Episode 9: Chief Mermaid

On this aquathread: How data analytics can help make successful conservation campaigns; what else it takes to make successful campaigns and reach a diverse audience, what it's like to work with A-list stars like Adrian Grenier and Jason Momoa on plastic pollution; and how to get by working with your family in an RV (by choice).

On this aquathread: find out what a garbologist is and how did Sonia end up as one; why is what we term a waste collector so important; why is the informal waste sector so critical and how do they help prevent plastic pollution?; how can we garner more respect for all waste workers, both formal and informal

On this aquathread: A double feature with two amazing guests. What it's like to write a 300 page report on plastics policies that makes a big splash, science communication and the next generation, “balance” during grad school, and how bagels can bring people together to move sustainability forward.

On this aquathread: what happens when you don’t go into a field your parents expect you to; how does musical theater lead to ocean conservation; how do you get the coveted title of “Chief Mermaid”’ and why countries in the Global South are leaders in reducing plastic pollution.

On this aquathread: A peek behind the curtain of global negotiations and discussions, including the plastics treaty; how baking and cooking shows can help ease jet-lag; and how pushing yourself to be in public situations and presentations might inspire others.

Co-Hosts: Jenna Jambeck and Madison WernerGuest: Patricia Villarrubia Gomez, PhD Candidate, Stockholm Resilience Centre, Stockholm UniversityOn this aquathread: Following inspiration and passion in work; finding mentors; pushing the boundaries of science, balancing grad school and sleep; scientists representation at the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC); and the Plastics Treaty. Links referenced:Outside the Safe Operating Space of the Planetary Boundary for Novel EntitiesMarine plastic pollution as a planetary boundary threat – The drifting piece in the sustainability puzzleStockholm Resilience Center Planetary BoundariesSocial Media for Patty: @pativillarrubia

Co-Hosts: Jenna Jambeck and Imari Walker-FranklinGuest: Dr. Kara Lavender Law, Research Professor of Oceanography at Sea Education AssociationOn this aquathread: How an oceanographer became interested in plastics and waste management; what it is like to have your science be used for global policy (like in G7 and G20 declarations); how in the world did we balance infants and scientific working groups; how being on your local solid waste commission can make a difference and why supporting women in oceanography is important. Bonus: Can you pass the SEA Plastics Quiz?Links referenced:SEA Plastics Lab

Guest: Taylor Griffin, a sustainable maximalist (previously Totally Taylored) and Jessica and Chris from Amis de la Terre Zero-Waste MarketOn this aquathread: what it is like to be a young (Gen-Z) entrepreneur from East to West Coast; how does a refill store operate in real-life?; running your own business while juggling early career or graduate school; why refilling is not just for those into sustainability; the highs and lows of running a small business and start-up; and how to find support in unexpected places.

On this aquathread: how working collaboratively in the “odd hours” produced A Sea of Opportunity; what does it mean for a city to have a just and equitable reuse system for foodware; what is it like to facilitate a United Nations Environment Programme workshop; and enter the living landscape of reuse solutions.Links referenced:Living Landscape of Reusable SolutionsGlobal Landscape Analysis of Reuse and Refill SolutionsA Sea of OpportunityLeveraging Multi-Target Strategies to Address Plastic Pollution in the Context of an Already Stressed Ocean

On this aquathread: The perspective of an undergraduate studying math and history at UGA; coastal roots as inspiration; the importance of coastal waters and history in our lives; how a shipwreck relates to the circular economy, and how all of this might provide insight into plastic pollution. Bonus: Find out what a mooncusser is.