In this bonus episode we're joined by Kara Escajeda from Parrie Haynes Ranch, a park in Central Texas under threat of being closed. Kara discusses the challenges facing the park, and the current state of public land in Texas. She also explains the importance of parks in general for local communities and the environment, and offers tips for how to advocate for green spaces in your area. Resources discussed in this episode:

Save Parrie Haynes Ranch website

Parrie Haynes Ranch Facebook group

Environment Texas website

New state parks in Texas article

Urban Heat Islands article

Engagement with Parks report

EXPLORE Act

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

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The negative environmental consequences of industrial food production are well known, but how does this system affect the people producing the food? Alex Woodard joins to discuss his book Ordinary Soil, a story that offers insight into the human impacts of "modern" farming methods. The book covers a broad spectrum of social and environmental issues including soil degradation, toxins, the opioid epidemic, chronic disease, and intergenerational trauma. Trigger warning: suicide and addication. Resources discussed in this episode:

Ordinary Soil book

Analog Sun book

Alex Woodard website

Dr. Zach Bush website

Farmer's Footprint website

Chemical Farming & The Loss of Human Health (Dr. Zach Bush) video

Previous Sustainably Geeky episodes about non-industrial farming methods:

Episode 31: Uncharted Terrane with the Local Terrane Podcast

Episode 42: Food for Thought with James Rebanks, Author

Episode 44: The Bare Necessities with Taelor Monroe, Austin Permaculture Guild

Episode 61: Food for the Soul with Clara AgborTabi, Soul Fire Farm

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

As the cost of renewable energy continues to fall, it has become an attractive alternative to fossil fuels. Solar energy is especially attractive, as it allows consumers to produce energy onsite. Owen Barrett from Shine joins us to discuss the basics of residential solar, and how his company is helping make solar available to multifamily housing units. He also shares his thoughts on the future of the industry, and why he's optimistic it will continue to grow despite continued opposition from the fossil fuel industry. Resources discussed in this episode:

Shine website

Owen's LinkedIn

Less Talk More Action podcast

Non-Consumer Advocate Facebook Group

Our previous episode about solar energy: Soak Up the Sun

Have an idea for an episode? You can email host Jennifer Hetzel at sustainablygeeky@gmail.com.

Like the show? Support us at Buy Me a Coffee, and rate/review us wherever you listen.

You can also find us on Facebook, X and Instagram.

Listen and subscribe to the show on iTunes, Spotify, Pandora, Amazon Music, Audible, and YouTube.