In this episode of Mulch Matters, we sit down with Sam Baker, CEO of Wriggle Brew, for a compelling conversation that bridges soil science, sustainability, and the future of plastic waste management. What began as a quest to develop organic fertilizers using earthworms evolved into a groundbreaking exploration of how larval microbes can digest plastic - offering a novel, biologically driven solution to one of the planet's most pressing environmental challenges.

Sam shares the origin story of his work, from his background in chemistry and economics to the moment a fishing trip with his grandfather sparked a mission to combat fertilizer runoff and soil degradation. Through trial, error, and innovation, his team discovered that certain worm species and their gut microbes could not only process food and farm waste into nutrient-rich vermicompost, but also break down polystyrene and other plastics. This led to the development of a bioreactor system capable of converting plastic into microbe-ready material, ultimately producing shelf-stable, microplastic-free organic fertilizer.

The conversation dives deep into the science behind pyrolysis, microbial digestion, and the challenges of scaling up this technology. Sam also reflects on the importance of affordability in sustainable innovation, arguing that eco-friendly solutions must be accessible to truly make an impact.

This episode offers a rare glimpse into the intersection of agricultural innovation, plastic recycling, and environmental entrepreneurship - highlighting how worms and waste might just hold the key to a more regenerative future.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/ 

This podcast episode from Mulch Matters features an in-depth conversation with Theron Smith, co-owner of Flipping Iron—a California-based recycling company that has evolved from metal recovery to becoming a key player in agricultural plastic recycling. The episode traces Theron's personal and professional journey, beginning with his grandfather's metal recycling business and expanding into the complex world of plasticulture, including mulch film, fumigation film, and drip tape.

Theron shares insights into the challenges of recycling agricultural plastics, the evolution of Flipping Iron's operations, and the importance of adaptability in a rapidly changing industry. He discusses the company's expansion across multiple states, the role of family in the business, and the strategic shift toward plastics despite initial resistance. The conversation also explores the limitations of domestic recycling infrastructure, the reliance on international export markets.

Throughout the episode, Theron emphasizes the value of collaboration over competition, highlighting partnerships with growers, engineers, and institutions like Washington State University and the Monterey Bay Marine Sanctuary. He also reflects on the broader implications of plastic use, sustainability, and the need for innovative solutions—whether through mechanical recycling, advanced technologies, or alternative applications like construction materials and fuel sources.

This episode is both a personal narrative and a technical exploration of the recycling landscape, offering listeners a nuanced understanding of the plasticulture industry, its environmental stakes, and the entrepreneurial spirit driving change.

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/ 

In this episode we're diving into a type of mulch you may not have heard much about—lignocellulose film (LCF). Joining me is Aidan Williams, who has been researching this bio-based biodegradable mulch made from renewable woody biomass.

Aidan shares her journey into agroecology, how LCF is produced, and why it could be a promising alternative to plastic and paper-based mulches. We also explore results from her greenhouse raspberry trials, insights on soil degradation experiments, and even consumer perspectives on biodegradable mulches.

If you're curious about sustainable solutions for agriculture, or just want to learn how science and innovation are reshaping the future of mulch, this episode is for you! 🌱✨

This work is supported by Specialty Crops Research Initiative Award 2022-51181-38325 from the USDA National Institute of Food and Agriculture. Any opinions, findings, conclusions, or recommendations expressed on this podcast are those of the author(s) and do not necessarily reflect the view of the U.S. Department of Agriculture. 

Note: intro and outro music credit to Zakhar Valaha from Pixabay https://pixabay.com/music/introoutro-motivational-ident-main-9923/