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Change Cycle

Christine Yeager

The amount of waste in the world will not go down if consumers and society refuse to make sustainability a key priority. In today’s highly globalized and commercialized world, recycling cannot continue to fail us. The amount of waste that could be recycled, and therefore the carbon emissions that could be avoided, are too large to ignore. We know circularity is not the only solution to climate change and waste, but it is one that can be easily addressed with existing technology and would have a significant impact. If you want to drive sustainable change in your own way without sacrificing profits and long-term strategies, this is the podcast for you.

Welcome to Change Cycle, the show exploring different ways to optimize the shift to the circular economy by embracing that change is cyclical. Tune in to engaging, informative, and thought-provoking conversations focusing on what it takes to drive positive environmental and social impact through revolutionary business actions.

Each episode, discover ways to make the seemingly overwhelming task of driving people and business to take sustainable, regenerative or circular business actions. This information will be useful to every chief sustainability officer who pushes for major changes within their companies, businesses looking to transform their product development and packaging processes, or enterprises facing huge challenges due to implementation of Extended Producer Responsibility Legislation (EPR). Whether you need to optimize your innovation cycle, boost your recycling efforts, or influence your company's CFO to invest in circularity, this podcast offers every tool, resource, and piece of knowledge you need.

With the guidance of leading sustainable experts and thought leaders, discover how to create the right sustainability roadmap that aligns with your business’ growth agenda. Learn how to adjust and refine your goals and priorities to achieve your target revenue while maintaining an environmental approach in your operations. Find out how to remain compliant with EPR through up-to-date innovations anchored in delivering circularity and business results.

This podcast tackles the constant nature of change in the market and the world as a whole, and the right way to handle it. By understanding the best way to experience and absorb all kinds of changes happening today, you can influence and create actual change not just within your business but also in every circle in your life. Gather the necessary wisdom and courage to bridge the gap between the economy and sustainability, making a highly regenerative future a much more attainable dream.

Host Christine Yeager is an impact consultant whose passion and energy lie in inspiring others to build a much better world. With 15 years in the CPG industry, her expertise across business operations to drive an economy powered by circularity and social equity is unmatched.

Since 2023, Christine has been making huge waves of change through CSY Impact Consulting, where she guides businesses, entrepreneurs, and corporations in building a clear sustainable strategy using relevant consumer and industry insights. With her help, these for-profit ventures become armed with the necessary knowledge and resources to leave people, processes, and the environment better than they found them.

Christine brings to the podcast her many years of experience shaping sustainability strategies and operational plans. She is the best person to lead these conversations that uncover the best actions, methods, and planning to amplify sustainable innovation in the current marketplace. From sharing compelling stories, exploring the latest trends, to breaking down efficient recycling methods, Christine has it all for you.

Sustainability is crucial for success in today's market. Join Christine as she guides you to improve recycling, track your packaging supply chain, and integrate regenerative practices into your business.

Listen to Change Cycle at http://CSYimpact.com.

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26 episodes
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Avg 34 min
English

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S2 · E27
Tuesday · 30 min
How Student Research Is Driving Circular Economy Innovation
In this episode of Change Cycle, host Christine Yeager explores how breakthrough university research and student-led innovation are powering the circular economy. Many people assume academic projects stay trapped in labs, but young entrepreneurs are launching startups that win major federal awards and land commercial supply contracts. Christine breaks down the four primary funding models for academic innovation and explains the financial realities of landfill diversion. She also examines why low recycling tipping fees often create a bigger barrier to adoption than the technology itself. Listen in to discover how fresh perspectives from students can help industry leaders overcome cynical ruts and scale real solutions. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E26
September 8 · 32 min
Transforming Mixed Plastics Recycling For Commercial Scale With Dr. Julie Curley
Scaling mixed plastics recycling requires moving past lab experiments into viable commercial operations. In this conversation, host Christine Yeager sits down with Dr. Julie Curley, founder and CEO of EsterCycle, to discuss breaking down complex packaging materials into high-value chemical streams. They explore how low-energy chemical catalyst technology turns hard-to-recycle packaging waste into reliable feedstocks and responsible end markets. Dr. Curley breaks down dense inorganic chemistry into practical operational realities that consumer packaged goods leaders can actually execute. You'll learn what it takes to balance real feedstocks, real offtakes, and realistic cost structures while navigating evolving compliance standards. This episode offers an essential roadmap for sustainability executives seeking progress over perfection in their packaging supply chains. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E25
September 2 · 43 min
Chemistry and the Circular Economy: What Chemical Recycling Can Actually Do
Navigating packaging compliance gets tricky when regulatory definitions don't match market realities. Circular economy strategist Christine Yeager tackles the complex role of Chemical Recycling in state Extended Producer Responsibility frameworks. She breaks down why operating capacity matters far more than announced facility projections. You'll learn how specific EPR statutes in California, Oregon, and Colorado treat depolymerization, mass balance accounting, and hazardous waste limits. Christine also highlights how emerging technologies address hard-to-recycle materials without relying on waste-to-fuel shortcuts. If you're building a compliant packaging roadmap under tightening state policies, this tactical breakdown shows you how to turn regulatory friction into strategic clarity. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E24
August 25 · 29 min
How Waste Processing Drives Circular Economy Scale With Brandon Lapsys
Scaling circular economy operations requires turning sustainability strategies into capital expenditures that businesses can actually execute. Host Christine Yeager connects with Brandon Lapsys, CEO of Viably, to unpack what it takes to drive real change in the waste and recycling industry. From investing in talent during economic uncertainty to navigating permitting delays, building sustainable momentum demands focus and discipline. They break down the friction points in establishing responsible end markets for recyclables across North America. Brandon provided practical advice for leading change, including focusing on a few key initiatives at a time, making decisions without trying to please everyone, and staying anchored to the company's vision and mission. Discover how aligning policy, processing technology, and leadership strategy can transform operational friction into a competitive advantage. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E23
August 18 · 40 min
EPR Reimbursement: Who Gets Paid in CO, OR, and CA
Christine Yeager breaks down extended producer responsibility (EPR) funding models across Colorado, Oregon, and California. While producers pay for full recycling costs in Colorado, only two out of seven states with packaging EPR laws fully fund the system. Christine details the differences between net cost and incremental cost structures to clarify how states reimburse service providers and collection programs. She outlines available fee exemptions and reduction pathways for producers operating private take-back systems. Understanding these state-specific nuances helps CPG leaders optimize compliance budgets and capture available fee offsets. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E22
August 11 · 38 min
Scaling Circular Fashion With AI Data And Smart Logistics with Phoebe Tan
Host Christine Yeager connects with Phoebe Tan, Founder and COO of Taelor, to break down how AI and circular fashion are transforming apparel economics. Most rental and resale models fail because reverse logistics and cleaning costs destroy profitability. By leveraging AI styling and tracking garment lifecycle signals, Phoebe built a system where customers only buy what they love while generating rich post-purchase data. You'll learn how Gen Z's shift toward secondhand markets is accelerating double-digit growth for rental models. Discover how continuous operational improvement and data transparency create long-term enterprise value in circular business systems. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E21
August 4 · 23 min
Navigating The Real Mechanics Of Extended Producer Responsibility
Navigating the evolving regulations of Extended Producer Responsibility shouldn't feel like a guessing game. Host Christine Yeager breaks down the hard numbers from Oregon's first six-month performance report and the massive, 350-page California program plan. We look at the actual cash flowing from producers to local infrastructure, alongside the major gap between accrued and invoiced payments. You'll learn what these early-stage rollout challenges mean for your brand's compliance strategy. We also cover the recent textile registration deadlines and what you must do next to prepare for incoming source reduction mandates. It's time to turn regulatory friction into your ultimate operational advantage. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E20
July 28 · 46 min
How Certified Compostable Packaging Drives Real Circular Economy Impact with Meghan Ibach
Making certified compostable packaging work in real-world organic streams takes strategic coordination across the entire circular economy supply chain. Host Christine Yeager connects with Meghan Ibach, Product and Zero Waste Specialist at Eco-Products, to examine how design decisions directly impact downstream composting operations. Meghan sits at the exact point where certified compostable packaging either works or falls apart. She works with compost manufacturers, haulers, and venues to pull non-compostable material out of the stream before it becomes their problem. Together, they explore why food service items make traditional recycling difficult and how compostable options capture critical food waste streams. They also address real-world lessons from regional policy shifts, color-coded bin standardization, and the science of microbial breakdown during the curing phase. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E19
July 21 · 24 min
Compost is Heavy: The Operational Realities of Composting Infrastructure
Compost is heavy. So is the impact of food waste rotting in a landfill. Both are worth carrying. In this episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager starts with two cubic yards of finished compost dumped in her Colorado backyard and turns it into a field guide for the circular economy. The same dynamics that played out on her native grass and in her raised bed are playing out in organics policy, city budgets, and compost facility permitting across the country. In 2026, organics is finally having its day in the sun through policy and city actions addressing landfill diversion, curbside composting, anaerobic digestion, soil amendment, soil health, methane, and many other organics-related legislation and ordinances. The through-line is a hard truth about system change towards the circular economy: some soils you can just spread compost on, and others need years of nurturing first. Mandates without composting infrastructure produce methane and political backlash, not diversion. We close with practical steps to bring composting into your day-to-day and push your city for real organics infrastructure. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E18
June 30 · 18 min
The Future Of Sustainability: Navigating Recycling, EPR, And The Circular Economy
Are we finally closing the loop on waste? In this mid-year round-up, Christine Yeager dives deep into the essential building blocks of a sustainable future. From the mechanics of Deposit Return Schemes and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) to the critical need for robust collection infrastructure, she breaks down what it takes to build a truly effective circular economy. Join us as we explore how these systems—and the right recycling initiatives—are shaping the next generation of responsible end markets. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E17
June 23 · 31 min
Pottery And Responsible End Markets, Imperfect But Progressing
Pottery is one of our oldest art forms, yet for any beginner, it remains one of the most humbling experiences imaginable. As I’ve spent the last year oscillating between success and the occasional "flumped" clay creation, I’ve realized that mastering the pottery wheel holds a surprising lesson for the future of sustainability. The path to a true circular economy—specifically through the lens of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR)—is just as messy, tactile, and unpredictable as working with wet clay. While we are all looking for that "perfect" finished product, the industry is currently in the "kiln" phase: under pressure, developing new standards, and figuring out what actually holds up. Today, we’re going beyond the surface of policy to explore the reality of Responsible End Markets (REM). We’ll break down: The "Kiln" Effect: Why the current state of EPR is a pressure test for recycling chain-of-custody and yield documentation. Navigating the Mess: Insights into the latest regulatory updates in Oregon, California, and beyond—and why compliance isn't a switch, but a dial. Progress Over Perfection: Why releasing our attachment to an "ideal" outcome might be the only way to build a functional, transparent, and resilient recycling system. Whether you’re an industry veteran or just trying to make sense of the latest packaging policies, let’s explore why the process—not just the result—is where the real change happens. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E16
June 16 · 33 min
How Colorado’s Packaging EPR Law Became Reality: Lessons In Circular Economy, Sustainability, And Policy Change With Kate Bailey
How do you create lasting change in sustainability when progress feels slow? In this episode, Kate Bailey—one of the key advocates behind Colorado’s landmark packaging Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) law—shares hard-earned lessons on advancing the circular economy, influencing public policy, and staying motivated through long-term environmental challenges. From shifting strategies after setbacks to building productive relationships with legislators, Kate reveals why meaningful change rarely comes from a single breakthrough. Instead, it’s the result of thousands of intentional actions that steadily move the needle forward. Whether you're a sustainability professional, policy advocate, business leader, or simply passionate about reducing waste, this conversation offers practical insights on driving impact, navigating change, and rethinking what success looks like in the circular economy. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E15
June 9 · 23 min
Policy Round Up
Has the momentum behind Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) legislation slowed down? In this latest Policy Round Up, Christine Yeager returns to Change Cycle to break down the biggest developments from the recent legislative session and what they mean for producers navigating the evolving circular economy landscape. While six states introduced EPR legislation, none of the bills crossed the finish line—a surprising shift after years of rapid policy expansion. But that doesn't mean EPR activity has stalled. From California's finalized SB 54 regulations and Oregon's ongoing legal challenges to Maine's delayed program rollout, significant compliance requirements are already taking shape across seven active EPR states. Christine unpacks key EPR terminology, explains which states are moving into needs assessment phases, and shares why companies can't afford to wait for new legislation before preparing. She also highlights encouraging trends in recycling markets, including recycled polymers reaching price parity—and even discounts—compared to virgin materials, signaling important progress for the circular economy. Whether you're tracking EPR legislation, managing producer compliance, or planning your sustainability strategy, this update delivers the insights you need to stay ahead of the rapidly changing policy landscape. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E14
May 5 · 33 min
Convenience As A Catalyst: How Circular Mom Club Is Disrupting Kid’s Fashion With Vale Siegrist
Sustainable innovation often thrives in the "friction zones" that major brands ignore, proving that circular economy models can be built through grit rather than institutional backing. Guest Vale Siegrist, founder of Circular Mom Club, shares her journey of building a baby clothing rental service while balancing a full-time tech career and motherhood. Born from the need for better options than fast fashion and the personal joy of finding purpose during a difficult postpartum period, Vale has created a subscription-based rotating closet for children ages 0 to 4. She offers a transparent look at the operational trade-offs of a solopreneur—from reusing Amazon envelopes to maintain sustainability values to leveraging AI as a "role-play" partner for hard business decisions. By prioritizing convenience and rigorous intentionality, Vale demonstrates that a sustainable system can effectively solve the financial and environmental guilt associated with modern parenting. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E13
April 28 · 37 min
EPR Reporting Deadline May 31: Multi-State Compliance, Eco-Modulation & California's Dual Reports
With the May 31 deadline fast approaching, EPR Reporting is no longer something producers can afford to delay—or misunderstand. In a recent episode of Change Cycle, Christine Yeager breaks down the rapidly evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), where shifting regulations, state-by-state nuances, and incomplete guidance are creating a perfect storm of confusion. From Oregon, California, and Colorado to newer programs in Maryland, Minnesota, and Washington, reporting requirements are expanding—and getting more complex. Christine demystifies critical concepts like covered materials, eco-modulation, and source reduction targets, while highlighting what makes California’s dual reporting obligations especially challenging. But here’s the key takeaway: waiting for clarity is a mistake. With bonus incentives on the table in some states—and mandatory participation in others—producers must act now. This teaser dives into what you need to know, what’s still uncertain, and how to start building a smarter, unified approach to EPR Reporting before time runs out. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E12
April 21 · 47 min
From Plastic To Purpose: How Cambio Roasters Is Reinventing K-Cups With Sustainable Aluminum Innovation With Kevin Hartley
What does it really take to disrupt a billion-dollar industry built on convenience—and plastic? In this behind-the-scenes look at the upcoming Cambio Roasters podcast interview, Kevin Hartley shares how a single idea—replacing plastic K-Cups with infinitely recyclable aluminum—turned into one of the fastest-growing coffee brands in the U.S. But this isn’t just a story about packaging. It’s about living with intention, building a business around the triple bottom line, and taking real financial risks to create meaningful change. From supporting coffee farming families to navigating investor pitches and scaling a sustainability-driven startup, Kevin reveals the hard truths and surprising opportunities behind mission-led entrepreneurship. If you’ve ever wondered whether doing good can actually drive business success, this conversation offers a compelling—and practical—answer. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E11
April 14 · 20 min
April News Round Up: Change Cycle Podcast Returns With Major Policy Insights
After a brief two-week pause due to spring break, work travel, and illness, Christine Yeager returns to the Change Cycle Podcast with a packed update on the rapidly evolving world of Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) and recycling policy. In this episode, Christine previews an exciting upcoming guest lineup featuring leaders from the Association of Plastics Recyclers, innovators in recyclable K-Cups, and voices reshaping fashion reuse—while also inviting listeners to recommend future guests at podcast@csyimpact.com. Beyond the podcast updates, she dives deep into major EPR developments across the U.S., including Oregon’s first curbside expansion in Dallas, new producer portal deadlines across California, Colorado, Oregon, and Washington, and emerging compliance requirements shaping the industry. Christine also breaks down legal challenges impacting packaging and textile EPR laws, highlighting ongoing lawsuits and regulatory uncertainty in California, Oregon, and Colorado. From infrastructure investments and rural recycling expansion to market pressures in recycled PET and real-world compliance strategies, this episode offers a timely, actionable look at where EPR policy is headed—and what producers, recyclers, and brands need to do right now to stay ahead. Love the show? Subscribe, rate, review, and share! https://www.csyimpact.com/podcast
S2 · E10
March 17 · 43 min
Sustainable Industry Actions Without Policy Forcing Them - Interview With Credo Beauty
What happens when companies take sustainability seriously—without waiting for regulations to force their hand? In this conversation, host Christine Yeager and Christina Ross from Credo Beauty explore the carbon accounting challenges facing the beauty industry, sharing the company's experience now in its third year of emissions reporting—an effort many brands still avoid. They discuss the realities of working with imperfect data, the emotional and operational cost of sustainability pivots for smaller companies, and why focusing on the biggest impact areas matters more than perfect accuracy. From Scope 3 emissions and ingredient-level traceability to innovations like packaging made from recycled beauty empties, the discussion highlights how mission-driven brands can move the industry forward through collaboration, transparency, and practical action—even without policy pressure.
S2 · E7
March 9 · 31 min
Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR): How New Recycling Laws Are Reshaping Packaging, Fees, And The Future Of Circularity
Today, Christine Yeager dives deep into one of the most transformative forces in the recycling industry: Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). Christine unpacks how EPR laws across the United States are reshaping packaging design, recycling infrastructure, and brand strategy — turning regulatory pressure into powerful market signals. From rising EPR fees on flexible films like plastic mailers and pet food bags to new definitions of recyclability based on collection access, sorting capability, and responsible end markets, the conversation explores how companies must rethink materials, cost models, and long-term pipeline plans. Drawing on insights from the Plastics Recycling Conference and recent developments such as CalRecycle selecting Land Bell U.S.A. to operate California’s textile EPR program, Christine breaks down what these changes mean for brands nationwide. You’ll learn how EPR fees are influencing packaging lightweighting, material optimization, and national vs. state-specific compliance strategies — and why flexible film recycling, polypropylene cups, and textile recovery programs are becoming strategic battlegrounds in the circular economy. If you’re navigating EPR compliance, sustainable packaging design, or recycling market shifts in 2026 and beyond, this episode delivers critical insights to help you turn regulation into opportunity.
S2 · E6
March 3 · 38 min
Maintaining Sustainability In The Pet Industry With Allison Reser Hamburger
We may not think much about our pets' carbon footprint because they are just small and innocent creatures, but they also have a significant collective impact on the health of the planet. Christine Yeager sheds light on how the entire pet industry can make better choices to build a more sustainable future with Allison Reser Hamburger, Director of Sustainability & Innovation at the Pet Sustainability Coalition (PSC). Together, they discuss what it takes to improve ingredient sourcing and packaging in pet food and products, even if it requires a huge amount of compromise from companies and corporations. Allison also explores how to solve the disconnect between public values and industry actions, often caused by powerful forces like capitalism, materialism, and short-sightedness.

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