Science and Nature

Stop Saving the Planet?

Western cultures typically share the idea that there are two worlds: the “natural world” which is pristine and untouched, and the “human world” which is chaotic and changing. But all living things change the world around them to build homes, eat, and move. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant explores how humans can think differently about the way we change the world around us. Based on the book by Jenny Price.

How Big Business Broke Recycling (And Blamed You)

9m 48s

Recycling has been the gold standard for fighting pollution for decades. But most plastics can’t be recycled and the companies that push for recycling are the ones often generating the most emissions and waste in the first place. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant looks at how we have been told to “reduce, reuse, recycle” to shift the responsibility from companies to the individual.

Episodes

  • How Big Business Broke Recycling (And Blamed You): asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Big Business Broke Recycling (And Blamed You)

    S1 E5 - 9m 48s

    Recycling has been the gold standard for fighting pollution for decades. But most plastics can’t be recycled and the companies that push for recycling are the ones often generating the most emissions and waste in the first place. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant looks at how we have been told to “reduce, reuse, recycle” to shift the responsibility from companies to the individual.

  • How Companies Pollute More While "Staying Green": asset-mezzanine-16x9

    How Companies Pollute More While "Staying Green"

    S1 E4 - 8m 57s

    Individuals, companies and governments “offset” carbon emissions by paying to plant trees or fund solar panels in one place, so they can emit them elsewhere. Carbon credits are exchanged in the open market with the idea that carbon prices will go up – forcing companies to emit less. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant looks at why carbon offsets may not solve the climate crisis. Based on the book by Jenny Price.

  • You Can't Shop Your Way Out of Climate Change: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    You Can't Shop Your Way Out of Climate Change

    S1 E3 - 7m 31s

    We have seen a boom in “eco-friendly” products marketed to consumers’ concerns about the impact of the stuff we buy. But this "shop ‘til you drop” approach doesn’t solve the bigger issue: overconsumption and overproduction are the key drivers of pollution and climate change. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant looks at how “greenwashed” products might be doing more harm than good. Based on the book by Jenny Price.

  • Does "Every Little Thing" REALLY Stop Climate Change?: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Does "Every Little Thing" REALLY Stop Climate Change?

    S1 E2 - 8m 33s

    Western cultures typically share the idea that there are two worlds: the “natural world” which is pristine and untouched, and the “human world” which is chaotic and changing. But all living things change the world around them to build homes, eat, and move. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant explores how humans can think differently about the way we change the world around us. Based on the book by Jenny Price.

  • Why It's Time to Stop Saving the Planet: asset-mezzanine-16x9

    Why It's Time to Stop Saving the Planet

    S1 E1 - 7m 53s

    Western cultures typically share the idea that there are two worlds: the “natural world” which is pristine and untouched, and the “human world” which is chaotic and changing. But all living things change the world around them to build homes, eat, and move. Dr. Rae Wynn-Grant explores how humans can think differently about the way we change the world around us. Based on the book by Jenny Price.

WETA Passport

Stream tens of thousands of hours of your PBS and local favorites with WETA Passport whenever and wherever you want. Catch up on a single episode or binge-watch full seasons before they air on TV.

Similar Shows