The Environmental Transformation Podcast with Sean Grady

• How Digital Twins Are Revolutionizing Industrial Water and Energy Management

  Dr. Slava Libman, co-founder and CEO of FTD Solutions, joins host Sean Grady on the Environmental Transformation Podcast to discuss how digital twin technology is transforming industrial water and energy use. Libman shares FTD’s origin story, explains how digital twins help facilities optimize performance and reduce costs, and explores their impact on sustainability and ESG goals. He also covers real-world applications in semiconductor manufacturing, collaboration through SEMI and IRDS, and how AI and data analytics are shaping the future of industrial efficiency.Thanks to our sponsors: Cascade Environmental, E-Tank, and WASTELINQ

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• Robert Bilott on PFAS, Dark Waters and Fighting Forever Chemicals

  Host Sean Grady interviews attorney Robert Bilott live from the AHMP EHS Hazmat Summit in Louisville, Kentucky. Bilott, the lawyer whose work inspired the film Dark Waters, shares his decades-long fight against DuPont over PFAS contamination, the failures of early chemical disclosure, and the challenges of pushing the EPA to regulate forever chemicals. He discusses his book Exposure, the ongoing litigation nationwide, the impact on water utilities and ratepayers, and how consumer demand is forcing change. Bilott also explains how states like New Jersey and Minnesota are leading regulation, the global scope of PFAS contamination, and the need for new technology and laws to address the crisis.Thanks to our Sponsors: Cascade Environmental, E-Tank, and WASTELINQ

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• Sourgum CEO Joe DiNardi-Mack on Bringing Tech Innovation to Waste and Recycling

  Sourgum co-founder and CEO Joe DiNardi-Mack shares how his team is using technology, AI, and data analytics to modernize the waste and recycling industry. He discusses scaling a nationwide waste management platform, supporting local haulers, improving routing and diversion rates, and offering enterprise waste solutions. Topics include waste management software, recycling technology, sustainability strategies, startup growth, Series A funding, and building an operating system for waste services across the U.S.Thanks to our Sponsors: WASTELINQ, E-Tank, and Cascade Environmental

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• Lisa Foster: Emotional Intelligence Training and One-on-One Meeting Tips for Managers

  Lisa Foster is a business coach, speaker, and author of Bag Lady: How I Started a Business for a Greener World and Changed the Way America Shops. In this episode of the Environmental Transformation Podcast, host Sean Grady talks with Lisa about her journey founding 1 Bag at a Time, Inc., one of the first reusable grocery bag companies in the U.S., and how she scaled it to sell millions of bags. Lisa shares insights on leadership, emotional intelligence, and building high-performing teams. She also previews her free one-hour training on one-on-one meetings and her upcoming six-week leadership series.To receive at 20% discount on Lisa's Leadership Essentials course starting September 24, 2025, sign up here!https://calendly.com/lisadfoster/leadership-essentials-group-coaching-series-cloneThanks to our sponsors: Cascade Environmental, E-Tank, and WASTELINQ.

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• The evolving Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) landscape and its impact on industry with Meaghan Hembree Attorney at Holland and Knight

  In this episode of the Environmental Transformation Podcast, host Sean Grady talks with Meaghan Colligan Hembree, Environmental, Compliance & Disputes Partner at Holland & Knight in Washington, D.C. She counsels Fortune 500 companies and global brands on chemical risk, environmental compliance, and high-stakes disputes.Hembree explains extended producer responsibility (EPR) laws, how they affect packaging, plastics, recycling, and supply chains, and what companies must do to prepare for compliance across states and globally. The discussion also covers the China waste import ban, circular economy challenges, and the future of recycling infrastructure.00:00 Why Recycling Needs a National Approach01:13 Meet Megan Colligan Hembry: EPR Legal Expert02:25 EPR Explained: Extended Producer Responsibility04:54 The 2018 Turning Point & Policy Responses07:19 Industry's Struggle: Adapting to China’s Ban11:39 How Companies Organize for EPR Compliance13:38 Packaging, Supply Chains, and Regulatory Complexity16:14 Operational Challenges Inside EPR Programs18:46 EPR’s Impact on Product and Package Design21:24 Data Collection & Reporting Complexities24:50 Making Packaging Truly Recyclable28:12 Beyond Packaging: Tires, Batteries & Other EPR Products32:48 Does EPR Drive Innovation and Sustainability?35:47 Federal vs State EPR: Who Should Take the Lead?40:19 RCRA, Universal Waste, and Circular Economy Paths45:47 Will EPR Raise Prices? Costs, Consumers & Fairness50:03 Will EPR Actually Improve Recycling for Consumers?52:00 Why Systematic Recycling Education Matters54:34 Making Recycling Trendy & Accessible55:40 Closing Thoughts & Outlook on EPR and SustainabilityOpvTDfEuhQpfjN4UpcG5

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