In this adaPETation® podcast, Nano Morante, founder of Plastic People, shares his experience transforming plastic pollution into sustainable solutions.
In another inspiring episode of the adaPETation® Podcast, Nano Morante, the founder of Plastic People, shares his journey as an eco-warrior dedicated to tackling plastic pollution. His story is a profound blend of personal growth, innovative thinking, and a relentless commitment to the environment.
The spark of change
Morante’s path to creating ‘Plastic People’ was a melding of lifelong ambition and serendipity. “I always wanted to change the world since I was a kid. And I never found the way, actually, how to do it,” he shares. His initial plans to leave Vietnam changed when the opportunity to make a documentary about plastic waste presented itself, eventually leading him to his true calling.
‘Plastic People’ isn’t just another recycling initiative; it targets the often-neglected segment of plastic waste. Morante clarifies, “What we wanted to do is not looking at 15% of the plastic that everybody’s recycling, but 85% the amount of garbage that nobody’s recycling.” This approach is groundbreaking, turning overlooked waste into valuable resources.
Redefining waste
Based in Vietnam, the company transforms all types of plastic waste into useful, safe and beautiful materials offering a circular solution to clean up the environment, while creating meaningful jobs for the local community in Vietnam.
The organization works closely with creative partners and enthusiasts to design, build and manufacture smart solutions for a sustainable future.
As well as producing beautiful materials for architects and interior designers, Plastic People provides educational workshops and actionable solutions to corporations, local businesses, manufacturers, schools, and the community because it believes that everyone can be a part of the solution to plastic waste.
The power of design in environmental activism
Morante emphasizes the significance of community involvement in environmental initiatives. He states, “There is no plan or project or anything that you can do without involving the community that can be long-lasting.” This philosophy underpins ‘Plastic People’s model, where educating and involving local communities is key to sustainable success.
For Morante, design transcends aesthetics; it’s a tool for societal change. “Our materials bring creativity… Designers can transmit a message to many people just with a piece of something,” he notes, highlighting how design in ‘Plastic People’ products serves as a powerful communication tool in the fight against plastic pollution.
Overcoming adversity through doing
Morante’s journey has been fraught with challenges, including a devastating fire at their facility. Reflecting on this setback, he says, “It was a big slap in the face… It was a good thing that happened. We needed a reset.” His resilience in the face of adversity is a cornerstone of ‘Plastic People’s story.
Morante believes that true success lies in positively impacting others. “The most beautiful thing on your deathbed is when you do the math and you get way more than what you took,” he reflects, underscoring his commitment to making a real difference in the world.
InspirIng hope and action
Morante’s evolution into an eco-warrior with ‘Plastic People’ is not just a narrative about combating plastic pollution; it’s a rallying cry for active participation in environmental preservation. His story, punctuated by challenges and triumphs, serves as an inspiration and a reminder of the power each individual holds to enact change.
Morante’s transformation and the evolution of ‘Plastic People’ illustrate that with vision, determination, and community engagement, even the most daunting environmental challenges can be tackled, one step at a time.
JOIN THE MOVEMENT
The future of plastics is being redefined, and you can be a part of it. Listen to the full podcast with Nano Morante to delve deep into the world of Plastic People and the promise it holds. Your support can usher in a new era where plastic, once the problem, becomes an integral part of the solution. Support Plastic People in its mission.
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THE HISTORY OF PLASTIC
Throughout the history of plastic, PET has been crucial in keeping food fresh with lightweight and durable packaging solutions that have helped reduce food waste for almost a century. Learn all about the invention of plastic and the important role it has played feeding people and saving the lives of humans and elephants in the adaPETation® timeline of the history of plastic.
