Go Green Radio
About
Available on
Community
787 episodes
Today we’ll be joined by the CEO of Cleancult, Ryan Lupberger and the CRO of Boxed Water, Robert Keonen, to discuss their companies’ strategies to eliminate plastic waste from waste stream with sustainable packaging solutions. Cleancult is the first company in the world to successfully package soaps and detergents into 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, prioritizing refilling over landfilling. Consumers using the Cleancult system reduce plastic waste by 90% compared to traditional cleaning brands. Boxed Water’s paper-based cartons are 92% renewable and less destructive to our planet than single-use plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Tune in to learn more about how these companies are tackling one of the most significant environmental issues of our day: plastic pollution.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
Today’s guest is Ginny Leary, the Zero Waste and Sustainability Project Manager for Boston Public Schools (BPS). We will discuss how BPS strives to reduce the amount of waste generated by building occupants and reduce the amount of non-recyclable waste that is hauled to and disposed of in landfills or incineration facilities. BPS’s Zero Waste program is comprehensive and can serve as a role model for other school districts across the country. Tune in to learn about their proven, pragmatic approach!
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025. Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
It was going to be Disneyland at the top of a mountain. A vacation destination where guests could ski, go ice skating, or be entertained by a Disney Imagineer-created band of Audio-Animatronic bears. In the summer, visitors could fish, camp, hike, or take a scenic chairlift ride to the top of a mountain. It was the Mineral King resort in Southern California, and it was Walt Disney’s final passion project. But there was one major obstacle to Walt’s dream: the growing environmentalist movement of the 1960s. Tune in as we talk with Greg Glasgow and Kathryn Mayer about their new book, Disneyland on the Mountain: Walt, the Environmentalists, and the Ski Resort That Never Was, where they will provide an unprecedented look inside the Mineral King saga, from its origins at the 1960 Winter Olympics to the years-long environmental fight that eventually shut the development down. The fight, which went all the way to the Supreme Court, reshaped the environmental movement and helped to put in place long-reaching laws to protect nature. Although the court battle, coupled with Walt’s death in 1966, meant the end for the Mineral King resort, the ideas and planning behind it have permeated throughout the Walt Disney company and the ski tourism industry in ways that are still seen today.
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
Today we will talk with two experts on IAQ in schools about the magnitude of the problem in American schools and what can be done. In recent years, comparative risk studies performed by EPA's Science Advisory Board (SAB) have consistently ranked indoor air pollution among the top five environmental risks to public health. Most people are aware that outdoor air pollution can impact their health, but indoor air pollution can also have significant and harmful health effects. EPA studies of human exposure to air pollutants indicate that indoor levels of pollutants may be two to five times — and occasionally more than 100 times — higher than outdoor levels. These levels of indoor air pollutants are of particular concern, because most people spend about 90 percent of their time indoors. Some of the consequences of poor indoor air quality in schools are: increased long-and short-term health problems for students and staff; spread of airborne infectious diseases; degraded student learning environment, which affects comfort and attendance.
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project in Alturas, California recently won the $20,000 Edge Prize — a new prize celebrating exceptional projects from Alaska to California which work towards creating resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Lomakatsi Restoration Project engages youth in learning how to build fire-adapted forests and communities. The model creates meaningful, living-wage work that provides a foundation for the next generation of workers in forest product and ecological restoration industries. Tune in as we talk with the organization’s Founder & Executive Director, Marko Bay, and the Tribal Partnerships Director, Belinda Brown!
Founded by Roger Silveira, We Need Fresh Air is an organization dedicated to improving student achievement one breath at a time. Replacing HEPA filters or installing new school ventilation systems is not enough. School districts must do more to ensure students are breathing fresh, clean air. Classrooms are some of the most densely populated spaces with an average of 30 students per 1,000 square feet, and CO2 build up can be detrimental. Tune in today as we talk with Roger about the techniques he uses to ensure high quality Indoor Air Quality (IAQ) for East Side Union High School District in San Jose, CA.
Parkinson’s disease, is the fastest growing neurological disorder in the world. Over the past 25 years, the number of people with the condition has jumped from 3 million to over 6 million. In addition to impacting millions of lives and livelihoods, Parkinson’s is poised to crush our healthcare system and our economy. This, while harmful pesticides and other toxic chemicals that contribute to Parkinson’s surround us, disproportionally affecting our farmers, our veterans, and even those in Silicon Valley. The most effective treatment is now a half century old, yet research funding stagnates. In short, we’re failing to stop a runaway train. Tune in as we talk with Dr. Ray Dorsey, co-author of the book, Ending Parkinson’s: A Prescription for Action, about what needs to be done to stem the tide of rapidly increasing Parkinson’s cases.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent. The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions. Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
Environmental justice (EJ) communities are on the frontlines of the adverse impacts of climate change and are disproportionately exposed to a wide range of polluting industries, including fossil fuel infrastructure like coal plants, natural gas plants, and pipelines. Will the use of carbon capture and sequestration (CCS) mechanisms and hydrogen co-firing in the power sector will further harm EJ communities that are already overburdened? According to Dr. Nicky Sheats John S. Watson Institute for Urban Policy and Research at Kean University, “EPA’s proposed rule all but recognizes that CCS and hydrogen co-firing will add to toxic air pollution in communities living near power plants, and this is unacceptable when such communities already live with an unfair share of cumulative impacts from pollution.” Tune in as we examine the ramifications of allowing CCS and hydrogen co-firing for America’s most vulnerable populations.
Today we’ll be joined by the CEO of Cleancult, Ryan Lupberger and the CRO of Boxed Water, Robert Keonen, to discuss their companies’ strategies to eliminate plastic waste from waste stream with sustainable packaging solutions. Cleancult is the first company in the world to successfully package soaps and detergents into 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, prioritizing refilling over landfilling. Consumers using the Cleancult system reduce plastic waste by 90% compared to traditional cleaning brands. Boxed Water’s paper-based cartons are 92% renewable and less destructive to our planet than single-use plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Tune in to learn more about how these companies are tackling one of the most significant environmental issues of our day: plastic pollution.
Today we’ll be joined by the CEO of Cleancult, Ryan Lupberger and the CRO of Boxed Water, Robert Keonen, to discuss their companies’ strategies to eliminate plastic waste from waste stream with sustainable packaging solutions. Cleancult is the first company in the world to successfully package soaps and detergents into 100% recyclable paper-based cartons, prioritizing refilling over landfilling. Consumers using the Cleancult system reduce plastic waste by 90% compared to traditional cleaning brands. Boxed Water’s paper-based cartons are 92% renewable and less destructive to our planet than single-use plastic bottles and aluminum cans. Tune in to learn more about how these companies are tackling one of the most significant environmental issues of our day: plastic pollution.
Testicular cancer. Kidney cancer. Liver damage. These are just a few of the effects of PFAS on human health. Today we’re joined by Dr. Scott Bartell, Professor of Environmental & Occupational Health at UC Irvine, to discuss what every person should know about the risks to their health caused by exposure to PFAS chemicals. We will also discuss guidance for medical doctors whose patients have elevated levels of PFAS in their blood. We will also be joined by Andrew Patterson from Eurofins to discuss how you can have your blood tested for a wide range of PFAS chemicals.
California Assemblymember Laura Friedman authored a bill signed into law in 2022 that will prohibit the entire class of PFAS, a.k.a. “forever chemicals,” from cosmetic products sold in the state of CA. We will discuss the expected ramifications of that legislation, as well as the public policy she champions to combat climate change. As Chair for the Assembly Committee on Transportation and the bicameral Environmental Caucus, Assemblywoman Friedman has her finger on the pulse of the most pressing environmental issues facing the Golden State.
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025. Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent. The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions. Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
New laboratory tests commissioned by the Environmental Working Group found four water filters that reduce the detected “forever chemicals” known as PFAS in sampled drinking water by nearly 100 percent. The results come as the U.S. Geological Survey announced alarming findings that almost half of the nation’s tap water has been contaminated by one or more of the 32 individual PFAS for which the agency tested. The pervasiveness of these hazardous substances in our drinking water highlights the urgent need for effective filtration solutions. Tune in as we talk with Sydney Evans, a science analyst at Environmental Working Group (EWG) who led the water filter testing project.
A new study by a Lawrence Livermore National Laboratory (LLNL) scientist and collaborators shows that nearly all the recent increase in California summer wildfire burned area is attributable to human-caused (anthropogenic) climate change. Anthropogenic simulations yielded burn areas an average of 172% higher than natural variation simulations. The research appears in the Proceedings of the National Academy of Sciences. Tune in as we talk with one of the co-authors of the article, Dr. Don Lucas.
The Center for Green Schools, in partnership with the Campaign for Environmental Literacy, released a new report highlighting the need for state-level legislation that enhances and broadens climate change education in all K-12 schools. The report, State-Level Legislation Concerning K-12 Climate Change Education, along with an accompanying executive summary, provides detailed talking points with citations for making the case, essential elements of climate change education legislation, a model state bill framework, and profiles examples of legislation that supports climate change education. Tune in as we speak with the authors of the report, Anisa Heming and Dr. James Elder.
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
Minnesota Governor Tim Walz signed into law the first-ever ban in the U.S. on PFAS “forever chemicals” in cookware, dental floss, and menstrual products as part of the broadest PFAS policy package in the country. The new law bans all uses of PFAS in products by 2032—except those that are necessary for public health, requires manufacturers to report their use of PFAS in products to the state by 2026, and bans specific uses in several products starting in 2025. Our guest today is Avonna Starck, State Director, Minnesota Clean Water Action, who will discuss the significance of the bill and the ongoing work to protect our health from the dangers associated with PFAS exposure.
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project in Alturas, California recently won the $20,000 Edge Prize — a new prize celebrating exceptional projects from Alaska to California which work towards creating resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Lomakatsi Restoration Project engages youth in learning how to build fire-adapted forests and communities. The model creates meaningful, living-wage work that provides a foundation for the next generation of workers in forest product and ecological restoration industries. Tune in as we talk with the organization’s Founder & Executive Director, Marko Bay, and the Tribal Partnerships Director, Belinda Brown!
The Lomakatsi Restoration Project in Alturas, California recently won the $20,000 Edge Prize — a new prize celebrating exceptional projects from Alaska to California which work towards creating resilient communities in the face of climate change. The Lomakatsi Restoration Project engages youth in learning how to build fire-adapted forests and communities. The model creates meaningful, living-wage work that provides a foundation for the next generation of workers in forest product and ecological restoration industries. Tune in as we talk with the organization’s Founder & Executive Director, Marko Bay, and the Tribal Partnerships Director, Belinda Brown!
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
In May 2023, Washington State Department of Ecology Director Laura Watson signed new rules that, for the first time ever, ban toxic chemicals—including PFAS, phthalates, flame retardants, and bisphenols—put in plastic electronic casings, vinyl flooring, and beverage liners, among other products. These new rules conclude the first cycle of regulations as part of Safer Products for Washington, the nation’s strongest law regulating toxic chemicals in products—a major source of contamination in our homes, food, waterways, and bodies. Our guest today is Cheri Peele, Sr. Projects Manager with Toxic-Free Future, and she will help us understand how this groundbreaking piece of legislation could be the bellwether for greater consumer protection nationwide.
As auto and oil industry companies bet on an EV filled future, many are now directly sourcing raw materials (such as lithium) for EV batteries themselves. And while the future of transportation is definitely going green, will gas-powered cars simply be replaced by electric ones or will the transportation industry experience other changes as well? What might drive those changes and what can we expect to see? Tune in as we talk with Bill Klehm, Chairman and CEO of eBliss, a leader in eMobility transportation solutions. With over two decades of experience in the transportation and automotive industries, Bill can explain what the predicament around sourcing EV materials means from both a business and eMobility advocate perspective, why electric cars might not be so popular in the future, and how the way we think about transportation will change as more eMobility options become mainstream.
