waterloop

Seth Siegel is the author of Troubled Water: What’s Wrong With What We Drink. In this episode Seth discusses why he opened the book with the story of PFAS pollution in Hoosick Falls, the concept that chemicals are considered innocent to public health until proven guilty, and the state of drinking water science. He explains the problems with EPA’s oversight of drinking water quality and the Safe Drinking Water Act. Seth talks about a variety of ways to improve drinking water including a technology leap, an improvement fund, and vouchers for low-income people.

This episode of waterloop is brought to you by High Sierra Showerheads, the smart, stylish choice for conserving water, energy, and money while enjoying an invigorating shower. Use promo code waterloop for 20 percent off at www.highsierrashowerheads.com

Jane Gilbert is the Chief Resilience Officer for the City of Miami. In this episode Jane explains how climate change is impacting Miami, including through increased heat, sea level rise, and stronger storms. She explains the new Miami Forever Climate Ready plan and how the city is adapting with infrastructure, land use codes, and green space. Jane talks about the role of community involvement, partnership with state and federal government, and lessons learned from other cities around the world.

waterloop is brought to you by the Flume Smart Water Monitor. With Flume you can track your home's water use in real-time on a smartphone and receive alerts about excessive use and leaks. Use promo code waterloop for 15% off at https://flumetech.com/

Dr. John Burns is an Assistant Professor at the University of Hawaii at Hilo. In this episode John explains the critical importance of coral reefs to the ocean ecosystem and coastal communities. He talks about the health of coral reefs in Hawaii and globally, as well as what changes in reefs reveal about the health of the ocean and planet. John also discusses the science behind Hawaii’s ban on sunscreens with oxybenzone and octinoxate and how these chemicals may impact coral reefs.

Apryl Boyle is the Founder and Executive Director of El Porto Shark. In this episode Apryl discusses misconceptions about sharks, the importance of changing public opinion, ways to raise awareness, and the role of partnerships in protection. She talks about aggregation of shark conservation data and forecasting marine life populations. Apryl also explains the role of sharks in climate change adaptation.

Earl Swift is author of Chesapeake Requiem: A Year with the Watermen of Vanishing Tangier Island. In this episode Earl explains how the unique community in the Chesapeake Bay is struggling as the island disappears through a combination of erosion, subsidence, and rising seas from climate change. He talks about his time living on Tangier Island, the life of a watermen, and the iconic blue crab. Earl also discusses the reaction to his book and the difficult decisions around saving communities from climate change.

Sean Swentek is Executive Director of A Walk On Water and a member of the Board of Directors for the International Surf Therapy Organization. In this episode Sean discusses the use of surfing as therapy for a wide range of issues including children with special needs, individuals with disabilities, veterans coping with PTSD, and people with mental health challenges. He explains how surf therapy also positively impacts family and friends that attend, as well as the volunteers themselves. Sean talks about the existing research on the benefits of surf therapy and efforts to expand the science.

Dr. Denise Herzing is the Founder and Research Director of the Wild Dolphin Project. In this episode Denise talks about her 35 years spent studying dolphins in the wild and why it is a unique and important approach. She discusses what science knows about the high intelligence level of dolphins, how they communicate, and their social structure and behaviors. Denise also explains the negative impacts of climate change and overfishing on dolphins, but offers ways people can support dolphin conservation and research.

Ryan Bigelow is the Senior Program Manager for Seafood Watch at the Monterey Bay Aquarium. In this episode Ryan discusses how the popular Seafood Watch guide helps consumers and businesses choose seafood that's fished or farmed in ways that support a healthy, more sustainable ocean. He explains how people can evaluate seafood choices at restaurants and grocery stores, as well as ways that the industry is shifting toward sustainability.

Mark Price is the CEO of Firewire Surfboards. In this episode Mark discusses how Firewire makes more sustainable surfboards, leashes, and traction pads that are better for people - including shapers - and the environment. He talks about the impact of having Kelly Slater and Rob Machado as advocates and why Firewire supports a variety of conservation organizations.

Dr. Vanessa Pirotta is a marine biologist in Australia who uses technology to study whales. In this episode Vanessa discusses collecting whale snot with drones, her research on the impact of global shipping on marine giants, how alarms can prevent entanglement in fishing nets, and the importance of science communications.