Microplastics are showing up everywhere, including in the food we eat. In this episode, Andy Keller talks with Abby Barrows, marine debris researcher and co founder of Deer Isle Oyster Co, about what she has learned from years of global microplastics sampling with Adventure Scientists and why plastic is such a complicated part of aquaculture and wild fisheries. Abby gets real about what the data actually shows, why “just recycle” is not a plan, and how we can reduce plastic without falling into perfectionism.

What you’ll hear: • What microplastics are, why microfibers show up in most samples, and how they move through air and water • Why the open ocean and polar regions can act like sinks for microplastics • The hidden plastic problem in oyster farming gear, and what “plastic free aquaculture” could look like • Practical ways to cut plastic that actually add up, from reusables to speaking up for policy change • Why oysters matter for clean water, coastal communities, and the future of food

Connect with ChicoBag

Website: https://www.chicobag.com

Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ChicoBag

Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/chicobag

LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/chicobag

Connect with Abby Barrows and Deer Isle Oyster Company

Website: https://abbybarrows.com/

Website: https://www.deerisleoysterco.com/

Marialyce Pedersen has spent decades in recycling and zero waste work, but wildfire changed her life in a personal way. After the Eaton Fire burned down her nearly 100-year-old home in Altadena, she began planning a rebuild focused on resiliency, health, and common sense.

In this episode, Andy Keller and Marialyce dig into what “build back better” can actually look like, from straw bale buildings that survived the Thomas Fire, to the real-world friction of permitting and code adoption, to the uncomfortable truth that many rebuilds still rely on what her colleague Art Ludwig calls “kindling and toxic waste.” It’s a practical conversation about fire resilience, natural building materials, preparedness, and how communities can rebuild smarter instead of repeating the same cycle.

Join Andy Keller as he sits down with Kurt Hoag, the founder of Renotype, to explore the world of purposeful promotion. Discover how Kurt's 30 years of experience in marketing have shaped his unique approach to advertising, focusing on meaningful connections rather than fleeting trends. Learn about the common pitfalls in promotional strategies and how to avoid them, while gaining insights into building lasting brand relationships. Whether you're a small business owner or a marketing enthusiast, this episode offers valuable lessons on making impactful promotional choices.

In this episode, Andy Keller sits down with Seth Ewing, founder of Operation Tabletop, to talk about how simple, in-person game nights create real connection, restore a sense of purpose, and can help reduce suicide risk among service members and veterans. It’s an honest, practical conversation about loneliness, “earned dopamine” vs. instant gratification, showing up for each other, and why being the one who runs the game can give someone a reason to keep coming back.

Can small dollars create big change? In this episode, Andy sits down with Tobie Spears, founder of Be Humanitarian, to unpack a practical model working right now in Guatemala. From child sponsorship and English classes to tiny seed grants that launch real microbusinesses, Tobie shares what works, what to avoid, and how anyone can get involved as a sponsor, partner, or volunteer traveler. We dive into: Why Guatemala’s malnutrition crisis needs local, concrete solutions How sponsorship tiers cover school, meals, and momentum English classes as a simple unlock for opportunity What 200 dollars can do after basic business training Volunteer travel that blends service with real cultural connection How companies engage teams through purpose and partnership Nonprofit reality checks, hiring lessons, and measuring impact over overhead

Bad merch hurts your brand. Good merch builds loyalty.In this episode, Andy Keller talks with Denise Taschereau, co-founder and CEO of Fairware, about how to move beyond “trinkets and trash” and turn branded products into meaningful, profitable marketing tools. They dig into why intention matters, how to plan ahead to reduce waste, and why doing the right thing isn’t just better for the planet — it’s better for business. What you’ll hear:• Why most promo products miss the mark — and how to fix it• The real ROI of sustainable branded merchandise• How planning ahead cuts emissions and saves money• Why quality beats quantity for cost per impression• Real examples from Ben & Jerry’s, Spotify, and more• The power of thoughtful onboarding kits for employees• How to avoid brand risk and negative impressions• The future of promo: agency, choice, and circularity

What if your promotional products could do more than just get your name out there?

In this episode of the ChicoBag Podcast, Andy Keller sits down with Liz Wimbush, Director of Sustainability at PPAI (Promotional Products Association International), to talk about the future of intentional merch. They explore the idea of “brandfill,” the power of purpose-led sourcing, and what transparency really means in today’s supply chains. From avoiding greenwashing to using certifications strategically, Liz brings clarity, nuance, and real-world examples of how businesses can build trust—and reduce waste—by asking better questions at every step. Whether you're in the promo industry, on the buying side, or just curious about how branded products can create impact, this conversation gives you tools to do it smarter.

What you’ll learn:

How to avoid ‘brandfill’ and make your giveaways actually matter The surprising ways supply chains can affect your brand reputation How to build sustainability into promo without greenwashing Practical steps to align your sourcing with your values

Guest: Liz Wimbush Director of Sustainability at PPAI https://www.ppai.org

Host: Andy Keller, Founder of ChicoBag

Celebrating 20 Years of Reusables We’re giving away our biggest custom merch prize pack ever. You’ll get fan-favorites, new gear, and proof that intentional merch is better for business.

Enter here:

https://www.chicobag.com/enter-to-win-20-year-anniversary-giveaway-2

A Campus That Feeds Students, Not Landfills — with Stephan Classen from Cascadia College

What if your school let students forage for food on campus?

At Cascadia College, that’s not a hypothetical. It’s policy. And it’s part of a bigger story about what happens when you design with nature instead of against it.

Ranked the most sustainable campus grounds in the country every year since 2018, Cascadia College is more than a green space. With 58 acres of restored wetlands and a full ban on synthetic pesticides, the campus has become a living classroom for students, pollinators, and the community.

In this episode, Andy Keller sits down with Stephan Classen to unpack how a former cattle ranch became a nationally recognized model of ecological design — and how any school, facility, or homeowner can follow suit.

What you'll learn

• How to reduce pesticides without losing your garden

• Why biodiversity boosts mental health

• The secret history of lawns (and what to plant instead)

• What it means to design “with nature” in architecture

• A few surprises about foraging, pollinators, and public space

If you’re curious about campus sustainability, community health, or how to make outdoor spaces more meaningful, this conversation is packed with practical insights and inspiring ideas.

Explore more from Cascadia College: Sustainable Grounds: cascadia.edu/sustainability/grounds Water & Environmental Sciences Program: cascadia.edu/water

About this series The ChicoBag Podcast celebrates 20 years of reusable solutions that replace waste with purpose. We're giving away our biggest prize pack yet to mission-driven businesses and sustainability leaders.

Enter the giveaway chicobag.com/enter-to-win-20-year-anniversary-giveaway-2

Hosted by Andy Keller, Founder of ChicoBag.