Change Cycle

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...

In this episode, we discuss Balancing Cost, Competition, and Sustainability. Balancing cost, competition, and sustainability is a tightrope walk for any industry, especially  through the rapidly evolving landscape of extended producer responsibility (EPR). In this episode, Geoffrey Inch , Head of Producer Services at Circular Action Alliance , shares his unique journey and insights on navigat...

In this episode, we go deep into the definition of EPR. Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) is the concept of shifting the funding mechanism for dealing with waste away from local governments and onto the companies that produce and sell the package, but what does that really mean? We also dive into "why embrace the change that will need to happen to make EPR successful?" Discover how Extended P...

Creating alignment between corporate functions and business objectives can be a powerful catalyst for growth, and the same holds true for personal evolution. In this episode, Katie Phillips , Director of Human Resources and Marketing at GCS , shares her unique approach to embracing change in both her professional and personal life. Listen next time to hear Katie discuss her strategies for aligning...

Change is constant, especially in the field of sustainability, making effective change management crucial for success. This episode dives deep into the essential principles of change management for sustainability professionals who aim to drive impactful organizational transitions. Christine Yeager discusses the importance of understanding and leveraging the change curve to guide individuals and te...

Christine and John discussed the circular economy, with John reflecting on the role of personal and systemic responsibility in environmental issues. They considered the importance of recycling, reuse, and sustainable choices, as well as the need to balance personal freedom with systemic change. Where does personal responsibility end and the need for systemic change begin? That's the captivating qu...

The transition to a sustainable future requires a fundamental shift in our economic systems. This episode dives into the concept of the circular economy and what changes are needed for its success. We explore how the circular economy aims to move away from the traditional linear model of "take-make-dispose" by focusing on reuse and regeneration. A key element in achieving this is extended producer...

Welcome to the Change Cycle Podcast, your guide to embracing change!  Change is uncomfortable—but it’s also where growth happens. On Change Cycle, we’ll explore stories of people who’ve faced and driven transformation, sharing insights on navigating discomfort and inspiring action. In this first episode, Christine Yeager turns the mic on herself. You hear about her career in Consumer Packaged...