The Good Dirt: Sustainability Explained

Deep-dive into one brand's process in sourcing & developing responsible fashion. This week, Mary & Emma are chatting with Elisabeth de Gramont, Chief Brand Officer and Head of Impact at Frank And Oak.Combining style, design and technology since it was founded in Montreal in 2012, Frank And Oak offers collections of sustainable, durable clothing and accessories for men and women that are thoughtfully designed and well suited to the lifestyles of its customers. Inspired by responsible thinking and with an eye to the future, Frank And Oak believes that dressing with intention can inspire a more conscious lifestyle for all.They strive to inspire better living through thoughtfully designed products that care about you and the planet. Above all, they believe in helping communities to build a diverse and inclusive world that enriches our society, sustainably.Topics Discussed: Elisabeth's background and journey to FAO Unified Commerce Group   History of FAO brand started with the idea of community and collaboration 2017 FAO took a strong turn towards sustainability Elisabeth's current role with FAO What's the relationship between scalability and sustainability? How can sustainable brands scale up? Seawool How FAO screens and selects suppliers FAO's 100% Responsible Product announcement FAO denim SeaCell FAO's other sustainable product innovations Kapok Yak Wool as an alternative to cashmere Problems with cashmere  How Elisabeth's own experience and evolution with sustainable fashion, and how covid shifted her perspective  Consumer culture in the US is different than other cultures in its prioritization of price and appearance over source Guppy Friend washing bag for microplastic pollution Frank and Oak's updated progress report FOA's focus on end -of-life options for garments Consumer education on the issues with the recycled PET microplastics FOA has eliminated all virgin polyester from their production Connect with Frank And Oak: Website: Frank And Oak Instagram @frankandoak This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt ^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey are the cofounders of ettitude, an award-winning material science and lifestyle company innovating eco-textiles to fight climate change. Why does this matter? Listen to this conversation to hear why eco-textiles are so important, and what to look for when looking to purchase textiles for your home. With its proprietary technologies, ettitude offers sustainable bedding, bath essentials, apparel and a variety of textiles made with CleanBamboo. Topics Discussed: The Old Farmer's Almanac Phoebe Yu and Kat Dey introduce themselves and their company ettitude, and describe their "aha" moments in getting behind sustainable textiles. The problems with plant-based textiles and the toxic processes used in their production A discussion of the different types of plant-based fibers, such as viscose, lyocell, Tencel, cotton, and bamboo Bamboo as a high-performance textile and it's advantages over cotton How does bamboo measure up to organic cotton?  The beneficial aspects of bamboo in regards to climate Eutrophication: a term to explain how many toxic chemicals are being released into the atmosphere or into the environment. Kiss the Ground Connect with ettitude: Website: ettitude Instagram @ettitudestore This Episode is Sponsored by Frank and Oak: Frank & Oak Use our code "gooddirt30" for $30 off orders over $99 on frankandoak.com!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Have you ever wondered where the ingredients for your bread come from...like really wondered? And why should you care? Today's guest is here to tell us all about how a local grain supply supports local economies, a more resilient supply chain, better quality staple foods for the consumer and better soil health for the region. Heather Coiner is a plant physiological ecologist and co-founder of the Common Grain Alliance, an organization striving for a more connected grain economy in the Mid-Atlantic.The Common Grain Alliance envisions an integrated grain economy of local and regional businesses that produce nutritious, flavorful and consistent regional grain products for the communities they serve, and helps drive regional interest in— and demand for — regional grain through events, workshops and marketingHeather, holds a PhD in plant physiological ecology from the University of Toronto and co-owns Little Hat Creek Farm, an ecological vegetable farm and wood fired bakery in central Virginia where she lives with her husband and two children. Topics discussed: Heather's background as an academic and a bread baker How the Common Grain Alliance came to be Michael Grantz of Great Day Gardens How does the CGA operate as a membership organization? Carolina Ground (a similar grain operation out of Asheville) Jennifer Laps Why should we care about local grain? Nutrition Supply Local economies Soil improvement Challenges in creating a local grain economy Some solutions to the issue of accessibility sliding scale prices equipment pools for farmers businesses that provide traveling services for planting and processing Creating an awareness of the importance of local grains Little Hat Creek Farm The idea of horizontal vs vertical integration Significant accomplishments of CGA  Foggy Mountain Pasta  Next Step Produce Migrash Farms Purple Mountain Moutoux Orchards CSA The Grain Stand pilot program What are the alternatives if you can't access local grain?  King Arthur Organic Flour is a good alternative to locally grown grain Restaurants in the Area that support the local grain economy Albemarle Baking Co  Seylou Bakery Slice Versa MarieBette Cafe and Bakery Connect with Heather Coiner: Website: Common Grain Alliance Instagram @commongrainalliance This Episode is Sponsored by Frank and Oak: Frank & Oak Use our code "gooddirt30" for $30 off orders over $99 on frankandoak.com!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

This week we are talking to writer, creator and self proclaimed life-long learner, Hillarie Maddox, founder of Black Girl, Country Living. Hillarie preaches the idea that slow living in a lifestyle anyone can live, and focuses her encouragement specifically on the BIPOC community. She climbed the big tech corporate ladder, then ditched the city for slow living and finding her love of nature, and she found herself in the process.Topics discussed How Hillarie and her family went from city to rural living What was the new way of being that Hillarie discovered? When you live in an urban environment, many things are made "invisible" A feeling of disconnection might lead to excess consumerism Seeking a slower and more sustainable lifestyle is like peeling an onion How a vision board helped Hillarie and her husband make the shift The shift to slow living does not always mean a move to the country Hillarie speaks to her intention and mission on the land, beginning with gardening Hillarie's gardening experience and desire to share the knowledge Rewilding workshops launching next year, helping particularly bipoc people develop a relationship with nature Hillarie talks about the slow living movement and what that means for people of color  The value of mentors and community in this lifestyle Hillarie's family connection to the original Homesteading Act The changes of agriculture in America in the last century Wendall Berry, The Unsettling of America Hillarie explains what "rewilding" means to her The indigenous people of the region where Hillarie now lives The biggest challenges and rewards of this lifestyle shift for Hillarie's family Connect with Hillarie Maddox Website: Black Girl Country Living Instagram This Episode is Sponsored by Frank and Oak: Frank & OakUse our code "gooddirt30" for $30 off orders over $99 on frankandoak.com!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Our guest today is someone who began her plastic-free journey in her kitchen, and has now become the renowned Zero Waste Chef, Anne-Marie Bonneau! Starting as a Zero Plastic Chef, she took the next step in her sustainability journey and became the Zero Waste Chef working towards producing zero waste in her own kitchen and inspiring others to do the same. She talks about how to shop differently, buy differently, and cook differently to reduce waste in the kitchen!Topics Discussed: Hugelkultur Anne Marie’s transition to plastic free Beginning tips for zero waste Zero Waste as a goal Anne Marie’s rhythm with food prep Fighting Food waste The idea of convenience contributing to waste Zero waste can be simple The attention economy informs our perception of what we can do Thneeds (from The Lorax by Dr. Suess) The Good Ancestor Is there hope for conscious consumerism?  Greta Thunberg The slow food movement began in Italy Alton Brown baked beans Connect with Anne-Marie Bonneau Instagram: @zerowastechef Website Anne-Marie's Book, The Zero Waste Chef This Episode is Sponsored by Frank and Oak: Frank & OakUse our code "gooddirt30" for $30 off orders over $99 on frankandoak.com!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Meet Dina Falconi, herbalist, teacher, and author, of Feasting and Foraging. In this episode, we hear about her journey toward leading a meaningful, healthy life and finding natural medicine through food. Specializing in permaculture and herbal healing, Dina explores about how we can make changes in our everyday lives to improve our physical, mental, and spiritual health.Topics discussed: Dina's journey with plants beginning at age 11 in the East Village of NYC Micky Carter, Dina's early mentor Worked and studied at an herb company with Pam Montgomery, https://www.wakeuptonature.com/about/ William Lassasier--herbal teacher Earthy Bodies and Heavenly Hair Dina's work in the Hudson River Valley, NY creating virtual teachings with her son and filmmaker Sam Falconi How Dina shares content on digital media without a cellphone Dina talks about living without a cellphone Claire Dunn Episode Dina's clinical herbalist is connected to food activism and foraging How do city dwellers experience wild foods? Ecosystem stewardship and land care are big themes for foragers A discussion about invasives Mugwort The process of creating Foraging and Feasting Wendy Hollender / illustrator for Foraging and Feasting Plant foraging and healing with herbs as a growing topic of interest/ the "hipster wave" Knowledgeable foraging can create more biodiversity and abundance in the landscape Slow living as plant literacy, observing nature's processes Botanical Arts Press Dina Falconi's YouTube Channel In the Wild Kitchen Connect with Dina Falconi  Instagram @foragingandfeasting Facebook @ForagingFeasting Dina's Website, www.botanicalartspress.com Foraging and Feasting by Dina Falconi, Illustrated by Wendy Hollender This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Ever dream about moving to a Homestead? In today's episode, we're talking to Jade Miles of Black Barn Farm. Jade is the author of FUTURESTEADING, a practical and inspirational guide to living in a way that values tomorrow and the host of a podcast by the same name. Futuresteading is grounded in a slower, simpler, steadier existence as the first step – one that’s healthier for humans and the planet. In addition, Jade runs Black Barn Farm with her husband and their three children, inspired by their belief in building a localized fair food system.Topics Discussed: Jade tells us about her background and journey to Black Barn Farm Jade and her husband Charlie's commitment to land stewardship and local food systems Experiencing the 2019-2020 fires in Australia Governmental vs. individual responsibility in addressing the global environmental issues Diversity and Permaculture at Black Barn Farm as a “beyond organic” orchard, an educational resource, a nursery, a local food provider and a working homestead for Jade and her family Farm Scale permaculture Futuresteading is about “...assessing whether or not the decision that you make will have an outcome that is regenerative, sustainable or degenerative.”  Growing Mountain Pepper, an indigenous bush food Connecting with the indigenous First Nations people of the land Educational opportunities at Black Barn Farm include school and upskilling workshops  Sustainable Table Futuresteading the book  Futuresteading the podcast More information on the indigenous tribes discussed: Pallanganmiddang people Pangerang Learn more about the Mad Agriculture program!More information on StewardCheck out our podcast with Dan Miller and Spike Gjerde of Steward!Connect with Jade:InstagramFacebook This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Today's discussion is with Lauren Haynes, founder of Wooden Spoon Herbs, a company providing products and education to help you build your routine of herbal support. Lauren's goal is to make earth-grown, time-tested herbal formulas accessible for the health of ourselves and our planet. In this conversation, we discuss Lauren's background in Appalachia and her education as an herbalist, the challenges of regulations around herbal products, educating consumers about product use, and the role of herbalism in healing the broken relationship between humans and earth.Topics Discussed: Lauren's journey to Wooden Spoon Herbs How Lauren was first drawn to herbalism The issue of compliance in the utilization of herbalism  The Appalachian Center for Natural Health Phyllis D. Light Green Comfort School of Herbal Medicine Candice Pert, Your Body is Your Subconscious Mind Molecules of Emotion Herbalism is NOT a replacement for professional health care, but it can be a compliment What is unique about Wooden Spoon Herbs The challenge of regulations around herbal products and education The DSHEA Act Dietary Supplement Health and Education Act  Wooden Spoon Herbs sourcing Lauren's background growing up in Appalachia Isaias Hernandez @queerbrownvegan The role of herbalism in healing the broken relationship between humans and earth How can slow living be accessible to everyone? Stephanie O'Dea Jessie Inchauspe @theglucosegoddess @tartvinegar Connect with Lauren: @woodenspoonherbs on Instagram Wooden Spoon Herbs Website This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Today's episode is about Brigid, saint and legend, known for her skills at the hearth, the loom, midwifery, healing, poetry and animal husbandry. Kathy Spaar, spiritual director, pilgrimage leader and nature educator shares many of the folklore and stories of this legendary figure from Celtic tradition. As a figure of feminine wisdom and power who presides over the land and the homestead, we consider Brigid the quintessential Lady Farmer, our guide, protector and inspiration for slow living through the seasons.Intro:Follow Kesslyn @gemwellnessofficial for more about her journey as a midwife and her exploration of St. Brigid.Episode Reprise: Imbolc is here! Mary and Emma introduce Kathy and Brigid Kathy introduces herself Brigid's Feast Day Kathy's favorite stories of Brigid Brigid - the quintessential Lady Farmer How does Brigid relate to the times we are in now The most important thing Brigid has taught Kathy Mentions:The Almanac Brigidine Sisters Children's Book “Brigid’s Cloak: An Ancient Irish Story” by Bruce Milligan. "Symbols of Plenty" by Ruth Bidgood "Rekindling the Flame " by Rita MinehanAbout Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.

Looking for a natural insulation option? Look no further than the world's oldest...wool! In today's episode, Mary & Emma chat with Andrew Legge, founder of Havelock Wool to discuss wool insulation, how it differs from more conventional insulation methods, and why you might want to consider it for your tiny home, van conversion, or even full home renovation!Topics DiscussedJoin the Lady Farmer Slow Living Challenge! (Starts 2.6.23)Interview: Andrew discusses his background and the path to Havelock Wool  The shift in consumer knowledge and demand for alternative building projects Wool as a dynamic fiber The contrast between wool and synthetic fibers as insulation Design obsolescence, how consumers are conditioned to expect the need to replace products The power of the consumer in choosing alternatives Build better, build less, build slower. Don't build space that you don't need As shelter from the elements, the building's key feature is insulation.  Common sense in the construction industry If wool is a natural product, why is it more expensive? Wool insulation manufacturing as a sustainable and low waste process Embodied vs operational carbon Biophilic design Sourcing wool from New Zealand Why not source the wool in the US or other places?  Havelock as the go-to insulator for van conversions Connect with Havelock Wool: Website Instagram This Episode is Sponsored by Ettitude: ettitude.com/thegooddirt^Use code THEGOODDIRT for $25 off your first order!About Lady Farmer: Our Website @weareladyfarmer on Instagram Join The Lady Farmer ALMANAC Leave us a voicemail! Call 443-459-1950 and ask a question or share what the good dirt means to you! Email us at thegooddirtpodcast@gmail.com Original music by John Kingsley. Our technical partner for this series is CitizenRacecar, Post-Production by Alex Brouwer and José Miguel Baez, Coordinated by Gabriela Montequin and Mary Ball. The Good Dirt is a part of the Connectd Podcasts Network.Statements in this podcast have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration and are not to be considered as medical or nutritional advice. This information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure or prevent any disease, and should not be considered above the advice of your physician. Consult a medical professional when making dietary or lifestyle decisions that could affect your health and well-being.