We’re excited to introduce our interview series. 10 questions answered by our favorite people - our partners, our employees, and our community.
David Katz (he/him) sat down with us to share more about who he is, why he founded Plastic Bank, and about the amazing work, they are doing to protect our oceans and improve lives.
Here we go!
What is your name and what are your pronouns?
David Katz (he/him)
What's your role at Plastic Bank and how long have you been with the company?
Founder & Chief Executive Officer. I founded Plastic Bank in 2013 with Co-Founder and Chief Technology Officer Shaun Frankson.
You can only have one smoothie flavor forever. Which do you choose? Chocolate, French Vanilla, Strawberry, Natural or Peanut Butter?
If I could have only one smoothie flavor forever, I think I’d choose either a natural or french vanilla smoothie! If you start with the basics, you can make it into anything - and I like having all types of flavor available!
Why did you choose Plastic Bank?
“We founded Plastic Bank because we knew that something needed to be done about plastic pollution, and I didn’t want to wait until the right person showed up. I made a commitment to become the right person to stop ocean plastic and alleviate poverty. “
What’s your favorite part about working here?
Plastic Bank is an organization where people who want to change the world come together. Plastic Bank employees are the type of people who may not have all the answers but are committed to learning what needs to be done to make it happen.
If you were to explain Plastic Bank to my 3-year-old, Sade, what would you say?
If I were to explain Plastic Bank to Sade, I’d ask her what she would do if she knew that every piece of plastic packaging was worth $5 - would she throw it away in the garbage bin? Or would she go collect them from the streets to earn more money?
Editor note: Sade said yes - I’m ready to pick it up! Let’s all help clean up.
Tell me more about Plastic Bank's partnership with Natreve.
In 2020, Natreve prevented over 100,000 kilograms of ocean-bound plastic from reaching our oceans, equivalent to over 5 million plastic bottles. In 2021, Natreve took the next big step in our partnership by committing to prevent over 10 million bottles every year for 3 years. Natreve has also sponsored a collection branch in Indonesia, capable of collecting 600 tonnes of plastic 3 over years. These locations will be operated by a local team and provide a sustainable earning for the local collectors. Collectors receive a premium for the materials they collect which helps them provide basic family necessities such as groceries, cooking fuel, school tuition, and health insurance. Plastic Bank’s certified blockchain platform secures the entire transaction and provides real-time data visualization – allowing for transparency, traceability, and rapid scalability.
What are the current goals that the company is focused on?
Plastic Bank’s main goal is to stop ocean plastic and improve lives.
What gets you most excited about Plastic Bank's future?
The most exciting thing about Plastic Bank’s future is that we’re continuing a movement that empowers people worldwide. It’s kind of like we’re Robin Hood - banding together, stealing from the oceans and giving to the poor.
Anything else we need to know?
Everyone wants to do something about plastic pollution, but many feel like they don’t know where to start. Plastic Bank is offering a tangible way for consumers and brands alike to participate in stopping ocean plastic and improving lives.
Learn more about Plastic Bank here: https://plasticbank.com/
