Plastic Podcast

In this episode, 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.Episode Guests: Dr. Seun Kolade and Wunmi OgundeFind more on Dr. Kolade at the Sheffield Hallam University and on LinkedInVirtually attend the POLCON conferenceFind Ogunde on LinkedInMore from Dr. Kolade and Ogunde:Find the article that the episode covered hereBook: Digital Innovations for a circular plastic economy in Africa Journal article: The environment for a digitally enabled circular plastics economy in Africa: lessons from cross-sectional stakeholder engagementsMore on PAKAM in NigeriaMore on WeCyclers in NigeriaMore on Yo-Waste in UgandaMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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.Episode Guests:  Riley CotterRead Riley Cotter’s Review of Participation of Indigenous Peoples in Plastics Pollution GovernanceRead Dr. Max Libiron’s article Pollution is Colonialism Find more information about the CLEAR LabMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Vassilis DaioglouBrowse Dr. Daioglou’s publications on Google Scholar More information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Lucy WoodallMore information about Dr. Woodall hereBrowse Dr. Woodall’s publications on Research GateVisit the Nekton website hereMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

This week, Plastic Podcast is handing over the microphone to Pine Forest Media's new series South Pole to talk about Plastic in Antarctica. Join us on "South Pole," where host Clark Marchese explores the unexpected presence of plastic in Antarctica. Today's guest, Dr. Clara Manno, a marine ecologist at the British Antarctic Survey, discusses the extensive pollution reaching even the most remote ecosystems. Learn about the various forms of plastic infiltrating the Antarctic environment, their pathways, and the profound impacts on local wildlife and ecological functions. This episode highlights the urgent need for global cooperation to tackle plastic pollution and preserve Antarctica's pristine nature. Tune in to uncover how interconnected our actions are with the health of remote ecosystems and what we can do to mitigate our environmental footprint.Episode Guest: Dr. Clara MannoMore information about Dr. Clara Manno here. Browse Dr. Clara Manno’s’ publications on Google ScholarMore information about Plastic-AG hereListen to Plastic Podcast on Spotify and Apple PodcastsFor More information about the United Nations Treaty on Plastic follow the Scientists’ Coalition for an Effective Plastics Treaty on LinkedinEpisode Transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Nela Ruiz

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Anastasia VoronkovaMore information about Dr. Voronkova hereFollow Dr. Voronkova on XMore information about PISCESMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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. Episode Guests: Rachel KarasikMore information about Rachel Karasik at NIVA HereConnect with Rachel Karasik on LinkedInBrowse Rachel Karasik’s publications on Google ScholarSomething in the Water Ep 2 on Spotify and Apple PodcastsMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai WangMore information about Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai Wang hereSino-UK agricultural plastics project linkMore information about the episode and the Plastic PodcastEpisode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

This week Plastic Podcast is handing the microphone over to its sister podcast Something in the Water, hosted by Elena Berg, who discusses plastic and drinking water in episode 2 of the 10-part mini series. 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. 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. The episode serves as a wake-up call that the bottled water industry is only one of many industries contributing to the plastic problems at hand and stresses the need for wide scale systemic change.Episode Guests: Dr. Sherri Mason and Malia ElderFind more information about Dr. Mason here and browse her publications on Research Gate.More information about the episode and Something in the Water here.Episode transcript and more information on the Pine Forest Media WebsiteFollow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmediaHosted by Elena BergWritten and produced by Elena Berg and Clark MarcheseAudio Editing by Clark Marchese