Episode 92: There’s Something Funny about Climate Change

In this episode of Citizens’ Climate Radio, listeners hear stories, insights, and innovative approaches to tackling climate change. From the unique perspective of a climate change comedian who marries humor with serious environmental advocacy to the empowering tales of youth activism at the global COP28 summit, this episode showcases diverse methods of engagement and action. Highlighting the importance of resilience, space for mental and emotional health, and the groundbreaking work of package-free shopping, it will inspire you while providing you with practical guidance. 

A Climate Change Comedian?

Brian Ettling shares his compelling journey from a park ranger to an influential climate change comedian, a story that encapsulates the essence of turning gloom into bloom. With seventeen years of experience as a seasonal ranger in the majestic landscapes of Crater Lake National Park and Everglades National Park, Brian shares how a simple yet profound question about global warming from a park visitor sparked a drastic shift in his career path and life purpose. 

“Excuse me, all-knowing ranger,” a visitor said. “I have a question.” I smiled, humbly curious and certain I had the answer. “What’s happening with global warming in the Everglades?” Wait. What?! I knew nothing about global warming, and visitors hate when park rangers tell you, ‘I don’t know.’

Brian spent time researching the question and was shocked by what he discovered. 

The information I learned scared me. What the (bleep)! Because of climate change, sea level was expected to rise at least three feet in Everglades National Park by the end of the 21st century. The sea would swallow up most of the park and nearby Miami since the highest point of the park road is less than three feet above sea level. UGH, I hate you, climate change!

This pivotal moment led him to deeply research climate change, eventually inspiring him to merge his passion for environmental advocacy with his unique sense of humor. An amateur video on YouTube led to two national television appearances on Comedy Central’s satirical Tosh.0. Daniel Tosh introduced America to the goofball who became the Climate Change Comedian. 

Brian’s narrative is a vivid testament to the power of individual transformation and the role of creativity in addressing serious global issues. He illustrates this by recounting defining moments in his journey, and he invites us to experience the journey complete with silly sound effects and a musical score. 

Brian Ettling is a dynamic climate change communicator from Portland, Oregon, with a deep history of engagement with Citizens’ Climate Lobby (CCL). Over the years, he has worn multiple hats within CCL, including legislative liaison, co-chapter leader, and Missouri State co-coordinator. His dedication is evident in his attendance at nine CCL international conferences in Washington, D.C., where he served as a breakout speaker. Additionally, Brian has contributed his insights at the Canadian National CCL conference, showcasing his unwavering commitment to climate advocacy.

Listen Now!

Resilience Corner

Tamara Staton explores the nuanced relationship between space—both physical and emotional—and climate advocacy. Tamara emphasizes the importance of creating space for rest and reflection to enhance effectiveness in climate activism. She illustrates this with personal anecdotes, suggesting, “When I create space, I enable presence and perspective… Creating space widens our window of tolerance, allowing us to respond with grace, ease, and courage to the challenges we face.” She underscores the critical balance between passionate activism and the need for self-care to sustain long-term engagement in climate work.

Tamara Staton is the Education and Resilience Coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Education.

Get more tips and resources by visiting The Resilience Hub on CCL Community.

NEW! The CCL Youth Corner

The Citizens’ Climate Lobby Youth Corner introduces a vibrant platform where middle and high school students across the USA amplify their voices on climate action. Host Veda Ganesan highlights their proactive efforts to make their voices heard at COP28. She shares the important role CCL Youth volunteer Vinay Karthik played at the international conference in Dubai. In the next Youth Corner, you will learn about The Great School Electrification Challenge.

Dig Deeper: Check out the CCL Youth Blog.

Veda Ganesan is the producer and host of CCR’s new Citizens’ Climate Lobby Youth Corner; it is a project of CCL Youth. Veda also hosts Sustainable Cents podcast. 

Good News 

Damon Motz-Storey (they, them) shines a spotlight on the Realm Refillery in Portland, Oregon, a pioneering package-free grocery store. It exemplifies sustainable shopping by offering a wide variety of bulk goods, from flour to laundry detergent, all without disposable packaging, presenting a compelling model for reducing single-use plastics and living one’s environmental values.

Damon Motz-Storey is an active climate advocate and the Oregon Chapter Director of the Sierra Club, dedicated to promoting sustainable practices and environmental conservation.

In other Good News, Peterson Toscano highlights two innovative climate change exhibitions in New York City museums. At the Museum of Modern Art (MoMA), Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design showcases the intersection of design and sustainability, featuring Solar Ivy, a system of small solar panels resembling leaves that generate energy from sunlight and wind. Additionally, the Climate Museum in SOHO focuses entirely on climate change, currently featuring “The End of Fossil Fuel,” and encourages visitors to engage in actionable steps toward environmental advocacy.

If you have a Good News Story to share, contact us: Radio @ CitizensClimate.org

Take a Meaningful Next Step

Each month, we will suggest meaningful, achievable, and measurable next steps for you to consider. We recognize that action is an antidote to despair. If you need help with what you can do, consider one of the following next steps. 

If you are in middle or high school, visit CCLUSA.org/Youth to learn about their Great School Electrification Challenge!
If you are a college student, you can get involved with CCL Higher Education and the College Carbon Fee and Dividend Movement. Learn how you can jumpstart a campaign on your campus.
Sign up for monthly text reminders to contact your members of Congress and get the step-by-step guidance you need to reach lawmakers effectively. Visit CCLUSA.org/Action

Stay Tuned

In the March 2024 episode, you will meet Erica Valdez, the newest team member of Citizens’ Climate Radio. Erica, Horace, and Peterson will engage in a discussion on the various roles individuals can adopt in addressing climate change. Eileen Flannagan, a Quaker author, activist, and trainer, will elaborate on the four roles change-makers often play: Advocate, Rebel, Helper, and Organizer. They ask, “What is your role on this new planet???” The episode is set to premiere on Friday, March 22nd, 2024.

Listener Survey

We want to hear your feedback about this episode. After you listen, feel free to fill in this short survey. Your feedback will help us make new decisions about the content, guests, and style of the show. You can fill it out anonymously and answer whichever questions you like. You can also reach us by email: radio @citizensclimatelobby.org 

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Read the Transcript
Episode 92

There’s Something Funny about Climate Change

SUMMARY KEYWORDS

climate, climate change, youth, space, ccl, comedian, park, years, Everglades National Park, climate action, park ranger,

SPEAKERS

Tamara Staton, Peterson Toscano, Veda Ganesan, Damon Motz-Storey, Horace Mo, Brian Ettling

Peterson Toscano  00:00

Welcome to Citizens’ Climate Radio, your climate change podcast. In the show, we highlight people’s stories we celebrate your successes, and together we share strategies for talking about climate change. I’m your host Peterson Toscano. Welcome to Episode 92 of Citizens’ Climate Radio project of Citizens’ Climate Education. This episode is airing on Friday, February 23 2024. 

 

Peterson Toscano  00:29

We have an episode for you that is packed with helpful resources, good news and tools to help you in your climate work. Tamara Staton is back with the resilience corner. You will hear her make a connection between our climate work and space. (sound of space ship) No, not that kind of space. Tamara has something else in mind. We have a good news story about a store that has completely done away with any packaging. Damon Motz-Storey, the Oregon chapter director for the Sierra Club gives us a personal tour. We are thrilled to premiere a new recurring feature of our show., The Citizens’ Climate Lobby Youth Corner Veda Ganesan tells us about the critical role youth played at last year’s COP 28th meeting. At this global UN summit youth had a seat at the table, and they had a lot to say. I will tell you about two museums I recently visited in New York City. They both seek to inform and inspire the public about climate change. 

 

Peterson Toscano  01:33

But we begin our show with a story. We all have our own climate change origin stories. Your concern over global warming may have just started in elementary school or middle school or high school or it happened in college or even later in your life. Our guest today is a man who got so shaken up about climate change, he needed to do something serious about it. His concerns were so serious that he turned to comedy to communicate his message. Brian Ettling and I collaborated to bring history to life with music and sound effects. Enjoy.

 

Brian Ettling  02:10

“How would you like to have fun and make a difference in the climate movement?  Travel with me through time and space to Ashland Oregon in 2009. (Harp sound fades into pop music from the 2000s) I was house-sitting for a friend and unsure what to do with my life. My friend Naomi pressed me to answer her directly:   ‘What do you want to do with your life???’   ‘Fine!’ I said, ‘If I could be anything, I would like to be the “Climate Change Comedian”!’  Naomi fell out of her chair laughing. (Object hitting floor sound) She said: ‘That’s great! NowI go straight home and start a website with that name right now!’ I did and started building the website, climatechangecomedian.com (typing on a computer keyboard sound).   

 

Brian Ettling  02:10

By 2009, I had worked for seventeen years as a seasonal park ranger at Crater Lake National Park, Oregon (a gentle sound of water sloshing) in the summers and Everglades National Park, Florida (A Limpkin bird call) in the winters. I loved every minute of standing in front of an audience giving ranger talks in these iconic places sharing about nature.  Let’s go back further in time to 1998 (the sound of a harp like a dream sequence), See that’s me in that form fitting ranger’s uniform. I was so excited to start my first job as a ranger tour guide in the national parks. I had worked various jobs for six years in the national parks, but this would be my first time narrating boat tours and talking about the park to the public. 

 

Brian Ettling  02:17

The nights before my first boat tour, I stayed up late studying. (paging flipping fast in a book) I schooled myself on the alligators, birds, dolphins, and manatees. I dug deep into  the history of the park, along with Native American and settler stories. I prepared myself to be the all knowing ranger. (trumpets and possible echo announcement of THE ALL KNOWING RANGER!)   Oh look, that’s me during one of my first boat tours. “Excuse me, all-knowing ranger,” a visitor said. “I have a question” I smiled humbly, curious, and certain I had the answer. “What’s happening with global warming in the Everglades?”   Wait What?!? I knew nothing about global warming (Whomp Whomp sound). And Visitors hate when park rangers tell you, “I don’t know.”  This was before smartphones, so I hopped off the boatI (splash) then ran to the park library (put in the sound of a house clip-clopping. and I interject “No me running on foot.” then I put in another one but through water and you say, “I am not running in the swamp!” then I do normal running.) and the nearest Miami bookstore (car in a hurry sound with tires screeching) to read allI the scientific books I could find on climate change.  

 

Brian Ettling  05:00

The information I learned scared me. (somber music) (gasp) What the (bleep). (sound of pages turning) (‘Because of climate change, sea level was expected to rise at least three feet in Everglades National Park by the end of the 21st century. The sea would swallow up most of the park and nearby Miami since the highest point of the park road is less than three feet above sea level.’  What about the crocodiles, alligators, and beautiful Flamingos! What about all of this ideal coastal habitat will be lost because of sea level rinse. UGH I hate you climate change!  “Ok enough with being back in the Everglades in 1998 (harp music to signify time travel.)  So, what did I do next? I was so worried about climate change, I quit my job in Everglades National Park. That was after 10 years as a park ranger. I moved back to my hometown of St. Louis, Missouri. I had to do something about climate change…  In 2014, the lightbulb went on: ‘Hey I am the Climate Change Comedian! (echo echo echo)    I created a YouTube video that year., I enlisted my mom, Fran Ettling, who plays the piano. I titled, the video “Climate Change Comedian and the Pianist!”  (An audio clip from the YouTube video (https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=7_7KGU8LHQQ)  

 

Brian Ettling  06:32

Me: “I am so proud that my mom is such a talented organist and piano player.” Fran Ettling “I’m so proud of Brian. He’s always eaten his vegetables.”   Me: “As you can tell, my mom plays beautiful piano music. And I think I am very funny.  Fran Ettling: “You are not that funny.”)  And like everyone who posts a random, homemade video on YouTube, I became a star! Well kinda sorta. It was April 2016, and A producer of Comedy Central’s TV show Tosh.o noticed the video and called me to say: “We want to fly your mom and you to Los Angeles for a videotaped interview with host Daniel Tosh that will later air on TV.”  (sound of an airplane flying by) The TV show aired nationally on the Comedy Channel on August 2, 2016.  

 

Brian Ettling  07:53

Daniel Tosh: “MY FIRST GUEST IS AMERICA’S FAVORITE AND ONLY CLIMATE CHANGE COMEDIAN. HERE TO ENTERTAIN AND INFORM US, BRIAN.” Me: GREAT TO BE HERE, DANNITY.)   To this day, appearing on Comedy Central’s Tosh.o was one of the highlights of my life. I talked about climate change using humor on national TV. It was seen by millions of people. I reached my dream! First as a park ranger and at last a Climate Change Comedian In fact, in 12 years I gave over 200 climate change talks in 12 U.S. states, Plus DC and Ottawa Canada. Tosh.o even brought me back as a guest a few years later. (sound of applause, cheering crowd, Trumpets sounding)  

 

Brian Ettling  09:14

Then 2020 (pandemic music–trust me I have a whole catalog) OK we don’t have to travel back in time to the Covid Pandemic. It was a heavy time for all of us. I stopped doing Climate change comedy. For two years, “I felt lost and even angry. I lost my mojo.”   But then (Austin Powers type music) I got a phone call from Robin Riddlebarger, Park Superintendent of Hanging Rock State Park, North Carolina. She left a message in May 2022. (sound of a phone answering machine)   (female voice mail) “Howdy Brian! Stumbled upon your Climate Change Comedian  website as I was searching for inspiration about a guest for our annual conference of superintendents for North Carolina State Parks. I am organizing this year’s conference.…We want this conference to be inspiring and refreshing instead of depressing like it usually is. I’d love to find out (if you could give) an in-person presentation to a bunch of crusty park superintendents.”  I immediately jumped on this opportunity and called Robin back. I asked why they were interested in me as a speaker. Me?? Why me? 

 

Brian Ettling  10:29

(female voice) Myself and three other superintendents are brainstorming guest speakers that will inspire us. We found we usually leave the conference feeling more burnt out than we were when we arrived. We are determined this year will be different. We will at least learn something. Instead of listening to boring HR policies that could have been handled in an email.’  As a professional speaker and former park ranger, this was a perfect fit for me. I spent the next five months preparing this talk. (typing and papers shuttling sound) I flew to North Carolina to speak in November of 2022. (sound of wings flapping, “No, in an airplane!” Sound of an airplane flying by)  

 

Brian Ettling  11:13

“Hey folks, it’s great to be here in North Carolina. You know, when Robin reached out to me, she said he wanted something exciting instead of listening to boring HR policies that could have been handled in an email.” (sound of laughter)  It felt like I got mojo (disco party music) back with this talk. (the sound of Ta-Da!)   Since then I have begun traveling to other states to give educational, entertaining, and inspiring climate change talks. AND I get to be funny, which is not at all what people expect from a climate presentation.  (gentle fun music) Thanks so much for listening to my story. And what about you? Do you feel like a climate action figure who is lost in the toy box?  I am here to say there is a role for you!  If I can have fun pursuing my dream to save the planet as the ‘Climate Change Comedian,’ I have no doubt you can pursue yours too! Oh I have to dash to my next climate comedy gig (sound of locomotive) “No not by train (Sound of plane) No not a plane. (sound of old car) No, silly, I will ride my bike (sounds of bike bell, gears, etc) 

 

Peterson Toscano  12:40

Thank you so much, Brian. Brian Ettling lives in Portland, Oregon, and has a long, rich history with Citizens’ Climate Lobby. His involvement with CCL began 14 years ago. Since that time, he has served in various roles, including as a legislative liaison co chapter leader and the Missouri State co coordinator has attended nine CCL international conferences in Washington DC and has spoken as a breakout speaker there for different times, is even presented at the Canadian National CCL conference. Brian is a tireless advocate. Thank you, Brian, for all you do. Follow Brian on x at Brian ethylene and visit his website. That site is climate change. comedian.com I would love to hear your climate story and maybe even share it in a future episode. You can reach me by email, email us radio at citizens climate.org That’s radio at citizens climate.org Now it is time for the resilience corner with Tamara Staton.

 

Tamara Staton  13:51

Hi, I’m Tamara Staton, CCLs education and resilience coordinator and this is resilient climate tearing through unexpected Climate Connections. This isn’t a series out weather or science or graphs or data, though I might reference a few of those from time to time. Instead, it’s a series about things that help us worry less and act more on climate explored through a lens of playful curiosity. Together, we’ll explore how to enjoy what matters so deeply so that we can be as effective as possible for as long as we’re needed. Today’s topic is space and climate. 

 

Tamara Staton  14:28

These two seemingly unrelated concepts actually relate to one another in quite a few interesting ways, space and climate. First of all, for many of us, climate change takes up a lot of space, mental space, emotional space, and for many people and creatures on earth. Global warming drastically changes the amount and type of space that they can inhabit and enjoy. But let’s look at a more intriguing relationship between space and climate. Not surprisingly, many of us Feeling urgency around climate change. And with this urgency comes a drive to work hard, constantly, without rest. To work without space, we may lack the necessary space between actions, space between thoughts, space between words, weeks, and even the feelings we experience. I don’t know about you, but it’s really obvious when I need space or rest. Consider when you feel tired or overwhelmed or burned out or stressed out. Sometimes I don’t even know the source of my stress. There are so many things in life that might be the source. I might not even see the connection between stressful feelings and foundational concerns about climate. Or perhaps I do recognize the connection. And that can make it even harder to slow down and take some space because let’s face it, there are actions to be taken letters to be written calls to be made. There’s no time for taking space Tamara. But when I do take space. When I do allow for time and rest between my actions, between my weeks between my thoughts and feelings, I am actually a much more effective advocate. 

 

Tamara Staton  16:14

When I create space, I enable presence and perspective. The space allows me to appreciate who I am and what I have. The space may well help you to connect more deeply to the community around you. space allows us to see things with more distance, which often changes our perspective. Creating space widens our window of tolerance. This then allows us to respond more often with grace, ease and courage to the challenges we face in the world. What might space look like for you? For me, it looks like putting my phone down and being present with my family. I can then listen intently as my daughter shares about her day. Creating space happens when I carve out times in my day and week when I don’t work on or even think about climate change. I’ve also been enjoying long walks to our local park on these walks. I listen to the birds and the wind instead of podcasts or music. Allowing space for my own thoughts to wander. Maybe for you, it’s a matter of going to bed earlier or sleeping later. Or picking up that meditation practice that you’ve been thinking about trying out. I encourage you to consider how you can make space so that you have time to recover, refresh and revive in between the vital climate action that you are doing. 

 

Tamara Staton  17:43

In our next episode, I’ll dive into another set of Unexpected Climate Connections, puppies and climate. How do these fluffy rambunctious creatures have anything to do with our warming world? I’m Tamara Statan with the resilience corner. I thank you for listening and for your commitment to progress. To learn more about tools, trainings and resources for staying strong, through the climate challenge, check out our resilience hub at CCL usa.org/resilience. And until next month. Remember this. Find your passion. Let it guide you and you’ll do amazing things for our world.

 

Peterson Toscano  18:29

Thank you Tamara. The resilience corner is made possible through a collaboration with Tamara Staton education and resilience coordinator for Citizens’ Climate Education. The resiliency Hub website is CCL usa.org/resilience. 

 

Peterson Toscano  18:48

And now for something brand new! (bold music)

We premiere a semi-regular feature to our show: The Youth Corner. Middle school students and high schoolers from around the USA created Citizens’ Climate Lobby Youth. They meet regularly online to discuss way to reach their peers the adults in their lives. They also are in the forefront of a campaign to electrify schools. And now, they are broadcasting their message on Citizens’ Climate Radio. Veda Ganesan is the producer and host of the CCL Youth Corner. Take it away Veda. 

 

Veda Ganesan  19:25

[Podcast Intro] Episode One Veda: Welcome to Citizen Climate Radio’s Youth Corner! We will delve into the latest developments in climate action and environmental issues, all from the youth’s point of view. I’m Veda Ganesan, CCL national youth podcast lead. Today we’re bringing you a special episode focusing on COP28. What do young people think about the twenty-eighth United Nations Climate Summit? What made this COP different from previous ones? And what about all those oil companies taking part in this international climate conference?? Oh yeah, and I will tell you how CCL and  a CCL youth volunteer, played a major role! [Transition music] 

 

Veda Ganesan  20:07

Veda: COP28 in Dubai recently made headlines. I am fascinated by the scale of it all. Get this – a remarkable 84,000 attendees, more than double the previous record-holder COP26. One thing that truly caught my attention was the deliberate effort to create a more inclusive dialogue. It wasn’t just about negotiations at the table; there were also various side events spread across the two-week conference. This definitely added a whole new depth of experience.  

 

Veda Ganesan  20:32

Point 1: Youth Engagement Veda: On the home front, our own CCL youth volunteer, Vinay Karthik, was selected to join the Global Coordination Team (GCT) for YOUNGO. This is the youth constituency of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change. Comprising approximately 40 leaders from around the globe, the GCT plays a crucial role in organizing UN climate conventions, conferences, and events. Among the 15 youth selected worldwide, Vinay was appointed to the Communications and Media Team. Serving as the Logistics Manager for COP28 in Dubai, he represented the mainland United States in this significant role. Vinay got to take part in the introduction of the inaugural Youth Climate Champion. It’s a ministerial-level role aimed at fostering connections between governments, officials, and young climate activists. This program fully financed the engagement of one hundred young individuals from different corners of the globe, empowering them to actively participate in the negotiations. 

Ah, but don’t imagine that all these youth sat quietly at the kid’s table. Let me spill the tea on what went down at COP28’s Youth, Children, Education, and Skills Day. So we have the Youth Stocktake, breaking ground and shaking up the climate scene. They’re on a mission to figure out just how much we, the youth, are rocking the climate negotiation boat. Countries got in on the action, making serious moves to crank up our volume in the discussions. It’s all about giving the ones most hit by climate change a real say, right alongside the experts. Keep your ears peeled for the real deal on this event—it’s all about paving the way for a greener future! 

 

Veda Ganesan  21:48

Point 2: Gender Equality Veda: Guess what was buzzing at COP28? A whole day just for gender equality! They brought in big shots, made bold promises, all geared up for gender-friendly moves. They shone a light on the real deal – the challenges women and girls face in the climate hustle. Whether it was the big guns or small talks, they zoned in on fixing the gender balance. And guess what? Would you believe me if I told you only about a third of the country negotiating teams represented by women?? Time to shake things up for a climate game where everyone’s got a fair shot! 

 

Veda Ganesan  22:04

Point 3: Corporate Presence and Perspectives Veda: With word from Vinay, the inclusivity extended to various stakeholders, including more than 1,300 affiliates of fossil fuel companies. Interestingly, representatives from major oil and gas corporations such as Shell, Chevron, TotalEnergies, and BP attended, sparking discussions on their role in the climate dialogue. Can’t have a debate without the pro and con! Some attendees defended their inclusion, highlighting the potential for meaningful change if these companies are engaged in the conversation. 

 

Veda Ganesan  22:15

Point 4: Diverse Perspectives and Challenges Veda: COP28 swung open the doors for all kinds of voices – youth, women, indigenous peeps, even corporate bigwigs. The goal? Stir up some positive vibes. But here’s the plot twist: Is this just talk, or are we really giving the spotlight to those who usually get left in the shadows? 

 

Veda Ganesan  22:21

Closing Veda: As we wrap up our first feature on Citizens’ Climate Radio, it’s clear that COP28 aimed for a groundbreaking conference with inclusivity at its core. The challenge now is ensuring that the commitments declared at the event materialize into meaningful actions and bring about lasting change. We will report more on this in future episodes! So that concludes our time with you! Thank you for joining us for the CCL Youth Corner and stay tuned for our next episode on the Great Electrification Challenge, one of my favorites! To learn more about CCL Youth, visit CCLUSA.org slash Youth. [outro music] 

 

Peterson Toscano  23:07

Thank you Veda! That was Veda Ganesan with a message from CCL Youth. Veda is host of the podcast Sustainable Cents. It is available wherever you get podcasts. If you are in middle school or high school, find out how you can get involved. Visit cclusa.org/youth that’s cclusa.org/youth. There you will also find out about the Great School Electrification Challenge! Our Good News Story today comes from Portland, Oregon. I visited the city last summer. In addition to meeting up with Tamara Staton and Brian Ettling, I also connected with Damon Motz-Storey. Damon is the Director of the Oregon Chapter of the Sierra Club. Damon took me to an extraordinary shop.  

 

Damon Motz-Storey  24:07

We’re in Portland, Oregon, right now on northeast Broadway Street. And we’re just outside of this really cool little store called the Realm Refillery. It calls itself a package-free grocery. So I just wanted to point it out as a really cool spot here. That’s sort of a beacon and an example of what sustainable shopping can look like. 

 

Peterson Toscano  24:27

And when you walk in, what do you see what will you experience? 

 

Damon Motz-Storey  24:31

It’s so cute in there. There’s all these different glass jars and just the whole place has a very, like, warm and inviting feel. There’s plants that have been well curated throughout the establishment. And you as you look around, you start to realize like wow, they’ve got a lot of different kinds of things in here. They don’t just have like bulk goods like flowers and gluten free flowers. It’s Portland Come on, but they also have laundry detergent and all sorts of other supplies that you might need for going on a grocery shopping trip where You don’t buy any disposable packaging.

 

Damon Motz-Storey  25:04

So this is maybe a little more expensive than going to a Safeway or something like that. But it is so much higher quality and it is such a great way to really live your values and really say to other, you know, groceries and supermarkets like this is how it can be right this is this could be a way that we move away from all that single use plastic and so it’s like a little bit more costly, but it’s really worth it.

 

Peterson Toscano  25:40

Thank you, Damon. Visit Realm Refillery in Portland, Oregon at 2310 Northeast Broadway or visit online at therealmrefillery.com Learn more about Damon Motz-Storey and the Oregon chapter of the Sierra Club. Visit sierraclub.org/oregon.  

 

Peterson Toscano  26:00

If you have good news you want to share on the show, I want to know about it. Email us. Radio @ CitizensClimatel.org. That Radio @Citizens’ Climate.org 

 

Peterson Toscano  26:08

In the category of Good News, I want to mention two museums I recently visited in New York City. The Museum of Modern Art has a free exhibit on display. “Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design” is FREE and located on the first floor. The exhibit uncovers the dynamic intersection of design and sustainability. It pushes the boundaries towards eco-friendly innovation. The collection of art and design pieces helps us to reimagine creativity in a way that aligns with environmental values. My favorite piece is the Solar Ivy, also known as SMIT Grow. This is a fantastic system of small moving solar panels that look like leaves. They make energy from the sun, and when the wind blows, they create even more energy. These panels can be put on the side of buildings to create power. Solar Ivy is produced by a company in Brooklyn called SMIT. Each leaf has a special layer and a tiny generator that makes electricity when it’s sunny or windy.

 

Peterson Toscano  27:36

The exhibit is “Life Cycles: The Materials of Contemporary Design. Visit it for FREE at the Museum of Modern Art in New York City. If you cannot visit the exhibit yourself, you can see images online. I put links in the show notes for you.  

 

Peterson Toscano  27:51

While in New York, I also popped into the Climate Museum. It is located in SOHO’s gallery district at 105 Wooster Street. The entire museum is dedicated to addressing the causes and impact of climate change. Their current exhibit, The End of Fossil Fuel, is on display until April 28, 2024. What I most appreciate about the museum is that it offer visitors the opportunity to take meaningful, measurable, and achievable action steps. This includes a station where you can write your member of congress. Learn more about the Climate Museum by visiting climatemuseum.org/ 

 

Peterson Toscano  28:30

 Before we end this episode, we want you to get excited about next month’s show. To tell us about it is CCR team member Horace Mo

. 

Horace Mo  28:54

Thanks, Peterson. Next month you will meet our newest team member, Erica Valdez. Erica will join Peterson and me for a conversation about the different parts we can play when addressing climate change. Eileen Flannagan, an activist and trainer, will tell us about four different roles change-makers often play in change movements. These are Advocate, Rebel, Helper, and Organizer. What is your part to play in our rapidly changing world? Learn how to be an even more effective climate action figure. The episode will premiere on Friday March 22nd, 2024.  

 

Peterson Toscano  29:38

Thank you Horace, and Thank you for joining me for Episode 92 of Citizens’ Climate Radio. 

 

Peterson Toscano  29:40

If you like what you hear and you want to support the work we do, visit CitizensClimateEducation.org. There, you can make a tax-deductible contribution. That website is CitizensClimateEducation.org We want you to be effective in the climate work you do. Citizens’ Climate Education provides training, local group meetings, and many resources. We help you build the confidence and skills you need to pursue and promote climate solutions. Find out how you can learn, grow, and connect with others who are engaged in meaningful work.  Visit CCLusa.org, that’s CCLusa.org.  

 

Peterson Toscano  29:50

Do you have your feedback about this episode? After you listen, feel free to fill out a short survey. You will find a link to the survey in our show notes over at cclusa.org/radio or just email me, radio @ citizensclimate.org Citizens’ Climate Radio is written and produced by me—Peterson Toscano, along with the CCR Team: Horace Mo and Erica Valdez. Special thanks to Veda Genesan,  Tamara Staton, Brian Ettling, and Damon Motz-Story for their contributions to this episode.  Technical come support from Ricky Bradley and Brett Cease. Social media assistance from Flannery Winchester and Moral support from Madeline Para.  The music on today’s show comes from Epidemicsound.com.  

 

Peterson Toscano  30:25

Please share Citizens’ Climate Radio with your friends and colleagues. You can find Citizens’ Climate Radio wherever you listen to podcasts. You can also listen at NortherSpiritradio.org  You can now follow us on Twitter, Instagram, LinkedIn, Facebook and Tiktok. Feel free to leave a voicemail at our listener phone live (619) 512-9646. +1 if calling from outside the USA that number again. (619) 512-9646. Visit cclusa.org/radio to see our show notes, a full transcript of the episode, links to our guests, and much more.  Citizens’ Climate Radio is a project of Citizens’ Climate Education. 

 

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