Talk Green to Me

While we are talking about a different kind of metal, in honor of National Metal Day, we are re-releasing our interview with Ryan Weinstein, VP of M&M Waste. He talks to us about how recycling aluminum and scrap metal works, especially how the materials, manufacturing, and economics all tie together to make recycling feasible. He explains why recycling metal is great thing to do for the environment and how you can participate (especially if you're in the Atlanta area).

Policy is not just ideas, it’s action plans. In this episode, we discuss the world of science policy outside the lab and how it relates to plastics, pollution, and sustainability. Campbell, Levi, and Nasreen talk with Manali about their experiences from a two week Science Outside the Lab policy program hosted by Arizona State University and funded by NSF. It’s a lively conversation about what we learned from invited speakers from various organizations and the real people on the ground involved in science policy and regulations. We discuss the impact of these insights on our perspectives as scientists and how knowing more about science policy can inform our research and our personal interests around sustainability and education. And finally, we try to share ways in which the general public can lead to change and have an impact on science policy.

Don’t trash glass! We interview Laura Hennemann, VP, Marketing & Communications of Strategic Materials Inc., a company that has been recycling glass for the last 125 years. Laura tells us about the myths, challenges, and process of glass recycling. We also learn about why glass for recycling is in high demand and what you can do to help.

Tires are made of highly engineered materials. We interview Tom Rosenmayer- Co-founder and CTO of Silpara Technologies, a company that is using nanotechnology to formulate tires with natural rubber. He tells us more about the current and new technology that goes into making tires and new developments in tire recycling.

There are millions of tires on the road. Ever wonder what happens to old tires when they get warn out? Listen in to learn some history about how tires are made and recycled!

What is the hardest part about recycling cartons? According to Kris Kaar, a senior consultant at Resource Recycling Systems and Carton Council, it’s getting people to actually recycle. In this episode, we learn how carton recycling technology developed over the last decade, including with AI, to make recycling it easier into stuff like ceiling tiles. Learn how the Carton Council is improving the curbside recycling rate of cartons in the US and how you can help make it higher!

What are cartons even made of? They definitely look like paper but they feel waxy? Cartons are actually composites of paper, plastic and metal! And they are 100% recyclable. In this episode we talk about the cool materials that allow cartons to be able to store your favorite drinks in the fridge and cabinet. We talk about the recycling technology and process that make recycling them actually possible in recent years. Listen in to learn more!

What about the recycling in China? What’s happening with the plastic pollution on the beaches of South America or in the streets of India? In this part 2 of 2 of our series, we hear stories about reuse and recycling from developing nations including China, India, Guyana, Mexico, Iran and Pakistan. In many developing nations sustainability and recycling, as we know it, is very different and much more focused on reuse and reduce. But things are changing! Listen in to learn how.

Take a trip with us around the world! In this episode we ask people from all over the world to share their experiences with recycling and the culture of getting rid of trash in their countries. In this is part 1 of our 2 part series, we focus on developed countries such as France, Korea, Canada, Australia, Taiwan, Finland, and more! We learn about sorting recyclables, plastic bags, composting, government regulations, and the culture of recycling in general in all these places. So how does America compare? Listen and find out.

Sustainable forestry management is critical for the prosperity of forests, people and the planet. Making sure that wood sources are sustainably harvested is an essential part of the process for pulp and paper companies to make diverse tree-based products. In this episode we interview Rebecca Barnard, Forestry Certification Manager for Sappi North America, Inc. She explains what sustainable forestry is and why sustainable forestry certifications are an important part of ensuring that our most valuable renewable resource of trees and forests are conserved for future generations. We talk about how sustainable forestry management helps with maintaining tree and wildlife diversity, while also creating jobs and products that can benefit society and give back to our communities.