Podcasts about Plastic pollution

This is a rebroadcast of one of our favorite episodes from last season, and one that is particularly timely for the summer! What if you found out that there was a tiny, nearly invisible type of plastic pollution that's found nearly everywhere… but you'd never heard of it! That's what happened to environmental scientist Jace Tunnell several years ago, and he's been on a great nurdle hunt ever since! This episode on fighting plastic waste comes with a special bonus: the opportunity to enroll in a “Nurdle Patrol” and lead the Nurdle search in your community! Join the Nurdle Patrol Special Agent Training Course at ⁠sciencepodcastforkids.com/nurdles⁠ If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Ad-free early access to episodes is just $1/month, and for just $5/month you can get a birthday shout out on our feed! T-shirts and other merch (including merch specific to this episode) are available at the Tumble merch store, at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.

Fluent Fiction - Catalan: Beach Cleanup: From Gathering to Passionate Protectors Find the full episode transcript, vocabulary words, and more:fluentfiction.com/ca/episode/2026-06-26-22-34-02-ca Story Transcript:Ca: La platja de la Barceloneta brillava amb la llum de l'estiu.En: The platja de la Barceloneta shone with the light of summer.Ca: L'aire era més fresc que de costum, i les onades hi afegien una melodia relaxant.En: The air was cooler than usual, and the waves added a relaxing melody.Ca: Els focs artificials del festival de Sant Joan il·luminaven el cel, i les rialles de gent es barrejaven amb el so dels petards.En: The fireworks from the festival de Sant Joan lit up the sky, and the laughter of people mingled with the sound of firecrackers.Ca: Enmig d'aquest paisatge vibrant, un grup de voluntaris treballava àrduament recollint escombraries a la sorra.En: Amidst this vibrant landscape, a group of volunteers worked hard collecting trash on the sand.Ca: Martí era un d'ells.En: Martí was one of them.Ca: Treballava amb entusiasme, sabent que cada bossa omplerta significava una platja més neta.En: He worked with enthusiasm, knowing that each filled bag meant a cleaner beach.Ca: Al seu costat, Laia semblava menys compromesa.En: Next to him, Laia seemed less committed.Ca: Parlava i reia amb altres voluntaris, tractant l'esdeveniment més com una trobada social.En: She talked and laughed with other volunteers, treating the event more as a social gathering.Ca: Martí portava temps dedicant-se al projecte.En: Martí had been devoting time to the project for a while.Ca: La seva motivació venia del que havia viscut al seu poble natal, quan la contaminació de la costa va destruir parts de l'ecosistema marí.En: His motivation came from what he had experienced in his hometown when coastal pollution destroyed parts of the marine ecosystem.Ca: Va veure com afectava les seves platges preferides, i això el va impulsar a actuar.En: He saw how it affected his favorite beaches, and this drove him to take action.Ca: Martí volia compartir la seva història amb Laia.En: Martí wanted to share his story with Laia.Ca: Potser així ella entendria la importància de la seva feina.En: Maybe then she would understand the importance of their work.Ca: Van fer una pausa a l'ombra d'una palmera.En: They took a break in the shade of a palm tree.Ca: Martí va aprofitar per parlar.En: Martí took the opportunity to speak.Ca: "Laia," va dir amb un somriure, "sé que t'importa la teva comunitat.En: "Laia," he said with a smile, "I know you care about your community.Ca: I tant de bo també vulguis protegir el nostre mar.En: And I hope you also want to protect our sea."Ca: " Laia va aixecar el cap, intrigada.En: Laia raised her head, intrigued.Ca: Martí va explicar-li el que havia vist al seu poble.En: Martí explained to her what he had seen in his hometown.Ca: Les paraules eren senzilles, però el missatge clar.En: The words were simple, but the message clear.Ca: Mentre tornaven a la feina, Laia trobà un esquelet de gavina.En: As they returned to work, Laia found a seagull skeleton.Ca: Estava ple de plàstic.En: It was filled with plastic.Ca: L'espectacle la va impactar profundament.En: The sight impacted her deeply.Ca: De sobte, tot allò que Martí li havia explicat cobrava sentit.En: Suddenly, everything Martí had told her made sense.Ca: Va sentir la tristesa de la pèrdua d'aquest ocell i va comprendre la urgència del seu treball.En: She felt the sadness of the loss of this bird and understood the urgency of their work.Ca: La vigília de Sant Joan estava plena de llum.En: Sant Joan's eve was filled with light.Ca: Però l'endemà al matí, la platja era gairebé deserta.En: But the next morning, the beach was almost deserted.Ca: Laia va arribar d'hora, decidida a fer la diferència.En: Laia arrived early, determined to make a difference.Ca: Quan Martí la va veure, el seu cor es va omplir d'alegria i esperança.En: When Martí saw her, his heart filled with joy and hope.Ca: Junts, van treballar amb renovada energia i millor enteniment.En: Together, they worked with renewed energy and better understanding.Ca: Aquell dia canvià Laia.En: That day changed Laia.Ca: Ja no veia el projecte com un mer compromís social.En: She no longer saw the project as a mere social commitment.Ca: Va entendre que els seus esforços podien ajudar a canviar les coses.En: She understood that her efforts could help make a difference.Ca: Martí havia aconseguit inspirar-la, i ara ella també volia contribuir a deixar un món millor.En: Martí had managed to inspire her, and now she too wanted to contribute to leaving a better world.Ca: La platja lluïa més neta cap al vespre.En: The beach looked cleaner by the evening.Ca: D'hora, les olors dels sopars de Sant Joan es barrejaven amb la sal de la mar, i un nou foc d'artificis començava.En: Early on, the smells of Sant Joan dinners mixed with the salt of the sea, and another fireworks display began.Ca: Laia i Martí sabien que encara quedava molta feina, però cada petita acció sumava.En: Laia and Martí knew there was still much work to be done, but every small action added up.Ca: Així, enmig de la bellesa de la festa, germinava un nou compromís per la natura que tots dos ja mai no deixarien enrere.En: Thus, amidst the beauty of the celebration, a new commitment to nature was sown, one that both of them would never leave behind. Vocabulary Words:the beach: la platjathe air: l'airethe wave: l'onadathe firework: el foc artificialthe sky: el celthe laughter: la riallathe volunteer: el voluntari/la voluntàriathe trash: les escombrariesthe sand: la sorrathe enthusiasm: l'entusiasmethe motivation: la motivacióthe pollution: la contaminacióthe ecosystem: l'ecosistemathe hometown: el poble natalthe palm tree: la palmerathe community: la comunitatthe message: el missatgethe skeleton: l'esqueletthe plastic: el plàsticthe seagull: la gavinathe sadness: la tristesathe loss: la pèrduathe commitment: el compromísthe energy: l'energiathe understanding: l'entenimentthe evening: el vesprethe smell: l'olorthe salt: la salthe beauty: la bellesathe nature: la natura

On World Environment Day, Thabo Shole-Mashao speaks to Lisl Doherty, Enterprise Development Manager at Polyco, about South Africa’s plastic recycling landscape, the newly launched Plastics Pact 2030 targets, and how waste management is becoming central to climate action. Early Breakfast with Africa Melane is 702’s and CapeTalk’s early morning talk show. Experienced broadcaster Africa Melane brings you the early morning news, sports, business, and interviews politicians and analysts to help make sense of the world. He also enjoys chatting to guests in the lifestyle sphere and the Arts. All the interviews are podcasted for you to catch-up and listen. Thank you for listening to this podcast from Early Breakfast with Africa Melane For more about the show click https://buff.ly/XHry7eQ and find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/XJ10LBU Listen live on weekdays between 04:00 and 06:00 (SA Time) to the Early Breakfast with Africa Melane broadcast on 702 https://buff.ly/gk3y0Kj and CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3N Subscribe to the 702 and CapeTalk daily and weekly newsletters https://buff.ly/v5mfetc Follow us on social media: 702 on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/TalkRadio702 702 on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@talkradio702 702 on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/talkradio702/ 702 on X: https://x.com/Radio702 702 on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@radio702 CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567 See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Each year on June 8th we celebrate World Ocean Day, a day set aside to recognize our relationships with the ocean through global connection. What is Ocean Day meant to do? Is it working? Are the voices and the will of the people translating into a voice for change toward a healthy ocean and a sustainable future? What will you do to commit to the ocean this year?About World Ocean Radio World Ocean Radio is a weekly series of five-minute audio essays available for syndicated use at no cost by college and community radio stations worldwide. Celebrating 16 years in 2026, providing coverage of a broad spectrum of ocean issues from science and education to advocacy and exemplary projects. Episodes of World Ocean Radio offer perspectives on global ocean issues and viable solutions, and celebrate exemplary projects.World Ocean Radio: 5-minute weekly insights in ocean science, advocacy, education, global ocean issues, marine science, policy, challenges, and solutions. Hosted by Peter Neill, Founder of W2O. Learn more at worldoceanobservatory.org

Petco CEO Telly Chauke spoke to Clarence Ford on how the Western Cape has gotten a huge recycling boost after a major infrastructure upgrade in Parow. Views and News with Clarence Ford is the mid-morning show on CapeTalk. This 3-hour long programme shares and reflects a broad array of perspectives. It is inspirational, passionate and positive. Host Clarence Ford’s gentle curiosity and dapper demeanour leave listeners feeling motivated and empowered. Known for his love of jazz and golf, Clarrie covers a range of themes including relationships, heritage and philosophy. Popular segments include Barbs’ Wire at 9:30am (Mon-Thurs) and The Naked Scientist at 9:30 on Fridays. Thank you for listening to a podcast from Views & News with Clarence Ford Listen live on Primedia+ weekdays between 09:00 and 12:00 (SA Time) to Views and News with Clarence Ford broadcast on CapeTalk https://buff.ly/NnFM3Nk For more from the show go to https://buff.ly/erjiQj2 or find all the catch-up podcasts here https://buff.ly/BdpaXRn Subscribe to the CapeTalk Daily and Weekly Newsletters https://buff.ly/sbvVZD5 Follow us on social media: CapeTalk on Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@capetalk CapeTalk on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/ CapeTalk on X: https://x.com/CapeTalk CapeTalk on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@CapeTalk567See omnystudio.com/listener for privacy information.

Experts talk about local efforts to reduce plastic use and recycle differently.

What's really happening in Texas waterways — and why is so much trash ending up there? In this episode of Texas Talks, host Brad Swail sits down with Robby Robinson, Field Operations Manager at the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, and Mike Garver, Chairman of Texans for Clean Water and a founding member of the Buffalo Bayou Partnership, for a firsthand look at the growing challenge of waterway pollution in Texas. Recorded in Houston after a live tour of Buffalo Bayou, the conversation explores what the team saw on the water — and why the problem is far bigger than most people realize. A major focus of the discussion is how trash actually reaches waterways. Contrary to common assumptions, most of it isn't dumped directly into rivers or bayous — it comes from everyday litter on streets, which is carried through storm drains and funnels into the broader water system. The discussion covers: • How Buffalo Bayou has transformed since the 1980s • Where waterway trash actually comes from • How Houston's storm drain system feeds directly into the bayou • The scale of the problem — draining over 200 square miles • The “bayou vac” system and how cleanup operations work • Why cleanup efforts only capture a fraction of total waste • How plastic pollution travels from cities to the ocean • The rise of microplastics and long-term environmental impact • Why Texas imports recyclable materials from other states • The economic demand for recycled plastic, glass, and aluminum • The limits of cleanup vs preventing pollution at the source • The case for a bottle deposit refund system in Texas • How other states (like Oregon) achieve high recycling rates • Policy barriers and the need for state-level legislation • Landfill capacity concerns and long-term waste challenges Robinson and Garver emphasize a key point: cleanup alone is not the solution. Even with daily operations, only a small percentage of total waste is removed — meaning most of it ultimately flows into the Gulf of Mexico. Instead, they argue the answer lies upstream — preventing waste from entering the system in the first place, particularly through proven policies like deposit-refund recycling programs. The episode highlights a broader takeaway: keeping Texas waterways clean isn't just an environmental issue — it's a matter of infrastructure, public behavior, and policy alignment. 00:00 — Intro + Buffalo Bayou tour recap 00:35 — What is the Buffalo Bayou Partnership? 01:37 — What the bayou looked like in the 1980s 02:58 — From “no man's land” to public space 03:44 — Where all the trash comes from 05:04 — Storm drains and urban runoff explained 05:30 — Scale of the problem: 200+ square miles 06:08 — Inside the “bayou vac” cleanup system 07:03 — How much trash gets collected weekly 08:10 — What happens when trash reaches the ocean 08:50 — Microplastics and environmental impact 10:23 — Why some trash sinks and some floats 11:17 — How unique is Houston's cleanup operation? 11:31 — Funding: public, private, and local support 12:38 — Cleanup efforts across Texas waterways 13:34 — Trash flowing downstream from across the state 14:17 — Policy discussion: bottle deposit systems 15:26 — Why Texas imports recyclable materials 16:29 — How deposit systems work in other states 17:39 — “Legislating ourselves out of a job” 18:11 — Why prevention beats cleanup 19:01 — Growth, consumption, and rising waste 20:06 — Industry pushback and policy challenges 21:18 — Economic and landfill impacts 22:53 — Landfill capacity concerns in Texas 23:39 — Why the problem is getting worse 32:12 — Final thoughts + call to action 34:02 — Where to learn more (Texans for Clean Water) Watch Full-Length Interviews: https://www.youtube.com/@TexasTalks

Sea turtles play a critical role in maintaining ocean ecosystems, yet plastic waste is threatening their survival. At the same time, research shows that microplastics are entering the human body through everyday foods and drinks, highlighting a growing environmental and public health crisis. Ever Wonder Adventure City: Singapore Address: One Oxley Rise Website: https://www.everwonderadventure.com

What does climate survival look like—and what's stopping us from getting there? This week on Writer's Voice: Ellen Meeropol imagines communities rebuilding in a warming world. Then, Judith Enck reveals how the plastic crisis was engineered—and how we can fight back From empathy to action, this episode connects the dots between storytelling and systemic change.

Our Changing Word heads to Whangārei to speak to a Northland Regional Council scientist whose been using stormwater drains to estimate the scale of our plastic pollution problem. Plus, just outside Christchurch, one of New Zealand's biggest lakes is home to the ‘canary in the coalmine' of wetlands. The secretive and elusive Australasian bittern seems to be in trouble - how can we help? Sign up to the Our Changing World monthly newsletter for episode backstories, science analysis and more.Learn more:Join Alison Ballance on a kayak across a lake to listen to some booming bittern crooners.Listen to the nine to noon interview with John Sumich about the 2025 Matuku muster.The research into microplastics was part of the AIM2 project, which was reported on in 2021 as part of the OCW episode ‘Unwelcome visitors'.Another source of microplastics is textile waste, but an international project is looking to a future where our clothes are fully biodegradable.Guests:Richard Griffiths, Northland Regional CouncilPeter Langlands, Bittern Conservation – New ZealandHarry Caley, Department of ConservationGo to this episode on rnz.co.nz for more details

Our oceans are slowly being destroyed by plastic pollution, and marine debris rapidly increases every year with no end in sight. Corrina Bellizzi takes a deep dive into one of the most visible and urgent environmental challenges of our time with Eric Magers, Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability. Together, they discuss what must be done to minimize and put an end to plastic pollution, from getting rid of single-use plastic to pushing for legislation centered on environmental preservation. Eric also explains the importance of empowering small-scale projects and pushing young people to drive project-based sustainability initiatives. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-plastic-pollution-in-our-ocean-with-eric-magers/ About Guest: Eric Magers is the Founder and Executive Director of Seaside Sustainability, a nationally recognized nonprofit driving innovative solutions to plastic pollution, marine debris, and climate education. A lifelong educator and award-winning climate leader, Eric was honored at the White House and named Climate Educator of the Year for his pioneering work bridging science, community, and action. He is also the creator of Green Scholars, a nationally award-winning project-based learning course that empowers students to transform their schools through sustainability initiatives. Several schools implementing this program have been recognized as some of the greenest schools in America. Beyond Seaside, Eric is the Founder and CEO of the National STEM Honor Society (NSTEM), which now includes more than 500 chapters and 6,000 members worldwide. Across all his work, Eric's vision is clear: empower students, schools, and communities with the tools to create systemic change and build a sustainable, innovative future. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/eric-magers/  Guest Website: https://www.seasidesustainability.org/home  Guest Social:  https://www.facebook.com/seasusinc https://www.instagram.com/seasusinc/ Additional Resources Mentioned:  Trash to Treasure: Exploring What It Takes to Build a Business from Waste with Kelsey Rumburg  Solving The Problem Of Plastic Pollution With Judith Enck  The Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck Show Notes: 03:33 - How Eric Became An Environmental Educator And Ocean Advocate 10:00 - The Planet's Big Problem Of Consumer Marine Debris 20:37 - How Environmental Legislation Can Solve Plastic Pollution 28:21 - Why A Total Plastic Ban Would Never Work 34:50 - Seaside Sustainability's Focus On Plastics And Marine Debris 37:29 - Addressing Environmental Problems Even If You Are Not Seeing Them 49:46 - Plastics Should Never Find Their Way Back Into The Environment 54:57 - Keep Yourself Updated With Google Alerts 58:14 - Discussion Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Fish feel pain, form bonds, and suffer from ocean pollution—yet they're left out of ethical and ecological conversations. #FishFeel #MarineLife #VeganOceans #HealthTalks

Scientists are finding tiny fragments of plastic inside the human body - including the brain.Dr. Matthew Campen of the University of New Mexico explains how they get there - and why the biggest source may surprise you.

Over the past decade, leading businesses have shown that progress on plastic pollution is possible. And while individual company action has been successful, even the most ambitious businesses are running up against the same obstacles. As a result, the Ellen MacArthur Foundation has rallied leading businesses behind an evidence-based, ‘2030 Plastics Agenda for Business.' In this episode of the Circular Economy Show, taken from a Foundation's webinar, we explore that Agenda, and evaluate the plan and priority actions for business and policy to drive implementation at scale. If you enjoyed this episode, then please share with your colleagues, or leave us a review or comment on Apple Podcasts, Spotify or YouTube.  Learn more about the 2030 Plastics Agenda for Business and how your organisation can play a role. .

EDITORIAL: A new monster in the plastic pollution problem | Feb. 18, 2026Check out our Streaming Channel: https://streaming.manilatimes.net/Subscribe to The Manila Times Channel - https://tmt.ph/YTSubscribeVisit our website at [https://www.manilatimes.net](https://www.manilatimes.net/)Follow us:Facebook - https://tmt.ph/facebookInstagram - https://tmt.ph/instagramTwitter - https://tmt.ph/twitterDailyMotion - https://tmt.ph/dailymotionSubscribe to our Digital Edition - https://tmt.ph/digitalCheck out our Podcasts:Spotify - https://tmt.ph/spotifyApple Podcasts - https://tmt.ph/applepodcastsAmazon Music - https://tmt.ph/amazonmusicDeezer: https://tmt.ph/deezerStitcher: https://tmt.ph/stitcherTune In: https://tmt.ph/tunein#TheManilaTimes#VoiceOfTheTimes Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

By now, we know that our society has a problem with plastics. They seem to have made their way into every aspect of our lives. They're inescapable, but this is a problem that doesn't need to last forever. It is a problem we can solve, or at least, that's what the new book The Problem with Plastic argues. We've been told for decades that recycling would solve the plastic crisis — but it hasn't. The truth is, we can't recycle our way out of this problem. Plastic recycling has never worked at scale, and the real solution is far more straightforward: we have to stop making so much plastic in the first place. That change won't happen without policy, and when everyday people use their voices to push policymakers at every level to cut plastic production and address this crisis before it's too late. In episode 211 of the Outdoor Minimalist podcast, we hear from the author of THE PROBLEM WITH PLASTIC, Judith Enck.Judith is the founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is eliminating plastic pollution everywhere. She was appointed by President Obama to serve as regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 and served as deputy secretary for the environment in the New York Governor's Office. She is currently a professor at Bennington College and lives in upstate New York.Instagram: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.instagram.com/outdoor.minimalist.book/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠Website: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.theoutdoorminimalist.com/⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠YouTube: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://www.youtube.com/@theoutdoorminimalistBuy Me a Coffee: ⁠⁠⁠https://buymeacoffee.com/outdoorminimalist⁠⁠⁠Listener Survey: ⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠https://forms.gle/jd8UCN2LL3AQst976⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠------------------The Problem with Plastics: https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-bookBeyond Plastics: https://www.beyondplastics.org/Judith Enck: https://judithenck.com/

Judith Enck discusses her new book, "The Problem with Plastic," and the Trump regime's decision to repeal the government's power to regulate greenhouse gas emissions.

Send us a textIn this episode, we're joined by environmental policy expert Judith Enck, co-author of The Problem with Plastic and president of Beyond Plastics, for a frank conversation about why plastic recycling has largely failed—and why that failure wasn't an accident.Judith unpacks how the plastics industry has known for decades that recycling doesn't work, while spending millions convincing the public otherwise. We also explore the human and environmental costs of plastic production, from “Cancer Alley” in Louisiana—where petrochemical plants line the Mississippi River—to the growing body of research showing microplastics in our blood, organs, placenta, and breast milk.But this isn't just a story of harm. It's a call to action. The conversation turns toward real, systemic solutions—like policy efforts to reduce single-use plastics, eliminate toxic chemicals in packaging, and invest in reuse and refill systems.The takeaway? Individual choices matter—but lasting change comes when many people work together, imperfectly but persistently, to transform the systems and laws shaping our world.About JudithJudith Enck is a faculty member at Bennington College, where she teaches courses on plastic pollution, and the founder of Beyond Plastics, an organization that works with community leaders and policymakers to reduce plastic pollution. She also leads the college's Environmental Action Fellowship.Appointed by President Obama, Judith served as the longest-tenured Regional Administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency for Region 2, overseeing environmental protection in New York, New Jersey, eight Tribal Nations, Puerto Rico, and the U.S. Virgin Islands. She has also held senior roles in New York State government, including Deputy Secretary for the Environment, Policy Advisor to the Attorney General, and Executive Director of Environmental Advocates of New York.A frequent public commentator, Judith appears on WAMC Northeast Public Radio's The Roundtable. She is the co-author of the new book The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late.Thanks for listening to Hawthorne Valley's Roots to Renewal podcast. We are an association comprised of a variety of interconnected initiatives that work collectively to meet our mission. You can learn more about our work by visiting our website at hawthornevalley.org. Hawthorne Valley is a registered 501c3 nonprofit organization, and we rely on the generosity of people like you to make our work a reality. Please consider making a donation to support us today. If you'd like to help us in other ways, please help us spread the word about this podcast by sharing it with your friends, and leaving us a rating and review.If you'd like to follow the goings-on at the farm and our initiatives, follow us on Instagram!

Judith Enck is a former regional administrator of the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency, appointed by President Barack Obama, and the founder of Beyond Plastics, an organization dedicated to eradicating plastic pollution worldwide. She joins Mongabay's podcast to discuss how governments can implement policies to turn off the tap on plastic pollution, which harms human health and devastates our ecological systems — solutions she outlines in her new book with co-author Adam Mahoney, The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late. "We now have all of this evidence. We have no choice but to act. Because who's going to stand by and let us turn the ocean into a watery landfill? Who's going to stand by and read health study after health study about microplastics in our brains and breast milk and testicles? Not taking action is not an option," she says. Image credit: Judith Enck holding a copy of The Problem with Plastic. Image by Jerrick Mitra ——- Timecodes (00:00) The Problem with plastic (02:55) Unpacking the plastic recycling myth (08:31) Health impacts of plastic pollution (12:43) Government and policy solutions (31:43) Individual actions (37:22) Plastic pollution and wildlife impacts (45:52) Plastics and climate change

A new report from the Pew Charitable Trusts and its partners predicts that plastic pollution will more than double over the next 15 years — the equivalent of dumping nearly a garbage truck full of plastic waste every second. Hundreds of miles from any ocean, an innovative U.S. company wants to turn plastic pollution into something constructive. Kassidy Arena of PBS Nebraska reports. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders. Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy

How do just transition principles apply to policymaking? Brian Loma of GreenLatinos Colorado and Upstream's Sydney Harris get real about the policymaking process in a just transition to a reuse economy. They discuss everything from community stakeholder involvement; to capacity, budget, and messaging challenges; to modeling the values of reuse, and more. Stay tuned to the end for some excellent tips on messaging and education. Brian and Sydney close this rich conversation with an invitation to think of policy as a way to create multigenerational wealth and health in our communities. Resources: GreenLatinos websiteUpstream Series: The Role Of Reuse In A Just TransitionDiscussion Paper: The Belem Action Mechanism For A Global Just Transition (Bam) Why And HowClimate Action Network International: COP30 takes a hopeful step towards Justice, but does not go far enoughResources for policy engagement: For NGOs: Bolder AdvocacyFor understanding federal policy: Government 101For building grassroots power for local policy: Building Grassroots PowerAbout EPR for packagingGet involved:Join the Reuse Solutions NetworkSupport Upstream to make sure these stories continue to be heard and the reuse economy continues to grow — thank you!

Plastic is everywhere. Over the past century, we've stuffed our landfills, lined the bottom of the ocean floor, and even managed to get microscopic particles floating through our blood and bodies. Topping things off, the industry is only growing. Plastics simply do not go away, and neither will this problem unless we do something about it. This week, Adam talks about ending plastic pollution with Judith Enck, a former EPA official under President Obama, and the author of the new book The Problem with Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late. Find Judith's book at factuallypod.com/books--SUPPORT THE SHOW ON PATREON: https://www.patreon.com/adamconoverSEE ADAM ON TOUR: https://www.adamconover.net/tourdates/SUBSCRIBE to and RATE Factually! on:» Apple Podcasts: https://podcasts.apple.com/us/podcast/factually-with-adam-conover/id1463460577» Spotify: https://open.spotify.com/show/0fK8WJw4ffMc2NWydBlDyJAbout Headgum: Headgum is an LA & NY-based podcast network creating premium podcasts with the funniest, most engaging voices in comedy to achieve one goal: Making our audience and ourselves laugh. Listen to our shows at https://www.headgum.com.» SUBSCRIBE to Headgum: https://www.youtube.com/c/HeadGum?sub_confirmation=1» FOLLOW us on Twitter: http://twitter.com/headgum» FOLLOW us on Instagram: https://instagram.com/headgum/» FOLLOW us on TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@headgum» Advertise on Factually! via Gumball.fmSee Privacy Policy at https://art19.com/privacy and California Privacy Notice at https://art19.com/privacy#do-not-sell-my-info.

Let's all sing the holiday classic: “All I want for Christmas… Is Something Not Made of Plastic.”Easier sung than done. Plastic is now ubiquitous in toys, electronics, tools, air, water… and us. And don't forget the plastic Baby Jesus in Christmas tableaus.What is plastic, anyway? It's a toxic synthetic material mostly manufactured from petroleum by such giants as ExxonMobil, the globe's top purveyor. So much is produced by these profiteers that plastic trash is now a planetary disaster.But not to worry, for Big Oil's lobbyists assure us gabillions of plastic bags, bottles, and such are being recycled, keeping them out of our landfills, water, bodies, etc. Swell! Except… they're lying.After all, Exxon is the same for-profit contaminator that lied for years that fossil fuels were not causing climate change, even though top executives knew they were. Their ethic of deceit continues today – Big Oil knows that 94 percent of US plastics are not recycled. Indeed, they can't be.Faced with growing public alarm about the ever-growing glut of plastic pollution, the industry has doubled down on deceit by offering a snappy new PR slogan: “Advanced Recycling.” They say it's a magical process dubbed “pyrolysis.” Only… it doesn't work, it's inordinately expensive, and it increases climate change emissions. Still, Exxon exclaims its AR will soon be processing half a million tons of plastic waste! But that's not even a drop in the plastic bucket, for more than 400 million tons of plastic waste is discarded each year –and the oil industry is planning to double plastic production by 2040.The only real way to stop runaway plastic pollution of us and our planet is to use less plastic. To learn more and help, go to Beyond Plastics: BeyondPlastics.org.Jim Hightower's Lowdown is a reader-supported publication. To receive new posts and support my work, consider becoming a free or paid subscriber. This is a public episode. If you'd like to discuss this with other subscribers or get access to bonus episodes, visit jimhightower.substack.com/subscribe

Tons of plastic continue to pile up in landfills and find their way in our oceans, and it only gets worse every single year. Judith Enck, founder and president of Beyond Plastics, is leading the charge against plastic pollution for decades. She joins Corinna Bellizzi to share what must be done to accelerate and improve efforts in reducing plastic use, particularly recycling and reusing methods. Judith also explains why most plastics continue not to get recycled, the best way to reduce unnecessary food packaging, and why corporations are the biggest culprit behind the worsening state of plastic pollution. COMPLETE BLOG & TRANSCRIPT: https://caremorebebetter.com/solving-the-problem-of-plastic-pollution-with-judith-enck/ About Guest: Judith Enck is the founder and president of Beyond Plastics, whose goal is eliminating plastic pollution everywhere. She was appointed by President Obama to serve as regional administrator at the U.S. Environmental Protection Agency in 2009 and served as deputy secretary for the environment in the New York Governor's Office. She is the co-author, with Adam Mahoney, of "The Problem With Plastic: How We Can Save Ourselves and Our Planet Before It's Too Late" (The New Press). She is currently a professor at Bennington College and lives in upstate New York. Guest LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/in/judith-enck-26a769200 Guest Website: https://www.beyondplastics.org/ Guest Social: https://www.instagram.com/beyondplastics https://www.facebook.com/beyondplasticsaction https://www.youtube.com/channel/UCHsOC-rBE1GTpmZg4sUD96g https://www.tiktok.com/@beyondplasticsaction Additional Resources Mentioned: Book - The Problem with Plastic: https://amzn.to/4p6RcXX Show Notes:  02:40 - What Inspired Judith To Fight Plastic Pollution  06:19 - Why Most Plastics Do Not Get Recycled  14:00 - How To Boost Recycling And Get Rid Of Unnecessary Packaging  22:51 - How To Do Your Part In Reducing Plastic Pollution  28:30 - Why Chemical Recycling Is The Last Thing We Need  33:03 - How Women Are Leading The Charge Against Plastic Pollution  38:41 - There Is No Such Thing As Biodegradable Plastic   48:28 - We Need To Work To Retain Hope  51:20 - How To Work And Collaborate With Beyond Plastics Community  53:14 - What Can Replace Polyester In Our Clothes  58:10 - Get In Touch With Judith Enck And Beyond Plastics 01:00:13 - Episode Wrap-up And Closing Words BUILD A GREENER FUTURE with CARE MORE BE BETTER Together, we planted 36,044 trees in 2025 through our partnership with ForestPlanet. We screamed past our goal of planting 20,000 trees thanks to subscribers like you! NEW CAUSE PARTNER FOR 2025-2026 SELECTED! If you value open dialogue, sustainability, and social equity, I invite you to support our new cause partner — Prescott College. To learn more about this effort and to support the show, visit: https://caremorebebetter.com/support/ Follow us on social media: YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/c/caremorebebetter TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@caremorebebetter Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/caremorebebetter Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/CareMoreBeBetter LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/care-more-be-better Hosted by Simplecast, an AdsWizz company. See pcm.adswizz.com for information about our collection and use of personal data for advertising.

Oregon lawmakers passed the Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act in 2021, but the changes just went into effect on July 1, 2025. It’s a sweeping, multi-pronged approach to reduce waste, and many of the changes the law drives are the responsibility of producers and manufacturers. New recycling centers are one element of the Act, the first of which came online this fall. At the RecycleOn Center in Ashland, more kinds of plastic can be recycled, along with shredded paper, aluminum foil and other material that often ends up in landfills or contaminating recycling picked up by curbside collectors. Kim Holmes is the executive director of Oregon’s Circular Action Alliance, the producer responsibility organization that co-operates the Ashland facility. She joins us to tell us more about the impact of this center and the other 143 planned for the state.

Plastic has a rather dirty reputation these days. There are few places on land or underwater where you won't find discarded plastic waste causing harm and havoc. Thomas Chhoa has spent his life in the petro-chemical industry creating plastic, and he still believes this is a wonder-material and overall a force for good in the world. Now a Senior Advisor with the Alliance to End Plastic Waste, he is working at the highest levels to develop a circular plastics economy, and argues we need to return to the principles of reduce, reuse, recycle - on steroids.Thomas is a man of deep faith, moral fibre and intelligence and his message is both realistically sober and hopeful.

I am Dominic Bowen, and I am the host of the International Risk Podcast.At 7am on the 15th of August, after ten days of marathon sessions and a final overtime session that stretched more than 24 hours, the Chair of the UN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution formally adjourned INC-5.2. What was meant to be the final round of talks on a global plastic treaty ended not with a breakthrough but with collapse. Despite two draft texts, delegates left Geneva without a consensus on a legally binding agreement. The deadlock revealed stark fault lines: on one side, a majority of countries demanding binding rules to tackle plastics across their full lifecycle — turning off the tap at the source. On the other hand, a minority of petrochemical and oil-producing states are pushing for a nationally determined approach, focused narrowly on recycling and waste management after production. The result? Paralysis by consensus: a process where the need for unanimity allowed a small group of obstructionists to stall the world's response to a rapidly escalating crisis.Today, we're joined first by Christina Dixon, Ocean Campaign Leader at the Environmental Investigation Agency. For several years, Christina and her team at EIA have been pushing for a global treaty to tackle plastic pollution and she was present at the UN Environment Assembly in 2002 when nations adopted the resolution to begin negotiations on a legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution. Christina has more than 15 years of experience driving change through policy and strategic communication, including her previous role as Global Campaign Lead at World Animal Protection, and holds degrees in both Broadcast Journalism and Media and Communications. Alongside Christina, we are joined by Alexandra Harrington, an international law scholar and practitioner specialising in international organisations, environmental and sustainable development law, corporate social responsibility, transitional justice and treaty regimes. She is Chair of the Plastic Pollution Task Force at the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN). She has published extensively, with recent books inlcuding International Law and Global Governance: Treaty Regimes and Sustainable Development Goals Interpretation. She holds a doctoral degree in civil law, in addition to a JD and LLM.The International Risk Podcast brings you conversations with global experts, frontline practitioners, and senior decision-makers who are shaping how we understand and respond to international risk. From geopolitical volatility and organised crime, to cybersecurity threats and hybrid warfare, each episode explores the forces transforming our world and what smart leaders must do to navigate them. Whether you're a board member, policymaker, or risk professional, The International Risk Podcast delivers actionable insights, sharp analysis, and real-world stories that matter.Dominic Bowen is the host of The International Risk Podcast and Europe's leading expert on international risk and crisis management. As Head of Strategic Advisory and Partner at one of Europe's leading risk management consulting firms, Dominic advises CEOs, boards, and senior executives across the continent on how to prepare for uncertainty and act with intent. He has spent decades working in war zones, advising multinational companies, and supporting Europe's business leaders. Dominic is the go-to business advisor for leaders navigating risk, crisis, and strategy; trusted for his clarity, calmness under pressure, and ability to turn volatility into competitive advantage. Dominic equips today's business leaders with the insight and confidence to lead through disruption and deliver sustained strategic advantage.Tell us what you liked!

The harm of plastics on human health is well known, but what about their impact on the people living near the plants that produce them? In this episode, we hear from the women on the frontlines of the fight against petrochemical companies in one of the US's most toxic strips of land known as “Cancer Alley.”

Send us a textBrodie Longo is a young organizer and director of the Northeast Ohio chapter of Beyond Plastics. This grassroots organization works to combat plastic pollution and the use of single-use plastics through education and activism. In this episode, Brodie speaks about what it's been like starting a local Beyond Plastics chapter and how, at just 23 years old, he found himself leading in ways he did not expect. Together with his steering committee and volunteers, Brodie is building momentum against single-use plastic, from hosting nurdle patrols and beach cleanups to venue recycling and advocating for policy and legislative change. Hear Brodie's tips for reducing your exposure to microplastic pollution and how to join meetings, find resources, and get involved with this newly formed organization. Our Guest:Brodie Longo - Director, NEO Chapter of Beyond Plastics brodielongo@yahoo.comResources:  Beyond Plastics National OrganizationThe Problem with Plastic by Judith Enck Follow Beyond Plastics on FacebookSupport the showSupport Eco Speaks CLE Follow us: https://www.facebook.com/ecospeaksclehttps://www.instagram.com/ecospeakscleContact us:hello@ecospeakscle.com

The advent of artificial light is obliterating women's moon-driven menstrual cycle rhythms; When the triple whammy of cataracts, glaucoma, and macular degeneration strikes; Why can systolic blood pressure spike erratically? Are wrist and finger wearables for blood pressure ready for prime time? Nearly half of drivers killed in crashes have THC in their blood; Drinking bottled water causes surge in plastic micro-particle intake; The common supplement that can supercharge cancer immunotherapy.

On this episode of Vitality Radio, Jared sits down with Ben Fuehrer of UTZY Naturals to explore one of today's most unavoidable toxic exposures—microplastics. Jared and Ben discuss how microplastics accumulate in the body, what research reveals about their effects on the brain, heart, lungs, and hormones, and why complete avoidance is impossible. You'll learn practical lifestyle steps to reduce exposure and how to support the body's detox systems—especially the liver—to eliminate these pollutants from the body. Ben introduces a groundbreaking daily microplastic-support formula from UTZY that features ingredients like black kale extract, hobamine, green tea extract, milk thistle, and shilajit—a unique combination designed to help the body maintain its natural detoxification and antioxidant balance. This episode offers a clear, realistic view of the modern toxic burden, how to live cleaner without fear, and how to support your body's own resilience—day after day.Products:UTZY Microplastic Daily DetoxUTZY GlyNAC+ Glutathione SupportLiverVitalityEndoCleanseVisit the podcast website here: VitalityRadio.comYou can follow @vitalitynutritionbountiful and @vitalityradio on Instagram, or Vitality Radio and Vitality Nutrition on Facebook. Join us also in the Vitality Radio Podcast Listener Community on Facebook. Shop the products that Jared mentions at vitalitynutrition.com. Let us know your thoughts about this episode using the hashtag #vitalityradio and please rate and review us on Apple Podcasts. Thank you!Just a reminder that this podcast is for educational purposes only. The FDA has not evaluated the podcast. The information is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease. The advice given is not intended to replace the advice of your medical professional.

In this episode of Scratch, Eric chats with Will Pearson, Co-Founder of Ocean Bottle, the brand turning reusable bottles into vehicles for global impact. One of the biggest takeaways from Will's story is how Ocean Bottle has made impact completely non-negotiable in its business model; every purchase is tied directly to measurable change. Rather than chasing the traditional direct-to-consumer routes, the brand leaned into B2B partnerships as its true growth engine, scaling faster through collaborations like Ed Sheeran's tour than through paid ads. Will also highlights that in a purpose-driven category, the goal isn't to outcompete others but to grow the category as a whole. Ocean Bottle's marketing reflects this mindset, relying on storytelling backed by proof, from the Change Collective initiative to transparent reporting on every kilo of plastic collected. Ultimately, the key learning for marketers is clear: purpose isn't dead; it is evolving. And partnerships are how purpose-led brands grow.Watch the video version of this podcast on Youtube ▶️: [coming soon]

In the news podcast, the US and the UK have forged a long-term nuclear alliance - but what will it really deliver? We also examine a new study on whether smoking cannabis makes it harder to get pregnant. And we'll be hearing from a forensic scientist who is using detective work to rid our oceans of plastic. Like this podcast? Please help us by supporting the Naked Scientists

Ocean Book you need to read introduces listeners to Sea Change by Amanda Leland, a powerful and hopeful exploration of how individuals and communities can unite to protect our oceans. Amanda draws from her expertise and experience to highlight the urgency of tackling climate change, overfishing, and pollution, while also showcasing the innovative solutions already underway. Ocean conservation is not only about science, it is about people taking action. In this episode, Amanda shares inspiring stories of collaboration and resilience that prove change is possible. From grassroots initiatives to global policy shifts, Sea Change reveals how the choices we make today will shape the oceans of tomorrow. Buy the book: https://www.edf.org/sea-change Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube    

Earlier this year, Washington became the seventh state in the US to pass an Extended Producer Responsibility Bill for packaging. The bill, SB 5284—The Recycling Reform Act—was supported by Upstream and civic and elected partners around Washington state, and includes something rarely featured in EPR bills: best practices for reuse.  In this episode, host Brooking Gatewood digs in with WA State Representative Liz Berry and McKenna Morrigan of the city of Seattle on how this bill got passed, what it means for recycling and reuse systems incentives in Washington State, and what other states can learn from it to start standardizing EPR and normalizing reuse requirements. Resources: WA EPR bill Minnesota EPR bill Seven Laws in, How is Reuse Faring in US Packaging EPR?The State of EPR Policy in the USEmbracing Reuse in U.S. Packaging EPR ProgramsGet involved:Join the Reuse Solutions NetworkSupport Upstream to make sure these stories continue to be heard and the reuse economy continues to grow — thank you!

A cautionary tale about a life-threatening reaction to the double flu/Covid booster; Are migraines predictive of heart attacks? Where does all our recycling go? (The answer will shock you!); Ultra-processed foods damage male reproductive health.

Terracycle is proving that almost anything can be recycled, from cigarette butts to ocean plastics, transforming how the world thinks about waste. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin speaks with Tom Szaky, the founder and CEO of TerraCycle, to explore how his company is creating global recycling programs that redefine sustainability and consumer responsibility. TerraCycle has become a leader in connecting corporations and individuals to solutions that keep waste out of landfills and oceans. This conversation dives into the economics of recycling, why certain materials are left behind, how microplastics can be repurposed, and what it takes to shift both corporate and consumer behavior. By the end, you'll see why recycling is not just about sorting bins but about reimagining the value of our waste. Terracycle Website: https://www.terracycle.com/ Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube  

Hello, hello! Join us as Dianna Cohen, CEO and co-founder of the Plastic Pollution Coalition, shares her journey from aspiring biologist to activist.Dianna discusses the health risks of plastic, emphasizing that "health has always been the key" in her work. She highlights the importance of upstream solutions, stating, "We need to work on everything simultaneously," and shares her excitement about innovative materials like seaweed and mycelium.Discover how Dianna's passion for art and justice fuels her mission to tackle plastic pollution and inspire change.Never miss an episode by following us on all our socials by clicking on the link below!⁠https://linktr.ee/goodgarbagepodcast⁠Don't forget to turn on your notifications and leave us a review⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠⁠

Oregon recently launched a recycling program that aims to hold businesses accountable for the packaging waste they create. The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act (RMA) charges producers of paper, packaging and food serviceware for the products they distribute in Oregon. The goal is to fund recycling services in small communities through the fees that businesses pay into the program.   The RMA was the first law of its kind to pass in 2021 and was followed by similar legislation in California, Colorado and a handful of other states. It’s currently facing a lawsuit from a trade group that claims the law is illegal and unfairly impacts its members.   Nicole Portley is a program plan lead for the RMA at the Oregon Department of Environmental Quality. She joins us with more details on how the new program is working.  

In Episode 514 of District of Conservation, Gabriella speaks with plastics expert and author Dr. Chris DeArmitt. They discuss the collapse of UN Plastic Treaty negotiations talks in Geneva, misconceptions about microplastics, plastics pollution, styrofoam, and other paradoxes about plastic usage. Tune in to learn more!SHOW NOTESConnect with Dr. Chris DeArmitt Follow him on LinkedIn and X/TwitterOrder The Plastics Paradox: Facts for a Brighter FutureGlobal plastic talks collapse as countries remain deeply dividedUN Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee on Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution in the ocean is no longer just an environmental issue—it's a public health crisis and an economic threat. In this episode, I break down the latest updates from the UN negotiations on a global plastics treaty, explaining why the talks in Geneva this month could set the course for the next generation's relationship with plastic. From production caps to industry lobbying, the fight over how to address the problem is as intense as ever. Plastic pollution in the ocean also raises questions about equity, with developing nations calling for solutions that protect both the environment and their right to grow sustainably. I share shocking new research on how microplastics are showing up in human bodies, costing trillions in healthcare, and why activists believe this treaty is our once-in-a-lifetime opportunity to act. Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube    

Plastic pollution treaty talks adjourn in Geneva without consensusFrom Sudan to Yemen, conflict is fuelling cholera, warns WHOGaza: Nearly all people with disabilities have lost assistive devices

From the BBC World Service: Talks on the world's first legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution are coming to an end, and so far, there's no deal. What are the major sticking points, and what's the likelihood of finalizing an agreement? Then, dairy farmers in the United Kingdom are warning that a chronic shortage of skilled workers is threatening the country's food security. And later, Fortnite could return to Australian smartphones.

From the BBC World Service: Talks on the world's first legally binding treaty to end plastic pollution are coming to an end, and so far, there's no deal. What are the major sticking points, and what's the likelihood of finalizing an agreement? Then, dairy farmers in the United Kingdom are warning that a chronic shortage of skilled workers is threatening the country's food security. And later, Fortnite could return to Australian smartphones.

Oregon just launched a new program that aims to hold businesses accountable for the packaging waste they create. The Plastic Pollution and Recycling Modernization Act charges businesses that produce or distribute paper, packaging and food serviceware based on the weight and sustainability of their materials.   The act applies to companies that generate $5 million or more in revenue. The goal is to fund recycling services in small communities through the fees that businesses pay into the program. But the National Association of Wholesaler-Distributors says the act is illegal and unfairly impacts its members.  Karen Harned is the organization’s director of litigation and legal policy. She joins us with more details about the NAW’s lawsuit against the state.

In Geneva, negotiators from 175 nations are trying to hammer out the first-ever legally binding treaty on plastic pollution. The urgency of the talks was underscored this week by a new study published in The Lancet. It calls plastics a “grave, growing and under-recognized danger to human and planetary health.” John Yang speaks with Tracey Woodruff, one of the study’s authors, to learn more. PBS News is supported by - https://www.pbs.org/newshour/about/funders

In Geneva, world leaders are back at the table for the latest round of UN negotiations aimed at drafting a first-of-its-kind treaty to tackle plastic pollution. The goal? A legally binding agreement that addresses the entire plastic life cycle, from how it's produced to how it's disposed of. But one California group is calling on negotiators not to leave front line communities behind. Guest: Marce Gutiérrez-Graudiņš, Founder & Executive Director, Azul State lawmakers have proposed a bill that would require police officers to disclose when they use generative AI for report writing. Departments across California have started testing or using these tools. Reporter: Sukey Lewis, KQED California Democrats are considering new political maps that could help them pick up as many as five additional House seats in the 2026 mid-term elections. It's their answer to redistricting moves in Texas that are expected to favor Republicans. But a California Republican congressman wants to put a stop to it all, by banning states from redrawing their maps mid-decade entirely. Reporter: Keith Mizuguchi, The California Report Learn more about your ad choices. Visit megaphone.fm/adchoices

Plastic foam pollution continues to be a widespread and dangerous threat to ocean health. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Oceana's Christy Leavitt breaks down their 2025 report exposing the true environmental cost of expanded polystyrene foam (EPS) used in foodware across the US. With shocking statistics and real-life examples, Christy explains how foam harms marine ecosystems, why it's rarely recycled, and how local and national bans are gaining momentum. Plastic pollution solutions begin with better policies, informed choices, and collective action. Christy walks us through Oceana's campaign victories, the data behind foam bans, and how individuals can help push corporations and governments to make the switch to reusable and compostable alternatives. Whether you're a policymaker, a concerned citizen, or someone just learning about this issue, this episode will give you clear actions to take and hope for change. Link to report: https://usa.oceana.org/wp-content/uploads/sites/4/2025/04/2025-Foam-Report-FINAL.pdf Link to Oceana: https://usa.oceana.org/   Join the Undertow: https://www.speakupforblue.com/jointheundertow Connect with Speak Up For Blue Website: https://bit.ly/3fOF3Wf Instagram: https://bit.ly/3rIaJSG TikTok: https://www.tiktok.com/@speakupforblue Twitter: https://bit.ly/3rHZxpc YouTube: www.speakupforblue.com/youtube    

What if we told you that simple, meaningful action starting today can help protect the world's oceans?In this hopeful and eye-opening episode, Monica sits down with Katie Day, Senior Manager of Science and Policy at the Surfrider Foundation, to talk about the practical steps we can all take to safeguard our oceans and coral reefs. Katie breaks down how interconnected threats—like plastic pollution and harmful sunscreen ingredients—are affecting marine ecosystems, and why our individual choices matter more than we think.Together, they explore how to stay engaged in the face of setbacks, and how small actions, multiplied by many, can lead to real change. Whether you live near the coast or thousands of miles from it, the ocean impacts you—and your choices can help make it more resilient for generations to come.Show NotesAction Alert: Protect Our Coasts From Offshore Oil DrillingAbout Katie DaySurfrider FoundationReef Friendly Sunscreen GuideHaereticus LabsKey Words: ocean, climate change, pollution, plastic, coral reefs, sustainability, marine life, environmental advocacy, Surfrider, awareness, policy, sunscreen, sunscreen chemicals, plastic, plastic pollution, microplastics, nature, nature based solutions, biophilia, biophilic design, coastal, coastal communities Biophilic Solutions is available wherever you get podcasts. Please listen, follow, and give us a five-star review. Follow us on Instagram and LinkedIn and learn more on our website. #NatureHasTheAnswers

What if you found out that there was a tiny, nearly invisible type of plastic pollution that's found nearly everywhere… but you'd never heard of it! That's what happened to environmental scientist Jace Tunnell several years ago, and he's been on a great nurdle hunt ever since! This episode on fighting plastic waste comes with a special bonus: the opportunity to enroll in a “Nurdle Patrol” and lead the Nurdle search in your community! Join the Nurdle Patrol Special Agent Training Course at sciencepodcastforkids.com/nurdles If you want to support Tumble on Patreon, just go to patreon.com/tumblepodcast. Ad-free early access to episodes is just $1/month, and for just $5/month you can get a birthday shout out on our feed! T-shirts and other merch (including merch specific to this episode) are available at the Tumble merch store, at tumblepodcast.dashery.com.