With fast-pace development on the governmental level in European Union and China, circular economy and design are becoming the main global school of thought toward regenerative future. In this episode we offer you an overview of what is circular economy, regenerative agriculture, circular fashion, and give examples at-scale and at start-up level.

For the first time humans change the geological layer of the planet with extractions and solid waste that will be visible in centuries as the Anthropocene era. How can we improve that mark? In this episode, I interview Heidrun Mumper-Drumm, Director of Sustainability Initiatives at ArtCenter College of Design in Los Angeles. We discuss climate change, Anthropocene, sustainable design systems, and Life Cycle Assessment as a powerful tool to prototype an impact of future products and services. Heidrun shares easy-to-remember definitions of sustainability and her experience working with NASA, nuclear and renewable energy, and sustainable design education.

Ardilla Deneys is a founder of Pollima, carbon-negative furniture startup from upcycled hemp fiber. We discuss coconut-waste leather, limestone swimsuits, fungi leather, tech incubators, carbon offsets and carbon reducing products. 

Kristine Upesleja is an expert in innovative materials and the founder of Madisons. Madisons is a consulting firm focused on sustainability, new materials and trends in fashion and design. Kristine is also an innovative materials educator at FIDM and ArtCenter colleges here, in Los Angeles.