AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
BBC Inside Science
Going for gold
Sep 5, 2024
Inga Doak, Head of Sustainability at The Royal Mint, discusses an innovative approach to urban mining gold from e-waste and transforming it into jewelry. Izzi Monk, an environmental policy adviser, highlights the urgent need for better e-waste management in the UK. They explore the complexities of recycling and the importance of embracing a circular economy. The conversation also touches on genetic influences in sports performance, alongside intriguing insights into the search for microbial life on Mars. It's a fascinating blend of sustainability, science, and potential!
28:02
AI Summary
AI Chapters
Episode notes
Podcast summary created with Snipd AI
Quick takeaways
- The Royal Mint's urban mining initiative highlights innovative solutions for recovering gold from e-waste, promoting sustainability and circular economy practices.
- Research on thoroughbred foals reveals that gut microbiome diversity is crucial for predicting future health and racing performance, impacting horse breeding practices.
Deep dives
The Growing Challenge of E-Waste
Electronic waste is emerging as a significant environmental concern, with the UK ranking as the second-largest contributor globally. Devices that fit the criteria of e-waste include a vast array of items—from smartphones and laptops to household appliances and even chargers. An alarming report noted that 62 million tonnes of e-waste were generated worldwide in 2022, a trend expected to worsen in the coming years. Mismanagement of e-waste can lead to hazardous materials contaminating soil and water while precious resources, such as gold and critical minerals, are lost to landfills, threatening sustainability efforts in technology.
Get the Snipd
podcast app
Unlock the knowledge in podcasts with the podcast player of the future.
AI-powered
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode
Save any
moment
Hear something you like? Tap your headphones to save it with AI-generated key takeaways
Share
& Export
Send highlights to Twitter, WhatsApp or export them to Notion, Readwise & more
AI-powered
podcast player
Listen to all your favourite podcasts with AI-powered features
Discover
highlights
Listen to the best highlights from the podcasts you love and dive into the full episode