Vidya Rajan

Vidya Rajan, an adjunct associate professor and author of *Rubber: The Social and Natural History of an Indispensable Substance*, dives deep into the multifaceted world of rubber. She uncovers the plant's origins, linking it to colonial exploitation and the brutal labor conditions of rubber harvesting. Vidya also discusses the intriguing history of rubber's commercialization, from its Olmec roots to its strategic importance in WWII. She highlights the ecological consequences of plantation practices and suggests future solutions through recycling and alternative sources.