Most of the plastic packaging we throw away every day is not recycled at all and the reason may shock you. Judith Enck, former EPA official and founder of Beyond Plastics, exposes the truth: the plastics industry and fossil fuel companies have spent hundreds of millions of dollars misleading the public, placing recycling logos on packaging that is almost never recycled. Meanwhile, microplastics are now being found in our blood, lungs, brains, and even in babies’ placentas, raising serious health concerns that we cannot ignore.

In this eye opening episode, Judith explains how plastics are accelerating climate change, disproportionately harming low income communities, and entering our bodies through microplastics. She unpacks the connection between fracking, plastic production, and greenhouse gas emissions, and discusses urgent policy fights such as New York’s proposed Packaging Reduction and Recycling Infrastructure Act that could help change course. Judith also shares practical steps to reduce your own plastic use, including a simple household audit, and explains why so called biodegradable plastics may be more harmful than they appear.

Book link:

https://www.beyondplastics.org/publications/problem-with-plastic-book

In this "emergency" episode of Plugging In, Alicia Gené Artessa, Director of the New York Offshore Wind Alliance, walks listeners through the historic roller coaster of offshore wind development in the United States following the Trump administration’s abrupt halt on permits.

We break down the critical issues you need to understand, including the true timeline of offshore wind development, the strategic legal battles companies are fighting, and the remarkable resilience of the industry in the face of hostile policies. Alicia also shares compelling data, including South Fork Wind’s ninety two percent availability, and explains how offshore wind projects are already powering one million homes, lowering costs, and strengthening energy reliability during climate driven crises.

Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

Learn more about NYOWA at NYOWA.ORG

"Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.
The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

Find Us On…. Instagram: / allianceforcleanenergy
Facebook: / aceny
LinkedIn: / alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york
X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
Youtube: / @aceny

Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9

In this episode, Kit Kennedy, a leading clean energy advocate, shares how coalition building and strategic persistence helped transform New York’s renewable energy landscape despite major political and economic headwinds.


Go behind the scenes of ACE New York’s 20 year journey, from bold leadership to recent legal victories that continue to drive momentum.


Learn how organizations like ACE New York and NRDC are responding to federal attacks on clean energy, advancing permitting reform, and partnering with labor and communities through initiatives like Power Your Community with IBEW.

Learn more about the NRDC at https://www.nrdc.org

Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

"Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.

The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

Find Us On….
Instagram: / allianceforcleanenergy
Facebook: / aceny
LinkedIn: / alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york
X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
Youtube: / @aceny

Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9

In this episode, Barry Wygel talks with Julie Tighe, President of the New York League of Conservation Voters, about her pivotal role in advancing clean energy and environmental policies in New York.

Discover how NYLCV is driving change through advocacy, accountability, and political action, and learn about the organization's efforts to promote clean air, water, and sustainable energy solutions.

Julie shares insights on the importance of state leadership, public engagement, and the power of voting in shaping a greener future for New York.

Learn more about NYLCV at https://www.nylcv.org/

Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

"Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.
The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

Find Us On…. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9

Join us as we delve into the intricate world of environmental and climate justice with Eric Walker, the Energy Justice Senior Policy Manager at WEACT for Environmental Justice.

Discover how intentional policies have shaped environmental burdens and explore the transformative potential of clean energy investments. Learn about the Cap-and-Invest program and its role in rebalancing economic responsibilities for a sustainable future.

Learn more about We Act for Environmental Justice at https://weact.org/

Learn more about PUSH Buffalo at https://www.pushbuffalo.org/mission/

Learn more about clean energy at ACENY.org

"Plugging In" is produced by Barry Wygel and Angela Calcagno.
The "Plugging In" theme song was written and performed by Jared Haines.

Find Us On…. Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/allianceforcleanenergy/
Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/ACENY/
LinkedIn: https://www.linkedin.com/company/alliance-for-clean-energy-new-york/
X/Twitter: https://x.com/ACE_newyork
Youtube: https://www.youtube.com/channel/UC6r1_q6x_-HSBx1ZbKh5a0A

Have suggestions? We want to hear them! Episode Suggestions Box: https://forms.office.com/r/cLnSdchsD9