Plastic Podcast

 It’s time to talk about a United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution. After months of anticipation, this episode focuses on the treaty’s negotiating process, the main actors involved, and the key interests at play. Joined by expert guest Tara Olsen, a researcher from Lund University, the conversation explores the complexities of treaty negotiations, including the differences between signing and ratifying a treaty, the influen...

In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese dives into the emergence and spread of anti-plastic movements, tracing their roots from local grassroots actions to global health policy. Clark speaks with Leah Shipton, a PhD candidate specializing in global health policy, who explains how health concerns drove the formation of anti-plastic norms worldwide. They discuss the role of norm entrepreneurs in spreading these norms,...

Today we dive into the case study of Cancer Alley. We investigate the environmental and health impacts of a region in Louisiana notorious for its high concentration of petrochemical plants. The discussion focuses on how pollution from these industries contributes to disproportionately high cancer rates, particularly in marginalized communities. Special guests Dr. Kimberly Terrell and Gianna St. Julien from Tulane Environmental Law ...

Discover the fascinating world of neuston—tiny organisms living on the ocean's surface—and how they interact with plastic pollution in the South Indian Ocean subtropical gyre. In this episode of the Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese is joined by marine ecologist Dr. Mark Gibbons from the University of the Western Cape. Together, they delve into the unique dynamics of neuston communities, their role in the marine ecosystem, and t...

Exploring the intersection of tourism and plastic pollution, this episode dives into how vacations contribute to environmental challenges. Host Clark Marchese talks with Dr. Farzana Quoquab, an expert in green marketing and sustainable development, about the link between tourism and increased plastic waste. They discuss the structural issues within the tourism industry, the role of governments, businesses, and individuals in reduci...

In this science-focused episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese takes listeners on a deep dive into the world of ocean garbage patches and microplastic hotspots. Joined by Dr. Annika Jahnke and PhD candidate Robbie Rynek, the episode explores a groundbreaking research expedition across the Pacific Ocean, from Vancouver to Singapore. The team discusses the surprising findings, including high concentrations of microplastics i...

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 cont...

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...

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...

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 pr...

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 vario...

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 disc...

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 ana...

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 investi...

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 Ma...

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 informativ...

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 produc...

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 throug...

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...