Harmen, with a background in media and design, is passionate about materials and manufacturing. He challenges the current "short lifecycle" model where cheap plastic dominates. His vision is to

Harmen, with a background in media and design, is passionate about materials and manufacturing. He challenges the current "short lifecycle" model where cheap plastic dominates. His vision is to transform plastic's role from single-use to a high-quality technical material, advocating for alternative materials and global solutions to plastic pollution.

Our increasing reliance on plastics has led to severe environmental consequences. Global production reached 311 million tons by 2015, yet only 9% is recycled, with 95% ending up in oceans. Despite thousands of plastic types being technically recyclable, economic and practical challenges persist. This necessitates a reevaluation of our material choices and their long-term impact.

This talk was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Guido Zichittella, 27, a Sicilian, earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2013. He completed his Master of Science in Chemical and Bioengineering at

Guido Zichittella, 27, a Sicilian, earned his Bachelor of Science in Chemical Engineering from Politecnico di Milano in 2013. He completed his Master of Science in Chemical and Bioengineering at ETH Zurich in 2015, receiving an award for the best thesis from the Swiss Process and Chemical Engineers Association. He has received numerous academic honors, including the Chemistry Travel Award and the prestigious "ETH Grant."

Currently, Zichittella is a PhD candidate at ETH Zurich in Professor Javier Pérez-Ramírez's Advanced Catalysis Engineering group. In 2019, Forbes recognized him among Europe's 30 most influential scientists under 30.

This talk was given at a TEDx event using the TED conference format but independently organized by a local community. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Lily addresses the surprising amount of plastic bottle waste generated by a single group. She demonstrates the significant impact of just one item and how dedicating five minutes can initiate

Lily addresses the surprising amount of plastic bottle waste generated by a single group. She demonstrates the significant impact of just one item and how dedicating five minutes can initiate positive change.

This talk, presented by a youth environmental protection advocate, was delivered at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more about TEDx at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Climate change demands our immediate action. This talk provides a comprehensive guide to reducing waste and aligning sustainable values with daily actions. Discover how individual efforts can

Climate change demands our immediate action. This talk provides a comprehensive guide to reducing waste and aligning sustainable values with daily actions. Discover how individual efforts can inspire large-scale change and positively impact our planet, serving as a catalyst for fundamental lifestyle change.

Speaker Isabel, a junior at Jones, founded greenteen, a company merging entrepreneurship and sustainability. Passionate about creating a positive impact on people, animals, and the planet, she presented this talk at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Nineteen-year-old KULeuven business student Fanny Everard co-founded the What About Waste (WAW) movement last October with friends Manuela and Betty. Concerned by daily plastic use, WAW aims to

Nineteen-year-old KULeuven business student Fanny Everard co-founded the What About Waste (WAW) movement last October with friends Manuela and Betty. Concerned by daily plastic use, WAW aims to raise awareness about plastic consumption in society, promoting their emblematic Strawaws reusable straw.

Fanny encourages others to create similar initiatives for other single-use plastic items. This message was shared at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Humanity is in debt with an ever-increasing overdraft to Mother Nature, a primary threat stemming from over-exploitation of natural resources.

Svetlana Nikolaenko, an environmental and

Humanity is in debt with an ever-increasing overdraft to Mother Nature, a primary threat stemming from over-exploitation of natural resources.

Svetlana Nikolaenko, an environmental and social risk management expert at a multinational bank in London, explores this critical topic.

Her TEDx talk discusses humanity's accumulating environmental debt crisis and proposes manageable steps to avert disaster. Learn more about TEDx events here.

American democracy often excludes youth, despite public policy significantly impacting their lives. Young people possess powerful, dynamic voices ready to contribute to policymaking. It's time to

American democracy often excludes youth, despite public policy significantly impacting their lives. Young people possess powerful, dynamic voices ready to contribute to policymaking. It's time to challenge negative perceptions and redefine inclusivity to ensure youth are fully represented.

Amanda Schuerman, an 18-year-old community activist from Gilbert, Arizona, exemplifies this call for change. She serves as Southwest Regional Director for March For Our Lives and Captain of her Speech and Debate team, planning a career in nonprofit law. This talk was given at an independently organized TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

Central banks could easily finance climate change and energy transition, stimulating productive investment and amplifying labor supply.

This perspective comes from Bruno Colmant, a

Central banks could easily finance climate change and energy transition, stimulating productive investment and amplifying labor supply.

This perspective comes from Bruno Colmant, a distinguished banker, academic, and author of over 75 books. He is a Titular Member of the Royal Academy of Science of Belgium, President of the Belgian Finance Club, and Head of macro research at Degroof Petercam. An expert in finance and monetary theory, Colmant's recent research addresses climate change and its financing.

This talk was given at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.

After rowing the Atlantic and witnessing extensive plastic pollution, Met Office scientist Kate Salmon and her "Row for the Ocean" crew founded Plastic Free Exeter. Their goal is to make Exeter

After rowing the Atlantic and witnessing extensive plastic pollution, Met Office scientist Kate Salmon and her "Row for the Ocean" crew founded Plastic Free Exeter. Their goal is to make Exeter the UK's largest single-use 'plastic-free' city by 2020, demonstrating how local action can unite communities in addressing environmental challenges.

This talk, presented at TEDxExeter 2019 under the theme "The Art of the Possible," encourages reflection on our shared future amidst societal divisions. Learn more about TEDxExeter at [www.tedxexeter.com](http://www.tedxexeter.com). For details on TEDx events, visit [https://www.ted.com/tedx](https://www.ted.com/tedx).

Joy is the founder of BasicYeh, an online zero-waste store that guides individuals on their plastic-free journeys with products and tips.

A graduate of HK Baptist University, Joy previously

Joy is the founder of BasicYeh, an online zero-waste store that guides individuals on their plastic-free journeys with products and tips.

A graduate of HK Baptist University, Joy previously worked in a top PR agency before returning to study design. She is passionate about sustainability, aiming to spread her message through eco-friendly creations. Joy also dedicates part of BasicYeh's revenue to support basic education and improve living conditions for underprivileged children, emphasizing her belief in giving back and educating the next generation.

This talk was presented at a TEDx event. Learn more at https://www.ted.com/tedx.