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 extensive career in polymer chemistry and museum conservation, revealing the complexities of preserving plastic artifacts for future generations and the potential for reusing waste materials in innovative ways. This episode serves as a fascinating exploration of how museum science and conservation can inform our understanding of plastics and their place in our world.

In 2015, Dr. Christine 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 intersection of science and activism, and the urgent need for global environmental change. 

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 artist and art historian Johannis Tsoumas, the episode delves into the early adoption of plastics in art and transitions into the role of plastic in contemporary art as a tool for protest against environmental degradation.

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 the historical breakthroughs and the current surge in biodegradable plastic production, their real environmental impact, and how they aren’t so different from conventional plastics. The discussion extends to the social and economic implications, and the potential for international policy change through the upcoming United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution. This episode is a must-listen for anyone keen to understand the nuanced reality of biodegradable plastics and their role in our environmental future.

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 initiatives. By highlighting successful strategies and the potential savings in waste management, the episode paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of the future of waste reduction, advocating for a collaborative approach that involves policymakers, communities, and individuals alike in the quest for a sustainable, waste-free world.

In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese talks to Abby Barrows, a marine researcher and microplastics researcher 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 science.

In the debut episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese interviews Dr. Seth Rasmussen about 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.