Advertise on podcast: The Mercast | Plastic Free Mermaid talks Change Making

Plastic is in our oceans, our food, our homes — and increasingly, our bodies. Australian environmental advocate and Plastic Country filmmaker Kal Glanznig set out to investigate Australia's plastic crisis, from polluted coastlines and wildlife to fossil fuels and government policy. Then the investigation became personal: Kal tested his own body and discovered high levels of phthalates. In this episode of Confessions of a Mermaid, we unpack what plastic is actually made of, the thousands of chemicals used to make plastics, microplastics and human health, and why Kal says plastic has become the fossil fuel industry's "Plan B." We also ask a bigger question: after decades of recycling, reusable bags and individual plastic-free swaps, why is plastic production still growing? We talk about: • What Kal found when he tested his body for plastic chemicals • Phthalates, microplastics and plastic additives • The "spaghetti bolognese" analogy that explains how chemicals can leach from plastic • Why "BPA-free" doesn't necessarily mean problem solved • Why recycling alone won't solve the plastic crisis • Why plastic is becoming fossil fuel's "Plan B" • Australia's voluntary packaging targets and producer responsibility • The baby sea turtle that passed plastic for eight days • The Global Plastics Treaty • Individual action vs. systemic change • Why contacting your elected representatives actually matters • "Stubborn optimism" and why hope lies in action Kal's ultimate vision? To make himself redundant — to help build a world where we no longer need activists fighting this hard to keep plastic out of our oceans, wildlife and bodies. Plastic Country is available to watch free online. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=AU5e90uGo5A Less doom. More truth. More solutions. More beautiful world.

Plastic is in our blood, organs and tissues. But what is it actually doing to us? In this episode, I sit down with Dr. Leonardo Trasande, pediatrician, environmental health researcher, professor at NYU Grossman School of Medicine and author of Sicker, Fatter, Poorer, to separate what we know from what we're still trying to understand about plastics and human health. We unpack the difference between microplastics themselves and the chemicals associated with plastic—including phthalates, bisphenols and PFAS—and what the research suggests about hormones, metabolism, fertility, pregnancy and children's development. We get into some big questions: Can tiny exposures really matter? Can chemical exposure affect our ability to maintain a healthy weight? What does "BPA-free" actually mean? Are bioplastics safer? Can you sweat microplastics out in a sauna? And if plastic exposure is now so widespread, how much power do our individual choices really have? Leo also gives me a rapid-fire plastic audit of everyday items—from takeaway containers and water bottles to dishwashers, canned food, silicone and polyester—and shares the changes he has made in his own home. Most importantly, this conversation isn't about being afraid of everything around us. Leo explains why reducing certain exposures can make a measurable difference, where to focus first, and why he remains hopeful that both individual action and systemic change can shift where we're headed. We cover: • Microplastics vs. plastic-associated chemicals • Endocrine disruptors and low-dose exposure • Fertility and reproductive development • PFAS, metabolism and weight • Pregnancy and children's development • The hidden health costs of plastic • Why BPA-free doesn't necessarily mean bisphenol-free • "Regrettable substitution" and chemical whack-a-mole • Bioplastics and supposedly safer alternatives • The biggest plastic exposures to reduce at home • Whether sauna can help remove plastics • What Leo recommends for parents • Why regulation needs to change • And where Leo sees real reason for hope A science-heavy conversation that ultimately left me feeling surprisingly hopeful.

What are our clothes actually made of — and what happens before they reach our skin? In this episode of Beautiful World, Kathryn sits down with Deanna Mansell, founder and designer of New Zealand clothing brand DEA, whose journey into natural clothing began with her own experience of severe eczema and topical steroid withdrawal. After discovering how sensitive her skin was to conventional fabrics, dyes and textile treatments, Deanna spent years experimenting with organic cotton, plant dyes and traditional textile processes — eventually taking those experiments from her kitchen stove in New Zealand to large-scale manufacturing in India. Together, Kathryn and Deanna explore the hidden side of the fashion industry: chemical dyes and fabric treatments, synthetic fibres and microplastics, garment-worker exposure, greenwashing, organic cotton, natural dyes and the true human and environmental cost of cheap clothing. They also explore a more beautiful possibility: clothing made in deeper relationship with plants, soil, craftsmanship and the people who make it. In this episode: Deanna's experience with eczema and topical steroid withdrawal Why clothing became part of her healing journey The hidden processing behind conventional textiles Why "natural" doesn't necessarily mean non-toxic Organic cotton, bleaching, dyes and fabric finishes The environmental and human cost of textile dyeing Plastic clothing and microplastic pollution Greenwashing in sustainable and activewear fashion What to look for when buying healthier clothing Deanna's journey from kitchen-stove experiments to manufacturing in India The ancient art and beauty of botanical dyes Eucalyptus, madder, annatto and other plant pigments Clothing, colour, plants and Rudolf Steiner's ideas Why your underwear may be the best place to start Deanna's message is refreshingly achievable: you don't need to throw out your wardrobe or become perfect overnight. Start by reading your labels, understanding what sits closest to your skin and making more conscious choices as things need replacing. Because what we wear connects us to a much bigger ecosystem — from soil, to fibre, to maker, to body, and eventually back to the earth. Connect with Deanna Mansell Website: www.dealoves.co.nz Instagram: www.instagram.com/dea_lovesethical Connect with Plastic Free Mermaid Instagram: www.instagram.com/plasticfreemermaid Subscribe to Beautiful World for conversations exploring environmental problems — and, more importantly, the people creating beautiful solutions. Every subscription helps more people discover practical environmental solutions. ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WORLD Beautiful World explores practical solutions for a healthier planet and healthier people. Hosted by environmental advocate Kathryn Nelson, each episode features scientists, innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to restore our ecosystems while improving human wellbeing. From regenerative agriculture and clean energy to healthy homes, biodiversity and community resilience, these conversations focus on what is actually working—and how we can all be part of creating a more beautiful world.

What if the biggest threat to our oceans isn't just plastic, but the lies designed to keep us confused about it? In this eye-opening episode of the Beautiful World podcast, Kathryn Nelson sits down with Senator Peter Whish-Wilson, Australian Greens Senator for Tasmania since 2012 and lifelong ocean advocate known as "the Surfing Senator," for a candid conversation recorded in his final weeks in the Australian Senate. Senator Peter  explores his fight to pass Australia's Extended Producer Responsibility bill, the disinformation campaigns funded by fossil fuel interests to delay climate action, and why the Woodside Browse gas project could accelerate coral reef collapse. He unpacked the difference between misinformation and disinformation, how bot armies manufacture fake grassroots movements, and why carbon offsets and carbon capture are being used to greenwash new fossil fuel projects. If you've ever wondered why it feels harder than ever to know what's true online, or what it actually takes to stop a fossil fuel project before it starts, this episode is for you. In this episode we get into: Senator Peter  Whish-Wilson's 14 years fighting for ocean protection in the Australian Senate The Extended Producer Responsibility bill and why it keeps stalling How container deposit schemes changed Australia's relationship with plastic The difference between misinformation and disinformation How fossil fuel companies fund the "denial machine" through PR firms and think tanks Bot armies, astroturfing groups, and fake grassroots movements The 12 "discourses of delay" used to slow climate action Why the Woodside Browse gas project threatens the Great Barrier Reef Carbon offsets, carbon capture, and the greenwashing behind "net zero" How to vote and organize around one clear standard: no new fossil fuel projects If you care about ocean conservation, plastic pollution, climate policy, environmental activism, sustainability, marine life, or how to spot disinformation online, this episode is for you. Connect with Senator Peter Whish-Wilson Facebook | www.facebook.com/senatorsurfer LinkedIn| https://au.linkedin.com/in/Peter -whish-wilson-28032829 Support Beautiful World: If you enjoy these conversations, please consider: ✓ Subscribe ✓ Like this episode ✓ Leave a comment ✓ Share with a friend Every subscription helps more people discover practical environmental solutions. ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WORLD Beautiful World explores practical solutions for a healthier planet and healthier people. Hosted by environmental advocate Kathryn Nelson, each episode features scientists, innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to restore our ecosystems while improving human wellbeing. From regenerative agriculture and clean energy to healthy homes, biodiversity and community resilience, these conversations focus on what is actually working—and how we can all be part of creating a more beautiful world.

What if the future isn't about inventing something new—but remembering what already worked? In this episode of Beautiful World, I sit down with Arielle Crawford of the Realness Preserve and Texas Cob Company to explore natural building, healthier homes, regenerative living, and the practical skills that create resilient communities. We discuss cob homes, lime plaster, mould-free construction, homesteading, purpose, partnership, and why traditional knowledge is becoming increasingly relevant in the modern world. We also dive into the "tradwife" conversation, exploring how women can reclaim traditional skills while remaining independent, empowered, and true to themselves. Whether you're interested in sustainable living, healthy homes, regenerative design, or simply creating a more beautiful world, I think you'll enjoy this conversation. In this episode • Natural building and cob homes • Lime plaster and mould-free homes • Regenerative living • Homesteading • Traditional knowledge for modern life • Community resilience • Partnership and independence • The "Anti-Trad Wife" perspective About Arielle Arielle Crawford is an educator, natural builder, and co-founder of the Realness Preserve and Texas Cob Company, where she teaches natural building, regenerative living, and resilient community design. Resources Realness Preserve : https://www.therealnesspreserve.com/ www.instagram.com/therealnesspreserve Texas Cob Company : https://texascob.com/ Sponsor This episode is supported by Dr Planet. Their Australian-made Castile Soap replaces multiple cleaning and personal care products with one simple, multi-purpose product. Use code MERMAID for 10% off. Connect Instagram @plasticfreemermaid #NaturalBuilding #SustainableLiving #HealthyHomes #Homesteading #RegenerativeLiving #EcoHome #BeautifulWorldPodcast ABOUT BEAUTIFUL WORLD Beautiful World explores practical solutions for a healthier planet and healthier people. Hosted by environmental advocate Kathryn Nelson, each episode features scientists, innovators, farmers, entrepreneurs and changemakers working to restore our ecosystems while improving human wellbeing. From regenerative agriculture and clean energy to healthy homes, biodiversity and community resilience, these conversations focus on what is actually working—and how we can all be part of creating a more beautiful world.

What if feeling better starts with looking a little closer at the food we eat every day? In this eye-opening episode of the Beautiful World podcast, Kathryn Nelson sits down with Blair Beattie, Executive Director of Farmers Footprint Australia, for an enlightening conversation about food, health, farming, and our connection to the natural world. Together, they explore the impact of glyphosate (the world's most widely used pesticide) on our food systems, why so many people are struggling with chronic health issues, and how reconnecting with real food, healthy soil, and local communities may be part of the path forward. This conversation is honest, empowering, and full of hope. It's not about fear. It's about awareness, making better choices where we can, and remembering that small changes matter. If you've ever wondered why modern life can feel so disconnected, and what it might look like to come back to health in a more natural, grounded way, this episode is for you. Awareness precedes change. And it starts here. In this episode we get into: -What glyphosate is and why it is everywhere -How industrial agriculture changed the food system -The connection between soil health and human health -Why processed foods dominate modern diets -Gut health, chronic illness, and environmental toxins -Monsanto, corporate influence, and public trust -Why regenerative farming matters now more than ever -How to reduce toxic exposure in everyday life -Supporting local farmers and healthier food systems -Practical hope for families who want change If you care about healthy living, clean food, regenerative agriculture, organic food, wellness, toxins, family health, farming, sustainability, or conscious living, this episode is for you. Connect with Blair Visit The Invisible Ingredient Podcast www.theinvisibleingredient.org to learn more about glyphosate Download the Glyphosate Resource Guide here https://theinvisibleingredient.org/about/ www.earthdharma.au www.farmersfootprint.org.au/ www.farmersfootprint.us/en Subscribe to Beautiful World for more conversations on health, sustainability, parenting, wellness, and meaningful living.

In the 1930s, Australia's Government Shark Control Program planted baited drum lines and shark nets around its beaches to protect swimmers and surfers. But what if the true killer isn't sharks but the very same program that claims to protect us?     In this episode, I'm joined by Andre Borrell, director of Envoy: Shark Cull; a documentary that exposes the ugly truth behind Australia's shark control program. Partnered with experts, it debunks the program's effectiveness and highlights sharks' undeserved reputation of being dangerous killers and their important role in sustaining the marine ecosystem. This documentary calls us to be the voice for sharks and all other marine life to defend them and their homes. Together, we can facilitate change from our government and help stop the cull.    In This Episode, We Discuss: Shark culling in Australia Society's irrational fear of sharks Shark fatality statistics Why sharks are essential to the ecosystem The political climate around shark culling How we can put pressure on our politicians Scientific findings behind shark control program Alternatives to shark nets Ways we can contribute to the cause How Andre manages to stay inspired   Follow Andre Borrell here: Envoy: Shark Cull | Website @EnvoyFilm | Twitter @envoyfilm | Instagram @envoyfilm | TikTok Andre Borrell | LinkedIn Act Now: 3 ways you can help --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

When we begin our move into a more sustainable life, we can be so quickly reeled into the idea that consuming animal products and byproducts are bad; that we should be into much more plant-based food, but what if that isn't the big picture? In this episode, I have Ryland Engelhart, producer of Netflix's Kiss the Ground, which is a documentary that focuses on our soil health situation. He shares with us what we need to do to keep our soils diverse, and how we can contribute as soil advocates. Being earth-conscious is more than just consuming plant-based choices, it's contributing and supporting industries and farmers that work in the most sustainable and natural ways to keep our soil healthy and rich.   In This Episode, We Discuss: The Process of Photosynthesis The Soil Sphere and the Carbon Cycle Why our Soil is Sick Soil versus Dirt Veganism, and true sustainability Become a Soil Advocate   Follow Ryland Engelhart here: Kiss the Ground | Website Kiss the Ground Documentary | Netflix Ryland Engelhart | Instagram Ryland Engelhart | Linktree --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

As a mixed fair-skinned Bundjalung native born in Australia, Ella Noah Bancroft always felt like she was challenged about just how pure she was as an indigenous person. With growing up to words and notions like that, Ella knew she needed to pay homage to her lineage and respect to the stolen generation by continuing their culture and bringing it to the modern era. Ella is now the founder and pioneer of The Decolonisation Movement, and had dedicated her life to the rise of female energy as the way for us to reconnect and release ourselves from the bounds of personal, social, and ecological constraints. In this episode we talk about the impact of colonisation and how we can respect the fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation. I definitely recommend that you hear her out on the impact we have on our earth and shared future!   In This Episode, We Discuss: Claiming your aboriginality Ella's mission to pay homage to her lineage The stigma around being mixed-race and the Stolen Generation Colonisation and its impact on natives The fine line between cultural appropriation and appreciation Navigating sustainability these days How we can contribute to change these days The connection between indigenous cultures and environmentalism Ella's work with young women and storytelling Ella's last words for us to reconnect with the earth   Follow Ella Noah Bancroft here: Ella Noah Bancroft | Website @ellanoahbancroft_ | Instagram @ellanoahbancroft_ | Linktree   --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time. Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

Plastic pollution is a problem that affects so many animals, habitats, and people. Turtles have come into the spotlight in recent years though, thanks to the rise in social media awareness for their protection and preservation; with a big factor to that being the viral video of the straw stuck up in a poor turtle's nose. This video hit the world hard, but we cannot stop at feeling bad for what is happening when we can make conscious efforts now to save more than just the turtles. Today I'm joined by Lauren Engledow, a turtle ranger dedicated to protecting what is left of the species and rebuilding its future here on the beaches of Mon Repos. You'll hear us talk about this modern-day threat called light pollution and how its strayed hatchlings from where they rightfully belong. Be informed, be aware, and make conscious efforts against plastic waste for our shared future.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Types of turtles left in the world How plastic pollution affects turtles and surrounding marine life Light pollution and how it stray turtles almost as soon as they're born Other threats to turtles The imbalance in male and female turtles What we can do to help   Follow Lauren and the Mon Repos Turtles here: Southern Great Barrier Reef (bundabergregion.org) --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

Periods, something so natural for our bodies as females are oftentimes considered taboo to talk about. In this episode, we have Michele Wilson, co-founder of a sustainable and carbon-offset brand of period-proof underwear named Awwa. She's here with us to talk about her Maori roots and how she's taken inspiration from their innovation and made it widely available to the world. Periods don't have to and shouldn't contribute to pollution and plastic waste, especially not when it's an integral part of ourselves. Instead of using throw-aways and plastic inside you, please make the switch and contribute to our shared future now.   In This Episode, We Discuss: Michele's inspiration for creating Awwa Using old technology in modern times Carbon offsetting and sustainable sourcing for Awwa Awwa's impact on indigenous communities in New Zealand How their panties work against our periods The choices available for zero-waste periods New inclusive lines coming up for the trans community and more   Follow Michele and Awwa: Michele Wilson | LinkedIn Awwa Period Underwear | Website   ---   Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time.   Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

To conclude my five-part series with the amazing Helena Norberg Hodge, we discuss reclaiming our power of choice by making the switch to using local products and reducing our emissions. We bring to light the faults of industries, proposing a new way to tackle our overall impact on the planet. For the youth listening in-- Helena has a special message for you, addressing the quality of life corporations have placed on you and how we want to support you all through your journeys.   In This Episode, We Discuss: An epidemic of anxiety and depression amongst the youth Join the local food movement Taking a step back and asking ourselves how we can ultimately help It's not one solution for the planet-- it's many solutions Staying connected with our local community We have the power of choice   Follow Helena Hodge: Instagram @helenanorberghodge Twitter @helenanhodge Facebook @HelenaNorbergHodge   ---   Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time. Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

Corporations and businesses ferry across the world goods just for one part of their value chains-- much like being shipped from England, processed in China, then packaged in Thailand. We must ask; do we really need to move food and goods around so much? In this episode, Helena and I go in-depth about the importance of making sustainable choices to uplift our local farmers' markets and support the community economy.   In This Episode, We Discuss: The flow of goods in this globalised world The problems in importing and exporting goods Building the local economy with farmers markets   Follow Helena Hodge: Instagram @helenanorberghodge Twitter @helenanhodge Facebook @HelenaNorbergHodge   ---   Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time. Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

In our global society today, multinational corporations remain faceless and nameless to us as consumers to the point where it affects our mental health greatly. We strive for fame, for being known, and in this increasing globalization of the world, our likelihood to rise slim down immensely. In this episode, Helena talks about what we can do, from our conscious choices to how we treat the world at our fingertips we call our cellphones, all to cure this world's deep loneliness.   In this Episode, We Discuss: The consequences of a government focused on global growth Economics of Happiness: Localising instead of Globalising Changing how we see fame Decentralizing a global society Choosing local and developing relationships   Follow Helena Hodge: Instagram @helenanorberghodge Twitter @helenanhodge Facebook @HelenaNorbergHodge   ---   Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe to your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time. Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox

Climate change has been in people's minds since Al Gore's efforts to expose the truth with his documentary "An Inconvenient Truth" from a little over a decade ago. But what a lot of us don't know is that there are larger forces with far greater impact than us individuals. Corporations produce so much waste that even the great former U.S vice president had failed to address or even acknowledge it. Listen in this second part of a five-episode special with Helena Hodge as we uncover these larger forces and how the lack of acknowledgment and even awareness has bred the dominant narrative that it is us or human nature to blame for our world's deteriorating state. In this Episode, We Discuss:   The root causes of Climate Change The things that are looked over in a normal Climate Debate The impact of industry and its advancements to Climate Change How economies have been dependent on big business to the extent that big corporations have the power to influence a nation's trade policies How we can move on from self blame for this global crisis The bigger things we can do other than planting trees to save our planet   Follow Helena Hodge: Instagram @helenanorberghodge Twitter @helenanhodge Facebook @HelenaNorbergHodge --- Did you enjoy today's episode? Thanks for listening! Be sure to subscribe on your favorite podcast app to get notified immediately when a new episode comes out! If you enjoyed the Mercast, please click here to leave a review and share this episode with a friend! I hope you spend some time in nature today! I'll catch you next time. Subscribe to The Mercast ++ Apple Podcasts ++ Spotify ++ Castbox