
Trash Magic!
By Oakley J-Fast
Change the world one purchase, one piece of trash at a time.
Your hosts: Oakley J-Fast, a chemical engineer, and Sara Fuentes, a waste and recycling expert, are here to demystify the circular economy. There is so much potential in what others see as disposable - that's what we call Trash Magic!
Your hosts: Oakley J-Fast, a chemical engineer, and Sara Fuentes, a waste and recycling expert, are here to demystify the circular economy. There is so much potential in what others see as disposable - that's what we call Trash Magic!

Trash Magic!Apr 04, 2021
00:00
26:03

50. Final Episode! Reflection on Trash Magic!
We have some important news: after much reflection, we’ve decided to stop releasing regular episodes of Trash Magic! While the podcast is coming to a close, the philosophy of Trash Magic lives on: finding the potential in what others see as disposable.
Thank you for being part of this journey. Whether as a guest, supporter, or listener, you made Trash Magic possible.
Though new episodes aren’t planned, we may occasionally share updates on projects or collaborations inspired by the show. Stay tuned, and thank you for everything.
Stay classy and trashy,
Sara & Oakley
Sara Fuentes LinkedIn
Oakley J Fast LinkedIn
Dec 30, 202422:24

49. Lisa Ann Pinkerton with the Earthlings 2.0 Podcast
Our special guest in this episode: Lisa Ann Pinkerton started out as an award-winning reporter for NPR radio and PBS television and is now the founder and CEO of the multi million dollar PR firm Technica Communications, founder and Vice Chairwoman* of Women In Cleantech & Sustainability, and host of the podcast Earthlings 2.0.
Learn more here: Earthlings Podcast Website
*Update: Since this recording Sara Fuentes has become Chairwoman for WCS!!
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Thank you to our amazing listeners and community!
Trash Magic is made with love and supported by Sara’s company SmartWaste USA and Oakley’s company Level Up Planet.
If you liked this episode, here's 3 ways to support us:
1. Follow on Instagram @trashmagic_podcast
2. Rate Trash Magic! on your fav podcast platform
3. Consider Buy Us a Coffee or join us on Patreon.
Thank you to Danny Finkelstein (intro music), to Feyzan Shareef (audio editing and mastering) and Jay Huynh (marketing manager).
Love your Hostesses with the COMPOST-esses,
Sara & Oakley
Aug 26, 202427:14

48. Trashify: Bringing AI to the Recycling Industry
How is AI being used to improve the recycling industry? Find out in this episode with Nikhita Bhagwat, Co-Founder of Trashify!
If you liked this episode, here's 3 ways to support us:
1. Follow on Instagram or LinkedIn
2. Rate Trash Magic! on your fav podcast platform
3. Consider Buy Us a Coffee or join us on Patreon.
Thank you to Danny Finkelstein (intro music), to Feyzan Shareef (audio editing and mastering) and Jay Huynh (marketing manager).
Love your Hostesses with the COMPOST-esses,
Sara & Oakley
Jul 22, 202424:41

47. Metal Recycling: Jennifer Betts Steels the Show
In this episode, we’re joined by Jennifer Betts, the CEO of Recycled Media, ScrapTrader and Magnar Metals. She brings almost two decades of experience in the circular economy - specifically in metals recycling and manufacturing.
Discover the fascinating processes behind recycling metals, from everyday items like aluminum cans to complex materials found in electronics and vehicles.
Jennifer also highlights the importance of supporting and welcoming women in the metal industry, sharing her initiatives and experiences in mentorship and industry associations. Learn about the critical role of metals in national security and sustainability, and why recycling metals is more important than ever.
Get ready to nerd out with us as we delve into the world of ferrous and non-ferrous metals, the magic of the circular economy, and the immense value hidden in what others see as disposable. This episode is packed with insights, inspiration, and a call to action to rethink how we handle our metal waste.
Jennifer Betts, CEO of Recycled Media, ScrapTrader and Magnar Metals
Linkedin
TikTok
Instagram
Youtube
Betts on the Future Podcast
If you liked this episode, here's 3 ways to support us:
1. Follow on Instagram or LinkedIn
2. Rate Trash Magic! on your fav podcast platform
3. Consider Buy Us a Coffee or join us on Patreon.
Thank you to Danny Finkelstein (intro music), to Feyzan Shareef (audio editing and mastering) and Jay Huynh (marketing manager).
Love your Hostesses with the COMPOST-esses,
Sara & Oakley
Jun 19, 202435:56

46. Texas Trash Talker: Stacy Savage
Stacy has been called the Texas Trash Talker. She is an eco-preneur out of Austin, TX. She’s the founder & CEO of Zero Waste Strategies, an environmental consulting firm specializing in waste reduction. Her clients include Dell, AT&T, Apple, Nestle Purina, and the City of Austin.
Stacy has a new e-book out!
Get in touch with Stacy Savage through her:
Website, Instagram, TikTok, Facebook, LinkedIn
Other resources in the episode:
Viridescent - Discover your Sustainability Alter-Ego
Thank you to our amazing listeners and community!
Trash Magic is made with love and supported by Sara’s company SmartWaste USA and Oakley’s company Level Up Planet.
If you liked this episode, here's 3 ways to support us:
1. Follow on Instagram @trashmagic_podcast
2. Rate Trash Magic! on your fav podcast platform
3. Consider Buy Us a Coffee or join us on Patreon.
Thank you to Danny Finkelstein (intro music), to Feyzan Shareef (audio editing and mastering) and Jay Huynh (marketing manager).
Love your Hostesses with the COMPOST-esses,
Sara & Oakley
Apr 29, 202435:43

45. Carpet: Floored by these Sustainability Facts
Carpet America Recovery Effort (a national non-profit) is Developing Market Based Solutions for the Recycling & Reuse of Post-Consumer Carpet. Today we are joined by Bob Peoples CARE, Executive Director!
CARE Website
CARE YouTube
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Feb 06, 202429:50

44. Sustainable Packaging: with Cory Connors!
Guest Cory Connors delves into the world of packaging alternatives. What are some alternatives to plastic packaging? What does the future of packaging look like? Plastic often gets a bad rap, but does it have sustainable qualities and uses as well? What should consumers do and how can we educate ourselves? Cory answers this and so much more!
Cory Connors has been in the packaging industry for over 2 decades! His nickname is Cory(gated), as in corrugated cardboard - we love a good pun! Cory is the Director of Sustainable Packaging for Orora Packaging Solutions and is also the host of Sustainable Packaging Podcast - check it out and join him in the movement towards sustainable packaging!
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Feb 06, 202425:41

43. Death: Think Outside the Casket with The DeathWives
Is cremation actually environmentally friendly? Is it truly possible to "return to the earth" after we die? Can our bodies heal the earth?
How to get in touch with The DeathWives: Website, Instagram, Facebook , TikTok
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self funded). Consider supporting by following us on Instagram, rating us on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Feb 06, 202457:28

42. EV Batteries: Steve Feinberg and Bijan Palme with Bluewater Battery Logistics
Worried about electric vehicle battery recycling? Let Steve and Bijan put your mind at ease in this episode of Trash Magic!
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Trash Magic! is made out of love. You can support the podcast with a like, subscribe, download, rate or review.
Send us your trash questions via Instagram, Email (trashmagicpodcast@gmail.com), or Voice Memo (Spotify only)
Thank you to our:
Marketing Director: Brad Harris
Audio Editor: Feyzan Shareef
Co-Host: Sara Fuentes
Producer and Co-Host: Oakley J Fast
Feb 06, 202425:03

41. Producer's Responsibility in End of Life of Products with Heidi Sanborn
This episode is a game changer!!
Heidi Sanborn, the renowned advocate for an Equitable Circular Economy, has dedicated over 32 years to championing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and Circular Economy policy. She is the Executive Director of the National Stewardship Action Council (NSAC).
Heidi's advocacy for "Truth in Labeling" emphasizes the significance of transparent labeling, enabling consumers to make informed choices and holding producers accountable for their products' environmental impacts. Her immense expertise has made her a sought-after speaker at national and international conferences, where she passionately shares her insights and drives change toward a more sustainable future.
Join us in celebrating Heidi Sanborn, the Translator for Tricky Topics, as she continues to pave the way through legislation, education, and industry collaboration.
Click here to support or information about NSAC!
Epoch Times Interview with Heidi Sanborn
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas
Jan 22, 202427:36

40. Tire Recycling: Stop Spinning your Wheels with Brittany Wright
Tired of spinning your wheels on what to do with old tires?
Discover the tire recycling revolution with Brittany Wright. Join us as we explore Schuyler Rubber's pioneering journey in transforming tire waste into valuable resources. Dive into the tire recycling process, debunk misconceptions, and learn about the artistic magic of repurposing. Tune in to be inspired and empowered to support a more sustainable future.
Visit www.goschuyler.com to learn more and follow Schuyler Rubber on LinkedIn.
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jan 22, 202431:50

Bonus: Sustainable Packaging Podcast: Featuring Trash Magic's Sara Fuentes!
Sara Fuentes, co-host of Trash Magic! Podcast was recently interviewed on the Sustainable Packaging podcast hosted by Cory Connors. All Trash Magic! listeners get a sneak peek to this episode today! It will officially drop on August 4th on Sustainable Packaging! Support this amazing show by hopping over to Cory's Insta and following them on Apple!
Sustainable Packaging Episode Description:
The amazing Sara Fuentes has some awesome stories and is doing great things in our world to help improve waste removal. Sara is the co-host of Trash Magic Podcast and the Co-Founder and President of Smart Waste!
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/#LinkedInPresentsLooking to improve the sustainability of your packaging today? Check out: https://www.landsberg.com/us/en.html The views and opinions expressed on the "Sustainable Packaging " podcast are solely those of the author and guests and should not be attributed to any other individual or entity.
https://specright.com/ https://www.amazon.com/dp/1329820053/ref=as_sl_pc_qf_sp_asin_til?tag=corygat
https://www.linkedin.com/in/cory-connors/
I'm here to help you make your packaging more sustainable! Reach out today and I'll get back to you asap.
This podcast is an independent production and the podcast production is an original work of the author. All rights of ownership and reproduction are retained—copyright 2022.
Jan 22, 202430:03

Bonus: Earthlings 2.0 Podcast - Land of the Lost Food
Special episode today from our fellow sustainability warrior: Lisa Ann Pinkerton, CEO of Technica Communications! This episode is from her podcast, Earthlings 2.0 and she is joined by Dr. Lisa Johnson to discuss the impact of global food waste. Dr. Johnson is a researcher and Adjunct Assistant Professor at North Carolina State University, private consultant in food loss and agriculture, and serves as the Board Chair of UpRoot Colorado.
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jan 17, 202435:10

39. Imagining a Circular World
Co-hosts Sara Fuentes and Oakley J Fast imagine a future, sustainable world run by a circular economy!
Book Recommendation: Rest is Resistance by Tricia Hersey
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Sep 05, 202339:01

38. Level Up Your Recycling Game: Essential Knowledge for Everyone
This special episode is brought to you by Level Up Planet! Oakley (Level Up Planet Founder) takes listeners through everything you need to know about recycling: Where does the recycling go after being picked up at the curb? What exactly is recyclable and what isn't? Isn't recycling a scam - why should I care? And finally, Oakley wraps it all up and puts recycling in a bigger context.
Join Oakley on this educational journey to become a recycling expert, enabling you to confidently sort your recyclables and impress others with your recycling knowledge ;) Get ready to level up your recycling game and contribute to a more sustainable future!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jun 26, 202321:54

37. Electric Vehicles: Supercharge your Knowledge with Julianna Garibay Sparacio
In this electrifying episode of Trash Magic!, hosts Oakley and Sara are joined by special guest Julianna Garibay Sparacio, an esteemed expert in electric vehicles. Together, they embark on an exploration of electric vehicles (EVs) and end-of-life possibilities for EV batteries. Julianna sheds light on the environmental benefits of EVs and debunks common concerns such as range anxiety and end-of-life of EV Batteries.
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Thank you to our team! Brad Harris (Marketing Director), Jack Mittermeier (Video Editor), Feyzan Shareef (Audio Editor), Sara Fuentes (Co-Host), and Oakley J Fast (Co-Host and Producer)
Jun 12, 202324:54

36. Trash Talk Project Washington! with Athena Burk Bravo
Welcome to Season 5 of Trash Magic! In this episode, our co-hosts, Oakley J Fast and Sara Fuentes interview Athena Burk Bravo, the founder of the Trash Talk project in Washington state. Athena, a high school student from Seattle, started her project to educate people about waste sorting and bridge the gap between waste management companies and haulers in King County, Washington. She organizes tabling events at local festivals and markets, where she provides information on waste sorting guidelines and engages people through interactive games. Athena emphasizes the importance of proper waste sorting to prevent contamination and increase recycling rates.
Despite her young age, Athena's project has gained significant support and success. She plans to take a gap year to travel to Chile, where she will immerse herself in her mother's culture and work on improving her Spanish skills as well as work on her passion of ocean conservation. Athena has also applied for a grant to expand her team and ensure the continuity of the Trash Talk project while she is away!
You can find Trash Talk project here: https://trashtalkprojectwa.com/
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
May 29, 202321:25

35. The Power of Poop: Ecological Sanitation with Daniel Tillias and Sasha Kramer
Yes, you read that right - Poop! Daniel Tillias and Sasha Kramer are creating a sanitation revolution in Haiti by safely converting human waste into compost.
In 2006, Sasha co-founded SOIL with the mission to create jobs and provide access to safe and dignified sanitation that produces rich, organic compost as a natural resource for Haiti’s badly-depleted soils. Learn more about and support soil on their website, and on socials @SOILHaiti on Instagram, Twitter, and Facebook.
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jan 16, 202338:26

Bonus: Oakley Talks Trash on TazzyPhe's Unfazed Podcast
Our own Oakley Jennings-Fast was invited to talk about circular economy, climate change and the future of humanity on TazzyPhe's podcast called Unfazed.
Support TazzyPhe's podcast
Tasneem is a YouTuber and Influencer where she talks about the challenges of adulthood, balancing growing up in two cultures (USA/ Pakistan) while being a religious minority ☪️️ and larger things going on in society. Check out her YouTube Channel!
Oakley holds a Bachelor's of Science in Chemical and Biological Engineering from University of Colorado. She spent 4 years working as a chemical engineer at BASF in roles from R&D to engineering to management. During this time, she directly saw the raw materials, energy, and passion that go into making everyday "stuff". It was this experience combined with her love of nature which compelled her to dedicate her career to circular economy. This means making a more sustainable manufacturing and consumer ecosystem. With her company Level Up Planet, she educates individuals on their purchasing and disposal options and consults companies in managing their product design, production and waste in a sustainable way.
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jan 09, 202330:23

34. Software Driving the Circular Economy: Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli with WATS
Meredith Danberg-Ficarelli joins Trash Magic! on this episode to enlighten us on the fact that there is no throwing something "away." We all live on the same planet and our environment is effected by everyone! Meredith believes that materials literacy and upstream/downstream supply chain transparency are foundational building blocks to the circular economy. Meredith is the co-founder of WATS (Waste Administration + Tracking Software)! WATS is a woman-owned SaaS product bringing business waste management operations into the 21st Century
Find WATS here: https://getwats.com/about
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jan 02, 202328:33

33. TRUE Zero Waste Certification with Celeste McMickle
Celeste McMickle is the Director of Client Solutions for TRUE Zero Waste certification with the USGBC (United States Green Business Council). If you want to learn more about how you can become a TRUE Zero Waste Advisor, how you can reduce your own impact, or help your business reduce their waste - this episode is for you! We also mentioned the waste hierarchy in the episode. Here is a link to learn more: Waste Hierarchy
You can find Celeste @celeste_recycles on Instagram and Twitter
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Dec 26, 202232:25

32. ReDish: ReThinking Single-Use Food Containers with Nicole Teran and Rich Grousset
ReDish is Dishing out new possibilities for single-use food containers! With their completely re-usable clamshell food containers, ReDish is changing the game for single-use food containers! The have a full-cycle operation where they deliver, collect, and wash their containers. Have an event on the East Coast you are looking to make zero waste? Check them out! https://www.redish.com/
Find Trash Magic! on Instagram: @trashmagic_podcast
Send us a voice memo with your waste or recycling questions! Link in the show notes and in bio
Dec 19, 202217:36

31. Office Space Zero Waste!
Have you ever wracked your brain to figure out how to make your office space zero waste? Find out step by step in this week's episode!
For more help, here's Sara's Company: Smart Waste
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Dec 12, 202227:42

30. Compost of the Future: Andy Smerek with Clementine
Andy Smerek is on a mission to increase the transparency of the waste/recycling industry and answer the questions: what really happens with my waste? Am I putting the right thing in the bin? Clementine aims not only to answer these questions, but also make it fun through gamification! Operating in Colorado, Clementine operates their own compost hauling and app where users can see exactly the weight of what they have composted and if they put the correct items in the bin.
Find Clementine: Website and Instagram
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Dec 05, 202225:52

29. Clean Robotics: Recycling Made Easy with Tanner Cook
Can a robot help demystify recycling for the rest of us? Clean Robotics knows that technology and machine learning can be used to help prevent contamination in the recycling bin. A robot scans the object you throw in the can and sorts it for you! Tanner Cook joins us today to tell us more about CleanRobotics, the future of recycling technology, and his hopes for the future of circular economy! You might see a CleanRobotics smart trash can in a stadium or airport near you! Check out CleanRobotics at their website: https://cleanrobotics.com/about-us/
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Nov 28, 202232:41

28. Ceramics: Throwing Ceramics into a Sustainable Future with Shashank Nimkar
Did you know Ceramics do not biodegrade? Think about it, ceramics are found buried from ancient civilizations! Shashank Nimkar was inspired by seeing all the ceramic waste from factories near his home and created an innovative solution! Shashank Nimkar founder and CEO of Earth Tatva is reducing mining for natural resources through closed-loop manufacturing of ceramics. Through his innovative process, he can take fired ceramics and recycle them into new ceramics which can be recycled this way forever!
Earth Tatv: https://www.earthtatva.com/
Shashank Nimkar: https://www.linkedin.com/in/ssnimkar/
Eart Tatv on Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/earthtatva.recycledceramics/
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Nov 21, 202219:46

27. Technology for Sustainability with Jessica Groopman
In this episode we explore how technology can save the planet! Jessica is an industry analyst, current director of digital innovation at Intentional Futures, former founding partner of Kaleido Insights, and emerging technology advisor specializing in intersections of data, technologies, humans, and environment.
Find Jessica at: https://jessgroopman.com/
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Nov 14, 202225:46

26. Climate Anxiety: Mental Health with Lorrine Patterson
Lorrine Patterson, Best Selling Author of "Freeing Your Heart for Love" and Founder/CEO of a nonprofit, joins us today to discuss her own journey in loving herself and recommends how to deal with climate anxiety. She is a guiding light for people challenged with depression and abuse to discover self-love and internal happiness. You can find her work on her website ,TikTok, and Instagram
Today's episode carries a trigger warning for difficult topics such as: suicidal ideation/planning, and physical assault. If you or someone you know is struggling or in crisis, help is available. Call or text 988 or chat at 988lifeline.org. Please take good care.
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Nov 07, 202226:23

25. What is Trash Magic!?
The co-hosts of Trash Magic! - Oakley and Sara - dive deeper into the meaning of trash magic and why we LOVE TRASH, genuinely. Learn more about how Sara and Oakley met, our re-branding of our podcast from "What the hell do I do with this?" to "Trash Magic!" and dive deeper into our love of circular economy.
Link to Buy Nothing
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Oct 31, 202226:41

24. Terrill Haigler aka YaFavTrashman: How a Sanitation Worker Changed Philadelphia
Terrill Haigler became an essential worker less than three months after accepting the position as a laborer for the Philadelphia Sanitation Department. To bridge the gap between residents and sanitation workers he created the Instagram page @_yafavtrashman to give residents an insider look of what sanitation workers experienced during the pandemic. When Terrill noticed that his co-workers didn’t have the proper PPE to execute their jobs safely, he decided to stand in the gap and start a Custom Ink t-shirt fundraiser to purchase PPE, hand sanitizer and cleaning supplies, catapulting him to Philly’s latest viral sensation!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Oct 24, 202227:55

23. Makeup: Making the Planet Ugly?
Sara and Oakley explore the health and environmental impacts of makeup. Dive in for some dirty secrets on the beauty industry.
Note: We refer to "women" a lot in the episode but this information applies to anyone who wears makeup.
Lots of resources mentioned in this episode! Here they are:
Cosmetic Ingredient Review
Story of Stuff: Cosmetics
EWG: Skin Deep
Think Dirty
Ulta Clean Ingredients
Recycle Coach
Women of Color Personal Care Products
Good Hair
Explained: Beauty
PFAS Ban Bill
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
May 16, 202227:55

22. Interview with Derek Ruckman: CEO of WasteXperts
Derek Ruckman is the CEO of WasteXperts. WasteXperts does onsite waste sorting and training and save their customers money while improving recycling/environmental performance. Derek has over a decade of experience in the waste and recycling industry and he is dedicated to keeping waste out of the landfills and creating a circular economy.
Today we learn about the power of proper residential recycling, the economics of recycling, and much more! Advice from Derek when you do not know which bin something goes in: When in doubt, FIND OUT!
Learn more about WasteXperts: Website, Vimeo
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Mar 21, 202244:11

21. Your Sustainability Alter Ego with VIRIDESCENT
Being a sustainability professional or climate change activist can be draining. Burnout is high when we are all trying to save the world. That's why Chance Thompson (aka The Designer) created VIRIDESCENT! He helps change makers create their Sustainability Alter Egos - the superhero version of ourselves we can lean on when our work becomes too much. VIRIDESCENT adds fun and creativity to sustainability - because solving these problems needs a new perspective! We hope you enjoy our interview with Chance! You can find our more about Viridescent below and the workshop coming up on March 2nd!!
For any questions, reach out to Chance AKA The Designer 🐺 @ chance.t@viridescent.biz
VIRIDESCENT: Twitter, Instagram
Feb 22, 202230:50

20. Sustainable Wardrobe: Style with an Impact with Lena Ziegler
Lena Ziegler gives us practical tips and tricks to creating a sustainable wardrobe! Join us for this special episode where we explore what we can do as individuals to be more conscious of our impact and look good doing it!
Sources Lena mentions in Episode:
Good on You
Fashion Revolution
Redress
Lena Ziegler on LinkedIn
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Feb 19, 202221:58

19. Book Club: Unraveled (The Life and Death of a Garment) by Maxine Bédat
Have you ever wondered what happens to that old band t-shirt when you donate it? Or who sewed your jeans together? Where did this sweater really come from?
In her book Unraveled, Maxine Bédat takes an incredible journey around the world to discover exactly how our clothes are made and where they end up when we discard them. Oakley and Sara review her book and give our reflections on an industry that is dismissed as "girly" but is in need of much needed attention in the climate and human rights space!
"You mess with nature it will kick your butt!" - Carl, a farmer from Unraveled
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Feb 15, 202251:09

18. Voices of Women in Waste & Recycling
For the majority of people, waste management is a mystifying force with operations that vary widely from state to state and even differ across county lines. In this episode Oakley and Sara interview a variety of thought leaders in the waste and recycling space. Trash Magic is excited to feature our friends and colleagues from the National Waste and Recycling Associations (NWRA) Women's Council!
Featuring:
Samantha Podgorny, the Product Manager of the Electric Refuse Trucks at Heil Environmental
Peggy Macenas, the Vice President of the Midwest Region at National Waste & Recycling Association (NWRA)
Katie Evans, Government Affairs at Best Way Disposal and President of th Women's Council at NWRA
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jan 31, 202226:43

17. Plastic Isn't the Problem with Dr. Kat Knauer
Is plastic itself the problem or just how we are handling it? We answer that question and so much more with a good friend and plastic expert: Dr. Kat Knauer! She is a PhD in polymer science and dedicated her career to research and implement the latest in plastic recycling technologies! We talk about the technologies which will change the future of plastic recycling, her volunteer efforts with Ocean Plastics Recovery and about her new book coming in 2022 about chemical recycling for plastics! As a nerd, Oakley is super excited for this book. Thanks for the amazing interview Kat!
Learn more: NREL BOTTLE Consortium, Ocean Plastics Recovery Project
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Aug 30, 202133:40

16. Fashion: The Many Layers of the Self with Angelica Maulucci and Morgan Vickers
This episode is dedicated to Morgan Ruth Vickers who sadly passed due to complications from her chronic illnesses on December 2023. She will live on in our memories. Think of her when you wear something you love and feel good about yourself in. She would want nothing else!
In this episode we explore the many layers to fashion - and I don't just mean the layered tanks we wore in the early 2000's. Today we are joined by Angelica Maulucci - founder of Glow Up Glow Together where she helps youth discover that fashion can open the door to connection, self-discovery, and transformation and Morgan Ruth Vickers - founder of Morgan Ruth Style where she uses fashion to help women with chronic illness and survivors of domestic violence to discover and rediscover their inner beauty.
We cover so many amazing topics today including how to use fashion as a source of self expression, how to decide which clothes to get rid of (from our fashion experts), and how to decide where to sell or to donate (so it doesn't just feel like throwing it on another Goodwill).
How to connect with Angelica Maulucci: Website ; Instagram
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jul 25, 202126:17

15. Ocean Plastics: Wave Goodbye to Pollution with Kirpa Grewal
This is one of our favorite episode yet! Our amazing friend and hydrologist, Kirpa Grewal explains to Sara and Oakley how plastic gets into our oceans, waterways, air, and EVEN FOOD. It is an alarming issue but Kirpa does an incredible job explaining the reality of the issue and giving us actionable steps and hope to fight this pressing issue. So grateful for your knowledge and expertise Kirpa! You can find her on instagram @climatekirpa
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jul 15, 202122:39

14. Plastic: Clear Answers from Waste Experts
Sara and Oakley explore the complex issue of plastic and give ya'll clear tips on what exactly you can recycle! We go through the myths around plastic, the pros and cons of the material, the technology to change the industry, and what you can do about your own plastic!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jul 12, 202122:07

13. Reimagine Plastic Recycling: Tom Hockin at Brightmark
We had the amazing opportunity to interview Tom Hockin, National Director for Origination & Feedstock at Brightmark. China banned accepting plastic waste from the globe in 2018. In response, Brightmark has created a US-based solution to handle our plastic recycling and turn it into a valuable end product. This is the first episode on our three-part series on plastic in celebration of July - Plastic Free Month!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Jul 04, 202125:01

12. Batteries, Lightbulbs, Paint Oh My!
This episode is about what the hell to do with batteries, lightbulbs, and paint. And of course we dive into the bigger picture of all three in terms of their impact on people, the planet, and even beetles! Yes, beetles. Listen to find out!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
May 31, 202136:00

11. MRF (Material Recovery Facility): Sara's boyfriend
Is MRF a material recovery facility or the name of Sara's boyfriend? Find out on this week's episode!
Do you know what happens to your recycling after it's picked up!? Learning what happens to your recycling is an amazing way to understand what can be recycled and what is "wish cycled" (something we hope can be recycled but truly can't!) One thing you as an individual to help the planet is recycle right! It truly helps!! If recycling is contaminated with too many things that cannot be recycled, it is sent to the landfill. Learn more about how recycling is processed and how to recycle right in this episode!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
May 17, 202125:43

10. Thrifting: Secondhand Tips and Tricks!
Sara and Oakley share their tips and ticks for buying and selling second hand! Why is it worth buying and selling second hand? We share our favorite stories. Spoiler: buying second hand is good for the environment, good for your wallet, good for your community. We are also joined by Abbie Burgess who is a new mom who was inspired to start buying more second hand! How does she pull it off? Take a listen!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
May 10, 202128:31

9. Solar Panels: Shedding Light, have we really evolved?
Have we really evolved if we throw solar panels in the landfill?
Our own Sara Fuentes said it best herself: "Any new innovation that's going to help save the planet has to be created in a way that is everlasting." It may not be sexy to think about the end of life of objects but when it comes to the future of clean energy, we have to think about it! Do you have solar panels at home?
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
May 03, 202120:48

8. COVID Masks: Facing Safety and the Enviornment
Phone, wallet, keys, mask... we live in a new world where we have one more thing to remember before we leave the house. Personal Protective Equipment (PPE) is something you're already familiar with if you work in manufacturing or the healthcare industry but now everyone knows what it is! An example of PPE is what we wear everyday to protect ourselves and each other from Covid: a mask! On this episode we talk about what the increase in single-use masks and gloves has had on the environment and what individuals and companies can do to reduce their impact. The first priority is always safety and following local guidelines and work guidelines. Please do what is within your means, protocols, and comfort level when it comes to any of our suggestions. Your safety comes first! We also wanted to express our gratitude and thanks to our frontline workers.
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Apr 26, 202127:01

7. Glass: Shattering Recycling Myths
Here on Trash Magic, the glass is always half full! On today's episode we talk about what to do with your glass jars and even windows and car windshields! Did you also know that sand, the main ingredient in glass is actually running out!? Did you know wine bottles may not be able to be recycled!? Before you panic, take a listen to the episode for some solutions and tips. Stay classy, stay trashy, and stay glassy
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Apr 19, 202120:12

6. What is Circular Economy!?
What exactly is circular economy!? Who are our hosts Sara and Oakley and how did they get into loving trash so much? What horoscope sign is Pitbull!? Learn all of this and more in this week's episode!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Apr 12, 202124:06

5. Compost: Scrap your Fears
Hi everyone! Welcome to part 3 of our food series. Great episode today talking about commercial compost, practical tips to reduce your food waste, and how to compost at home featuring Oakley's friend Julia Samson. Julia tells us how she uses worms to compost her food at home!
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Apr 04, 202126:03

4. Takeout Food Packaging: This is the Last Straw!
Which takeout container is the "best" for the environment? Is this the last straw for plastic!? Find out in this week's episode
Trash Magic! is made with love (and self-funded). Consider supporting us by following on Instagram, rating on your favorite podcast platform or Buy Us a Coffee. Thank you Dumpster Divas!
Mar 29, 202123:59