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„We have collected and processed over 500 tons of plastic in the last 12 months“ – INTERVIEW

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22 Mar, 2023

This post was originally published on Good Search

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© Karsten Fischer

Karsten Hirsch is a social entrepreneur and founder of Plastic Fischer. His goal is to stop the global plastic pollution of the oceans. Not there, though, because much of the world’s plastic waste ends up in the sea via rivers. If their success also has to do with the fact that they are happy when others copy their open-source technology? Find out in the interview where he got the idea for the floating barriers and whether he separates waste himself.

What problem do you solve with Plastic Fischer? Why does it need exactly your solution?

We take plastic out of rivers before this waste enters the oceans, destroying biodiversity and becoming microplastics.

What did you do before you started the current project/company? And what or who finally motivated you to become a social entrepreneur?

Studied law and worked in a law firm. A vacation with friends in Vietnam triggered the creation of Plastic Fischer, as we saw on the ground the pollution of the Mekong River and realized that at the time no company was focusing on rivers to stop ocean plastic.

What have been your greatest successes so far?

We have collected and processed over 500 tons of plastic in the last 12 months, creating 70 local jobs in India and Indonesia. We were awarded by the WEF and invited to WEF22 in Davos and the UN Water Conference in New York. WDR, Deutsche Welle and other media have reported about us.

Gab es Momente oder Herausforderungen, wo du dachtest, dass du scheiterst und alles hinschmeißen musst?

The scale of the problem is huge, it’s difficult. We haven’t thought about giving up yet. We are one of the most successful and promising companies in the world. We take more plastic out of rivers every week than (the +$100 million found) TheOceanCleanup.

Where should the journey go in the future and what are the next big goals?

We want to grow 1000x our current size and make a significant contribution to curbing the global plastic waste problem.

© Karsten Hirsch

„It is difficult to do without plastic in everyday life. Waste separation is very important and helps a lot to increase the recycling rate. “
— Karsten Hirsch, Founder of Plastic Fischer

As an entrepreneur, what advice would you give to someone who has a great innovative idea but doesn’t know how to get started?

Find the right partners to see the project through together. Dedicate focus and full time to it and take the risk.

What is your personal source of inspiration (e.g. book, podcast, etc.) and what motivates you even on difficult days?

The ocean, the team and my wife. (order has no significance ;-))

What are your tips for doing good in everyday life? And where do you perhaps find it rather difficult to live sustainably?

It is difficult to do without plastic in everyday life. Waste separation is very important and helps a lot to increase the recycling rate. However, proper sorting is not easy because there are many misleading labels on packaging.

Finish this sentence: The world needs more …

… collaboration.

We supported Plastic Fischer in June 2022 with the proceeds of GOOD. Find out more on the project page:

The post „We have collected and processed over 500 tons of plastic in the last 12 months“ – INTERVIEW appeared first on GOOD – The search engine for a better world.

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Officeworks launches all-women-led commercial solar project

Officeworks launches all-women-led commercial solar project

Officeworks, Smart Commercial Solar and Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE) have partnered to launch an all-women-led commercial solar project.

The project will take place at Officeworks Bundoora in Victoria, featuring a 96 kW rooftop solar system — 16 times the size of an average home system. The process of this initiative — from analysis and project management to engineering and performance monitoring — will be led exclusively by female professionals.

“Officeworks is incredibly proud to be part of this initiative, which aligns with our commitment to ensuring our team represents the communities in which we live and work,” said Officeworks Head of Property Kylie Brockett. “There is no limit to what we as women can accomplish and I am so proud to be part of the world’s first ever all-women commercial solar install at Bundoora Officeworks.

“This project is a true celebration of women in action — designed, managed and executed entirely by female professionals across property, engineering, project management, analysis, marketing and installation.”

All-women-led commercial solar project at Officeworks Bundoora.   

With Australia targeting 82% renewable energy by 2030, this project aims to highlight the breadth of career opportunities available, inspire more young women to enter the industry, and contribute to its rapid expansion.

“This project is about showcasing the incredible work of the women on our team, but also about inspiring the next generation. The renewable energy sector is growing fast, and if we want it see it evolve and succeed, we need more women to see themselves in these careers,” said Smart Commercial Solar Chief of Staff Kathryn Hoogesteger.

AWISE Founding Director Sophie Wright added, “Women have been making significant contributions to the solar industry for years, but this project provides an unprecedented opportunity to showcase their expertise across every stage of a commercial-scale project. By increasing visibility and breaking down barriers, we can attract more women into the industry and help build a more diverse, skilled workforce.”

Adding to its sustainability efforts, Officeworks’ entire operations have been powered by renewable electricity since 1 January 2025.

Top image caption: Officeworks, Smart Commercial Solar and Australian Women in Solar Energy (AWISE) leadership team. Images: Supplied.

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