S2:E1 Can We Actually Recycle Our Way Out Of Our Waste Problem?

Welcome to Season 2 of the Animalia podcast, where we cover all things conservation, climate, and sustainability. We’re opening this season with a long overdue chat about waste and recycling. How much progress are we actually making here? What should and should not be recycled? Is recycling the only way out of our waste problem?

We sit down with Erik Osmundsen, CEO of The NG Group in Norway, one of the leading global innovators in recycling and waste management. Erik answers some of our common recycling questions, and clues us into what he thinks is perhaps as important if not more important than simply consuming less and recycling more: actually changing the materials we make products and packaging with.

In This Episode

2:42 My Friends Answer Common Recycling Questions

7:34 Setting up the waste problem with Eric

15:05 What is preventing developed nations from making more progress

18:18 Defining a Circular Economy

21:10 Government, Corporate, and Individual Action

26:45 Gypsum: A Circular Economy Example

35:40 Consumers Should Get Paid to Recycle Properly

40:26 Debunking some common rules with recycling

53:50 Role of Subsidies

57:12 Erik’s Accomplishments with the NG Group

Don't forget to stay safe and pick up your Animalia Facemask! We have masks for elephants and sloths and 100% of proceeds go to their respective conservation work.