Plastic 101: What It's Made of and How it Impacts Both Your Health and the Health of the Planet, With Associate Director of Global Earth Day, Aiden Charron
04/19/24 • 35 min
In this episode of Live Lightly, I sit down with Aidan Charron, the Director of Earth Day Organization’s Plastics Initiatives, to uncover the shocking truth about plastic—how it’s harming both our planet and our health. Aidan shares his personal journey into environmental advocacy and breaks down the hidden dangers of plastic, revealing that it’s made from fossil fuels and packed with harmful additive chemicals that can disrupt hormones and increase cancer risks.
We explore the devastating environmental toll of plastic production, from resource depletion to biodiversity loss and climate change. Aidan also explains why recycling is not the solution—due to the complexity of plastic composition and the lack of infrastructure to properly recycle it. Instead, we discuss the urgent need to reduce plastic consumption and transition away from single-use plastics.
♻️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The Hidden Dangers of Plastic – How endocrine disruptors and toxins in plastic impact our health.
✅ Plastic & the Planet – The devastating effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity.
✅ The Myth of Recycling – Why most plastic isn’t actually recyclable and what needs to change.
✅ Greenwashing Exposed – How companies mislead consumers about sustainability—and how to spot it.
✅ Solutions Beyond Consumers – Why corporations and governments must take responsibility for reducing plastic waste.
✅ The UN Plastic Treaty – How legal and scientific experts are fighting for a global plastic reduction strategy.
✅ How YOU Can Help – Practical ways to support Earth Day, cut plastic use, and make informed choices.
🌱 Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a human health crisis. Join us as we discuss real solutions for reducing plastic production, holding corporations accountable, and making truly sustainable choices for a cleaner, healthier world.
Connect with Earth Day Organization:
earthday.org
On Instagram
Help Spread the Movement with the Power of 10! 🌍✨
Here’s how you can make an impact:
✅ Share this episode with 10 people you care about—it starts with a conversation!
⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover this message.
📺 Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube—your engagement helps amplify this mission!
Every share, review, and comment makes a difference. Thank you for being part of this journey! 💚♻️
I’m so grateful to have you on this journey toward a healthier, more sustainable life! 🌿💚 Your commitment to reducing plastic, toxins, and harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals makes a real difference—for yourself, your loved ones, and our planet.
As a small token of my appreciation, I’m sharing my Free Guide to Home Detox & Sustainable Living with you! Download it today and start making simple, impactful changes in your home.
Once you receive your first email with the guide, I’d love for you to share it with 10 loved ones who would benefit from these resources. Together, we can create a ripple effect of conscious, eco-friendly choices!
🌍💫 Join me on Instagram so we can continue learning and growing together. ♻️✨
@livelightlybyjessica
@thelivelightlypodcast
I appreciate you so much and hope you feel inspired and empowered to live lightly—in body, mind, and spirit! 🌿💫 Every small, sustainable shift you make matters and creates a ripple effect for the planet. Together, we have the power to shift the tides in a posi...
In this episode of Live Lightly, I sit down with Aidan Charron, the Director of Earth Day Organization’s Plastics Initiatives, to uncover the shocking truth about plastic—how it’s harming both our planet and our health. Aidan shares his personal journey into environmental advocacy and breaks down the hidden dangers of plastic, revealing that it’s made from fossil fuels and packed with harmful additive chemicals that can disrupt hormones and increase cancer risks.
We explore the devastating environmental toll of plastic production, from resource depletion to biodiversity loss and climate change. Aidan also explains why recycling is not the solution—due to the complexity of plastic composition and the lack of infrastructure to properly recycle it. Instead, we discuss the urgent need to reduce plastic consumption and transition away from single-use plastics.
♻️ What You’ll Learn in This Episode:
✅ The Hidden Dangers of Plastic – How endocrine disruptors and toxins in plastic impact our health.
✅ Plastic & the Planet – The devastating effects of plastic pollution on ecosystems, climate, and biodiversity.
✅ The Myth of Recycling – Why most plastic isn’t actually recyclable and what needs to change.
✅ Greenwashing Exposed – How companies mislead consumers about sustainability—and how to spot it.
✅ Solutions Beyond Consumers – Why corporations and governments must take responsibility for reducing plastic waste.
✅ The UN Plastic Treaty – How legal and scientific experts are fighting for a global plastic reduction strategy.
✅ How YOU Can Help – Practical ways to support Earth Day, cut plastic use, and make informed choices.
🌱 Plastic pollution isn’t just an environmental issue—it’s a human health crisis. Join us as we discuss real solutions for reducing plastic production, holding corporations accountable, and making truly sustainable choices for a cleaner, healthier world.
Connect with Earth Day Organization:
earthday.org
On Instagram
Help Spread the Movement with the Power of 10! 🌍✨
Here’s how you can make an impact:
✅ Share this episode with 10 people you care about—it starts with a conversation!
⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover this message.
📺 Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube—your engagement helps amplify this mission!
Every share, review, and comment makes a difference. Thank you for being part of this journey! 💚♻️
I’m so grateful to have you on this journey toward a healthier, more sustainable life! 🌿💚 Your commitment to reducing plastic, toxins, and harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals makes a real difference—for yourself, your loved ones, and our planet.
As a small token of my appreciation, I’m sharing my Free Guide to Home Detox & Sustainable Living with you! Download it today and start making simple, impactful changes in your home.
Once you receive your first email with the guide, I’d love for you to share it with 10 loved ones who would benefit from these resources. Together, we can create a ripple effect of conscious, eco-friendly choices!
🌍💫 Join me on Instagram so we can continue learning and growing together. ♻️✨
@livelightlybyjessica
@thelivelightlypodcast
I appreciate you so much and hope you feel inspired and empowered to live lightly—in body, mind, and spirit! 🌿💫 Every small, sustainable shift you make matters and creates a ripple effect for the planet. Together, we have the power to shift the tides in a posi...
Next Episode
What You Need to Know About Your Cleaning Products: Harmful Chemicals, Plastic Packaging & the Solution!
In this episode of The Live Lightly Podcast, I sit down with Matt and Kay, the founders of Green Llama, to explore how they’re revolutionizing the cleaning industry with eco-friendly, plastic-free refill products.
Driven by their personal commitment to reducing plastic waste and creating non-toxic cleaning solutions, they built Green Llama with sustainability, health, and effectiveness at its core. From developing their own formulas to overcoming production challenges, they share their journey in making zero-waste cleaning accessible for everyone.
One of the most exciting aspects of Green Llama’s innovation is their unique refillable system. They’ve partnered with a company that recycles decommissioned wind turbine blades to create durable, sustainable trigger sprays for their glass bottles. Plus, their refill tablets and laundry detergent packaging are made from certified compostable materials, proving that effective cleaning can be achieved without harming the planet.
We also discuss the challenges of sustainable business, from sourcing the right materials to educating consumers about eco-friendly alternatives. Their mission is about progress over perfection, and they continue to improve their products to make sustainability easier for everyone.
The name Green Llama was inspired by llamas, which are known for their minimal environmental impact—just like their brand’s mission to tread lightly on the earth.
🌿 Key Takeaways from This Episode:
✅ Plastic-Free Cleaning That Works – Green Llama’s products are non-toxic, sustainable, and highly effective.
✅ Innovative Refillable System – Their glass bottles with recycled wind turbine blade sprayers help eliminate plastic waste.
✅ Compostable Packaging – Their refill tablets and laundry detergent come in certified compostable materials.
✅ Sustainability Without Compromise – How Green Llama balances eco-friendliness with performance.
✅ The Challenges of Sustainable Business – Overcoming obstacles in production, packaging, and awareness.
✅ The Power of Small Changes – Why progress over perfection is key to a greener future.
✅ Why Llamas? – The inspiration behind the brand’s commitment to treading lightly on the planet.
🌎 Ready to clean your home without plastic waste? Learn how Green Llama leads the way in sustainable, non-toxic cleaning and how to make simple swaps for a cleaner home and a healthier planet.
Connect with Green Llama
*Order online and sign up for their newsletter to stay up to date! Use promo code: jessica at checkout for a 15% discount
Look for Green Llama on shelves at your local co-op or health food store!
Follow on Instagram
Help Spread the Movement with the Power of 10! 🌍✨
Here’s how you can make an impact:
✅ Share this episode with 10 people you care about—it starts with a conversation!
⭐ Leave a 5-star review on Apple Podcasts to help more people discover this message.
📺 Subscribe, like, and comment on YouTube—your engagement helps amplify this mission!
Every share, review, and comment makes a difference. Thank you for being part of this journey! 💚♻️
I’m so grateful to have you on this journey toward a healthier, more sustainable life! 🌿💚 Your commitment to reducing plastic, toxins, and harmful endocrine-disrupting chemicals makes a real difference—for yourself, your loved ones, and our planet.
As a small token of my appreciation, I’m sha...
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