#1722 - Bartow Elmore
NaN minutesEpisode #1722
Bart Elmore is the associate professor of environmental history and core faculty member of the Sustainability Institute at the Ohio State University. He's the author of "Seed Money: Monsanto's Past and Our Food Future."
Episode Timestamps
History of Coca-Cola, Including Coca and Coca-Cola Leaf
- Discussion on the origins of Coca-Cola and its relationship with Coca leaf
- Exploration of how Coca-Cola initially contained trace amounts of cocaine
- Insights on the shift in Coca-Cola's ingredients due to societal concerns and racism
Coca-Cola's Secret Ingredient and Controversies
- Revelation of Coca-Cola's secret ingredient, merchandise number five, derived from Coca leaf
- Details on the special processing of Coca leaves for flavoring Coca-Cola
- Investigation into Coca-Cola's attempt to grow Coca leaves in the United States and its environmental consequences
Coca-Cola's Exclusive Access to Coca Leaves
- Discussion on Coca-Cola's exclusive right to bring coca leaves into the United States
- Exploration of how Coca-Cola's monopoly on coca leaves affects the market
- Mention of other companies' desire to access coca leaves for their products
Challenges and Potential Benefits of Coca Leaf Trade
- Consideration of the impact of international laws on coca leaf trade
- Discussion on the potential benefits and controversies surrounding the use of coca leaf
- Mention of the revaluation of coca leaf in comparison to other substances like cannabis
Coca-Cola, Monsanto, and the Origins of Caffeine in Soft Drinks
- Historical overview of the American chemical industry's dependency on German chemical expertise
- Insight into how Coca-Cola sourced caffeine from waste tea leaves processed by Monsanto
- Discussion on the switch to synthetic caffeine production to meet the rising demand in the 1940s
Decaffeination, New Coke, and Synthetic Caffeine
- Recounting the rise of decaf coffee and its effect on the soft drink industry
- Anecdote about the New Coke fiasco and consumer backlash in the 1980s
- Exploration of Monsanto's role in producing synthetic caffeine from coal tar for Coca-Cola in the 1940s
Origin of Synthetic Caffeine and Coca-Cola's Response
- Independent bottleers acted as middlemen in the economy and led experiments on synthesizing caffeine from coal tar by Monsanto.
- Initial rejection by Coca-Cola due to concerns over the use of urea from coal tar for synthetic caffeine due to its association with urine.
- Monsanto's pivot to synthetic caffeine due to growth demands despite consumer perception concerns, ultimately securing contracts with Coca-Cola.
Impact of Monsanto on Farmers and Agriculture Practices
- Monsanto's control over seed saving through intense contracts like the technology use agreement (TUA) disrupted traditional practices and led to debt issues among farmers in India and the United States.
- Discussion on genetic peculiarity affecting corn planting and the corporate influence on seed business compared to other crops like soybeans.
- Exploration of the massive scale of corn and soybean cultivation for animal feed purposes in the agricultural landscape.
History of Genetically Engineered Crops and Monsanto
- Introduction of genetically engineered crops like soybeans and corn in 1996 marked the beginning of a new era in agriculture
- Discussion on Monsanto's development of genetically engineered Roundup Ready crops
- Examination of the toxic effects of glyphosate and dioxin associated with Monsanto's products
Monsanto's Role in Environmental Pollution and Agent Orange Production
- Exploration of Monsanto's involvement in producing chemical compounds like 2,4,5-T, a component of Agent Orange
- Analysis of the health impacts on workers exposed to dioxin and chloracne at Monsanto's facilities
- Discussion on the transformation of Monsanto from a chemical company to one associated with controversial products like Agent Orange and Roundup
The Origins of Monsanto and Roundup
- Introduction to the founder John Cuenney and his family in early 1900s
- Exploration of the transition of the company into agricultural chemicals in the 50s and 60s
- Discussion on the development of Roundup from phosphate-based detergents and its impact
Evolution of Glyphosate and Weed Resistance
- Unveiling the introduction of glyphosate and issues surrounding pesticides in the 60s
- Analysis of the rise of weed resistance to glyphosate leading to increased herbicide use
- Concerns raised about the health implications of glyphosate and its connection to cancer
Issues with Modern Agriculture and Genetic Modification
- Discussion about the need to reform agricultural practices and reduce monocrop farming
- Genetic modification leading to plants resistant to multiple herbicides, raising concerns of mutant crops
- Controversies surrounding herbicides like dicamba causing harm to non-modified crops and farmers
Legal and Ethical Implications of Genetic Patents
- Debate on the patenting of living organisms, particularly plants, resulting in legal complexities
- Instances of farmers facing lawsuits over unintended cultivation of patented crops
- Critique on the ownership of life forms and the consequences of genetic engineering gone wrong
Environmental Impact of Predator Control and Wildlife Management
- Discussion on predator control tactics in New Zealand to manage overpopulated prey animals like stags and deer
- Comparison of how the introduction of non-native animals in Australia has disrupted the ecosystem
- Analysis of historical predator elimination in the early 1900s affecting ecosystems and current efforts to reintroduce predators like wolves for ecological balance
Ethics and Sustainability in Food System and Agriculture
- Exploration of ethical concerns regarding factory farming practices in the meat industry
- Consideration of regenerative farming practices and their potential for harmonious coexistence of animals and plants
- Insight into the psychological impact on individuals working in slaughterhouses and the disconnect in modern food systems
Ethical Food Sourcing and Joe Rogan's Transition to Hunting
- Discussion on ethical practices in food sourcing from ranchers
- Transition of Joe Rogan into hunting as a significant part of his diet since 2012
- Exploration of the health benefits and vitality perceived from consuming wild game
Chemical Contamination and Corporate Ethical Dilemmas
- Examination of PCB contamination and Monsanto's role in producing toxic chemicals
- Revelation of confidential documents showing corporate decisions to continue selling toxic substances
- Discussion on Bayer's acquisition of Monsanto and subsequent legal ramifications
The Monsanto Case and Legal Battles
- Discussion on lawsuits faced by Villebine regarding Agent Orange and roundup litigation cases
- Exploration on the ethical dilemma of holding off legal issues while people suffer
- Concerns raised about the corporation's profit-driven motives and lack of accountability
Cleaning Up Agent Orange Contamination in Vietnam
- Description of the ongoing cleanup process in Vietnam for dioxin contamination from Agent Orange
- Highlighting the environmental and financial challenges faced during the cleanup operation
- Mention of Monsanto's return to Vietnam for selling Glyphosate and genetically engineered seeds post-cleanup
Agent Orange Legacy and Corporate Responsibility
- Discussion on the legacy of Agent Orange exposure in Vietnam and its impact on people
- Exploration of corporate responsibility, particularly questioning the accountability of companies like Bayer
- Overview of ongoing dioxin remediation projects funded by the US government in Vietnam
Environmental Hazards and Toxic Waste Management
- Examination of environmental hazards caused by toxic waste from industrial processes like herbicide production
- Description of a highly toxic site in Soda Springs, Idaho, where radioactive waste is dumped
- Insight into the use of toxic waste as construction material leading to health concerns and EPA interventions
Town's Resistance to EPA Regulations and Loyalty to Companies
- Town's resistance to being designated a super fund site by EPA due to low levels of radiation
- Discussion on the town's loyalty to the phosphate plants despite EPA concerns
- Anecdote about the town's response to health recommendations and interactions with the EPA
Impact on Residents and Company Influence
- Examination of long-term health concerns due to radiation exposure
- Narrative on residents' interactions with the company and property buyouts
- Discussion on the influence and actions of the company towards locals and external parties
Environmental Impact and Corporate Responsibility
- Discussion about the environmental impact of corporate activities like mining and chemical production
- Anecdote about the legal battles and consequences faced by individuals in cases against corporations like Monsanto
- Highlighting the challenges faced by whistleblowers and individuals trying to expose corporate misconduct
Individual Actions Against Corporate Influence
- Exploration of possible actions individuals can take to reduce support for environmentally harmful companies
- Encouragement for consumers to choose organic and support regenerative agriculture practices
- Consideration of the impact of consumer choices on shifting corporate practices towards sustainability
Challenges in the Current Agricultural System
- Discussion on the challenges faced in the agricultural system related to class, access, and financial issues
- Exploration of the historical background of farming subsidies and the impact of the Farm Bill
- Analysis of the shift towards monocrop cultivation, food waste, and the need for incentivizing biodiverse farming
Transitioning to Regenerative Agriculture and Reducing Fossil Fuel Dependency
- Importance of shifting away from fossil fuel dependency in agriculture for sustainability
- Discussion on the need to embrace regenerative agriculture practices
- Exploration of the challenges and opportunities in replacing fossil fuel products with organic alternatives
Misleading Labels on Plastic Packaging and the Need for Sustainable Materials
- Discussion on the deceptive labeling practices on plastic bottles, such as '100% recyclable' and 'up to 30% plant-based materials'
- Exploration of the environmental impact of using sugarcane versus hemp as a sustainable material
- Importance of asking hard questions and not falling for greenwashing tactics in the consumer product industry
Shift in Consumer Culture and the Necessity of Reusable Alternatives
- Critique of the throwaway culture and the shift towards reusable containers to reduce plastic waste
- Examples of water bottle consumption trends and the financial and environmental implications of buying bottled water
- Importance of rethinking consumption habits and moving away from unsustainable practices
Environmental Impact of Plastic vs. Attempted Solutions
- Discussion on the environmental impact of plastic and the excessive use of bottled water
- Concerns about the long-term consequences of plastic pollution and the need for sustainable alternatives
- Exploration of the challenges in finding effective solutions to reduce plastic waste and the importance of rethinking consumption habits
Corporate Accountability and Shareholder Pressure
- Overview of shareholder pressure on corporations like Bayer due to environmental and health concerns
- Examples of companies facing lawsuits for their products and the shifting dynamics in corporate accountability
- Insights into the challenges corporations face in balancing profitability with environmental responsibility and the need for systemic change