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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.
35 Episodes
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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 SustainabilityTriplePundit Article: CA Winery J. Lohr Uncorks SustainabilityWine 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/4jst399m3gmgk9w2mfwf98pPress Release including information of the wine now available in keg: https://www.jlohr.com/latest-news/seven-oaks-certified-california-sustainableSustainability 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.jpgLove 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/podcastWe 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/podcastWe 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.
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, applying that courage to her work in corporate sustainability to demystify complex goals and 'build the muscle' for change. Hear how she leveraged a "red-green" scorecard to rally the troops for the "Goodyear Better Future" strategy, and how reframing sustainability around health and the circular economy can bridge political divides.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastWe 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.
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 long-term social responsibility. Drawing from her own rise from a Baltimore public-school student to the C-suite, she shares how she’s led major organizational change, balanced family with ambition, mentored women in manufacturing, and transformed “human resources” into true people operations. Listeners will learn what really sways a CFO to say yes to bold ideas, how to build credibility through consistency, and why patience, self-advocacy, and empathy are essential to driving meaningful change inside any organization.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastWe 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.
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 fashion-as-a-service as green as possible by finding that sweet spot between buying and renting clothes.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastWe 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.
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 despite the many challenges along the way. Liz also discusses the right way to handle resistance within your team by being curious and the immense power of doing incremental yet consistent change. This discussion breaks down the necessary mindset and perseverance you need to successfully embed sustainability everywhere you go.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastWe 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.
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 points of their policy that must be emulated, especially financial collection and job generation, as well as its facets that should be handled with cautious optimism, particularly their grueling manual sorting process.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastWe 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.
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 reduction and packaging innovation at Ollie, Mia highlights the power of collective action, transparency, and collaboration across industries. She unpacks the trade-offs behind packaging choices, the challenges of recycled content, and why pushing suppliers and peers together yields results no single brand could achieve alone. With her signature mix of pragmatism and urgency, Mia offers advice for sustainability professionals: embrace incremental wins, but never stop pushing for more.
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 "obligated producer," and the hurdles of gaining visibility into sales data. Discover how embracing these compliance exercises can transform into strategic opportunities, from precise budgeting for EPR fees to fostering stronger relationships with retail partners and unlocking innovation pipelines.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastWe 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.
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 organic waste from landfills annually, transforming it into nutrient-rich finished compost. This episode unveils the profound impact of emphasizing the end-use value of compost for soil health, water retention, and carbon sequestration, while also confronting the persistent challenges of contamination. Learn how consistent, transparent sustainability campaigns and a shift in community perception are essential to truly unlock the full potential of organics recycling and build healthier, more resilient environments.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
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 equity. Discover how the right policy design can catalyze innovation and market development, and explore the global trends shaping a more sustainable future.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
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 categories differ from Oregon’s. With insight into methodology language, fee projections, and long-term strategy, this guide will help you turn compliance into a competitive edge.Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcastpodscan_6wlZVydgw5VY29OBwZnW0JnE4oelQnRp
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