Earth Day Special: Fighting Plastic Waste with Repurpose Global

Welcome back to the Vital Pet Life Podcast, where we care deeply about the health of your pets and the planet they live on. Hosted by Donie, CEO & Co-Founder, and Dr. Amber, our trusted veterinarian, this special Earth Day episode explores how we can protect the environment one pawprint at a time.

In this episode, we're joined by Svanika Balasubramanian, co-founder and CEO of Repurpose Global, to talk about the global plastic crisis, the circular economy, and how conscious consumers and purpose-driven brands can help reduce plastic pollution.

This episode covers the alarming impact of plastic waste on our planet and the powerful ways companies and communities are stepping up. Svanika shares how Repurpose Global is partnering with brands like Vital Pet Life to offset their plastic use and drive real-world change.

Listeners will also learn about the Laut Yang Tenang project in Indonesia, a powerful initiative supported by Vital Pet Life that’s helping clean up plastic waste, create jobs, and protect ecosystems.

The Global Plastic Problem

Svanika explains the scale of plastic pollution and why it’s one of our most urgent environmental issues. She shares how plastics end up in our oceans and communities, especially in countries with inadequate waste infrastructure, and why reducing virgin plastic production isn’t enough.

“The reality is, we can’t recycle our way out of this,” Svanika says. “We need upstream and downstream solutions — and we need them now.”

The Power of the Circular Economy

Repurpose Global's work is grounded in circularity — rethinking waste not as garbage, but as a resource. By partnering with waste workers and local organizations, they create systems that remove plastic from the environment and repurpose it sustainably.

She highlights how this model supports economic empowerment while addressing environmental injustice.

“It’s not just about cleaning up,” she notes, “it’s about building dignity, equity, and opportunity in communities most affected by waste.”

The Laut Yang Tenang Project in Action

One of the most inspiring parts of the episode is the story of the Laut Yang Tenang project, based in Indonesia and supported by Vital Pet Life. This initiative directly funds the collection and recovery of plastic waste, helping restore natural habitats and providing jobs in the local area.

By becoming a plastic-neutral brand through this partnership, Vital Pet Life ensures that every bottle sold helps remove an equivalent amount of plastic from the environment.

🐾 Nutritional Tips or Advice:
While this episode focuses on environmental impact, Donie and Dr. Amber take a moment to remind listeners that a healthy planet means healthier pets.

• Choose products with eco-conscious packaging.
  

• Look for brands that offset their environmental footprint.
  

• Avoid plastic pet bowls and single-use plastics in your pet routine.
  

“When you care for the Earth, you’re caring for your furry family, too,” Dr. Amber reminds us.

Conclusion

We’re reminded that big change is possible on Earth Day when we work together. Every action counts, from recovering plastic waste in Indonesia to choosing sustainable products at home.

Be sure to listen to the full episode for more profound insights from Svanika and learn how to support the movement toward a cleaner, healthier world.

Thank you for joining us on this journey of pet wellness and empowerment through education. Vital Pet Life is committed to helping every pet parent provide their furry friends with a vibrant, happy, and healthy life. Cheers to many more joyful moments with your pets!

🎧 Don’t forget to subscribe to the Vital Pet Life Podcast and leave us a review — your feedback helps us create impactful content that supports pet parents and the planet.