Talk Green to Me

Dying cotton is extremely water intensive. In this episode we interview Graham Stewart, Founder and EVP of Fibre52 about his long history in the textile industry and his passion to make it more sustainable. He takes us through the complete process of dying clothes and tells us about the different types of dyes and colorants used to color fabrics. Graham started Fibre 52, a company that uses special dying technology to reduce time, energy and water usage of typical cotton dying processes in textile mills.

Solar panels make clean energy, but are they actually green at the end of their life? Right now very few recyclers globally and in the U.S. can truly recycle solar panels into clean commodities. In the next few years, as first generation solar panel farms start getting repowered, millions of tons of material will need to go somewhere. We speak with Brett Henderson, CEO and Co-Founder of SolarPanelRecycling.com, on the brand new recycling technologies they are developing to make sure all the parts of solar panels can be separated with low energy processes. He tells us about the challenges of recycling and predictions that landfills may not have the capacity for this massive new waste stream. We discuss upcoming legislation at federal, state, and local levels to address this challenge. Brett gives us practical tips on what we can do to make sure getting clean energy from solar panels is truly good for the planet.

Bacteria have answers to alternatives to fossil fuels and cellulose from trees. In this episode we talk Isabel Alvarez-Martos, CEO and co-founder of Cellugy on how their company started as an idea in grad school turned into a company making biodegradable and compostable materials in things such as shampoos. She tells us why bacterial cellulose is such a unique, beneficial, but also challenging material to use. We discuss why this cellulose source may be better than trees in this new developing industry and how they navigated the start-up company space with this nanotechnology.

Have you heard of cellulose nanomaterials? From the bacteria in your kitchen to the trees in your backyard, we discuss the history and discoveries of this new class of materials. Learn why these renewable alternative to plastics are taking the world by storm and where you might seem in the future in the products you use everyday.

In the face of plastic bag bans, how do you ensure your family business adapts? We interview Trent Romer, former co-owner of a plastic bag converter, on his remarkable sustainability journey. We discuss what inspired him to change, what he learned, and how he lead his business to make dramatic sustainability improvements for themselves and for the planet. He describes his books “This is Our Home” to help you start your own eco-friendly journey and “Finding Sustainability” to help you learn how your organization can apply sustainability practices.

Where do plastic bags come from? How are they made? How are they recycled and are the bag bans effective? In this episode we discuss the life of a plastic bag from fossil fuels to recycled decking material or to the ocean....and the steps in between!

You asked, we answered. What is greenwashing? For this year's winter bonus episode, we answered our listeners' questions about greenwashing. Listen in as we give examples of companies that have been caught greenwashing and what you can look out for. Are those strawless Starbucks lids better, what's up with those laundry sheets, should I get bamboo toilet paper, what's the FSC and B corp labels mean and more!

Graphene is a Nobel Prize winning material. How can you use this nanotechnology to improve the sustainability and performance of packaging? We talk with Gaute Juliussen, CEO of Toraphene, on how they developed a green way to manufacture graphene and include it in compostable, biodegradable, and recycled plastic bags, cups, and more. Gaute discusses how graphene and nanotech help make natural materials more competitive with virgin fossil fuel plastics in packaging. We discuss the difference between biodegradable and compostable materials, what to look out for, and what we all can do to make more informed sustainable choices.

What's the difference between biodegradable and compostable materials? In this episode we discuss what makes a material degradable, biodegradable, and compostable. We also discuss greenwashing with plastics that claim to be biodegradable and what you can look out for.

Hundreds of millions of mobile devices can be given a second life and avoid landfill. Trade-in programs are a great way to save money and increase the circularity of your phone. Your old devices can be repaired, refurbished, upgraded or even recycled into still valuable and usable phones. We talk with Biju Nair, President and EVP of Assurant's Global Connected Living Business, on how the process works and why it improves circular economy. Assurant is an insurance company is that is actively taking steps to improve sustainability in a many different ways. This includes through establishing their trade-in programs, automating their processes to reduce waste, and creating ways for you to measure your CO2 impact when you trade-in your phone.

What are in electronics that make them worse than other materials if they go to landfill? In this episode we discuss how electronics works, what you can do with your phones, laptops, appliances and more when you're done with them (it's more than just recycling), and how they are recycled. We give practical tips on what you can do to make your electronics buying and end-of-life more circular and sustainable.

Millions of tomatoes, strawberries, and cucumbers can now be grown sustainability and locally in Appalachia thanks to Controlled Environmental Agriculture. Learn more as we talk with Travis Parman, from AppHarvest, as he tells us about this reliable, secure, and sustainable agriculture technique from the Netherlands that has the potential to be a new wave of sustainable infrastructure in America. Travis tells us what this method of growing crops is, how it tackles the issue of food insecurity, climate change, and how it is a more local and sustainable way of growing produce. He tells about what everyone should know about this type of agriculture and how you can get involved!

What is the future of farming? Are there other more sustainable ways to grow food? As demand for food grows and the climate changes, alternatives to traditional farming will be necessary. In this episode we talk about controlled environmental agriculture, vertical farming, hydroponics, and aeroponics. Learn more about these alternative ways to grow crops without soil and their benefits and challenges.

On this episode we are joined by Kevin Hudson, Senior Vice President of Forest Resources & Recycle Fiber at WestRock, to discuss their process of developing paper and packaging solutions. Kevin guides us through sourcing, manufacturing, converting and even recovering of the WestRock's fiber products and we learn how important the circular economy is the world of paper and packaging. WestRock (NYSE: WRK) is a global leader in sustainable paper and packaging solutions, with more than 50,000 teammates in the Americas, Europe and Asia-Pacific. Their integrated packaging capabilities offer end-to-end solutions to help customers address their greatest challenges and Circular Economy is huge part of WestRock's operations and strategy.

What is a circular economy? Are consumers a part of it? It seems like a buzz word, but a circular economy is an important concept in the world of sustainability. In this episode we explain what a circular economy is, how consumers are at the heart of it, and why encouraging companies to be better makes a big difference not only for being "green" but for ensuring the people and the planet are taken care of.

Phosphorus can be extracted and recycled from an unexpected waste stream: Expired Fire Extinguishers! Helias Andriessen, CEO and founder of Phos Cycle, out of the UK, tells us how he used his sustainability knowledge and his biopolymers start-up experience to come up with an innovative way to get phosphate back from fire extinguisher powder and turn it into clean fertilizer. Phos Cycle tackles sustainability by reducing what would otherwise be landfill waste and turns into a high value material. Helias tells us about how Phos Cycle started with an idea, developed through research to a pilot plant, and is now growing to larger scales in the UK. He explains why recycling phosphates is critically important for the phosphorus cycle, for agriculture, and why we all depend on it.

Why is phosphorus such a critical and hard element to sustain? In this episode we talk about the phosphorus cycle, how it relates to fertilizers, farming, and food and why it's imperative we keep the cycle going!

Atlanta needs millions of gallons of drinkable water every day. We interview Lew Puckett, plant manager of the Hemphill water treatment facility and City of Atlanta watershed. He talks to us about the history of water treatment in the area, what goes into ensuring residents get clean water, the standards that need to be met, and the technology. He tells about the steps that happen from when water is collected in the Bellwood quarry(where an episode of Stranger Things was filmed!)to when it arrives in your faucet.

Where does the water that comes to your home really come from and where does it go? In this episode we give you an introduction to how public water and waste water treatment work in the United States. We talk about the processes, chemicals, and policies that go into ensuring that you have safe drinking water.

Not only are microplastics bad for the environment, they are tricky to study. We talk to Environmental Engineering PhD candidate and researcher from Oregon State University, Campbell McColley, about microplastics. He tells us about about what they are, what makes them so difficult to research, what he and other researchers are doing to understand them. Campbell gives us suggestions on what you can do reduce your microplastics impact. Also check out Campbell's podcast: Boozicals

To ring in the New Year we asked people to share sustainable practices that they do and what they hope others would do too! From air drying your clothes, to growing your own loofahs, and working to create sustainable products, our listeners have a lot of ideas. With a few small changes, we can make a more sustainable planet!

Over the past several years and decades, plastic has become more complicated with many layered and blended materials becoming more popular, especially in the packaging world. And with these developments, plastic recycling has also needed to evolve beyond mechanical shredding. In this episode, we interview Myra Foster, the executive director of Sustainability Strategy and Advocacy at Sealed Air Corporation. Sealed Air invented bubble wrap in 1960s and has led the way in plastic packaging for food and protection. Myra tells us how Sealed Air is working on advanced chemical techniques to recycle blended and complicated plastics. She also discusses various sustainability pledges and challenges that come up for companies working with plastic. We learn that eliminating plastic is not the solution in every situation and how companies like Sealed Air are working on advanced recycling to improve sustainability and circularity as a whole.

Often times, new plastics and blended plastics cannot be recycled using conventional mechanical recycling technologies. Advanced or chemical recycling technologies are new developments that complement existing infrastructure to turn more types of plastics into new products. This episode focuses on explaining some of these technologies and explaining how they work to expand the types of plastics that can be recycled.

Recyclables have value. We speak with Emma Brodzik, Zero Waste Project Manager at the Georgia Institute of Technology (Georgia Tech) about recycling on campus and in Georgia, and the economics that make recycling possible. We also discuss the impact of sorting recyclables and policies (or lack thereof) in Georgia. Emma tells us about the new AWARE Program (Actively Working to Achieve Resource Efficiency)at Georgia Tech and how it aims to minimize waste by encouraging people to make responsible choices with the waste they generate.

Animals are inefficient machines but plant-based materials are much more sustainable. We interview Stephanie Downs, co-founder Material Innovation Initiative and founder of Good Dot. She turned her lifelong passion for animal welfare into several companies including those that find vegan alternatives to meat and animal-based materials. She tells us about how the industry changed to make vegan foods readily available and how we still need innovation to make vegan-fabrics and materials a reality. We learn how everyone: consumers, entrepreneurs, materials scientists, policy-makers, and more can play a role in improving sustainability.

As the world population grows, the global demand for food, especially meat, rises significantly. The environmental impact of producing meat is very high with greenhouse gas emissions and even water and land usage. Alternative proteins can provide a way to reduce this impact while providing people with healthier yet tasty foods. Listen to find out more about what alternative proteins and plant based meats are made of and how they're helping the environment.

We know it's confusing, so in this year's bonus special we discuss what holiday paper stuff can and cannot be recycled. With guidelines from TAPPI (Technical Association for the Pulp and Paper Industry) we talk about what to do with holiday cards, boxes, giftbags, and glitter when you're done using them.

While we are talking about a different kind of metal, in honor of National Metal Day, we are re-releasing our interview with Ryan Weinstein, VP of M&M Waste. He talks to us about how recycling aluminum and scrap metal works, especially how the materials, manufacturing, and economics all tie together to make recycling feasible. He explains why recycling metal is great thing to do for the environment and how you can participate (especially if you're in the Atlanta area).

Policy is not just ideas, it's action plans. In this episode, we discuss the world of science policy outside the lab and how it relates to plastics, pollution, and sustainability. Campbell, Levi, and Nasreen talk with Manali about their experiences from a two week Science Outside the Lab policy program hosted by Arizona State University and funded by NSF. It's a lively conversation about what we learned from invited speakers from various organizations and the real people on the ground involved in science policy and regulations. We discuss the impact of these insights on our perspectives as scientists and how knowing more about science policy can inform our research and our personal interests around sustainability and education. And finally, we try to share ways in which the general public can lead to change and have an impact on science policy.

Don't trash glass! We interview Laura Hennemann, VP, Marketing & Communications of Strategic Materials Inc., a company that has been recycling glass for the last 125 years. Laura tells us about the myths, challenges, and process of glass recycling. We also learn about why glass for recycling is in high demand and what you can do to help.

Tires are made of highly engineered materials. We interview Tom Rosenmayer- Co-founder and CTO of Silpara Technologies, a company that is using nanotechnology to formulate tires with natural rubber. He tells us more about the current and new technology that goes into making tires and new developments in tire recycling.

There are millions of tires on the road. Ever wonder what happens to old tires when they get warn out? Listen in to learn some history about how tires are made and recycled!

What is the hardest part about recycling cartons? According to Kris Kaar, a senior consultant at Resource Recycling Systems and Carton Council, it’s getting people to actually recycle. In this episode, we learn how carton recycling technology developed over the last decade, including with AI, to make recycling it easier into stuff like ceiling tiles. Learn how the Carton Council is improving the curbside recycling rate of cartons in the US and how you can help make it higher!

What are cartons even made of? They definitely look like paper but they feel waxy? Cartons are actually composites of paper, plastic and metal! And they are 100% recyclable. In this episode we talk about the cool materials that allow cartons to be able to store your favorite drinks in the fridge and cabinet. We talk about the recycling technology and process that make recycling them actually possible in recent years. Listen in to learn more!

What about the recycling in China? What’s happening with the plastic pollution on the beaches of South America or in the streets of India? In this part 2 of 2 of our series, we hear stories about reuse and recycling from developing nations including China, India, Guyana, Mexico, Iran and Pakistan. In many developing nations sustainability and recycling, as we know it, is very different and much more focused on reuse and reduce. But things are changing! Listen in to learn how.

Take a trip with us around the world! In this episode we ask people from all over the world to share their experiences with recycling and the culture of getting rid of trash in their countries. In this is part 1 of our 2 part series, we focus on developed countries such as France, Korea, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Finland, and more! We learn about sorting recyclables, plastic bags, composting, government regulations, and the culture of recycling in general in all these places. So how does America compare? Listen and find out.

Sustainable forestry management is critical for the prosperity of forests, people and the planet. Making sure that wood sources are sustainably harvested is an essential part of the process for pulp and paper companies to make diverse tree-based products. In this episode we interview Rebecca Barnard, Forestry Certification Manager for Sappi North America, Inc. She explains what sustainable forestry is and why sustainable forestry certifications are an important part of ensuring that our most valuable renewable resource of trees and forests are conserved for future generations. We talk about how sustainable forestry management helps with maintaining tree and wildlife diversity, while also creating jobs and products that can benefit society and give back to our communities.

Trees and forests may be our most valuable natural resources for reducing greenhouse gases, preserving ecosystems, supporting wildlife, and providing for people. In this episode we talk about what sustainable forestry is and why managing forests is important for the environment, people, and the economy. We also talk about how harvesting and using trees through sustainable practices is good for the environment in many different ways, including helping reduce global warming. We also give a handful of suggestions on what you can do to help save and manage forests, reduce carbon emissions, and more.

Thinking about starting composting at home? We learned from composting expert, co-founder and director of Terra Nova Compost, Corrine Coe, that it doesn’t take a whole lot to get started. In this episode we talk about backyard thermophilic composting, what it needs, and how you can get started. And it’s pretty cool! Learn why composting is important for reducing methane in landfill and reduces the effects of climate change too.

Your food scraps can be more than just waste, they can be recycled! We interview Ben Parry, CEO of Compost Crew who talks to us about the full cycle of compositing starting with collection. Join us to learn about how food and other organic waste from your home can avoid landfill and be turned into useful materials such as soil amendment. We also learn about steps you can take to get started with composting and involved in reducing waste to do better for earth!

Teflon is a fluoropolymer that is super useful for non-stick and heat-resistance applications. Fluoropolymers have unique properties that we can't get from any other material. However, the chemicals used to produce them are known to be bad for human health. We talk about how teflon is made, how it can be recycled, and some ideas on what scientists can do to make the situation safer. We also give some easy suggestions of things you can do to reduce the amount of fluoropolymers in your life.

Scientific research can take naturally occurring materials, like lignin from trees, and turn them into chemicals and products. While creating sustainable alternatives to materials from fossil fuels sounds great, it can be a bit more challenging than you'd think. We interview Eric Gottlieb, the CEO and a cofounder of Lignolix, a company converting lignin into sustainable chemicals and materials. He talks about the path that led academic lignin research to become a start-up company and why it takes more than just sustainability to convince companies to make a change.

The material that's left over after making paper from trees can be used as an alternative to petroleum-based products and in a lot of different ways. This lignin is a naturally occurring biopolymer that can be broken down to make vanilla flavoring, biofuels, carbon fibers, and more! Check out this episode to learn more about this sustainable material.

Eating healthy and sustainably go hand-in-hand. We interview a clinical dietitian, Valerie Espinoza, on nutrition and the environment. She gives us perspective on how harming the environment can mean harming our bodies. Listen in to hear her recommendations on how you can do better for yourself and the planet.

It's National Nutrition Month! The foods we eat are materials that our bodies use for fuel to help us function and stay healthy. In this episode we discuss the sustainability of different food items from a 4 course meal. We talk about crops with GMOs, beef, fish, rice, and sugar. Learn about what you can eat to do better for your body and the planet!

This week we interview Teija Mortvedt. Teija works in the field of battery recycling. We discuss lithium ion and electric vehicle batteries, their recycling, and sustainability

What powers that pink bunny that keeps going and going? Batteries! We explain how different types of batteries work and how they can be recycled. And what you can and should do with your old batteries.

What should you do with all that wrapping paper and ugly Christmas sweaters? In our end of the year winter special, we give tips on having a more sustainable holiday season and new year! We also recap what we've learned about recycling, sustainability, and materials science from our special guests in 2019. Listen in for a quick summary from our discussions with Ernie Simpson from TerraCycle, Mattias Wallander of USAgain, Ryan Weinstein of M&M Waste, Inc., Chris Luettgen from the Renewable Bioproducts Institute at Georgia Tech, Léa Ikkache and Karelle Siellez from The Whale Shark Project, Scientific Glassblower Elayne Ashley from Georgia Tech, and Hannah Woods.

Even the little guy or gal can have a big impact! That’s why microplastics, while small, are kind of a big deal for plastic pollution in the oceans. We discuss what microplastics are, why they are bad for humans and biodiversity of our oceans, how to test for them, and what people can do to help! Join us for an interview with Léa Ikkache and Karelle Siellez, the founders of the Whale Shark Project, a grassroots plastic-reducing campaign out of Atlanta, GA. The Whale Shark Project will have an interactive sculpture in the Georgia Aquarium in 2020.

Even plastics and other materials need a little help from their friends! Most products are made by combining or blending different materials or plastics together, especially to get really cool properties. This also makes them really hard to recycle. In this episode we talk about composite materials and hear from Ernie Simpson, the Global Vice President of Research and Development of TerraCycle. He tells us about what it takes to recycle, just about anything, but specifically those tricky #7 plastic composites from multi-layer packaging in your Caprisun pouches and chip bags!

Forming a new habit takes about a month. In that same time, an aluminum can can be recycled and back on the shelf! Recycling metal to make new products is not only better for the environment, it’s much more economical. In this episode, we’ll talk about what makes a metal, how aluminum is extracted from the earth, and how it gets recycled. Did you know you can take your used aluminum cans to a scrap metal yard? We learned about the fascinating world of scrap metal recycling from our guest, Ryan Weinstein, Vice President of M&M Waste, a dumpster rental and scrap metal recycling company.