The amount of waste in the world will not go down if consumers and society refuse to make sustainability a key priority. In today’s highly globalized and commercialized world, recycling cannot continue to fail us. The amount of waste that could be recycled, and therefore the carbon emissions that could be avoided, are too large to ignore. We know circularity is not the only solution to climate change and waste, but it is one that can be easily addressed with existing technology and would have a significant impact. If you want to drive sustainable change in your own way without sacrificing profits and long-term strategies, this is the podcast for you. Welcome to Change Cycle , the show exploring different ways to optimize the shift to the circular economy by embracing that change is cyclical. Tune in to engaging, informative, and thought-provoking conversations focusing on what it takes to drive positive environmental and social impact through revolutionary business actions. Each episode, discover ways to make the seemingly overwhelming task of driving people and business to take sustainable, regenerative or circular business actions. This information will be useful to every chief sustainability officer who pushes for major changes within their companies, businesses looking to transform their product development and packaging processes, or enterprises facing huge challenges due to implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation (EPR). Whether you need to optimize your innovation cycle, boost your recycling efforts, or influence your company's CFO to invest in circularity, this podcast offers every tool, resource, and piece of knowledge you need. With the guidance of leading sustainable experts and thought leaders, discover how to create the right sustainability roadmap that aligns with your business’ growth agenda. Learn how to adjust and refine your goals and priorities to achieve your target revenue while maintaining an environmental approach in your operations. Find out how to remain compliant with EPR through up-to-date innovations anchored in delivering circularity and business results. This podcast tackles the constant nature of change in the market and the world as a whole, and the right way to handle it. By understanding the best way to experience and absorb all kinds of changes happening today, you can influence and create actual change not just within your business but also in every circle in your life. Gather the necessary wisdom and courage to bridge the gap between the economy and sustainability, making a highly regenerative future a much more attainable dream. Host Christine Yeager is an impact consultant whose passion and energy lie in inspiring others to build a much better world. With 15 years in the CPG industry, her expertise across business operations to drive an economy powered by circularity and social equity is unmatched. Since 2023, Christine has been making huge waves of change through CSY Impact Consulting, where she guides businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations in building a clear sustainable strategy using relevant consumer and industry insights. With her help, these for-profit ventures become armed with the necessary knowledge and resources to leave people, processes, and the environment better than they found them. Christine brings to the podcast her many years of experience shaping sustainability strategies and operational plans. She is the best person to lead these conversations that uncover the best actions, methods, and planning to amplify sustainable innovation in the current marketplace. From sharing compelling stories, exploring the latest trends, to breaking down efficient recycling methods, Christine has it all for you. Sustainability is crucial for success in today's market. Join Christine as she guides you to improve recycling, track your packaging supply chain, and integrate regenerative practices into your business. Listen to Change Cycle at http://CSYimpact.com .
Making certified compostable packaging work in real-world organic streams takes strategic coordination across the entire circular economy supply chain. Host Christine Yeager connects with Meghan Ibach , Product and Zero Waste Specialist at Eco-Products , to examine how design decisions directly impact downstream composting operations. Meghan sits at the exact point where certified compostable packaging either works or falls apart. She works with compost manufacturers, haulers, and venues to pull non-compostable material out of the stream before it becomes their problem. Together, they explore why food service items make traditional recycling difficult and how compostable options capture critical food waste streams. They also address real-world lessons from regional policy shifts, color-coded bin standardization, and the science of microbial breakdown during the curing phase. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
Compost is heavy. So is the impact of food waste rotting in a landfill. Both are worth carrying. In this episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager starts with two cubic yards of finished compost dumped in her Colorado backyard and turns it into a field guide for the circular economy. The same dynamics that played out on her native grass and in her raised bed are playing out in organics policy, city budgets, and compost facility permitting across the country. In 2026, organics is finally having its day in the sun through policy and city actions addressing landfill diversion, curbside composting, anaerobic digestion, soil amendment, soil health, methane, and many other organics-related legislation and ordinances. The through-line is a hard truth about system change towards the circular economy: some soils you can just spread compost on, and others need years of nurturing first. Mandates without composting infrastructure produce methane and political backlash, not diversion. We close with practical steps to bring composting into your day-to-day and push your city for real organics infrastructure. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
Are we finally closing the loop on waste? In this mid-year round-up, Christine Yeager dives deep into the essential building blocks of a sustainable future. From the mechanics of Deposit Return Schemes and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to the critical need for robust collection infrastructure, she breaks down what it takes to build a truly effective circular economy. Join us as we explore how these systems—and the right recycling initiatives—are shaping the next generation of responsible end markets. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
Pottery is one of our oldest art forms, yet for any beginner, it remains one of the most humbling experiences imaginable. As I’ve spent the last year oscillating between success and the occasional "flumped" clay creation, I’ve realized that mastering the pottery wheel holds a surprising lesson for the future of sustainability. The path to a true circular economy—specifically through the lens of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—is just as messy, tactile, and unpredictable as working with wet clay. While we are all looking for that "perfect" finished product, the industry is currently in the "kiln" phase: under pressure, developing new standards, and figuring out what actually holds up. Today, we’re going beyond the surface of policy to explore the reality of Responsible End Markets (REM). We’ll break down: The "Kiln" Effect: Why the current state of EPR is a pressure test for recycling chain-of-custody and yield documentation. Navigating the Mess: Insights into the latest regulatory updates in Oregon, California, and beyond—and why compliance isn't a switch, but a dial. Progress Over Perfection: Why releasing our attachment to an "ideal" outcome might be the only way to build a functional, transparent, and resilient recycling system. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just trying to make sense of the latest packaging policies, let’s explore why the process—not just the result—is where the real change happens. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
How do you create lasting change in sustainability when progress feels slow? In this episode, Kate Bailey —one of the key advocates behind Colorado’s landmark packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law—shares hard-earned lessons on advancing the circular economy, influencing public policy, and staying motivated through long-term environmental challenges. From shifting strategies after setbacks to building productive relationships with legislators, Kate reveals why meaningful change rarely comes from a single breakthrough. Instead, it’s the result of thousands of intentional actions that steadily move the needle forward. Whether you're a sustainability professional, policy advocate, business leader, or simply passionate about reducing waste, this conversation offers practical insights on driving impact, navigating change, and rethinking what success looks like in the circular economy. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
Has the momentum behind Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation slowed down? In this latest Policy Round Up, Christine Yeager returns to Change Cycle to break down the biggest developments from the recent legislative session and what they mean for producers navigating the evolving circular economy landscape. While six states introduced EPR legislation, none of the bills crossed the finish line—a surprising shift after years of rapid policy expansion. But that doesn't mean EPR activity has stalled. From California's finalized SB 54 regulations and Oregon's ongoing legal challenges to Maine's delayed program rollout, significant compliance requirements are already taking shape across seven active EPR states. Christine unpacks key EPR terminology, explains which states are moving into needs assessment phases, and shares why companies can't afford to wait for new legislation before preparing. She also highlights encouraging trends in recycling markets, including recycled polymers reaching price parity—and even discounts—compared to virgin materials, signaling important progress for the circular economy. Whether you're tracking EPR legislation, managing producer compliance, or planning your sustainability strategy, this update delivers the insights you need to stay ahead of the rapidly changing policy landscape. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
Sustainable innovation often thrives in the "friction zones" that major brands ignore, proving that circular economy models can be built through grit rather than institutional backing. Guest Vale Siegrist , founder of Circular Mom Club , shares her journey of building a baby clothing rental service while balancing a full-time tech career and motherhood. Born from the need for better options than fast fashion and the personal joy of finding purpose during a difficult postpartum period, Vale has created a subscription-based rotating closet for children ages 0 to 4. She offers a transparent look at the operational trade-offs of a solopreneur—from reusing Amazon envelopes to maintain sustainability values to leveraging AI as a "role-play" partner for hard business decisions. By prioritizing convenience and rigorous intentionality, Vale demonstrates that a sustainable system can effectively solve the financial and environmental guilt associated with modern parenting. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
With the May 31 deadline fast approaching, EPR Reporting is no longer something producers can afford to delay—or misunderstand. In a recent episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager breaks down the rapidly evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where shifting regulations, state-by-state nuances, and incomplete guidance are creating a perfect storm of confusion. From Oregon, California, and Colorado to newer programs in Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington, reporting requirements are expanding—and getting more complex. Christine demystifies critical concepts like covered materials, eco-modulation, and source reduction targets, while highlighting what makes California’s dual reporting obligations especially challenging. But here’s the key takeaway: waiting for clarity is a mistake. With bonus incentives on the table in some states—and mandatory participation in others—producers must act now. This teaser dives into what you need to know, what’s still uncertain, and how to start building a smarter, unified approach to EPR Reporting before time runs out. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
What does it really take to disrupt a billion-dollar industry built on convenience—and plastic? In this behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Cambio Roasters podcast interview, Kevin Hartley shares how a single idea—replacing plastic K-Cups with infinitely recyclable aluminum—turned into one of the fastest-growing coffee brands in the U.S. But this isn’t just a story about packaging. It’s about living with intention, building a business around the triple bottom line, and taking real financial risks to create meaningful change. From supporting coffee farming families to navigating investor pitches and scaling a sustainability-driven startup, Kevin reveals the hard truths and surprising opportunities behind mission-led entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever wondered whether doing good can actually drive business success, this conversation offers a compelling—and practical—answer. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
After a brief two-week pause due to spring break, work travel, and illness, Christine Yeager returns to the Change Cycle Podcast with a packed update on the rapidly evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recycling policy. In this episode, Christine previews an exciting upcoming guest lineup featuring leaders from the Association of Plastics Recyclers, innovators in recyclable K-Cups, and voices reshaping fashion reuse—while also inviting listeners to recommend future guests at podcast@csyimpact.com. Beyond the podcast updates, she dives deep into major EPR developments across the U.S., including Oregon’s first curbside expansion in Dallas, new producer portal deadlines across California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, and emerging compliance requirements shaping the industry. Christine also breaks down legal challenges impacting packaging and textile EPR laws, highlighting ongoing lawsuits and regulatory uncertainty in California, Oregon, and Colorado. From infrastructure investments and rural recycling expansion to market pressures in recycled PET and real-world compliance strategies, this episode offers a timely, actionable look at where EPR policy is headed—and what producers, recyclers, and brands need to do right now to stay ahead. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
What happens when companies take sustainability seriously—without waiting for regulations to force their hand? In this conversation, host Christine Yeager and Christina Ross from Credo Beauty explore the carbon accounting challenges facing the beauty industry, sharing the company's experience now in its third year of emissions reporting—an effort many brands still avoid. They discuss the realities of working with imperfect data, the emotional and operational cost of sustainability pivots for smaller companies, and why focusing on the biggest impact areas matters more than perfect accuracy. From Scope 3 emissions and ingredient-level traceability to innovations like packaging made from recycled beauty empties, the discussion highlights how mission-driven brands can move the industry forward through collaboration, transparency, and practical action—even without policy pressure.
Today, Christine Yeager dives deep into one of the most transformative forces in the recycling industry: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Christine unpacks how EPR laws across the United States are reshaping packaging design, recycling infrastructure, and brand strategy — turning regulatory pressure into powerful market signals. From rising EPR fees on flexible films like plastic mailers and pet food bags to new definitions of recyclability based on collection access, sorting capability, and responsible end markets, the conversation explores how companies must rethink materials, cost models, and long-term pipeline plans. Drawing on insights from the Plastics Recycling Conference and recent developments such as CalRecycle selecting Land Bell U.S.A. to operate California’s textile EPR program, Christine breaks down what these changes mean for brands nationwide. You’ll learn how EPR fees are influencing packaging lightweighting, material optimization, and national vs. state-specific compliance strategies — and why flexible film recycling, polypropylene cups, and textile recovery programs are becoming strategic battlegrounds in the circular economy. If you’re navigating EPR compliance, sustainable packaging design, or recycling market shifts in 2026 and beyond, this episode delivers critical insights to help you turn regulation into opportunity.
We may not think much about our pets' carbon footprint because they are just small and innocent creatures, but they also have a significant collective impact on the health of the planet. Christine Yeager sheds light on how the entire pet industry can make better choices to build a more sustainable future with Allison Reser Hamburger , Director of Sustainability & Innovation at the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC). Together, they discuss what it takes to improve ingredient sourcing and packaging in pet food and products, even if it requires a huge amount of compromise from companies and corporations. Allison also explores how to solve the disconnect between public values and industry actions, often caused by powerful forces like capitalism, materialism, and short-sightedness.
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 emerging in Illinois, New York, New Hampshire, and Wisconsin, she unpacks the fast-moving U.S. policy landscape. But durability isn’t just about surviving headlines. Drawing lessons from Germany, France, Belgium, and British Columbia, Christine explores what makes EPR systems financially stable, legally defensible, operationally sound, and adaptable over time. She argues that lasting circular economy progress depends not only on strong funding mechanisms and governance—but on leaders who can navigate controversy and stay committed when the pressure rises. As U.S. EPR policy matures, the real question isn’t whether it will face resistance. It’s whether it’s built to endure it. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
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 recovery pathways for textile reuse, recycling, and repurposing. Marisa also highlights the complex pathways of textiles in secondhand and international trade, as well as the rising tensions between financial responsibilities and environmental goals. Find out how the government, the corporate world, and even your very own home can join forces in vastly improving textile circularity.
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 Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) laws in states like California, Oregon, and Colorado are reshaping recycling rules, and why education can only work when the system itself is aligned. From the FTC Green Guides and APR testing standards to the reality of plastics, textiles, and flexible packaging, this conversation reveals what’s really standing in the way of higher recycling rates—and what needs to change to rebuild trust in the system. If you’ve ever wondered why recycling feels so confusing, this episode breaks down the structural issues behind the headlines—and why fixing the system matters more than lecturing consumers. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
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 boosting sales through virtual wine tastings and creative campaigns like “Search for the Seal.” She discusses the advantages of working at a family-owned winery, leveraging tradition while embracing innovation, and connecting with younger audiences through approachable, fun wine experiences. From wine industry trends to sustainability certification, this conversation provides actionable insights for wine brands looking to educate consumers, drive engagement, and thrive in a competitive, evolving market. Resources: CA Grown Article: J. Lohr Wines – A Legacy of Sustainability TriplePundit Article: CA Winery J. Lohr Uncorks Sustainability Wine on tap – the 2022 J. Lohr Estates Seven Oaks Cabernet Sauvignon is now available on tap/in keg. Below is a link to a couple of photos of the 750ml bottle showing the CSWA logo on the back label as well as the press release announcing the CSWA designation: https://brandfolder.com/s/4jst399m3gmgk9w2mfwf98p Press Release including information of the wine now available in keg: https://www.jlohr.com/latest-news/seven-oaks-certified-california-sustainable Sustainability Infographic: The J. Lohr Sustainability from Vineyard to Bottle and Beyond infographic is our visual representation of both why and how sustainability is a core value at J. Lohr, weaving in the importance of the three pillars of sustainability and the California wine industry’s impact thus far. https://assets.jlohr.com/v3/media/general_images/JLohr_Sustainability-Infographic__Mar-2024-large.jpg Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
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 and how to deal with it with clarity and strategy. Learn how to proactively manage your data, be comfortable with the discomfort of change, and turn compliance into a strategic advantage. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
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 projects like the Ashland Modernization Project despite legal challenges, while Colorado finalized its program plan and published fees ahead of major recycling infrastructure expansion in 2026. As California prepares to issue its first EPR invoices—creating significant financial implications for producers—and Circular Action Alliance consolidates reporting deadlines, Christine explains why 2026 will be the year outcomes materialize: service providers seek reimbursements, producers redesign packaging to reduce fees, collection systems mature, and responsible end markets begin to scale across the U.S. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast We can use this ad to promote CSY Impact when someone discussed a particular challenge related to EPR - especially in Geoff Inch & Rachel Zerowin's episodes.
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 Economy, Carolina shares the massive systemic challenges and learnings from her work with major brands, including the breakthrough Petaluma Reusable Cup Project , and offers deep insights on consumer behavior change, the power of pre-competitive collaboration, and the importance of embracing change—whether planned or reactive—to build a more sustainable future. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast We can use this ad to promote CSY Impact when someone discussed a particular challenge related to EPR - especially in Geoff Inch & Rachel Zerowin's episodes.
