Making Events Better for All: The Journey to Compostable Cups
Release Date: 07/19/2024
Whales don’t get cancer: How bowhead whale DNA could change human health
How To Protect The Ocean
Whales don’t get cancer as often as you might expect, and in this episode you learn how the bowhead whale’s unique DNA repair system is helping scientists understand cancer prevention and healthy aging. This Arctic giant lives more than 200 years, grows to airplane size, and still avoids the runaway mutation patterns that lead to tumors in other species. Whales don’t get cancer at high rates because their cells repair DNA damage with remarkable accuracy, and recent studies show that bowhead whales have powerful repair proteins like CIRBP that might someday guide cancer research. You will...
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Fish feed in aquaculture, understanding what goes into feeding farmed fish
How To Protect The Ocean
Fish feed in aquaculture is at the center of a complicated global story that most people never hear about. In this episode, Andrew sits down with marine biologist and policy expert Marine Cusa to explore the hidden world of fishmeal, fish oil, feed ingredients, and the surprising connections between aquaculture, wild fisheries, West African communities, and even penguin populations in Antarctica. Marine breaks down what actually goes into the pellets fed to farmed fish, why transparency is lacking in the supply chain, and how her genetics research is uncovering the real species being...
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Orcas vs Great White Sharks: How Killer Whales Are Changing Shark Populations
How To Protect The Ocean
Orcas vs Great White Sharks is more than a dramatic headline—it’s a sign of how ocean ecosystems are shifting before our eyes. New drone footage shows orcas in the Gulf of California attacking and killing juvenile great white sharks in what scientists believe are nursery zones. The footage, captured in 2020 and 2022, reveals orcas flipping young sharks onto their backs, inducing tonic immobility, and surgically removing their livers—a precise and efficient hunting technique that may reshape predator-prey dynamics. For years, scientists have known about great white shark nurseries, but...
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Seagrass Decline in Moreton Bay: What Long-Term Research Reveals About Ocean Change
How To Protect The Ocean
Seagrass meadows are among the most vital yet overlooked ecosystems on our planet. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explores a new 19-year study from Moreton Bay, Australia, which shows that seagrass coverage and diversity are declining over time despite short-term recovery periods. This long-term research reveals that while short-term studies might show seagrass bouncing back after storms or floods, the bigger picture tells a story of gradual loss and ecological transformation. The episode also highlights why this decline matters: seagrass meadows are nurseries for...
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Animals Affected by Climate Change: How Seabirds Reveal the Hidden Impacts of Warming Oceans
How To Protect The Ocean
Animals affected by climate change are showing us how fragile our ecosystems have become. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with Dr. Helen Killeen, a marine ecologist whose research connects seabird reproduction to shifting ocean temperatures, prey diversity, and climate pressures across the northern hemisphere. Animals affected by climate change, from seabirds in the Arctic to those in the Pacific, serve as living indicators of ocean health. Helen explains how changes in prey diversity and warming oceans disrupt seabird breeding success, what this means for...
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Marine Conservation Projects: Why Recent Wins for Endangered Species Matter
How To Protect The Ocean
Marine Conservation Projects are driving real wins: green sea turtles downgraded to least concern in many regions, North Atlantic right whales showing a small but meaningful uptick, and a new vaquita calf sighting offering hope. In this episode I explain the common thread behind these stories, targeted local projects, science monitoring, and laws that actually get enforced, and I share practical ways you can support the people doing the work. From night patrols that protect turtle nests to whale disentanglement teams and community programs in Mexico that replace gillnets, you will hear how...
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Bill Gates & Climate Change: Why His Latest Comments Shocked the Climate Community
How To Protect The Ocean
Bill Gates and Climate Change have become a trending topic after the billionaire philanthropist argued that the world is too focused on cutting carbon emissions and not focused enough on improving human welfare. In this episode, I unpack what Gates said, why it caused such a reaction, and how his argument connects to decades of work in climate justice and climate equity. Many climate justice organizations have long emphasized that people struggling with hunger, illness, or poverty cannot prioritize environmental action until their basic needs are met. Gates’s claim—that people fighting to...
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Are These Whales Doing Better?
How To Protect The Ocean
North Atlantic right whales have been teetering on the edge of extinction for decades, with fewer than 400 individuals left. But recent reports hint at a small sign of hope: the population may finally be stabilizing, or even slightly increasing. In this episode, Andrew Lewin explores what that really means. Conservation efforts, from slower ship speeds to ropeless fishing gear, are starting to make a difference—but are they enough to ensure these whales survive? Andrew breaks down the latest science, the hard numbers from NOAA’s newest technical memo, and why every calf, especially every...
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Art and Ocean Science: How Creativity Reveals the Deep Sea’s Hidden Stories
How To Protect The Ocean
Art and Ocean Science are merging in ways that bring new life to marine research and conservation. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, host Andrew Lewin speaks with the creative minds behind Ocean Networks Canada’s “Surfacing Secrets” project, a groundbreaking collaboration where sculptors, theatre directors, and scientists explore how art can help people see, feel, and understand the ocean in fresh ways. Ocean creativity takes center stage as guests share how sculpture can represent underwater sounds, theatre can transform data into emotion, and how cross-disciplinary...
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Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary Approval: What It Means for Captive Whales and Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Nova Scotia Whale Sanctuary has officially received provincial approval, marking a monumental step toward creating Canada’s first ocean refuge for retired whales. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, Andrew Lewin explains how this decision moves the Whale Sanctuary Project closer to reality, what challenges remain before the sanctuary opens, and why this could change the way the world cares for marine mammals. Andrew also dives into how the Whale Sanctuary Project built the foundation for this historic milestone through years of environmental assessment, scientific planning, and...
info_outlineOn this episode of the How to Protect the Ocean podcast, Reagan Kelly from Better for All discusses the journey to creating fully compostable cups. Discover how these cups are not only better for individuals but also for the environment. Learn about the impact on sustainability and the future of businesses. Join us for an insightful conversation on sustainable alternatives to single-use plastic cups.
Website: https://betterforall.shop/
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Better For All is a company that offers fully compostable cups as a sustainable alternative to single-use plastic cups. The journey to creating these cups began in 2018 when the family-owned company became aware of the plastic pollution issue, particularly in the ocean. Reagan Kelly, the product lead at Better For All, was passionate about the environment and recycling, which led the family to explore the world of compostable and plant-based materials.
The company focused on developing cups that were not only compostable but also marine-degradable, addressing the concern of plastic waste ending up in the ocean. The cups are made from a material called PHA, which is naturally occurring and biodegrades safely in home composters or commercial composters. This material is friendly to a wide range of microorganisms, making it an environmentally friendly choice.
Better For All's cups were put to the test at the Tortuga Festival in Florida, where they delivered 170,000 cups. The festival organizers were impressed by the unique look of the cups, which helped in sorting them out for composting. The cups received positive feedback from attendees, showcasing the potential for sustainable alternatives at large events.
The company's focus on innovation and dedication to creating environmentally friendly products has led to the development of various cup sizes, catering to different needs and applications. The cups are not only functional but also contribute to reducing the environmental footprint of events and businesses that choose to use them.
Overall, Better For All's commitment to sustainability and providing a viable alternative to single-use plastic cups demonstrates the importance of conscious consumer choices and the impact of innovative solutions in reducing plastic pollution.
During the journey to develop the compostable cups, significant challenges in manufacturing were encountered. Traditional methods and equipment geared towards working with plastic had to be reevaluated and changed to align with the new sustainable material. The manufacturing process had to be modified to accommodate the unique properties of the compostable material, requiring a shift in mindset and practices.
Securing adequate funding was another major hurdle in the development process. Developing a new product like compostable cups required substantial financial investment for research, development, testing, and scaling up production. Convincing investors of the viability and potential success of the product was crucial, necessitating a strong business case and a clear vision for the future.
Overcoming the challenge of buy-in from manufacturers, customers, and investors was a critical aspect of the journey. Manufacturers had to be convinced to adopt new processes and materials, customers needed to be educated about the benefits of using compostable cups, and investors had to see the potential for a return on their investment. Convincing all stakeholders of the value and importance of the compostable cups was a key challenge that had to be overcome.
Better For All is not only focused on providing fully compostable cups but is also looking to expand its product line to include other sustainable items. Regan Kelly mentioned in a podcast episode that they are considering developing water bags as a potential new product. These water bags would serve as an alternative to single-use plastic bags commonly used for beverages in certain regions, especially in Africa.
Introducing water bags aligns with the company's mission to make events and gatherings better for all. By offering sustainable alternatives like water bags, Better For All aims to reduce the environmental impact of single-use plastics and provide a more eco-friendly option for consumers. The company's focus on creating products that are sustainable and practical for everyday use demonstrates their commitment to promoting environmental consciousness in various settings.
Expanding the product line to include water bags would cater to a different market segment and contribute to reducing plastic waste in different contexts. By introducing innovative and sustainable solutions like water bags, Better For All continues to prioritize sustainability and aims to make a positive impact on the environment while enhancing the overall experience of events and gatherings.