Ramani Narayan joins the podcast today to discuss a fascinating subject: How fungus and bacteria can consume and alter plastic waste. Ramani is a University Distinguished Professor in the Department of Chemical Engineering and Materials Science at Michigan State University. As an internationally acclaimed thought leader and expert in bioplastics, his research focuses on manufacturing biobased and compostable plastics.

Not only does Ramani have over 200 refereed publications and 30 issued patents, but he is also a successful entrepreneur – having commercialized several biobased and biodegradable product technologies, including PLA and starch products.

What are the benefits of biodegradable polymer molecules? Could Ramani be on the precipice of finding a sustainable solution to the world’s plastic crisis? Tune in now to find out…

In this episode, we talk about:

• What carbon-carbon backbone polymers are, and how they are used in modern products.
• The role that enzymes play in the degradation of plastics.
• How and why microbes consume carbon molecules.
• How chemicals can alter the makeup of plastics.

Click here to learn more about Ramani and his research!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

In this episode, we sit down with Nancy Gift, an Associate Professor of Environmental Studies and Chair of the Sustainability and Environmental Studies Department at Berea College. She joins us to discuss an intriguing facet of environmental studies: aquaponics.

Aquaponics is a combination of plant and fish production that uses both aquaculture and hydroponic systems. This method of production is highly sustainable – as it uses the fish waste to fertilize the plants in a human-controlled ecosystem.

By listening in, you will learn about:

• How aquaponics can benefit our environment.
• Why aquaponics systems are able to yield more than traditional farming methods.
• Examples of how aquaponics can be done correctly.

Aquaponics is moving from experimental to commercial as more and more farmers are utilizing it to maximize food yield. Could this be the future of food production?

You can find out more about Nancy Gift and her work by visiting www.berea.edu now!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q

Are you looking for ways to be prepared for the future but don’t know where to start? Charles from Survival Preparedness For Beginners is here to help!

Using his platform, Charles has focused his efforts on providing guidance for those who want to survive in any situation. How does this concern you? Well, our society is becoming more unstable by the day, and this is threatening the comforts that we take advantage of regularly.

From food shortages to natural disasters, it has never been more important to be prepared…

Join us now to hear Charles discuss:

• What got him interested in prepping.
• His personal advice on how to establish sustainable prepping practices.
• Circumstances on the horizon that could drastically change our way of living as we know it.
• A practical amount of resources to have on hand in case of emergencies.

So what are you waiting for? Listen now to get the proactive advice you need to be prepared for anything!

You can learn more about Charles and his work with Survival Preparedness for Beginners by visiting his Youtube channel here, and his website here!

Episode also available on Apple Podcasts: https://apple.co/3bO8R6q