What happens when a rapidly growing region adds 700,000 new residents in just 25 years? That's the question at the heart of this fascinating conversation with the leadership of the Mid-Ohio Regional Planning Commission (MORPC), the organization helping Central Ohio prepare for this growth through 2050. Here at SWACO, we're planning for it too!

Executive Director William Murdock shares MORPC's guiding philosophy that Central Ohio must "grow better as it grows bigger," explaining how strategic investments in sustainability, transportation, and conservation are essential to maintaining quality of life. Director of Sustainability Brandi Whetstone reveals how MORPC's innovative programs—from neighborhood-level air quality sensors to regional water planning—are creating a roadmap for sustainable growth.

The discussion delves into how MORPC has successfully engaged 39 communities in a friendly competition to achieve higher sustainability ratings, driving real progress through collaboration rather than mandate. You'll learn about cutting-edge initiatives addressing looming energy challenges and water resource management. Plus, William and Brandi talk about another topic that we at SWACO absolutely love to promote and discuss — the principles of the circular economy.

Perhaps most compelling is the practical advice both leaders offer: start with one attainable sustainability goal. As Brandi notes, "The greatest threat to our planet is the belief that someone else will save it."

Curious about how Central Ohio is preparing for the future? Don't miss this insightful conversation about the collaborative approach making the region a model for sustainable growth. Visit MORPC's website or attend their upcoming Summit on Sustainability on September 30th to learn more and get involved in shaping Central Ohio's future.

Sustainability in the classroom isn't just about recycling bins—it's about shaping the environmental leaders of tomorrow. As students and educators head back to school this August, we're diving into powerful ways schools can reduce waste while teaching lifelong environmental stewardship.

Our special guest Danna Lotz, SWACO's School Programs Administrator and former classroom teacher of nearly 20 years, shares with Hanna and Joe her passion and expertise for making sustainability accessible in educational settings. From practical tips for teachers (repurpose those half-used notebooks instead of sending them home!) to school-wide initiatives like food waste composting and e-waste recycling, Danna reveals how environmental responsibility can be woven into school culture.

Discover SWACO's impressive array of free resources for Franklin County schools: landfill tours with bus reimbursement, classroom recycling containers through the School Recycling Champions Program, curriculum-aligned lesson plans, and technical support for more complex waste diversion projects. The newly launched SWACO Schools Green Team creates a collaborative network where educators can exchange ideas and find moral support for their sustainability efforts.

Parents and caregivers aren't left out either! Learn practical strategies for greener lunches, supply shopping, and clothing choices that reduce waste while teaching children valuable lessons about resource conservation. As Danna reminds us, when we instill these habits early, young people don't just recycle because they're told to—they understand why it matters. Visit SWACO.org to explore our school programs and start your sustainability journey today!

Meet Joseph Klatt, the innovative founder of Marble Plastics who's turning trash into treasure right here in Central Ohio. As we mark Plastic Free July, this eye-opening conversation reveals how discarded plastics can be transformed into stunning countertops, furniture, and building materials that rival traditional options like Corian or natural marble.

What sets Marble Plastics apart is their commitment to showcasing recycling's potential through products that are both beautiful and educational. Unlike typical solid surface materials that hide their composition, Klatt's creations proudly display colorful flecks from various plastic waste streams – from electronic waste providing the black base colors to bread tags creating distinctive specks. These visual elements serve as conversation starters about recycling's true impact, helping consumers understand that their recycling efforts genuinely matter.

The sourcing stories behind each component are fascinating: refrigerator parts become the white base material, while bread tags collected by an Indianapolis nonprofit (which uses proceeds to fund wheelchairs for those in need) create colorful accents. Klatt's vision extends to "decentralized manufacturing" – creating regional hubs where communities can see their waste transformed into valuable products locally, similar to how the organic farm movement reconnected people with their food.

Joseph brings rich experience to this mission, having worked with Ohio EPA before joining a firm in the Netherlands, where he designed recycling machines for communities worldwide. His goal now? Making recycled plastic building materials commonplace in the architectural and design industry within five years, while changing perceptions about plastic waste. As he pointedly reminds listeners: your recycled plastics really do get transformed into useful, beautiful products.

Ready to reduce plastic waste? Start by swapping disposable items for reusables and remember that in Central Ohio, plastic bottles, tubs, jugs and cups can all be recycled curbside. Follow Marble Plastics on Instagram or visit marbleplastics.com to learn more about this recycling revolution.