Things You Can't Live Without cover art

Things You Can't Live Without

Things You Can't Live Without

By: Rio Tinto / Listen
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How do the objects we rely on come to be made? What goes into creating them? How did they become so vital to us? And what is the environmental impact of living with them, now and into the future?

Join material scientist Dr Anna Ploszajski as she welcomes different guests including scientists to discuss the truths about our reliance on the earth’s resources – and to look at what needs to happen to create a sustainable future for the everyday items we have come to rely on.

Things You Can’t Live Without is brought to you by Rio Tinto. Available wherever you get your podcasts.



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Rio Tinto / Listen / Studio of Art & Commerce Science Social Sciences
Episodes
  • BONUS: Ed Conway on the future of sustainability

    BONUS: Ed Conway on the future of sustainability
    May 21 2025

    In this special extended episode, journalist, author and economics expert Ed Conway joins Dr Anna to explore the future of sustainability. Alongside Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, and Froydis Cameron-Johansson, Rio Tinto's Global Head of Health, Safety, Environment and Security, they discuss the challenges and solutions of responsible sourcing and manufacturing, taking a deep dive into materials such as copper, iron and lithium – all of which can be found in Ed’s indispensable item, his earbuds. They also look to the future for better sustainable practices and debate how to find the critical balance required to meet growing demands while preserving the environment.


    To read more about Ed’s book ‘Material World’ go to: http://edconway.substack.com/p/material-world

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    42 mins
  • Sabrina Ghayour on her favourite knives, learning from others and butternut squash best practice

    Sabrina Ghayour on her favourite knives, learning from others and butternut squash best practice
    May 14 2025

    Chef and food writer Sabrina Ghayour’s knife is an indispensable partner in her kitchen. Sabrina tells Dr Anna about her journey toward finding her favourite type of knives and how to look for the right knife for you. She is joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Scientist, Nigel Steward, who delves into the material science behind how our knives are made. They discuss collaboration in the world of food and industry, and how it can benefit everyone involved. Listen to hear how to tackle a butternut squash, Sabrina’s thoughts on ceramic knives and the future of vital materials like steel.

    Read these articles to learn more about ELYSIS and how it relates to Apple:

    • Apple’s $4.7B in Green Bonds support innovative green technology - Apple
    • ELYSIS strengthens its ties with Apple | ELYSIS




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    25 mins
  • Cornelia Funke on plastic pens, storytelling and sustainability

    Cornelia Funke on plastic pens, storytelling and sustainability
    May 7 2025
    Globa​l bestselling author Cornelia Funke (Dragon Rider, Inkheart) says she has hungry hands and that she cannot live without her pen to conjure up her magical worlds. Cornelia tells Dr Anna about the importance of the physical process of writing and illustrating, before committing her work to a computer. She also shares her deep passion for the protection of nature and our knowledge of it. They are joined by Rio Tinto’s Chief Executive Australia, Ke​llie Parker, to talk about the importance of rehabilitating nature at mine sites and the ways they are being successfully rejuvenated around the world. Listen to hear about going back to quill and ink, butterfly rehabilitation, and the importance of respecting land which we use for vital materials.

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    23 mins

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