Plastic Podcast Pine Forest Media

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 Wang
More information about Dr. Xuejun Liu and Dr. Kai Wang here
Sino-UK agricultural plastics project link
More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
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Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Elder
Find 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 Website
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Hosted by Elena Berg
Written and produced by Elena Berg and Clark Marchese
Audio Editing by Clark Marchese

Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Vogel
More information about Dr. Julia Vogel here
More information about the German Federal Environmental Agency and Chemical Recycling here.
Find Dr. Vogel’s article on chemical recycling here
More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, 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 Antarctica
Mount TerrorMount ErebusMount EverestMount Murphy

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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 Cabernard
More information about Livia Cabernard here
Find Dr. Cabernard’s article on plastic and emissions here
Find more of Dr. Cabernard’s articles here.
More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Cobb
More information about Allison Cobb here
Find Allison’s book, Plastic: An Autobiography here
More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.

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 Ling
Find Dr. Marks’ publications on Research Gate
Find Dr. Chen Hui Ling’s publications on Research Gate
More information about the episode and the Plastic Podcast
Episode Transcript  and more information on the Pine Forest Media Website
Follow Pine Forest Media on Instagram @pineforestmedia
Hosted, produced, written, and edited by Clark Marchese 
Cover art and PFM logo by Laurel Wong. 
Theme music by Tadeo Cabellos 


Hosted on Acast. See acast.com/privacy for more information.