What happens when the sustainability executive who built Walmart's first corporate sustainability program tells us we've been asking the wrong questions about circular economy all along?
Andy Ruben—founder of Trove, innovator of Walmart's omnichannel strategy, and a pioneer who's been in the trenches of sustainability since 2004—joins Garr and Sabira for a candid conversation about why circular economy has exploded in awareness but failed to truly scale.
From debunking the cannibalization myth that paralyzed brands for a decade, to revealing why "founder-market fit" matters more than most entrepreneurs realize, Andy shares hard-won lessons from building companies at the intersection of commerce and sustainability. He challenges the circular economy community to stop talking to themselves and start reframing the conversation in ways that actually move executives to action.
It's Andy's bold prediction about AI-powered shopping agents that might change everything you think you know about the future of resale—and why the winners won't be the ones with the prettiest storefronts.
With Garr out for the Thanksgiving Holiday, Sabira reconnects with former colleague Vishal, who leads Waste Warriors—a nonprofit tackling the overwhelming waste crisis in India's Himalayan region. From his journey working at Saahas Zero Waste to now managing 200 team members across remote mountain communities, Vishal shares what it truly means to build a career in waste management—and why it's so much more than a job.The conversation explores the unique challenges of collecting waste in villages without road access, where single-use plastics have arrived but reverse logistics haven't followed. Vishal reveals the cultural stigma that educated women on his team face for choosing this work, how recognition and awards eventually transformed their families' shame into pride, and why 60% of waste in the Himalayan states is simply burned or dumped in forests and glacial streams.
Christopher Hale shares his journey in the electronics recycling and refurbishment industry, discussing the challenges and opportunities within the circular economy. He emphasizes the importance of sustainability, the competitive landscape in recycling, and the role of affiliate marketing in driving consumer attention toward refurbishment options. Chris also advocates for the right to repair movement and highlights the need for education in the industry. The discussion touches on innovations in technology, the future of trade-ins, and the untapped potential in electronics recycling.
What if the key to a multi-million dollar business was hidden in corporate America's trash bins? Meet Damon Carson, CEO of Repurposed Materials Inc., who built a nationwide empire by betting on industrial waste that others pay to destroy.
In this revealing conversation, discover why major corporations choose landfills over reuse, learn the surprising economics behind the "fast nickel or slow dime" approach to waste management, and explore how one entrepreneur's "Reese's moment" transformed into six warehouses full of materials waiting for their second life.
Damon pulls back the curtain on the dirty secrets of corporate sustainability, challenges our assumptions about recycling versus reuse, and shares why he considers himself a "curator" in the high-stakes game of industrial repurposing.
Whether you're an entrepreneur seeking untapped markets, a sustainability advocate wanting to understand the real economics of waste, or simply curious about the hidden world of industrial materials, this episode will fundamentally change how you see the potential in everything destined for the dumpster.
Join us for an inspiring conversation with Aliya Marder from Ridwell as we explore how one company is transforming the recycling landscape from grassroots community sessions to a groundbreaking national mail-in program. Discover why passionate recycling advocates are the secret vectors of change in their communities, learn about the patchwork of solutions emerging across America, and understand why doing things imperfectly might be our best path forward. This episode reveals the human side of waste management innovation and offers a renewed sense of hope for anyone feeling overwhelmed by our environmental challenges.
Join Garr and Sabira as they dive deep into the complex world of recycling & EPR policy with John Hite. Explore how America's patchwork of state laws creates both opportunities and challenges for waste management reform, from California's groundbreaking standards to Montana's youth-led climate lawsuit. Learn why a major constitutional challenge could reshape the future of recycling programs nationwide, and discover what's driving momentum for change despite the legal and political hurdles ahead.
What happens when the people trying to save the world can't save themselves? In this deeply personal episode, executive coach Laurie McGinley reveals a startling truth: 62% of sustainability professionals report signs of burnout. Drawing from her own experience of having a stroke at 31 while being a perfectly healthy D1 athlete, Laurie challenges everything we think we know about careers, success, and sacrifice.
Discover why treating your career like a compost cycle instead of a linear extraction could revolutionize not just how you work, but whether you survive the work. Learn the counterintuitive remedy to burnout that has nothing to do with vacations or sabbaticals, and everything to do with increasing seconds of flow state in your day.
From her daughter's burned finger providing an unexpected metaphor for organizational trauma, to questioning whether Back to the Future holds up (spoiler: it doesn't), this conversation weaves together neuroscience, circular economy principles, and radical self-care into a blueprint for sustainable leadership.
If you've ever felt like you're the only one who can do the work, if you've mined your own wellness for a cause bigger than yourself, or if you lead a team of brilliant, passionate people who are burning out faster than fossil fuels – this episode might just save your career, your health, and your mission.
In this conversation, Eric Davis discusses Pretred, a company focused on creating sustainable products from recycled tires. He shares insights on the resilience of their products, the challenges of transitioning from an idea to a viable business model, and the importance of government partnerships in funding circular economy initiatives. The discussion also covers the diverse customer base for their products, the potential for global expansion, and valuable lessons for entrepreneurs in the circular economy space.
In this episode, we explore Sacni Leon's remarkable 15-year journey at Logitech and her unexpected path into the circular economy. Her simple question - "Why are all these products coming back?" - sparked a transformation that would reshape how the company handles returns and reverse logistics.The conversation highlights key themes including the power of asking obvious questions, the unexpected connections between customer service and supply chain sustainability, and how hands-on warehouse experience can reveal hidden opportunities for circular innovation. Sacni's story demonstrates how one curious employee willing to challenge the status quo can drive meaningful change in corporate sustainability practices.
In this conversation, Joe Macleod discusses the importance of consumer off-boarding experiences and the emotional connections we have with products. He explores the historical context of consumption, the emotional grip of consumerism, and the responsibilities of both consumers and providers at the end of a product's life cycle. The discussion also touches on the role of brand equity, the future of consumer relationships, and the impact of AI on consumption. Macleod emphasizes the need for brands to create meaningful endings for their products and to bridge the gap between marketing and sustainability efforts.
In this conversation, Julia discusses the potential of seaweed as a sustainable alternative to plastic, sharing her personal journey and the importance of designing for a circular economy. The discussion covers the challenges of adopting seaweed solutions, the packaging ecosystem, and the role of advocacy in raising consumer awareness. Julia also highlights the regulatory landscape surrounding biodegradability, the economic potential of seaweed farming, and the importance of consumer actions in promoting sustainable packaging. The conversation concludes with insights into Sway's upcoming products and the future of sustainable materials.
In this conversation, the founders of Common Object Studio discuss their journey in sustainable design, focusing on their case study with Okaterra. They explore the challenges and triumphs of creating furniture that is not only aesthetically pleasing but also environmentally responsible. The discussion delves into the importance of materials, supply chains, and the need for transparency in sustainability. They emphasize the beauty of variation in design and the significance of community and collaboration in driving change within the industry.
Garr Punnett and Emily Rogers discuss the evolution of Reath, a company focused on the circular economy and open data standards. They explore the challenges and opportunities in the sustainability sector, including the importance of consumer behavior, the impact of legislation, and the need for collaboration among businesses. Emily shares insights from her entrepreneurial journey, emphasizing the human element in business and the necessity of patience in the waste reduction space. The discussion also touches on the significance of adapting to changing regulations and the role of open data in driving industry standards.
Supply chain expert and author Deborah Dull joins Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani for a candid conversation about the practical realities of building circular supply chains. Fresh off publishing her comprehensive guide to circular supply chain maturity models and a business novel co-written with AI, Deborah cuts through the sustainability rhetoric to focus on what actually works.
In this conversation, Sabira Lakhani and Garr Punnett discuss the Heritage Group and its venture capital arm, HG Ventures, focusing on their approach to investing in the circular economy. They explore the challenges and opportunities within this space, emphasizing the importance of relationships, storytelling, and transparency in venture capital. The discussion also highlights the need for innovation, the role of software in circular solutions, and the balance between short-term and long-term goals in investment strategies. Ultimately, the conversation conveys a sense of optimism about the future of circular economy investments and the potential for systemic change.
Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani chat with Nicole Bassett, a pioneer in the circular economy and founder of The Renewal Workshop. They discuss the evolution of sustainable fashion, the challenges of scaling circular solutions, and the importance of collaboration in creating effective business models. Nicole shares her journey from Patagonia to founding the Renewal Workshop, the impact of her work on the industry, and the future of circular economy in the context of AI and consumer behavior. The conversation highlights the need for brands to adapt and find pathways to profitability within circular frameworks, emphasizing the importance of meaningful work and collaboration in driving change.
In this conversation, Preston Poag Jr. from Mohawk Industries discusses the challenges and opportunities in recycling flooring materials within the context of the circular economy. The discussion covers the differences between commercial and residential recycling, the importance of education and communication in promoting recycling programs, and the impact of policy on sustainability initiatives.
The conversation also explores innovative business models like flooring as a service and the economic considerations that influence the adoption of circular economy practices. Ultimately, the dialogue emphasizes the need for collaboration and the role of the next generation in driving sustainable change.
In this episode, Garr Punnett and Sabira Lakhani interview Erada Olieta, founder of the Chip Bag Project, which transforms unrecyclable Mylar chip bags into essential products for people experiencing homelessness. The conversation explores the innovative solutions Erada has developed, the challenges of scaling her organization, and the importance of corporate partnerships. Erada shares her journey from a simple idea to a thriving social enterprise, emphasizing the human element in her work and the iterative process of product development.
In this episode of Selling Circular, Sabira Lakhani, Garr Punnett, and Theo Zizka discuss the intricacies of the circular economy, focusing on Community Forklift's operations. Theo shares his unique journey into the resale space, the challenges of managing online sales, and the importance of sustainability in packaging. The conversation delves into pricing strategies, the unpredictability of inventory, and the emotional connections people have with donated items. The episode concludes with advice for donors and a reflection on the philosophy of reuse.
In this episode of Selling Circular, host Garr Punnett and guests Sabira Lakhani and Nancy Rhodes discuss the intersection of technology, sustainability, and fashion. They explore how Alternew, a B2B2C AI-enabled marketplace, connects brands, consumers, and tailors to reduce returns and enhance customer loyalty. The conversation delves into the challenges of fast fashion, the importance of tailoring, and the cultural shifts needed to embrace custom fit as a standard in the buying experience. Nancy shares insights from her extensive experience in the fashion industry and highlights the potential for technology to modernize the tailoring market and support sustainability efforts.