Common Ground Radio 6/7/23: Plastic and the Environment

Host: Holli Cederholm
Editor: Clare Boland

Common Ground Radio is an hour-long discussion of local food and organic agriculture with people here in the state of Maine and beyond.

This month:

In the June 2023 episode of MOFGA's Common Ground Radio dives into plastic. A conversation with Erica Cirino, the author of “Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” and communications manager for the Plastic Pollution Coalition, explores the impact of plastic on the environment, agriculture and rural communities. The show also touches upon plastic use in agriculture with Caleb Goossen, crop and conservation specialist with the Maine Organic Farmers and Gardeners Association (MOFGA), including alternatives to plastic, recycling for greenhouse plastic, and the need for more research.

Guest/s:
Erica Cirino
Caleb Goossen

FMI Links:
“Thicker Than Water: The Quest for Solutions to the Plastic Crisis” by Erica Cirino
Greenhouse Plastic Recycling Program in Maine
“Recycling Agricultural Plastic I” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener
“Recycling Agricultural Plastic Part II” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener
“Is Organic Farming Contributing to a Plastic Apocalypse?” by David McDaniel, The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener

About the hosts:
Holli Cederholm has been involved in organic agriculture since 2005 when she first apprenticed on a small farm. She has worked on organic farms in Maine, Vermont, Connecticut, Scotland and Italy and, in 2010, founded a small farm focused on celebrating open-pollinated and heirloom vegetables. As the former manager of a national nonprofit dedicated to organic seed growers, she authored a peer-reviewed handbook on GMO avoidance strategies for seed growers. Holli has also been a steward at Forest Farm, the iconic homestead of “The Good Life” authors Helen and Scott Nearing; a host of “The Farm Report” on Heritage Radio Network; and a long-time contributor for The Maine Organic Farmer & Gardener, which she now edits in her role as content creator and editor at MOFGA.

Caitlyn Barker has worked in education and organic agriculture on and off for the last 17 years. She has worked on an organic vegetable farm, served on the Maine Farm to School network, worked in early childhood education and taught elementary school. She currently serves as the community engagement coordinator for MOFGA.

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