Change Cycle

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 e...

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 recover...

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 It’s a fragmented system built on inconsistent state laws, conflicting definitions of “recyclable,” and outdated standards that confuse consumers and brands alike.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 Ext...

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 boo...

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...

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...

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 Econom...

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, applyin...

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 lo...

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...

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 despi...

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...

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 reduct...

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...

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...

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...

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...

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 go...

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 E...

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...

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...

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) , wherei...

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...

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...

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...