footprints, our water use warrants a serious conversation—and Jonah Schein, the national program manager for Homes & Buildings at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency’s WaterSense Program, agrees. This week, Jonah settles the dishwasher vs hand washing debate (once and for all!) as well as shares other ways we can increase our efficiency around usage. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/dishwasher-vs-hand-washing. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

This week, host Laura Wittig shares everything she's learned about sustainable parenting in her first year of motherhood. She covers the realities of cloth diapering, tips for cutting costs on essentials, how homemade baby food has helped her family combat food waste, and more. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/sustainable-parenting-tips. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

The alternative leather market is exploding right now. There’s leather made from mushrooms, pineapples, recycled bottles, and even apples. This week, we're resharing a past episode where we do a deep-dive into the world of eco-leathers. Are they worth the hype? Come find out. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/vegan-leather-sustainability. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy

Kellie Brown of "And I Get Dressed" is known for her incredible taste in style and interior design. But you won't always find her buying new—she prefers being thrifty and is a pro at scoring secondhand home finds that belong in your favorite magazines. In this week's episode, we're stealing all her secrets. For show notes, visit https://brightly.eco/blog/secondhand-shopping-tips-that-elevate-your-home. Advertising Inquiries: https://redcircle.com/brandsPrivacy & Opt-Out: https://redcircle.com/privacy