Plastic Podcast
Not a Mean Girls Plastic Podcast
Hosted by Clark Marchese, Plastic Podcast tells the story of how plastic started, how it became such a ubiquitous part of our lives, and the various consequences of its ubiquity. Clark goes beyond the straw and interviews economists, historians, scientists, and activists to talk about all things plastic.
In the debut episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese takes listeners on a journey through the fascinating history of plastic. From its humble beginnings as a replacement for ivory billiard balls to its modern-day ubiquity, plastic has undergone a remarkable transformation over the past century. With special guest Dr. Seth Rasmussen, a polymers and plastics chemist with a passion for science history, the episode delves into the origins of plastic and its evolution into the versatile material we know today.
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In this episode of Plastic Podcast, host Clark Marchese talks to Abby Barrows, a marine researcher and microplastics expert who spearheaded a global project to quantify microplastic concentrations in water systems all over the world. The conversation flows through Abby’s scientific interests, definitions of microplastics and what we know about their harms, how the database project was conducted and what we learn from it, and the important contributions of citizen science.
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This episode of the Plastic Podcast delves into the concept of zero waste cities, exploring how urban areas can reduce their waste footprint. Jack McQuibban from Zero Waste Europe unfolds the intricacies of achieving zero waste status, examining the balance between individual actions and systemic changes necessary for this ambitious goal. By highlighting successful strategies and the potential savings in waste management, the episode paints a hopeful yet realistic picture of the future of waste reduction
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This episode of the Plastic Podcast, with Dr. Winnie Courtene-Jones, tackles the topic of biodegradable plastics. The conversation includes a nuanced examination of the different plastic types, their environmental implications, and the pervasive issue of greenwashing.. They also explore the social and economic effects of alternative plastics and how they show up in the upcoming United Nations Treaty on Plastic Pollution. This episode is essential for anyone looking to understand the complex role of biodegradable plastics in our environmental future.
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In this episode of Plastic Podcast, we examine plastic's role in art, from a new medium to a symbol of activism. Featuring Dr. Johannis Tsoumas, we explore its early use in art, like the 1930s acrylic paints revolution, influencing movements such as abstract expressionism and pop art. We also discuss contemporary artists like Pamela Longobardi and Pascale Marthine Tayou, who use plastic to protest environmental harm, highlighting its dual role as a consumerist symbol and a catalyst for change.
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In this episode, host Clark Marchese talks with Dr. Christine Figgener, a sea turtle biologist known for her 2015 viral video where she removed a straw from a turtle's nose, sparking a significant anti-straw movement. The video highlighted the severe impact of plastic on marine life, making turtles a symbol of this global issue. Nearly a decade later, they reflect on the movement's progress and discuss the wider consequences of plastic waste, the blend of science and activism, and the critical need for environmental reform worldwide.
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In this episode, Dr. Yvonne Shashoua, a researcher at the National Museum of Denmark, discusses the complex world of plastic conservation. It covers the historical, cultural, and environmental impacts of plastics, from preserving WWII propaganda balloons and spacesuits to addressing plastic degradation in oceans. Dr. Shashoua, with her rich background in polymer chemistry and museum conservation, shares insights on the challenges and innovations in preserving plastics for future generations. This episode illuminates how museum science enhances our understanding of plastics' role in our world.
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In this episode of the Plastic Podcast, Dr. Sedat Gündoğdu discusses the alarming presence of microplastics in our diet, highlighting how common foods like seafood, salt, and spirulina are contaminated. He explains the entry paths of these tiny pollutants into our food chain, their health risks, and the broader environmental challenges they pose. The episode underscores the critical need for further research, immediate policy changes, and personal actions to address the pervasive issue of microplastics in our food.
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