Change Cycle
Change Cycle is a podcast about accelerating the shift to a circular economy and reducing global waste. Host Christine Yeager argues that recycling alone is not enough and that consumers, businesses, and society must make sustainability a core priority. Through conversations with guests, the show explores practical ways to drive sustainable change without sacrificing profits or long-term business strategy. It examines how existing technology and circular principles can meaningfully cut waste and carbon emissions.
Episodes
EPR Policy Realities: What Lawsuits, Vetoes, And MRF Bottlenecks Mean For Packaging
Navigating modern packaging regulations demands a direct look at practical EPR policy realities. Host Christine Yeager cuts through public skepticism to unpack what is genuinely happening across courtrooms, state agencies, and material recovery facilities. She breaks down the latest legal challenges in Oregon and Colorado, explores Governor Newsom's recent California vetoes, and examines why sorti
Navigating Textile Circularity And Policy With Jessica Franken
Extended Producer Responsibility is sweeping the nation, but packaging rules don't easily translate to used clothes. Host Christine Yeager sits down with Jessica Franken to unpack how modern Textile Recycling Policy collides with a hundred-year-old reuse industry. Jessica leads government affairs for SMART, representing the secondary materials businesses that divert billions of pounds from landfil
Bridging The Systems Gap In Sustainable Materials Management With Kathryn Walker
True progress in waste reduction begins when we look beyond the bin and fully commit to sustainable materials management to bridge the systems gap between product design and regional capacity. In this episode, Christine Yeager sits down with Kathryn Walker, the Executive Director of the New York State Center for Sustainable Materials Management based at the university level, to discuss how collabo
How Student Research Is Driving Circular Economy Innovation
In this episode of Change Cycle, host Christine Yeager explores how breakthrough university research and student-led innovation are powering the circular economy. Many people assume academic projects stay trapped in labs, but young entrepreneurs are launching startups that win major federal awards and land commercial supply contracts. Christine breaks down the four primary funding models for acade
Transforming Mixed Plastics Recycling For Commercial Scale With Dr. Julia Curley
Scaling mixed plastics recycling requires moving past lab experiments into viable commercial operations. In this conversation, host Christine Yeager sits down with Dr. Julie Curley, founder and CEO of EsterCycle, to discuss breaking down complex packaging materials into high-value chemical streams. They explore how low-energy chemical catalyst technology turns hard-to-recycle packaging waste into
Chemistry and the Circular Economy: What Chemical Recycling Can Actually Do
Navigating packaging compliance gets tricky when regulatory definitions don't match market realities. Circular economy strategist Christine Yeager tackles the complex role of Chemical Recycling in state Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks. She breaks down why operating capacity matters far more than announced facility projections. You'll learn how specific EPR statutes in California, Orego
How Waste Processing Drives Circular Economy Scale With Brandon Lapsys
Scaling circular economy operations requires turning sustainability strategies into capital expenditures that businesses can actually execute. Host Christine Yeager connects with Brandon Lapsys, CEO of Viably, to unpack what it takes to drive real change in the waste and recycling industry. From investing in talent during economic uncertainty to navigating permitting delays, building sustainable m
EPR Reimbursement: Who Gets Paid in CO, OR, and CA
Christine Yeager breaks down extended producer responsibility (EPR) funding models across Colorado, Oregon, and California. While producers pay for full recycling costs in Colorado, only two out of seven states with packaging EPR laws fully fund the system. Christine details the differences between net cost and incremental cost structures to clarify how states reimburse service providers and colle
Scaling Circular Fashion With AI Data And Smart Logistics with Phoebe Tan
Host Christine Yeager connects with Phoebe Tan, Founder and COO of Taelor, to break down how AI and circular fashion are transforming apparel economics. Most rental and resale models fail because reverse logistics and cleaning costs destroy profitability. By leveraging AI styling and tracking garment lifecycle signals, Phoebe built a system where customers only buy what they love while generating
Navigating The Real Mechanics Of Extended Producer Responsibility
Navigating the evolving regulations of Extended Producer Responsibility shouldn't feel like a guessing game.Host Christine Yeager breaks down the hard numbers from Oregon's first six-month performance report and the massive, 350-page California program plan.We look at the actual cash flowing from producers to local infrastructure, alongside the major gap between accrued and invoiced payments.You'l
How Certified Compostable Packaging Drives Real Circular Economy Impact with Meghan Ibach
Making certified compostable packaging work in real-world organic streams takes strategic coordination across the entire circular economy supply chain. Host Christine Yeager connects with Meghan Ibach, Product and Zero Waste Specialist at Eco-Products, to examine how design decisions directly impact downstream composting operations. Meghan sits at the exact point where certified compostable packag
Compost is Heavy: The Operational Realities of Composting Infrastructure
Compost is heavy. So is the impact of food waste rotting in a landfill. Both are worth carrying.In this episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager starts with two cubic yards of finished compost dumped in her Colorado backyard and turns it into a field guide for the circular economy. The same dynamics that played out on her native grass and in her raised bed are playing out in organics policy, city
The Future Of Sustainability: Navigating Recycling, EPR, And The Circular Economy
Are we finally closing the loop on waste? In this mid-year round-up, Christine Yeager dives deep into the essential building blocks of a sustainable future. From the mechanics of Deposit Return Schemes and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to the critical need for robust collection infrastructure, she breaks down what it takes to build a truly effective circular economy. Join us as we explore
Pottery And Responsible End Markets, Imperfect But Progressing
Pottery is one of our oldest art forms, yet for any beginner, it remains one of the most humbling experiences imaginable. As I’ve spent the last year oscillating between success and the occasional "flumped" clay creation, I’ve realized that mastering the pottery wheel holds a surprising lesson for the future of sustainability.The path to a true circular economy—specifically through the lens of Ext
How Colorado’s Packaging EPR Law Became Reality: Lessons In Circular Economy, Sustainability, And Policy Change With Kate Bailey
How do you create lasting change in sustainability when progress feels slow?In this episode, Kate Bailey—one of the key advocates behind Colorado’s landmark packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law—shares hard-earned lessons on advancing the circular economy, influencing public policy, and staying motivated through long-term environmental challenges. From shifting strategies after setb
Policy Round Up
Has the momentum behind Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation slowed down? In this latest Policy Round Up, Christine Yeager returns to Change Cycle to break down the biggest developments from the recent legislative session and what they mean for producers navigating the evolving circular economy landscape.While six states introduced EPR legislation, none of the bills crossed the finis
Convenience As A Catalyst: How Circular Mom Club Is Disrupting Kid’s Fashion With Vale Siegrist
Sustainable innovation often thrives in the "friction zones" that major brands ignore, proving that circular economy models can be built through grit rather than institutional backing. Guest Vale Siegrist, founder of Circular Mom Club, shares her journey of building a baby clothing rental service while balancing a full-time tech career and motherhood. Born from the need for better options tha
EPR Reporting Deadline May 31: Multi-State Compliance, Eco-Modulation & California's Dual Reports
With the May 31 deadline fast approaching, EPR Reporting is no longer something producers can afford to delay—or misunderstand. In a recent episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager breaks down the rapidly evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where shifting regulations, state-by-state nuances, and incomplete guidance are creating a perfect storm of confusion.From Oregon, Calif
From Plastic To Purpose: How Cambio Roasters Is Reinventing K-Cups With Sustainable Aluminum Innovation With Kevin Hartley
What does it really take to disrupt a billion-dollar industry built on convenience—and plastic? In this behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Cambio Roasters podcast interview, Kevin Hartley shares how a single idea—replacing plastic K-Cups with infinitely recyclable aluminum—turned into one of the fastest-growing coffee brands in the U.S.But this isn’t just a story about packaging. It’s about li
April News Round Up: Change Cycle Podcast Returns With Major Policy Insights
After a brief two-week pause due to spring break, work travel, and illness, Christine Yeager returns to the Change Cycle Podcast with a packed update on the rapidly evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recycling policy.In this episode, Christine previews an exciting upcoming guest lineup featuring leaders from the Association of Plastics Recyclers, innovators in recyclable
Sustainable Industry Actions Without Policy Forcing Them - Interview With Credo Beauty
What happens when companies take sustainability seriously—without waiting for regulations to force their hand? In this conversation, host Christine Yeager and Christina Ross from Credo Beauty explore the carbon accounting challenges facing the beauty industry, sharing the company's experience now in its third year of emissions reporting—an effort many brands still avoid. They discuss the realities
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): How New Recycling Laws Are Reshaping Packaging, Fees, And The Future Of Circularity
Today, Christine Yeager dives deep into one of the most transformative forces in the recycling industry: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Christine unpacks how EPR laws across the United States are reshaping packaging design, recycling infrastructure, and brand strategy — turning regulatory pressure into powerful market signals.From rising EPR fees on flexible films like plastic mailers and
Maintaining Sustainability In The Pet Industry With Allison Reser Hamburger
We may not think much about our pets' carbon footprint because they are just small and innocent creatures, but they also have a significant collective impact on the health of the planet. Christine Yeager sheds light on how the entire pet industry can make better choices to build a more sustainable future with Allison Reser Hamburger, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at the Pet Sustainab
Durability: Can Extended Producer Responsibility Withstand Legal, Political, And Market Pressure?
What happens when circular economy policy meets real-world resistance?In this episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager puts extended producer responsibility (EPR) systems through a stress test—examining how they hold up under lawsuits, market volatility, political shifts, and public scrutiny. From California’s refined packaging regulations to Oregon’s ongoing legal challenge, and new EPR bills em
Navigating The Challenges Of Textile Circularity With Marisa Adler
Textiles compose a huge chunk of global waste, and they usually end up in the dumpster and are never recycled. Christine Yeager discusses what it takes to improve textile circularity with Marisa Adler, Senior Consultant at Resource Recycling Systems (RRS). She explains how to navigate the ever-increasing challenges and limitations of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and create more recovery
Why Education Alone Can’t Fix US Recycling: The Systemic Barriers You Need To Know
Why is recycling still broken in the U.S.—even when consumers are trying to do the right thing? The problem isn’t a lack of education or effort. It’s a fragmented system built on inconsistent state laws, conflicting definitions of “recyclable,” and outdated standards that confuse consumers and brands alike.In this deep dive, Christine Yeager explains why blaming consumers misses the mark, how Exte
Wine Marketing: Sustainability, Consumer Engagement & Modern Wine Trends With Rhonda Motil
What does it take to make wine both sustainable and appealing to today’s consumers? Christine sits down with Rhonda Motil, VP of Marketing at J. Lohr Vineyards & Wines, to explore sustainable wine marketing, modern consumer engagement, and experience innovation in the wine industry. Rhonda shares strategies for promoting certified sustainable wines, adapting to changing demographics, and boost
EPR Is Operationalizing: What Does It Mean
If you get a little uneasy when you hear the phrase “EPR is operationalizing,” you are not alone. For years, Extended Producer Responsibility has been theoretical, directional, and stuck in legislation. But now, it is finally moving into day-to-day business operations. Launching the second season of the Change Cycle Podcast, Christine Yeager breaks down what operational EPR means for your business
2025 EPR Recap + Why 2026 Is The Year Responsible End Markets Scale US Recycling
In 2025, Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) in the United States moved decisively from theory to operational reality, laying the groundwork for scaled investment in responsible end markets. Today, Christine Yeager tackles how this shift played out across key states, with Oregon launching the nation’s first modern packaging EPR system, approving fee schedules, and advancing infrastructure proje
Pioneering The Modern Reuse Economy: Inside The Petaluma Reusable Cup Project WIth Carolina Lobel
What does it take to create a reuse economy that actually works, moving beyond pilot projects to community-wide change? We're joined by sustainability leader Carolina Lobel, an industrial engineer who pioneered the modern reuse movement as the first full-time hire at Loop, the reusable packaging platform incubated by TerraCycle. Now working at Closed Loop Partners’ Center for the Circular Economy,
The Power Of Embracing Change: Personal Transformation & Professional Strategy With Ashley Fahey
Why is embracing change so essential for progress, both in life and the corporate world? Christine Yeager welcomes Ashley Fahey, former Senior Manager of Global Product Sustainability at Kohler Company and incoming sustainability lead at MilliporeSigma, for a dynamic chat on personal and professional transformation. Ashley shares powerful insights from her journey as a transgender woman, applying
Proven Ways To Get CFOs To Invest In Sustainability With Misti Hagy
Convincing CFOs to invest in sustainability takes more than passion — it requires timing, strategy, and a compelling case for value. In this candid conversation, Misti Hagy, Chief Financial Officer of Fawn Industries, explains how she evaluates proposals, what makes a pitch credible, and why return on investment should be measured beyond dollars to include customer trust, employee impact, and long
Making Fashion-As-A-Service Green
Rental fashion, or fashion-as-a-service, has always been seen as a sustainable approach. You only get the clothes you need for a time and return them once you are done. It certainly frees up your closet and stops you from hoarding. However, this may not be as sustainable as you think, due to its hidden charges that are not-so sustainable. Christine Yeager presents the most practical way to make fa
Leading The Innovation In Packaging With Liz Helm
The packaging in our food and products may be a normal everyday thing, but it makes up tons of waste around the world. Liz Helm leads the charge in innovating circular alternatives to Styrofoam and single-use plastics as the sustainability manager at TemperPack. In this conversation with Christine Yeager, she explains how focusing on a niche can move the needle of sustainability much faster despit
Navigating The Complexities Of Textile EPR In The US
The textile EPR in the United States is lacking in many aspects. It does not have a widespread recycling infrastructure and faces a lot of technical barriers due to blended fabrics, making it one of the most wasteful and under-regulated sectors in the country. Christine Yeager explores what the United States can learn from France, a global leader in circular textile EPR. She explains the positive
Sustainability In Action: Incremental Progress Matters, But Push For More With Mia Davis
Accepting incremental progress doesn’t mean settling—it means building momentum for bigger change. In this episode, Mia Davis, Chief Impact Officer at Ollie and a longtime sustainability leader, shares how she balances intention with action in her work to create safer, more sustainable products. From her early efforts at Beauty Counter and Credo driving industry standards, to leading waste reducti
Finding Opportunities In EPR Reporting: From Data Chaos To Strategic Advantage
Decoding the complexities of EPR reporting is essential for businesses navigating the circular economy. Christine Yeager tackles the sometimes "uncomfortable" but necessary shifts required, diving deep into material mapping challenges across diverse state regulations like Oregon, Colorado, and California. Learn about the nuances of reporting packaging components, the varying definitions of "obliga
Unearthing The Power Of Organics: Composting Insights With Clinton Sander
From neglected waste to a powerful resource for thriving communities, discover how we can harness composting to cultivate a greener future. Join Christine Yeager as she engages in a compelling conversation with Clinton Sander, Marketing Manager at A1 Organics, Colorado's largest commercial compost manufacturer. They delve into the critical importance of diverting hundreds of thousands of tons of o
Circular Economy Policy: Navigating Its Strengths And Limitations
Circular economy policy is a critical lever for systemic change, but are policies like Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), landfill bans, taxes, and deposit schemes truly the silver bullet we need? Join Christine Yeager as she dissects the complexities of these tools, uncovering their potential, pitfalls, and the delicate balance between environmental goals, business realities, and social equi
A Producer’s Guide To Colorado EPR Reporting And Material Mapping
Colorado EPR reporting isn’t just paperwork—it’s your chance to align data, reduce costs, and avoid last-minute panic. This solo episode offers a clear, tactical walkthrough of everything producers need to prepare for the July 31st Colorado EPR submission deadline. Learn how to gather sales data by SKU, align packaging weights, map materials accurately, and understand how Colorado’s reporting cate
Career Pivots & Purposeful Work: Mastering Career Transitions In The Modern World With Ava Lala
Looking to navigate a career pivot or transition with confidence? Host Christine Yeager chats with career development coach Ava Lala, who shares her expertise on embracing change and building resilience in your professional journey. Discover actionable strategies for managing setbacks, leveraging new technologies like AI in your job search, and developing an intentional mindset to achieve your goa
AI For Impact: Scaling Circular Economy And Sustainable Supply Chains With Sushma Kittali-Weidner
Sustainable supply chains aren’t just the future—they’re the foundation of smarter, more responsible business. In this episode, Christine Yeager sits down with Sushma Kittali-Weidner, VP of Products at Rheaply and a former software engineer turned circularity champion, to explore how AI, digital infrastructure, and intentional design can scale sustainability. From overcoming pilot paralysis and EP
Why Sustainability Tension Management Is Every Leader’s Competitive Edge With Steve Rochlin And Jeff Senne
Sustainability tension management is the secret edge of companies that thrive under pressure. Steve Rochlin and Jeff Senne—seasoned strategists and co-authors of a foundational report on sustainability strategy—unpack how high-performing organizations navigate the push and pull between short-term wins and long-term value. With host Christine Yeager, this candid conversation dives into CEO mindset
The Circular Balancing Act: Navigating People, Planet, And Profit
For the circular economy to be truly effective, the right balancing act of people, planet, and profit must be pulled out. Christine Yeager discusses how corporations can turn this into reality, giving more opportunities to lower-income communities and building a more sustainable world. She also presents some companies that excel in these areas and one particular organization that balances those th
Telling Better Stories, Building Better Systems: A Conversation With Rachel Zerowin On Relatability And Resilience
If you want people to rapidly and actively address today’s biggest social issues, you have to simplify overwhelming ideas and set aside unusual jargons. This is the reason why Rachel Zerowin focused on telling better stories to educate communities about the importance of water conservation and circular economy. She joins Christine Yeager to share her work at Circular Action Alliance (CAA), wherein
Blueprints For Change: How Oregon And Colorado Are Reinventing Recycling With EPR
Understanding Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) program plans is crucial for the future of recycling, and states like Oregon and Colorado are leading the way. In this insightful episode, host Christine Yeager unpacks the complex details of these blueprints, revealing how they're set to revolutionize waste management. We delve into the specific program plans of Oregon and Colorado, exploring h
Litter Gitter Genius: How To Embrace The Suck For A Cleaner World With Don Bates
Waterway litter removal isn’t easy—it’s messy, underfunded, and often overlooked. But for Don Bates, founder of Osprey Initiatives and inventor of the Litter Gitter, that’s exactly why it matters. In this episode, we explore how Don has built a mission-driven company that thrives by embracing the suck—transforming neglected urban streams, engaging underserved communities, and revolutionizing recyc
Recycling Ramp-Up: Strategies To Overcome Infrastructure Gaps And Boost National Rates
Let's dive into the complicated world of recycling in the U.S., where a broken system wastes billions and leaves a gaping hole in our fight for sustainability. In this episode, host Christine Yeager unravels why national recycling rates are stagnant and how Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) could revolutionize the industry. We’ll unpack the urgent needs of states like Maryland, Colorado, Cali
The Future Of Plastics: Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility And Industry Transformation With Geoffrey Inch
In this episode, we discuss Balancing Cost, Competition, and Sustainability.Balancing cost, competition, and sustainability is a tightrope walk for any industry, especially through the rapidly evolving landscape of extended producer responsibility (EPR). In this episode, Geoffrey Inch, Head of Producer Services at Circular Action Alliance, shares his unique journey and insights on navigating
What Is EPR?
In this episode, we go deep into the definition of EPR. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the concept of shifting the funding mechanism for dealing with waste away from local governments and onto the companies that produce and sell the package, but what does that really mean? We also dive into "why embrace the change that will need to happen to make EPR successful?"Discover how Extended Pr
Influencing Organizational Change: A Journey To Diverse Workplaces & Corporate Alignment With Katie Philips
Creating alignment between corporate functions and business objectives can be a powerful catalyst for growth, and the same holds true for personal evolution. In this episode, Katie Phillips, Director of Human Resources and Marketing at GCS, shares her unique approach to embracing change in both her professional and personal life. Listen next time to hear Katie discuss her strategies for aligning b
Mastering Change Management: A Guide For Sustainability Professionals
Change is constant, especially in the field of sustainability, making effective change management crucial for success. This episode dives deep into the essential principles of change management for sustainability professionals who aim to drive impactful organizational transitions. Christine Yeager discusses the importance of understanding and leveraging the change curve to guide individuals and te
The Role Of Personal Responsibility In A Circular Economy With John Hite
Christine and John discussed the circular economy, with John reflecting on the role of personal and systemic responsibility in environmental issues. They considered the importance of recycling, reuse, and sustainable choices, as well as the need to balance personal freedom with systemic change.Where does personal responsibility end and the need for systemic change begin? That's the captivating que
The Circular Economy: Embracing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)
The transition to a sustainable future requires a fundamental shift in our economic systems. This episode dives into the concept of the circular economy and what changes are needed for its success. We explore how the circular economy aims to move away from the traditional linear model of "take-make-dispose" by focusing on reuse and regeneration. A key element in achieving this is extended producer
Embracing Change: Resilience, Intentional Living, & The Circular Economy With Christine Yeager
Welcome to the Change Cycle Podcast, your guide to embracing change! Change is uncomfortable—but it’s also where growth happens. On Change Cycle, we’ll explore stories of people who’ve faced and driven transformation, sharing insights on navigating discomfort and inspiring action. In this first episode, Christine Yeager turns the mic on herself. You hear about her career in Consumer Packaged
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