In this episode of Sustainably Speaking, host Mia Quinn heads to Chicago and an experiential grocery store to explore how the food and packaging industries are making everyday products more recyclable. Mia sits down with John Avolio of Borouge International and Anita Budiman of Mars Snacking to unpack what really happens to the packaging in your grocery cart. They discuss increasing post-consumer recycled content in packaging, the challenge of recycling food grade plastics, and why an iconic soda brand quietly dropped its signature green bottle. John and Anita explain the science behind mono material design, share the surprising reason dogs and cats help test recycled packaging, and offer simple, practical ways anyone can recycle smarter. Plus, the fun stuff: road-trip snacks, impressive hobbies, and each guest's walkout song.

Host Mia Quinn returns to Red Rocks Amphitheatre in Morrison, Colorado — a venue she grew up visiting — to go behind the scenes of one of the most sustainable concert operations in the country. Mia sits down with Katie Zarachowicz, Sustainability Administrator for Denver Arts & Venues, to find out how Red Rocks consistently diverts 50% of its waste away from the landfill. 

Step inside the beauty industry's sustainability journey and discover how salons, brands and consumers are working together to keep more materials in use and out of landfills.