Andrew Forrest: A radical plan to end plastic waste

A radical plan to end plastic waste

Plastic is an incredible substance for the economy -- and the worst substance possible for the environment, says entrepreneur Andrew Forrest. In a conversation meant to spark debate, Forrest and head of TED Chris Anderson discuss an ambitious plan to get the world's biggest companies to fund an environmental revolution -- and transition industry towards getting all of its plastic from recycled materials, not from fossil fuels.

Plastic pollution is choking rivers and oceans, with nanoplastics now entering human bodies and harming marine life. By 2025, the weight of plastic in oceans could reach one ton for every three tons of fish. The problem lies in virgin plastic being cheaper than recycled, making waste a burden instead of a resource. Raising the cost of new plastic just slightly could unlock billions for cleanup, recycling, and new jobs worldwide.