It’s time to talk about a United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution. After months of anticipation, this episode focuses on the treaty’s negotiating process, the main actors involved, and the key interests at play. Joined by expert guest Tara Olsen, a researcher from Lund University, the conversation explores the complexities of treaty negotiations, including the differences between signing and ratifying a treaty, the influence of international law, and the possible outcomes of the upcoming final negotiation session. Packed with insights, this episode provides a deep dive into the current state of the global effort to regulate plastic pollution and what might come next.

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Today we dive into the case study of Cancer Alley. We investigate the environmental and health impacts of a region in Louisiana notorious for its high concentration of petrochemical plants. The discussion focuses on how pollution from these industries contributes to disproportionately high cancer rates, particularly in marginalized communities. Special guests Dr. Kimberly Terrell and Gianna St. Julien from Tulane Environmental Law Clinic share insights from their groundbreaking studies that link air pollution to increased cancer risks and explore the concept of environmental racism. The episode also highlights grassroots activism efforts aimed at addressing these injustices and the ongoing fight for meaningful policy change in the region.

Discover the fascinating world of neuston—tiny organisms living on the ocean's surface—and how they interact with plastic pollution in the South Indian Ocean subtropical gyre. In this episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese is joined by marine ecologist Dr. Mark Gibbons from the University of the Western Cape. Together, they delve into the unique dynamics of neuston communities, their role in the marine ecosystem, and the implications of plastic pollution on these delicate life forms. Learn why understanding these interactions is vital for future ocean cleanup efforts and the preservation of marine biodiversity.

Exploring the intersection of tourism and plastic pollution, this episode dives into how vacations contribute to environmental challenges. Host Clark Marchese talks with Dr. Farzana Quoquab, an expert in green marketing and sustainable development, about the link between tourism and increased plastic waste. They discuss the structural issues within the tourism industry, the role of governments, businesses, and individuals in reducing plastic pollution, and highlight success stories from countries like Malaysia and the Maldives. Tune in to learn how to be a more responsible tourist and what actions can be taken to protect our planet’s most beautiful destinations.

In this science-focused episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of ocean garbage patches and microplastic hotspots. Joined by Dr. Annika Jahnke and PhD candidate Robbie Rynek, the episode explores a groundbreaking research expedition across the Pacific Ocean, from Vancouver to Singapore. The team discusses the surprising findings, including high concentrations of microplastics in unexpected areas, and the challenges of mapping plastic pollution in the vast oceans. Learn about the critical intersections of plastic and marine life, the implications for environmental policy, and the ongoing efforts to combat this growing issue. Tune in for a fascinating journey into the heart of one of our planet's most pressing environmental concerns.

In this episode of Plastic Podcast, we explore how digital technologies are driving Africa’s circular plastic economy. Host Clark Marchese is joined by Dr. Seun Kolade and Wunmi Ogunde, who discuss how mobile apps and blockchain are connecting households with recyclers, empowering communities, and reimagining the plastic value chain. They also highlight the key role women play in these systems and the challenges faced by waste pickers across the continent. This episode sheds light on the innovative approaches Africa is taking to address plastic waste and how digital solutions are fostering both environmental and economic progress.

This episode delves into Indigenous-led environmental management and the interaction of plastics with Indigenous communities. It explores how Indigenous approaches to plastic pollution offer unique and effective solutions. The episode features an insightful conversation with Riley Cotter, a Master's student at Memorial University, whose research bridges natural science and social justice. Riley discusses their work on microplastics in surface waters and the importance of Indigenous participation in environmental governance. The discussion highlights the diversity of Indigenous perspectives and the need for inclusive, justice-oriented frameworks in plastic pollution management. Join us for an enlightening episode on the intersection of science, society, and Indigenous knowledge.

Future of Plastics: Can We Make Them Carbon Negative? In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese interviews Dr. Vassilis Daioglou, a Senior Researcher at the PBL Netherlands Environmental Assessment Agency. They explore the potential pathways for reducing plastic's impact on climate change using integrated assessment models. Dr. Daioglou discusses three key strategies: pricing emissions from burning plastics, enhancing recycling efforts, and using bio-based materials. Learn how these models project a net negative carbon emission from plastics and what it means for our future. Dive into the complexities of the circular bioeconomy and discover how innovative approaches could turn plastics from a problem into a climate solution. Tune in for an insightful discussion on sustainability and climate action.

Dive into plastic pollution's impact on deep sea coral reefs with host Clark Marchese and expert Dr. Lucy Woodall. Discover the vital roles of coral reefs, from supporting marine life to protecting coastal communities, and learn about the threats posed by plastics, from disease transmission to structural damage. Dr. Woodall shares insights from her research and recent expeditions, emphasizing the urgent need for global action to protect these critical ecosystems. Tune in to understand the intricate connections between plastic pollution, climate change, and marine conservation, and explore solutions for a sustainable future.

In this week's episode of the Plastic Podcast, where we dive deep into the interplay between environmental psychology and plastic use, focusing on Indonesia. Join us as we explore the PISCES project with Dr. Anastasia Voronkova from the University of Plymouth. We'll unravel how psychology can help modify behaviors around plastic consumption, delve into Indonesia’s unique challenges with waste banks and religious practices, and discover what the West can learn from the majority world about managing plastic waste. Dr. Voronkova sheds light on how environmental psychology can provide insights into our relationship with plastic, influencing policies and practices to better tackle this pervasive issue.

In this thought-provoking episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese and guest expert Rachel Karasik delve into a comprehensive life cycle assessment of plastic, exploring its impacts from production to disposal. They discuss not only the environmental and health damages associated with each stage of plastic's journey but also the often overlooked economic benefits that contribute to its pervasive use. Through detailed analysis, they uncover how plastic's lifecycle impacts various populations differently, emphasizing the need for policies that address these inequalities. This episode illuminates the complex interplay between economic gains and public health costs in the world of plastic, making a strong case for more informed and intentional use of this ubiquitous material. Join us as we navigate the intricate pathways of plastic’s lifelong impact on human health and role in our economy.

In this episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese dives deep into the impact of plastic in our soil. Joined by experts Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai Wang from China Agriculture University, the discussion explores the presence and effects of microplastics and nanoplastics in agricultural soils. We delve into the sources of plastic pollution, the current state of research, and the unanswered questions that drive future investigations.

Dr. Liu and Dr. Wang share insights from their studies on how plastics affect soil health, agricultural yields, and even the tiny earthworms and bacteria that play crucial roles in nutrient cycling. Learn about the complexities of detecting microplastics, the potential risks to human health through the food chain, and the ongoing efforts to develop biodegradable plastics as a solution.

Discover how this pervasive issue of plastic pollution in soil is being tackled and the importance of continued research in this field. Tune in for a thought-provoking discussion on the hidden impacts of plastics beneath our feet.

In this episode of "Something in the Water," host Elena Berg tackles the pressing issue of plastic pollution, focusing on the bottled water industry's environmental footprint and the social justice impacts of plastic. Featuring insights from anti-plastic activist Malia Elder and plastics researcher Dr. Sherri Mason. Dr. Mason reveals her research finding plastic in our drinking water. Malia explains the social justice implications of plastic production and waste, and how these issues intersect with water consumption.

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 pyrolysis, gasification, and solvolysis in a way that's accessible to all listeners.

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 discusses potential policy measures that could mitigate these effects. The conversation also touches on the social and economic dimensions of plastic production, emphasizing the urgent need for comprehensive strategies that address both environmental and human factors. This episode is a must-listen for anyone interested in understanding the complex interplay between our material choices and global climate challenges.

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 pollution, historical events, and personal experiences. By integrating themes of war, wildlife, and wastefulness, Cobb's work serves as a catalyst for broader environmental consciousness and action. Join us as we explore how creativity and environmental responsibility can coexist in the pursuit of sustainable solutions.

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 waste management systems, financial incentives in the global waste trade, and the urgent need for international policies to address these issues. Tune in to learn about the efforts to mitigate these challenges and hear expert insights on creating a more sustainable future for plastic waste management.

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, highlighting vast uncharted territories in scientific knowledge. The episode explores the daunting realities of microplastics and chemical exposures, the societal and environmental justice issues surrounding plastic pollution, and the urgent need for global policy changes. Listen in for an in-depth conversation that not only uncovers the hidden dangers of plastic but also emphasizes the critical need for further research to safeguard future generations.

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, explores how these tiny pollutants make their way into our food and addresses the potential health implications.