Today's guest is David Stover, the co-founder of a company called Bureo that I've been tracking for quite a while now. I first came across Bureo through Patagonia, which was an early backer and customer for its products. Now Bureo has brand partners across the apparel and outdoor space from YETI and REI to Rivian and Outerknown. And if you've listened to our episode with Outerknown co-founder John Moore, Outerknown goes the extra mile to partner with only responsible suppliers.
As you'll hear David explain, Bureo is tackling the problem of discarded fishing nets in our oceans by working with local communities and governments to set up collection points and create end of life solutions to turn those discarded fishing nets into a recycled material suitable for everything from hat brims and skateboards to gear like rain jackets and Patagonia's iconic Baggies shorts.
We start at the start, hearing about how David connected with the ocean as a child on Block Island and how maintaining that connection with the ocean helps him think clearly and operate efficiently as an entrepreneur.
Despite some scary stats about the levels of virgin plastic production, I think you'll come away hopeful that there are people and companies taking steps to challenge some of the biggest problems our world is facing today.
Links
Bureo website - https://bureo.co/
Bureo on Instagram - https://www.instagram.com/bureo/
Bureo film from Patagonia - https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4LHMZmtpZdg
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Cleaning and Connecting with our Oceans with David Stover, Bureo