In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the intricate world of chemical recycling with Dr. Julia Vogel, a chemical engineer from the German Federal Environmental Agency. They explore the nuances of chemical recycling, its comparison to mechanical recycling, the different methods of chemical recycling and their different outputs, and its potential role in the future of plastics management. This informative discussion breaks down complex recycling methods like...

In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the intricate relationship between plastics and climate change with Dr. Livia Cabernard, a sustainability expert from the Technical University of Munich. They explore how the lifecycle of plastics, especially those powered by coal, significantly contributes to greenhouse gas emissions. Through a detailed discussion, Dr. Cabernard unveils how shifts in global production to coal-based economies exacerbate climate impacts and...

In this episode, host Clark Marchese delves into the world of poetry and plastic with guest Allison Cobb, author of "Plastic: An Autobiography." Exploring the intersections between environmental activism and creative expression, the discussion uncovers how poetic perspectives can deepen our understanding of plastic’s pervasive presence and its impact on the environment. Cobb shares her unique approach to environmental issues through poetic narratives, revealing connections between plastic...

This episode journeys to Thailand and Malaysia to uncover the intricacies of the global plastic waste economy—a staggering $37 billion industry. Clark is joined by Dr. Hui Ling, a sustainability consultant from Malaysia, and Dr. Danny Marks, an environmental policy researcher from Dublin City University, to explore the international trade of plastic waste, the socio-economic impacts on countries receiving Western waste, and the uneven burden of pollution. They discuss the consequences of poor...

In this revealing episode of "Plastic Podcast," host Clark Marchese delves deep into the alarming gaps in our understanding of plastics and human health. Joined by Dr. Sarah Dunlop, Dr. Bhedita Seewoo, and Dr. Louise Goodes from the University of Western Australia, the discussion centers around their extensive research documented in the Plastics Human Health Map. This comprehensive project aggregates all known research linking plastics and their associated chemicals to human health outcomes,...

This episode of Plastic Podcast delves into the pervasive issue of microplastics in our food. Featuring insights from Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu, a marine biologist and expert on plastic pollution, the discussion illuminates the alarming prevalence of microplastics in various food items, from seafood to staples like salt and spirulina. They explore how these tiny pollutants make their way into our meals, the potential health implications, and the broader environmental challenges posed by plastic...

In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the interdisciplinary world of plastic conservation with Dr. Yvonne Shashoua, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark. They explore the nuanced role of plastics in history, culture, and the environment, discussing everything from the preservation of historical artifacts like WWII propaganda balloons and spacesuits to the impacts of plastic degradation in ocean environments. Dr. Shashoua shares insights from her...

In this episode, host Clark Marchese interviews sea turtle biologist Dr. Christine Figgener. In 2015, Dr. Figgener filmed a viral video where she pulled a straw out of a turtle’s nose. This video prompted an anti-straw movement and solidified turtles as the symbol of plastic’s impact on marine life. The conversation allows an opportunity to reflect on the video and the movement almost ten years later. The two also candidly discuss the broader implications of plastic waste on marine life, the...

Episode Description: This episode of Plastic Podcast explores the multifaceted relationship between plastic and art, tracing its evolution from a novel medium to a vehicle for environmental activism. Featuring insights from Greek artist and art historian Dr. Johannis Tsoumas, the episode delves into the early adoption of plastics in art, highlighting the revolutionary shift brought about by acrylic paints in the 1930s and its subsequent influence on movements like abstract expressionism and...

In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese delves into the complex world of biodegradable plastics. Joined by environmental biologist Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones, they explore the scientific and environmental nuances of bioplastics, debunking common myths and uncovering the truth behind greenwashing. They discuss historical breakthroughs to the current surge in biodegradable plastic production, their real environmental impacts, and how they aren’t so different from conventional...

This episode of the Plastic Podcast delves into the concept of zero waste cities, exploring how urban areas can drastically reduce their waste footprint. Our host, Clark, engages with Jack McQuibban from Zero Waste Europe to uncover the intricacies of achieving zero waste status, examining the balance between individual actions and systemic changes necessary for this ambitious goal. They discuss the challenges cities face, the importance of local action, and the global impact of zero waste...

Episode Description: In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese talks to Abby Barrows, a marine researcher and microplastics expert who spearheaded a global project to quantify microplastic concentrations in water systems all over the world. The conversation flows through Abby’s scientific interests, definitions of microplastics and what we know about their harms, how the database project was conducted and what we learn from it, and the important contributions of citizen...

In the debut episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese takes listeners on a journey through the fascinating history of plastic. From its humble beginnings as a replacement for ivory billiard balls to its modern-day ubiquity, plastic has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century. With special guest Dr. Seth Rasmussen, a polymers and plastics chemist and science historian, the episode delves into the origins of plastic and its evolution into the versatile material we...

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