Plastic Podcast

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

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Julia VogelMore information about Dr. Julia Vogel hereMore information about the German Federal Environmental Agency and Chemical Recycling here.Find Dr. Vogel’s article on chemical recycling 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, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos Trivia Question: Which of the following is an active volcano on AntarcticaMount TerrorMount ErebusMount EverestMount Murphy

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Livia CabernardMore information about Livia Cabernard hereFind Dr. Cabernard’s article on plastic and emissions hereFind more of Dr. Cabernard’s articles here.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, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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.Episode Guests: Allison CobbMore information about Allison Cobb hereFind Allison’s book, Plastic: An Autobiography 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, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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.Episode Guests: Dr. Danny Marks and Dr. Hui LingFind Dr. Marks’ publications on Research GateFind Dr. Chen Hui Ling’s publications on Research GateMore 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 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.Episode Guests: Dr. Sarah Dunlop on LinkedIn and publications on Research GateDr. Bhedita Seewoo on LinkedIn and publications on Research GateDr. Louise Goodes on LinkedIn and publications on Research GatePlastic Human Health Map hereLearn more about the Minderoo Foundation here.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, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

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 waste. As they unravel the complexities of microplastic contamination, including its pathways and effects on human health, the episode sheds light on the urgent need for research, policy change, and individual action to mitigate this invisible threat lurking in our everyday diet.Episode Guest: Dr. Sedat GündoğduBrowse his publications on Research Gate .Mikroplastik.org for more research on microplasticsPlastic People Documentary Trailer on YoutubeDr. Sedat Gündoğdu’s book, Plastic Waste Trade, A New Colonialist Means of Pollution TransferMore 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 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.Episode Guest:  Dr. Yvonne ShashouaBrowse her publications on Research Gate .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, written, and edited by Clark Marchese Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos