Plastics Without Borders: Inside Us

This week’s bonus episode comes from South by Southwest London, where Earth Set and the Blue Earth Summit hosted a live discussion exploring one of the most overlooked dimensions of the plastics crisis: human health. **Guest names:** Sian Sutherland - Host, Founder of A Plastic Planet Saabira Chaudhuri - Author of Consumed Laura Harnett - Founder, Seep Amir Afshar - Founder, Shellworks Professor Richard Lea - University of Nottingham  The conversation moves beyond familiar debates about litter, recycling and ocean pollution to examine what happens when plastic becomes part of our bodies. From declining fertility and endocrine-disrupting chemicals to the history of single-use plastics and the challenge of building viable alternatives, the discussion brings together scientists, entrepreneurs, campaigners and journalists to ask a difficult question: if the evidence around plastic’s health impacts continues to grow, what will it take for business, policymakers and consumers to respond? Along the way, the panel explores how plastics became embedded in modern life, why recycling is not the answer to solving the crisis, and whether a new generation of materials and business models can reduce our dependence on fossil-fuel-based plastics without creating new problems of their own. **In This Episode You'll Learn:** • How endocrine-disrupting chemicals found in plastics can interfere with the body’s hormonal systems and reproductive health • Why scientists are increasingly concerned about declining fertility rates, falling sperm counts and rising reproductive disorders • How exposure to certain chemicals during pregnancy may affect health outcomes later in life • The surprising history of how plastics transformed consumer behaviour, packaging and modern convenience • Why plastic production continues to grow despite decades of recycling campaigns and public awareness efforts • What critics argue is wrong with today’s recycling system — and why many believe reduction and reuse must play a larger role • How entrepreneurs are developing alternative materials designed to replicate the benefits of plastic without creating persistent waste • Why regulation, economics and consumer expectations remain major barriers to scaling plastic-free solutions • Whether human health concerns could become the catalyst that finally accelerates action on plastic pollution and chemical safety **🎟️ Join Earth Set Live** We host monthly live events in London featuring founders, investors and policy leaders shaping the transition to a resilient, regenerative economy. First Tuesday of every month. Grab tickets here: 👉 ⁠earthset.co⁠⁠ **If you enjoyed this episode** Please take a moment to: • Leave 5 stars • Write a quick review • Share the episode with someone interested in climate technology, innovation or industrial strategy It helps more people discover the show. Thanks for listening — see you at the next live event or in your feed soon.