Mothering Earth-116-Insects Part One

03/31/24 • 29 min

Insects, bugs, pests, whatever you may call them, and whether you love or hate them, they are vital to our planet and by extension to us humans. They provide important ecosystem services by recycling dead things, by pollinating our food crops, by planting seeds, and even just by being food for other creatures, like birds. In this program, we take a deep dive into the remarkable world of insects, to learn about their history, what they do and the pretty amazing ways in which they do it. Our guest is Dr. Scott Solomon, professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Rice University.

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Mothering Earth-115-MadeSafe Part Two

In our second show with Amy Ziff of MADE SAFE®, a nonprofit organization that provides certification for nontoxic products, we examine the process companies must go through in order to have their products certified as safe. Ziff also provides practical advice on eliminating as many toxins as possible from your everyday life. We find out what might be hiding behind the term fragrance, why microfiber isn’t good for you or the environment and ways of avoiding preservatives. Amy Ziff is the founder and Executive Director of MADE SAFE®.

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Mothering Earth-117-Insects Part Two

Insects have superpowers and unique ways of communicating with each other, without the use of cell phones. They have ways of settling disputes, no United Nations required. If you don’t believe this, listen as Dr. Scott Solomon, provides the details in this edition of Mothering Earth. Dr. Solomon is a professor of ecology and evolutionary biology at Rice University, and author of one The Great Courses offerings, on insects.