Vidya Rajan

Vidya Rajan, an academic and author specializing in rubber's history, shares her insights on the fascinating world of this indispensable substance. She discusses ancient civilizations' use of rubber, including Olmec innovations that improved its durability. The conversation also covers the brutal colonial exploitation-driven rubber trade, the rivalry between Goodyear and Hancock, and the intriguing quest for sustainable alternatives, like using dandelions for rubber production. Rajan's expert commentary illuminates rubber's complex legacy and its future.

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.