Welcome to Episode 137 of the "Carlsbad: People, Purpose and Impact" podcast! Ever wondered how a paramedic turned stay-at-home dad could revolutionize plastic recycling? Join me as I sit down with the visionary founder of Plastic Beach, Matthew Clough.
Matthew's journey is nothing short of fascinating. From the UK to California, his diverse career path led him to question the massive plastic waste in the motorcycle industry. This curiosity sparked the creation of Plastic Beach, a groundbreaking initiative focusing on recycling the often-overlooked soft plastics.
But why are soft plastics so tricky to recycle, and how is Plastic Beach tackling this challenge? Matthew shares insights into their innovative partnership with Trex, turning waste into sustainable decking materials. Plus, learn how their consumer program, complete with subscription services and drop-off points like Agua Hedionda Lagoon, is making recycling accessible and effective.
Matthew emphasizes the power of community and collaboration in solving the plastic crisis. Whether you're an Eco-conscious individual or a forward-thinking company, discover how you can join the mission to transform plastic waste into a resource.
Dive into this episode for a deep dive into the future of recycling and how you can be part of the change!
Matthew Clough's Bio:
I used to be an EMT and then a paramedic and it's this previous career of public service, combined with the worry of being a father leaving a polluted world, that has spurred me to tackle the ignored problem of soft plastic packaging recycling.
By tackling this issue I not only want to show it can in fact be tackled, but also to set a wider example that huge 'deer in the headlight' issues like these, and others, like climate change and migration, can, and should be addressed- no matter how daunting that seems!
Connect with Matthew: