Plastic Bank transforms plastic waste into currency, creating a powerful solution to two global issues: ocean pollution and poverty. Founded by David Katz, the organisation operates in over 700 communities, empowering 57,000+ families to exchange discarded plastic for life essentials like school tuition, clean water, and medical care. Katz’s vision goes beyond profit – it’s about building a for-prosperity ecosystem where everyone benefits, from collectors in developing nations to global brands seeking ethical supply chains. 

David Katz challenges the way we think about plastic, poverty, and value. He argues that the issue isn’t the material, but our mindset – poverty is what drives pollution, not plastic itself. He describes a powerful shift when people see plastic as money, a means to access clean water, school tuition, and hope. He speaks passionately about building a “for-prosperity” business where everyone benefits, not just shareholders. He urges us to live into our vision, to be the change rather than wait for it. His message is clear: real transformation starts with how we choose to think. 

Takeaways 
Financial inclusion allows collectors to access microloans and build creditworthiness. 
Poverty, not plastic, is the root cause of ocean pollution. 
Prosperity comes when everyone in the system wins together. 
Real change starts with shifting mindset, not just materials. 
Authentic vision inspires others to step into their own greatness. 
You can’t donate your way out of poverty—it must be solved. 
Prioritise prosperity for all over traditional profit-driven business models. 
Shifting mindsets reveals plastic’s value and creates long-term regenerative change. 

Follow David Katz 
https://plasticbank.com/ 
https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/ 

David’s TED Talk, ‘The Solution to Ocean Plastic’: 
https://www.ted.com/talks/david_katz_the_surprising_solution_to_ocean_plastic

Books on this episode 
The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey https://amzn.to/4cK8aGV

Watch the episode on YouTube: https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners

Newsletter – each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/ 

Books – Learn more about our books https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/
Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO. 
Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process. 
Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.

Follow me: 
on https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles
on https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth

Enjoying the show? Leave a review 

Plastic Bank transforms plastic waste into currency, creating a powerful solution to two global issues: ocean pollution and poverty. Founded by David Katz, the organisation operates in over 700 communities, empowering 57,000+ families to exchange discarded plastic for life essentials like school tuition, clean water, and medical care. Katz&rsquo;s vision goes beyond profit &ndash; it&rsquo;s about building a for-prosperity ecosystem where everyone benefits, from collectors in developing nations to global brands seeking ethical supply chains.&nbsp;
David Katz challenges the way we think about plastic, poverty, and value. He argues that the issue isn&rsquo;t the material, but our mindset &ndash; poverty is what drives pollution, not plastic itself. He describes a powerful shift when people see plastic as money, a means to access clean water, school tuition, and hope. He speaks passionately about building a &ldquo;for-prosperity&rdquo; business where everyone benefits, not just shareholders. He urges us to live into our vision, to be the change rather than wait for it. His message is clear: real transformation starts with how we choose to think.&nbsp;
Takeaways&nbsp;
<ul>
<li>Financial inclusion allows collectors to access microloans and build creditworthiness.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Poverty, not plastic, is the root cause of ocean pollution.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prosperity comes when everyone in the system wins together.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Real change starts with shifting mindset, not just materials.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Authentic vision inspires others to step into their own greatness.&nbsp;</li>
<li>You can&rsquo;t donate your way out of poverty&mdash;it must be solved.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Prioritise prosperity for all over traditional profit-driven business models.&nbsp;</li>
<li>Shifting mindsets reveals plastic&rsquo;s value and creates long-term regenerative change.&nbsp;</li>
</ul>
Follow David Katz <a href="https://plasticbank.com/">https://plasticbank.com/</a>&nbsp; <a href="https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/">https://www.linkedin.com/in/david-katz-4b66178/</a>&nbsp;
David&rsquo;s TED Talk, &lsquo;The Solution to Ocean Plastic&rsquo;:&nbsp; <a href="https://www.ted.com/talks/david_katz_the_surprising_solution_to_ocean_plastic">https://www.ted.com/talks/david_katz_the_surprising_solution_to_ocean_plastic</a>
Books on this episode&nbsp; The 7 Habits of Highly Effective People by Stephen R Covey <a href="https://amzn.to/4cK8aGV">https://amzn.to/4cK8aGV</a> 
Watch the episode on YouTube: <a href="https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners">https://www.youtube.com/@TheEvolutionPartners</a>
Newsletter &ndash; each week I share interesting insights, articles and ideas you can use. Join other leaders and subscribe to The Evolution Partners newsletter&nbsp;<a href="https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/">https://evolutionpartners.com.au/subscribe/</a>&nbsp;
Books &ndash; Learn more about our books <a href="https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/">https://evolutionpartners.com.au/books/</a> Made to Thrive: The practical, prescriptive guide on how to be a great CEO.&nbsp; Onboarded: How to bring new hires to the points where they are more effective faster. A business case for leaders on why you should commit to an effective onboarded process.&nbsp; Onboarded for Managers: Helping managers bring new hires to the point where they are more effective faster.
Follow me: on <a href="https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles">https://au.linkedin.com/in/bradleygiles</a> on <a href="https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth">https://twitter.com/Evolution_Perth</a>
Enjoying the show? Leave a review&nbsp;

A place for the world’s leading thinkers, planners and doers.

The Evolution Partners is a weekly podcast hosted by Brad Giles. Join Brad as he engages in conversations with some of the world’s sharpest minds, learning a bit more about them and delving into what makes them tick.

A place for the world’s leading thinkers, planners and doers.
The Evolution Partners is a weekly podcast hosted by Brad Giles. Join Brad as he engages in conversations with some of the world’s sharpest minds, learning a bit more about them and delving into what makes them tick.

The Evolution Partners

Each week Brad Giles talks with the world’s leading thinkers, planners and doers who are helping to build great companies in their own way.

We learn how the work they’re doing is creating an impact and get to know a little bit more about them, and what makes them tick.

Each week Brad Giles talks with the world’s leading thinkers, planners and doers who are helping to build great companies in their own way.
We learn how the work they’re doing is creating an impact and get to know a little bit more about them, and what makes them tick.