Clean Conversations Clean Conversations

USB’s latest Clean Conversations episode features Anna McCaslin of Iowa State University, a research graduate working with SoyLei. SoyLei creates biobased products that help its customers reach sustainability goals and protect the environment. The episode also includes an appearance by USB Director April Hemmes. Hemmes shares the important work of the soy checkoff and begins the journey of how biobased products make it from farms like hers into consumers’ hands.

USB’s latest Clean Conversations podcast episode features Jenny Frank, who is now an assistant professor of renewable energy at the State University of New York. Jenny’s doctoral research focused on quantifying the environmental, financial, and technical viability of renewable energy technologies, biomass feedstocks and alternative fuels. Do we get more benefit from using the renewable fuel and biodiesel right now, or do we invest other technologies to become more affordable and available in the future? Listen to get her take on the social cost of carbon as well as her unique perspective on leading the next generation of sustainably minded students into
the growing bioeconomy. 

Today's episode features Kim Falkenhayn of Okabashi Shoes, an
American manufacturer that has prioritized sustainability since their inception in 1984. Their proprietary blend of biobased materials includes 45% U.S. Soy by weight and is 100% recyclable. Kim’s discussion with Clean Conversation’s hosts highlights the many benefits of including soy in their manufacturing with a nod to their plans to continue innovating. The episode also includes an excerpt featuring USB chair Meagan Kaiser in conversation with Agri-Pulse’s Open Mic where she shares the wide variety of innovations for supply and sustainability with U.S. Soy.

Join Charlie and Katharine for a conversation with Goodyear Chief Engineer Bob Woloszynek, who gives us a deep dive into the history of Goodyear tires and soybean oil technology. They are also joined by City of Wisconsin Fleet Superintendent Mahanth Joishy, an industry leader who explains why fleets reach out in hopes of replicating his sustainability success stories with using U.S. Soy.

Join our hosts as they chat with Joshua Tyler, adhesive manager for hardwood manufacturer, Columbia Forest Products. Recognized by EPA as the first cost-competitive, environmentally friendly adhesive that replaces formaldehyde resin, Columbia Forest’s PureBond soy-biobased adhesive is now inside 150 million panels of hardwood plywood –that’s enough to make cabinets for 9.3 million kitchens.

National Renewable Energy Laboratory senior research fellow Bob McCormick chats about his research on how U.S. Soy in biofuels can lower emissions and reduce pollutants, as well as shares advice for recent and upcoming college grads looking for a career that makes a powerful and positive sustainability impact.