This Week in Sustainability Podcast

Felicia Etzkorn
  • 5.0 (4)
  • SCIENCE

On TWIST, This Week in Sustainability, we discuss the green pros and cons of the entire range of consumer products and everything in them, to help you choose the right stuff to buy and recycle. We’ll discuss: Appliances, Batteries, Buildings, Carpet, Cleaning Products, Clothing, Computers, Disinfectants, Food, Flame Retardants, Fuels, Medicine, Packaging, Paint, Pesticides, Plastic, Personal Care products, Phones, Photovoltaics, and maybe even tilt at Windmills. We'd love to have your suggestions for topics or guests: twist.sustainability@gmail.com! Hosted by Felicia Etzkorn, Professor of Chemistry at Virginia Tech (https://chem.vt.edu/people/faculty/teaching-and-research/fetzkorn.html) and author of Green Chemistry: Principles and Case Studies, with co-host Jamie Ferguson, Professor of Chemistry at Emory & Henry College (https://www.ehc.edu/live/profiles/341-jamie-ferguson). Music was created and performed by Wendy Godley.

  1. 5D AGO

    20 Fight Sulfites

    In which Felicia explains the many sources, the chemistry, and the toxicity of sulfites and sulfates. Sulfites are widespread in food, both processed and natural. They have been strongly linked to inflammatory bowel diseases by gut bacteria that use sulfate as an energy source. Sulfates are found in many personal care and household cleaning products. Felicia offers many suggestions on how to avoid sulfites and sulfates. It’s good for you and for the environment. Sources Deng, K., Wang, L., Nguyen, S. M., Shrubsole, M. J., Cai, Q., Lipworth, L., Gupta, D. K., Zheng, W., Shu, X.-O., and Yu, D. (2025) A dietary pattern promoting gut sulfur metabolism is associated with increased mortality and altered circulating metabolites in low-income American adults, eBioMedicine 115.10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105690: 10.1016/j.ebiom.2025.105690 Dordevic, D., Capikova, J., Dordevic, S., Tremlová, B., Gajdács, M., and Kushkevych, I. (2023) Sulfur content in foods and beverages and its role in human and animal metabolism: A scoping review of recent studies, Heliyon9.10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15452: 10.1016/j.heliyon.2023.e15452 Owczarek, D., Rodacki, T., Domagała-Rodacka, R., Cibor, D., and Mach, T. (2016) Diet and nutritional factors in inflammatory bowel diseases, World Journal of Gastroenterology 22, 895-905.10.3748/wjg.v22.i3.895: 10.3748/wjg.v22.i3.895 Pfau, A., López-Cayuqueo, K. I., Scherer, N., Wuttke, M., Wernstedt, A., González Fassrainer, D., Smith, D. E. C., van de Kamp, J. M., Ziegeler, K., Eckardt, K.-U., Luft, F. C., Aronson, P. S., Köttgen, A., Jentsch, T. J., and Knauf, F. (2023) SLC26A1 is a major determinant of sulfate homeostasis in humans, The Journal of Clinical Investigation 133.10.1172/JCI161849: 10.1172/JCI161849

    19 min

  2. JAN 7

    19 Ain’t No Paint Like Linseed

    In which Felicia interviews Michiel Brouns of Brouns & Co., who got his start in restoring historical buildings. We talk all about the sustainability of all-natural boiled linseed oil paint: how it polymerizes, that it is derived from flax seeds, and how it is biodegradable in the environment, so it makes no toxic microplastics. The paint requires nothing to dilute it, no solvents, so it contains only trace natural volatile organic compounds (VOCs). The pigments are non-toxic minerals, oxides like iron and zinc. Even though the cost is higher per can of paint, you apply it in very thin coats and it soaks into the wood, protecting it for the long term, without trapping moisture that causes wood to rot when painted with modern synthetic polymer paint. Linseed paint has protected buildings for thousands of years, so it is really quite inexpensive in the long run. Host–Felicia Etzkorn, Professor Emerita of Chemistry at Virginia Tech, with music by Wendy Godley of The Kind. References: Linseed Paint &Oil – A Practical Guide to the Traditional Production and Application by Michiel Brouns, The Crowood Press © Michiel Brouns 2023

    51 min

  3. 10/28/2025

    18 Toothy Truth

    In which Felicia explains the sustainability of some toothpaste ingredients. This is a partial list of ingredients, based mainly on two tubes of toothpaste in her bathroom, Sensodyne Pronamel Multi-Action and Burt's Bees Complete Multi-Care. The ingredients are classified by the function they serve in toothpaste: 1) active ingredients, 2) sticky stuff, 3) surfactants (detergents), 4) sweeteners, 5) whiteners, 6) minerals, and 7) flavors. Sources include: Wikipedia PubChem Sampaio, F.C.; Oliveira, A.F.B.d.; Fernandes, N.L.S.; Gentile, A.C.C.; Marinho, G.B.; B.necker, M.J.S.; Paschoal, M.A.B.; D’Alpino, P.H.P.; Vilhena, F.V. Silicon-, Silica-, and Silicate-Toothpastes for Remineralization and Repair of Teeth: A Scoping Review. Oral 2024, 4, 467–486. https://doi.org/10.3390/oral4040038  Kim, D., Seok, J.K., Kim, M. et al. Safety assessment of cocamidopropyl betaine, a cosmetic ingredient. Toxicol Res. 40, 361–375 (2024). https://doi.org/10.1007/s43188-024-00243-2 Rayssa Ferreira Zanatta, Daniele Mara da Silva Ávila, Karen Mayumi Miyamoto, Carlos Rocha Gomes Torres, Alessandra Bühler Borges; Influence of Surfactants and Fluoride against Enamel Erosion. Caries Res 11 January 2019; 53 (1): 1–9. https://doi.org/10.1159/000488207 Lai, C.; Nguyen, A.; Ye, L.; Hao, J.; Koo, H.; Mante, F.; Ozer, F. Antibacterial and Physical Properties of PVM/MA Copolymer- Incorporated Polymethyl Methacrylate as a Novel Antimicrobial Acrylic Resin Material. Molecules 2022, 27, 8848. https://doi.org/10.3390/molecules27248848  Söderling, E., Pienihäkkinen, K. Specific effects of xylitol chewing gum on mutans streptococci levels, plaque accumulation and caries occurrence: a systematic review.BMC Oral Health 25, 1275 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1186/s12903-025-06602-1  Boerner, L.K. What is dental enamel, and how does it protect your teeth? Chem Eng News Oct 19, 2020

    22 min

  4. 07/26/2021

    17: Remodeling Materials

    In which Felicia describes the materials choices for her kitchen remodel, and her guest, Helene Renard, Professor of Interior Design in the School of Architecture + Design at Virginia Tech, describes the “Healthier Materials and Sustainable Building” course she took with the Healthy Materials Lab at the Parsons School of Design. Host–Felicia Etzkorn of Virginia Tech, with music by Wendy Godley of The Kind. Green Kitchen Remodel: https://mcdn.podbean.com/mf/web/e8tg8v/Green_Kitchen_Lecture_2015am1wy.pdf Course: https://healthymaterialslab.org/learning-hub/e-learning-online-certificate-program Healthy Materials Lab: https://healthymaterialslab.org/about/team https://healthymaterialslab.org/

    57 min

  5. 06/07/2021

    16: PFAS Sass

    In which we discuss per- and poly-fluoroalkylsubstances (PFAS) with Carol Kwiatkowski of the Green Science Policy Institute (https://greensciencepolicy.org), their properties, function, consumer products, toxicity, persistence, chemical analysis, and regulation both in the US and EU. Some companies, like Keen, are eliminating PFAS from their products. We then discuss a few green substitutes, including Solberg Co.'s firefighting foam, a fatty acid coated cellulose, and iron skillets. Host–Felicia Etzkorn of Virginia Tech, co-host–Jamie Ferguson of Emory & Henry College, with music by Wendy Godley of The Kind. PFAS review: Kwiatkowski, C. F.; Andrews, D. Q.; Birnbaum, L. S.; Bruton, T. A.; DeWitt, J. C.; Knappe, D. R. U.; Maffini, M. V.; Miller, M. F.; Pelch, K. E.; Reade, A.; Soehl, A.; Trier, X.; Venier, M.; Wagner, C. C.; Wang, Z.; Blum, A., Scientific Basis for Managing PFAS as a Chemical Class. Env Sci & Tech Letters 2020, 7 (8), 532-543. https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.0c00255 EPA Reassessment: https://cen.acs.org/environment/persistent-pollutants/US-EPA-deems-two-GenX-PFAS-chemicals-more-toxic-than-PFOA/99/web/2021/10?utm_source=Newsletter&utm_medium=Newsletter&utm_campaign=CEN Alternatives: https://pfascentral.org/pfas-free-products/ Keen PFAS-free: https://www.keenfootwear.com/conservation/blog-article-20390.html Solberg Co firefighting foam: https://www.perimeter-solutions.com/class-a-b-foam/ PFAS in cosmetics: https://pubs.acs.org/doi/10.1021/acs.estlett.1c00240 PFAS in fracking: https://www.nytimes.com/2021/07/12/climate/epa-pfas-fracking-forever-chemicals.html Dark Waters, Movie about PFAS in WV with Mark Ruffalo: https://www.yidio.com/movie/dark-waters/210401 Binding of PFOA to human serum albumin: Maso, L. et. al., Unveiling the binding mode of perfluorooctanoic acid to human serum albumin. Protein Sci 2021, 30 (4), 830-841.https://onlinelibrary.wiley.com/doi/10.1002/pro.4036 Breaking down PFAS: Lockwood, D., Photocatalyst shreds drinking water contaminant PFOA. Chem & Eng News 2018, 96 (36). https://cen.acs.org/environment/persistent-pollutants/Photocatalyst-shreds-drinking-water-contaminant/96/i36 Vermont regulations passed: https://thehill.com/changing-america/well-being/longevity/554680-vermont-governor-signs-first-in-nation-restrictions-on

    1h 8m

  6. 04/30/2021

    15: News Roundup: Blues, Catalytic Converters, and Fracking

    In which we discuss the recent development of a series of new blue pigments, the theft of catalytic converters for the rhodium, and the health effects of fracking chemicals. Hosted by Felicia Etzkorn of Virginia Tech, co-host Jamie Ferguson of Emory & Henry College, and music by Wendy Godley of The Kind. Blue pigments: https://chemistry.oregonstate.edu/content/story-yinmn-blue Catalytic converter theft: https://www.npr.org/templates/story/story.php?storyId=129047092 https://www.washingtonpost.com/world/africa/catalytic-converter-theft-south-africa-rhodium/2021/03/03/dc288192-777d-11eb-9489-8f7dacd51e75_story.html Fracking chemicals: https://www.ehn.org/fractured-series-on-fracking-pollution-2650624600/fractured-fracking

    43 min

  7. 03/01/2021

    14: Chemical Alt-Rock

    In which we discuss the opportunities for substituting safer chemical alternatives for consumer products in current use with our guest, Joel Tickner of the University of Massachusetts, Lowell. We don’t need to wait for green chemistry to come up with great alternatives, many have already been designed. We need to collaborate with businesses to turn towards better alternatives, rather than imposing regulations away from the bad stuff, risking drop-in substitutions that are just as bad. Host–Felicia Etzkorn of Virginia Tech, co-host–Jamie Ferguson of Emory & Henry College, with music by Wendy Godley of The Kind. Resources Joel A. Tickner, Rachel V. Simon, Molly Jacobs, Lindsey D. Pollard & Saskia K. van Bergen (2021) The nexus between alternatives assessment and green chemistry: supporting the development and adoption of safer chemicals, Green Chemistry Letters and Reviews, 14:1, 21-42, DOI: 10.1080/17518253.2020.1856427  https://www.tandfonline.com/doi/full/10.1080/17518253.2020.1856427 Tickner J, Jacobs MM, Mack NB (2019) Alternatives assessment and informed substitution: A global landscape assessment of drivers, methods, policies and needs. Sustainable Chemistry and Pharmacy 13:100161. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S235255411930052X O'Brien M. 2000. Making Better Environmental Decisions: An Alternative to Risk Assessment, MIT Press Cambridge, MA. https://mitpress.mit.edu/books/making-better-environmental-decisions

    1 hr

  8. 02/13/2021

    13: Next Seven Generations

    In which we discuss sustainable, plant-based cleaning products, oxygen-bleached paper products, recyclable and recycled packaging, transparent labeling, and consumer education with Martin Wolf, Director of Sustainability & Authenticity at Seventh Generation. Host–Felicia Etzkorn of Virginia Tech, co-host–Jamie Ferguson of Emory & Henry College, with music by Wendy Godley of The Kind. Great resource for sustainability and environmental justice issues: https://www.seventhgeneration.com/home

    1h 7m
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Ratings & Reviews

5
out of 5
4 Ratings

About

On TWIST, This Week in Sustainability, we discuss the green pros and cons of the entire range of consumer products and everything in them, to help you choose the right stuff to buy and recycle. We’ll discuss: Appliances, Batteries, Buildings, Carpet, Cleaning Products, Clothing, Computers, Disinfectants, Food, Flame Retardants, Fuels, Medicine, Packaging, Paint, Pesticides, Plastic, Personal Care products, Phones, Photovoltaics, and maybe even tilt at Windmills. We'd love to have your suggestions for topics or guests: twist.sustainability@gmail.com! Hosted by Felicia Etzkorn, Professor of Chemistry at Virginia Tech (https://chem.vt.edu/people/faculty/teaching-and-research/fetzkorn.html) and author of Green Chemistry: Principles and Case Studies, with co-host Jamie Ferguson, Professor of Chemistry at Emory & Henry College (https://www.ehc.edu/live/profiles/341-jamie-ferguson). Music was created and performed by Wendy Godley.

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