WXXI News
Morning Edition
WXXI News
Morning Edition
Next Up: 6:51 AM Marketplace Morning Report
0:00
0:00
Morning Edition
WXXI News
0:00 0:00
Available On Air Stations
Connections

The politics of toxic waste

A toilet in a bathroom in Rochester
Jasmin Singer
Toilet waste processed into fertilizer — supporters call it resourceful, critics call it risky.

12:00: Can New York keep sewage sludge out of our food system?

1:00: Author Eileen Flanagan on finding common ground in the climate crisis

A Senate bill that would have banned the use of sewage sludge as fertilizer on New York farmland passed in the State Senate — but then quietly died in the Assembly. Supporters say the bill was a necessary response to research showing harmful levels of PFAS and other toxic compounds in treated human and industrial waste, which can contaminate crops, waterways and drinking water. Opponents, including the waste processing industry, say the science isn’t settled and that banning sludge could devastate rural economies. We look at how the bill unraveled — and what happens next. Our guests:

  • Jeongyoon Han, Capitol News Bureau reporter for the New York Public News Network
  • Murray McBride, Professor Emeritus of Soil and Crop Sciences, Cornell University
  • Karen Berger, hydrologist and environmental science professor, University of Rochester

Then, in our second hour, veteran activist and Quaker author Eileen Flanagan believes that hope and unity are essential ingredients in any real climate solution. In her forthcoming book, "Common Ground: How the Crisis of the Earth is Saving Us from Our Illusion of Separation," Flanagan shares stories of unlikely coalitions — from faith leaders and frontline organizers to Indigenous activists and investors — that are making a difference. She joins us for a wide-ranging conversation about fear, burnout, protest, and what it means to build power without losing compassion. Our guest:

*Notes:

  • Tune in on the last Friday of every month from 12–2 p.m. for "Environmental Connections."
  • "Connections” (including "Environmental Connections") is livestreamed each day on the WXXI News YouTube channel. Watch here.
Tags
Jasmin Singer is the host of WXXI’s Weekend Edition and Environmental Connections, as well as a guest host for Morning Edition, All Things Considered, and Connections.
Veronica Volk is a senior producer and editor for WXXI News.

Connections with Evan Dawson

Connections is our daily, live talk show. It airs live weekdays, noon-2 p.m., and re-airs at 9 and 10 p.m. You can also find us wherever you find your podcasts.

Join us with questions or comments by phone at 1-844-295-TALK (8255), email, Facebook or Twitter.

Do you have a story that needs to be shared? Pitch your story to Connections.

For transcripts, please email our Move to Include team with the day, subject, and start time (noon or 1 pm) of the episode for a transcript.