It all started with one challenge between 10 friends - plant 1,000 trees each to help offset their carbon footprint. Well, that challenge never ended and soon turned into an organization that is starting a Treevolution in South Africa.

Lauren O'Donnell did not mean to start a green revolution. In fact, she wasn't even all that interested in sustainability or conservation. But, in taking on this personal challenge, Lauren and her friends sparked something in the community. Today, Greenpop has planted over 82,000 trees in ancient forests near Cape Town as well as in disadvantaged communities in the city.

Their annual Reforest Fest takes place on the weekends of March 13-15th and March 23-25th and includes planting trees, seminars on sustainability, live music and local food. Check out one of their events and help support the planting of trees on their website.

Cape Town is today facing a water crisis that will leave the city with no water by May 11th*, what the town is calling Day Zero. Greenpop has put a hold on their city-wide tree planting, but they are holding water-wise workshops to help educate people on the conservation of clean water.

*Date projections change regularly. Check the city's website for the most up-to-date information.

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Tune in to the very end where we answer a listener question about plastics and China refusing to accept the US's recycling. We have special guest Sam Silver from Sims Municipal Recycling Center here in New York City who gives us some great tips on recycling and breaks down the issue surrounding recycled materials and gas prices.

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Resources mentioned in this episode:


Happy Earth People: http://happyearthpeople.com/
Wazoogles: https://wazoogles.com/


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We're hosting a screening of WASTED! The Story of Food Waste on April 10th at the Kickstarter HQ in Greenepoint Brooklyn. Get your tickets now and use TRASHYEB5 for a $5 discount exclusively for Trash Talking listeners. Promotional discount expires on March 9th. Ticket price includes food and drink from sustainable companies like Toast Ale, Proud Pour, Ancolie, Rescuing Leftover Cuisine, Nomad Trading Co., RISE Products, Food for All, Eleva Coffee, Teapigs, and more.

Join the conversation on Facebook, follow us on Instagram, and try our repurposed coffee body scrub.

Don't forget to subscribe, review, and share this podcast with other eco-warriors. We read all of your reviews and your positive ratings help us spread the word and spur more eco-warriors to action

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