Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist and PhD candidate shares her passion for studying harmful chemicals in our environment, focusing on microplastics and PFAS, also known as "forever chemicals." She explains the alarming extent of their presence, from our clothing to our drinking water, and the potential long-term health implications they pose. Brittanie also sheds light on the challenges scientists face in studying these emerging contaminants due to the limited knowledge and the rapid pace of product development. Despite these challenges, Brittanie highlights her successes in research and community education, emphasizing the importance of empowering individuals with knowledge to make informed choices and advocate for change. She shares how her research has contributed to policy discussions and legal proceedings, demonstrating the real-world impact of scientific work.

Beyond research, Brittanie has founded Ecosphere Organics, a venture that transforms food waste into valuable raw materials for various industries. This innovative solution not only tackles the issue of waste but also offers sustainable alternatives to harmful plastics and chemicals.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Renewed Focus on Environmental Toxicology
- Why Microplastics and PFAS Are Pressing Concerns
- Challenges of Studying Emerging Contaminants
- Successes in Research and Community Education
- Impact of Knowledge on Personal Choices
- Contributions to Legislation and Policy Discussions
- Hopes for Quick Change in Product Regulation
- Ecosphere Organics: Transforming Food Waste into Raw Materials
- Ideal Customers and Future Goals of Ecosphere Organics
- Resources for Learning About Environmental Contaminants
- Connecting with Brittanie and Supporting Ecosphere Organics

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

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Have you ever wondered how the chemicals in our environment impact our health and ecosystems? Meet Brittanie Dabney, an environmental scientist dedicated to unraveling the mysteries of contaminants in our waterways and inspiring the next generation of Green Champions.

Brittanie Dabney's journey as an environmental scientist began in the heart of Detroit, where she witnessed the stark contrast between urban pollution and the natural beauty of camping trips with her family. This early exposure to environmental disparities fueled her passion for understanding the effects of contaminants on living organisms.

Today, Brittanie is a PhD candidate in biology and urban sustainability, focusing her research on the critical issue of PFAS and microplastics in our water supply. Her work takes her from the lab to the field, conducting experiments to understand how contaminants behave and impact aquatic life. She's also passionate about bridging the gap between science and the public, inspiring young people to explore the diverse career paths within environmental science.

Episode in a glance

- Brittanie's Early Inspirations Growing Up in Detroit
- Her Academic Journey from Marine to Freshwater Biology
- Balancing Field Research and Lab Work
- What is Environmental Toxicology?
- Why Environmental Toxicology is So Important
- How Research Can Be Applied to Improve Regulations and Practices
- What the General Public Can Do to Make a Positive Impact
- The Importance of Representation and Diversity in Environmental Science
- How to Connect with Brittanie and Support Her Work

About Brittanie Dabney

Brittanie Dabney is a passionate environmental scientist dedicated to protecting water quality. With over 10 years of experience in environmental toxicology research, she is currently pursuing her PhD in biology and urban sustainability. Brittanie's research combines lab work with field experiments to understand how contaminants impact aquatic ecosystems. She is also the founder of Ecosphere Organics, a startup focused on creating sustainable solutions for the food waste industry.

Connect with Brittanie Dabney and her startup Ecosphere Organics

Portfolio Website → http://brittaniedabney.com/
Startup Website → https://ecosphereorganics.com/
Instagram → https://www.instagram.com/justdabney/
Linkedin → https://www.linkedin.com/in/brittaniedabney/
X/Twitter → https://x.com/TheRealBDabney

Send us a message!

Columbus Micro Systems, a Columbus-based company with a 36-year history, is more than just an IT hardware and services provider. They've carved a unique niche by actively championing sustainability within the tech industry. They take a comprehensive approach to IT recycling, going beyond simply collecting old electronics. Their commitment to data security is unwavering, ensuring that sensitive information is properly destroyed before devices are refurbished or repurposed. This dedication extends to their carefully chosen downstream partners, ensuring that materials are handled responsibly throughout the entire recycling process.

Columbus Micro Systems is deeply invested in making technology accessible to those who need it most. By providing refurbished computers at affordable prices, they are breaking down barriers to digital inclusion and ensuring that everyone has access to the tools they need to thrive in today's digital world. Their commitment to sustainability, coupled with their dedication to local communities, makes Columbus Micro Systems a true leader in responsible tech practices.

Episode in a glance

- The Evolution of Columbus Micro Systems
- Is the IT Recycling World Talked About Enough?
- IT Recycling, Managed Services, and IT Hardware
- The 'Break/Fix' Problem
- Refurbished Equipment and Accessibility
- The Issue of Hazardous Batteries
- R2 Certification
- Unresponsible Recycling
- The Future of Columbus Micro Systems

About Zagrous Kawarizadeh

Zagrous Kawarizadeh is the President of Columbus Micro Systems, a company specializing in IT hardware, recycling, and managed services. He is passionate about promoting responsible IT recycling and data security, ensuring that electronic waste is handled ethically and sustainably.

Connect with Zagrous Kawarizadeh & Columbus Micro Systems

→ columbusmicro.com

Send us a message!