Making Events Better for All: The Journey to Compostable Cups
Release Date: 07/19/2024
Why Ocean Jobs Look Great, Until You Actually Start One
How To Protect The Ocean
A lot of people dream about working in ocean conservation, but far fewer talk about what it takes to actually stay in the field. In this episode, Andrew breaks down why so many careers in ocean conservation burn out, from low pay and short-term contracts to emotional exhaustion and unstable funding. You’ll hear the truth about the three major career paths in the field, why passion alone is not enough, and how building transferable skills, multiple income streams, and your own platform can help you create a career that lasts. This episode is for anyone trying to get into ocean conservation,...
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You Have the Skills, So Why Is Nobody Hiring You?
How To Protect The Ocean
You got the degree. You built some skills. Maybe you even started networking. So why does getting that first real job in ocean conservation still feel nearly impossible? In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I break down the real reason so many early career ocean professionals get stuck. I talk about the experience trap, how to rethink what counts as experience, why small projects matter more than people realize, and how strategic volunteering can either help your career or waste your time. I also share how reputation, reliability, and offering value first can open doors that job boards...
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What’s Really Stopping You From Starting an Ocean Career
How To Protect The Ocean
A lot of people think the path into ocean conservation is simple: get the degree, get the experience, then get the opportunity. But that is not how it works for many people anymore. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, I talk about why waiting for permission, waiting to feel ready, or waiting for someone to teach you everything first can quietly kill momentum before your career even begins. I break down the myth that credentials alone will open doors, the real skills employers and collaborators notice, and why building proof of your abilities matters more than saying you are...
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Most Ocean Jobs Aren’t Posted, So How Do People Get Them?
How To Protect The Ocean
If you’ve been applying for ocean conservation jobs and hearing nothing back, this episode is for you. Too many people think opportunities come from polished resumes and endless job applications. In reality, many careers in ocean science and conservation are built through trust, familiarity, and real relationships. In this episode, Andrew breaks down the hidden job market in ocean conservation, why cold applications often fail, what networking actually means, where to build connections in this field, and how to reach out without sounding awkward. This is not about asking for a job. It is...
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How Business and Storytelling Are Changing Ocean Conservation
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is changing, and science alone is no longer enough. In this episode, Andrew Lewin speaks with Peter Simek, CEO of EarthX, about how business, investment, and storytelling are shaping the future of environmental solutions. They discuss why collaboration across industries is critical, how market-driven innovation is accelerating impact, and what it takes to turn ideas into scalable solutions. If you want to understand how ocean protection actually happens in the real world, this episode breaks it down. Sign up for Earthx20206: Support Independent Podcasts: Help fund a...
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Why Facts Fail and Stories Save the Ocean, The Science of Changing Human Behavior
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean storytelling is not just communication, it is a conservation tool. Why do people ignore climate data, overfishing statistics, and coral reef loss, even when the science is clear? In this episode, we break down the psychology behind why facts alone fail to drive action, and how storytelling can bridge the gap between knowledge and behavior. You will learn how emotional connection, relatability, and narrative framing influence real-world ocean conservation outcomes. Science communication is evolving, and the ocean depends on it. We explore real examples like the UN’s “Don’t Choose...
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Why Ocean Solutions Fail Without Collaboration (And How to Fix It)
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation solutions often fail, not because the science is wrong, but because the right people aren’t working together. In this episode of How to Protect the Ocean, we break down why collaboration between scientists, businesses, and policymakers is essential to solving today’s biggest ocean challenges. Ocean collaboration is already transforming conservation, and the results are powerful. Using real-world examples like Global Fishing Watch, you’ll learn how satellite data, artificial intelligence, and policy advocacy came together to expose illegal fishing on a global scale. We...
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Ocean Startups Are Changing Conservation Faster Than Science Alone
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is no longer driven by science alone, startups are stepping in to turn ideas into real-world solutions at scale. In this episode, we explore how companies like Coral Vita and Running Tide are accelerating reef restoration and experimenting with ocean-based carbon removal, bringing speed, funding, and innovation into a space that has traditionally moved slowly. Ocean startups are reshaping how solutions are built, tested, and scaled. You will learn how these companies combine science, business models, and emerging technologies to tackle coral bleaching, climate change, and...
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Why Ocean Solutions Fail, And How Business Can Actually Save the Ocean
How To Protect The Ocean
Ocean conservation is failing to scale, and it’s not because of a lack of science. In this episode, we break down why decades of ocean research have not stopped overfishing, pollution, and habitat loss, and what is really holding solutions back. Ocean solutions need more than discovery, they need adoption. You’ll learn how business models, financial incentives, and scalable systems are the missing link between scientific breakthroughs and real-world impact. We explore why many conservation efforts stall, and what separates small successes from global change. Ocean innovation is already...
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Why You Should Think Twice Before Eating Squid (The Seafood Labeling Problem No One Talks About)
How To Protect The Ocean
Squid fisheries are booming worldwide, but most consumers have no idea what they are actually eating. In this episode, marine biologist and Oceana policy advisor Marine Cusa breaks down how seafood labeling gaps are hiding critical information about squid species, origins, and fishing practices. Using DNA testing, her team uncovered that many squid products come from distant, high-risk fisheries, often without any transparency for consumers. We explore how traceability failures, unregulated fishing, and complex global supply chains make squid one of the hardest seafood products to track. You...
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.
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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.