Why is the Arctic Talking Trash?

What can rally a community to come together and make a real difference in everyday life? That’s right, we’re talking about trash. Because in remote villages with no roads and limited infrastructure, managing waste is both a real challenge and an inspiration. 

This episode explores how two remote Arctic communities have turned waste management challenges into opportunities. From community-driven initiatives like turning plastic bottles into 3D printer filament in Nunavut to large-scale cleanups in Sámi communities in Russia, this episode features inspiring stories about how local leadership and community collaboration can make a real difference even when resources are limited. Whether you’re curious about sustainable solutions or just want to hear inspiring stories from the Arctic, tune in to hear how Arctic communities are proving that even trash can spark meaningful change.  

Guests, in order of appearance: 

Michele LeBlanc Havard, Government of Nunavut 

Patrick Huber, U.S. Environmental Protection Agency 

Julius Mihkkal Lindi, the Saami Council 

We also would like to thank Shankell Mack of Aleut International Association. Her insights helped inform this episode. 

The music in this episode is by Emil Kárlsen, used with permission. Sound design by Både Og Studios.

This Way Up is produced by the Arctic Council Secretariat and Indigenous Peoples' Secretariat. The views expressed in this podcast are the personal views of the interviewees and do not necessarily reflect the views of all Arctic States and Permanent Participants.