Join us for an inspiring conversation with Aliya Marder from Ridwell as we explore how one company is transforming the recycling landscape from grassroots community sessions to a groundbreaking national mail-in program. Discover why passionate recycling advocates are the secret vectors of change in their communities, learn about the patchwork of solutions emerging across America, and understand why doing things imperfectly might be our best path forward. This episode reveals the human side of waste management innovation and offers a renewed sense of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by our environmental challenges.
Join Garr and Sabira as they dive deep into the complex world of recycling & EPR policy with John Hite. Explore how America's patchwork of state laws creates both opportunities and challenges for waste management reform, from California's groundbreaking standards to Montana's youth-led climate lawsuit. Learn why a major constitutional challenge could reshape the future of recycling programs nationwide, and discover what's driving momentum for change despite the legal and political hurdles ahead.
What happens when the people trying to save the world can't save themselves? In this deeply personal episode, executive coach Laurie McGinley reveals a startling truth: 62% of sustainability professionals report signs of burnout. Drawing from her own experience of having a stroke at 31 while being a perfectly healthy D1 athlete, Laurie challenges everything we think we know about careers, success, and sacrifice.
Discover why treating your career like a compost cycle instead of a linear extraction could revolutionize not just how you work, but whether you survive the work. Learn the counterintuitive remedy to burnout that has nothing to do with vacations or sabbaticals, and everything to do with increasing seconds of flow state in your day.
From her daughter's burned finger providing an unexpected metaphor for organizational trauma, to questioning whether Back to the Future holds up (spoiler: it doesn't), this conversation weaves together neuroscience, circular economy principles, and radical self-care into a blueprint for sustainable leadership.
If you've ever felt like you're the only one who can do the work, if you've mined your own wellness for a cause bigger than yourself, or if you lead a team of brilliant, passionate people who are burning out faster than fossil fuels – this episode might just save your career, your health, and your mission.
In this conversation, Eric Davis discusses Pretred, a company focused on creating sustainable products from recycled tires. He shares insights on the resilience of their products, the challenges of transitioning from an idea to a viable business model, and the importance of government partnerships in funding circular economy initiatives. The discussion also covers the diverse customer base for their products, the potential for global expansion, and valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in the circular economy space.
In this episode, we explore Sacni Leon's remarkable 15-year journey at Logitech and her unexpected path into the circular economy. Her simple question - "Why are all these products coming back?" - sparked a transformation that would reshape how the company handles returns and reverse logistics.The conversation highlights key themes including the power of asking obvious questions, the unexpected connections between customer service and supply chain sustainability, and how hands-on warehouse experience can reveal hidden opportunities for circular innovation. Sacni's story demonstrates how one curious employee willing to challenge the status quo can drive meaningful change in corporate sustainability practices.
In this conversation, Joe Macleod discusses the importance of consumer off-boarding experiences and the emotional connections we have with products. He explores the historical context of consumption, the emotional grip of consumerism, and the responsibilities of both consumers and providers at the end of a product's life cycle. The discussion also touches on the role of brand equity, the future of consumer relationships, and the impact of AI on consumption. Macleod emphasizes the need for brands to create meaningful endings for their products and to bridge the gap between marketing and sustainability efforts.
In this conversation, Julia discusses the potential of seaweed as a sustainable alternative to plastic, sharing her personal journey and the importance of designing for a circular economy. The discussion covers the challenges of adopting seaweed solutions, the packaging ecosystem, and the role of advocacy in raising consumer awareness. Julia also highlights the regulatory landscape surrounding biodegradability, the economic potential of seaweed farming, and the importance of consumer actions in promoting sustainable packaging. The conversation concludes with insights into Sway's upcoming products and the future of sustainable materials.
In this conversation, the founders of Common Object Studio discuss their journey in sustainable design, focusing on their case study with Okaterra. They explore the challenges and triumphs of creating furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. The discussion delves into the importance of materials, supply chains, and the need for transparency in sustainability. They emphasize the beauty of variation in design and the significance of community and collaboration in driving change within the industry.
Garr Punnett and Emily Rogers discuss the evolution of Reath, a company focused on the circular economy and open data standards. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector, including the importance of consumer behavior, the impact of legislation, and the need for collaboration among businesses. Emily shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the human element in business and the necessity of patience in the waste reduction space. The discussion also touches on the significance of adapting to changing regulations and the role of open data in driving industry standards.
Supply chain expert and author Deborah Dull joins Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani for a candid conversation about the practical realities of building circular supply chains. Fresh off publishing her comprehensive guide to circular supply chain maturity models and a business novel co-written with AI, Deborah cuts through the sustainability rhetoric to focus on what actually works.
In this conversation, Sabira Lakhani and Garr Punnett discuss the Heritage Group and its venture capital arm, HG Ventures, focusing on their approach to investing in the circular economy. They explore the challenges and opportunities within this space, emphasizing the importance of relationships, storytelling, and transparency in venture capital. The discussion also highlights the need for innovation, the role of software in circular solutions, and the balance between short-term and long-term goals in investment strategies. Ultimately, the conversation conveys a sense of optimism about the future of circular economy investments and the potential for systemic change.
Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani chat with Nicole Bassett, a pioneer in the circular economy and founder of The Renewal Workshop. They discuss the evolution of sustainable fashion, the challenges of scaling circular solutions, and the importance of collaboration in creating effective business models. Nicole shares her journey from Patagonia to founding the Renewal Workshop, the impact of her work on the industry, and the future of circular economy in the context of AI and consumer behavior. The conversation highlights the need for brands to adapt and find pathways to profitability within circular frameworks, emphasizing the importance of meaningful work and collaboration in driving change.
In this conversation, Preston Poag Jr. from Mohawk Industries discusses the challenges and opportunities in recycling flooring materials within the context of the circular economy. The discussion covers the differences between commercial and residential recycling, the importance of education and communication in promoting recycling programs, and the impact of policy on sustainability initiatives.
The conversation also explores innovative business models like flooring as a service and the economic considerations that influence the adoption of circular economy practices. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the need for collaboration and the role of the next generation in driving sustainable change.
In this episode, Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani interview Erada Olieta, founder of the Chip Bag Project, which transforms unrecyclable Mylar chip bags into essential products for people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores the innovative solutions Erada has developed, the challenges of scaling her organization, and the importance of corporate partnerships. Erada shares her journey from a simple idea to a thriving social enterprise, emphasizing the human element in her work and the iterative process of product development.
In this episode of Selling Circular, Sabira Lakhani, Garr Punnett, and Theo Zizka discuss the intricacies of the circular economy, focusing on Community Forklift's operations. Theo shares his unique journey into the resale space, the challenges of managing online sales, and the importance of sustainability in packaging. The conversation delves into pricing strategies, the unpredictability of inventory, and the emotional connections people have with donated items. The episode concludes with advice for donors and a reflection on the philosophy of reuse.
In this episode of Selling Circular, host Garr Punnett and guests Sabira Lakhani and Nancy Rhodes discuss the intersection of technology, sustainability, and fashion. They explore how Alternew, a B2B2C AI-enabled marketplace, connects brands, consumers, and tailors to reduce returns and enhance customer loyalty. The conversation delves into the challenges of fast fashion, the importance of tailoring, and the cultural shifts needed to embrace custom fit as a standard in the buying experience. Nancy shares insights from her extensive experience in the fashion industry and highlights the potential for technology to modernize the tailoring market and support sustainability efforts.
In this episode, Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani engage with Lia Kiam from Visia to discuss the innovative approaches using AI for the circular economy, particularly in recycling. They explore the challenges faced by recycling operators, including safety concerns related to hazardous materials like lithium-ion batteries, and the role of technology in enhancing operational efficiency. The conversation delves into the complexities of the recycling industry, including pricing strategies, generational shifts in business practices, and the importance of data transparency. Lia shares insights on the future of the circular economy and the need for collaboration among stakeholders to drive meaningful change.
Chapters
00:00 Introduction and Setup
04:07 The Importance of Safety in Recycling
06:50 Understanding the Circular Economy
09:53 Vizia's Innovative Solutions
12:49 Pricing Strategies and Market Dynamics
15:52 Transitioning from Finance to Recycling
18:52 Current Trends and Challenges in Recycling
22:16 Market Variability and Geopolitical Impacts
23:02 The Importance of Battery Recycling
25:14 Technological Limitations in Material Detection
26:38 AI and Automation in Recycling
28:11 Generational Shifts in Recycling Technology Adoption
31:02 Interoperability in Recycling Facilities
32:59 Feedback Loops in the Recycling Supply Chain
35:35 The Need for Data in the Circular Economy
39:05 Regulatory Challenges and Opportunities
42:29 Hope for the Future of the Circular Economy
45:45 Selling Circular Open (Presentation) (1).mp4
In this episode of Selling Circular, Sabira Lakhani and Garr Punnett engage in a deep conversation with Wilma Rodrigues, a pioneer in India's waste management sector. They discuss the evolution of Saahas Zero Waste, the challenges of decentralized waste management, and the importance of regulatory frameworks. Wilma shares insights on the innovative approaches to textile waste management and the future of circular economy practices in India. The conversation emphasizes the need for sustainable business models, the significance of living wages, and the role of civil society in shaping effective waste management policies.
The conversation reflects on the recent Circularity conference, discussing the evolution of the event, the importance of community and networking, and the challenges of communication in sustainability. Key themes include the grouping of events under Trellis Impact, the significance of serendipitous connections, and insights from notable speakers. The discussion also touches on the discomfort companies feel in sharing their strategies publicly, highlighting the need for transparency in corporate sustainability efforts. In this conversation, the speakers discuss the dynamics of conferences focused on circularity, the challenges of sharing insights in public forums, and the impact of economic uncertainty on sustainability efforts. They explore the importance of feedback and iterative improvements in event planning, as well as the preparation required for future events. The conversation concludes with reflections on the value of collaboration and community engagement in driving change.
In this conversation, Garr Punnett and Peter discuss Peter's career journey from finance to the circular economy, highlighting his experiences at REI and Trove. They explore the challenges and opportunities in building sustainable business models, the importance of circularity in retail, and the innovative technologies being developed at Tersys to support these efforts. In this conversation, Peter discusses the unique positioning of his company in the B2B landscape, emphasizing their role as a solution provider for premium brands. He elaborates on the importance of balancing brand recognition with behind-the-scenes service, the competitive investment landscape, and the shift from venture capital to sustainable growth models. The discussion also touches on the future of the circular economy and the hope for a more sustainable industry.