JRE #1104 - Boyan Slat

4/16/2018

Joe Rogan Experience #1104 – Boyan Slat: Cleaning Up the Ocean

This podcast features Boyan Slat, a young innovator and entrepreneur who founded The Ocean Cleanup, an organization dedicated to removing plastic from the world’s oceans. The conversation delves into the pressing issue of plastic pollution, the science behind Slat’s innovative cleanup system, and the potential for a circular economy based on recycled ocean plastic. Underlying themes explore the power of individual action, the potential for technological solutions to environmental challenges, and the need for a long-term vision for our planet’s future.

1. Boyan Slat’s Inspiration and Early Years:

Slat’s interest in technology and problem-solving sparked at a young age, leading him to build treehouses, ziplines, computers, and even rockets.
A scuba diving experience in Greece at age 16, where he saw more plastic than fish, ignited his passion for ocean cleanup.
At age 18, he founded The Ocean Cleanup, fueled by a desire to find a solution to the growing plastic pollution problem.
Slat’s dedication to this mission exemplifies the power of individual initiative in addressing global issues.

2. The Ocean Cleanup System: A Technological Solution:

Slat’s innovative cleanup system utilizes natural ocean currents to collect plastic, acting as a massive funnel that concentrates plastic debris.
The system is designed to be scalable, with plans to deploy multiple units to tackle various garbage patches worldwide.
The first real cleanup system, currently being assembled in San Francisco, is scheduled to be deployed in the Great Pacific Garbage Patch this summer.
This system represents a significant step forward in tackling plastic pollution and a testament to Slat’s belief in technological solutions.

3. Recycling Ocean Plastic: A Circular Economy:

The Ocean Cleanup has developed a process to recycle the collected plastic, transforming it into new products.
Slat envisions a future where products made from recycled ocean plastic are both functional and desirable, driven by the story behind the material.
The organization plans to launch its first line of products made from recycled ocean plastic in the coming year.
This initiative aims to create a circular economy where plastic waste is not a burden but a valuable resource.

4. The Plastic Problem: A Global Crisis:

The Great Pacific Garbage Patch, located between California and Hawaii, is the largest accumulation of plastic in the world, containing 1.8 trillion pieces of plastic.
The amount of plastic in the ocean is staggering and continues to grow, posing a serious threat to marine ecosystems and human health.
The plastic problem is a persistent one, meaning even if we stop adding more plastic to the ocean, the existing debris will continue to degrade and accumulate for decades.
This highlights the urgency of tackling plastic pollution and the need for a comprehensive approach that includes both prevention and cleanup.

5. The Importance of Long-Term Vision:

Slat emphasizes the need for a long-term vision when addressing environmental problems, looking beyond immediate solutions to consider the long-term impacts of our actions.
He advocates for a proactive approach that involves developing sustainable technologies to address the negative side effects of our civilization.
Slat believes that technology can be a powerful tool for solving environmental challenges and that we have a responsibility to use it responsibly.
This perspective underscores the need for a shift in mindset, moving from reactive problem-solving to proactive, long-term solutions.

6. Addressing Other Environmental Issues:

Slat acknowledges the existence of other pressing environmental concerns, such as overfishing, air pollution, and chemical spills.
While focused on ocean cleanup, he sees his work as an example of how technology can be applied to tackle environmental challenges.
He believes that solutions exist for these problems and that we should be investing in developing those solutions.
This broadens the conversation beyond plastic pollution and emphasizes the interconnectedness of environmental issues.

7. The Power of Individual Action:

Slat’s journey highlights the significance of individual action in tackling seemingly insurmountable problems.
His story inspires others to take initiative and pursue solutions, even when faced with skepticism or limited resources.
He encourages listeners to consider their own potential to make a difference, emphasizing that even small steps can contribute to a larger solution.
This message empowers individuals to become agents of change, recognizing that collective action is built upon individual initiative.

8. The Potential for Innovation:

Slat’s work embodies the potential for innovative solutions to environmental problems.
His commitment to research and development has resulted in a groundbreaking cleanup system and a new approach to recycling ocean plastic.
He encourages others to explore new ideas and technologies to address the challenges we face.
This reinforces the importance of continued innovation and experimentation in finding sustainable solutions.

9. The Future of Plastic:

The conversation explores the complexities of plastic, acknowledging its potential benefits while addressing its negative impacts.
The focus shifts to responsible plastic management, including recycling, alternative materials, and new technologies to prevent ocean pollution.
Slat envisions a future where plastic is no longer a burden but a valuable resource, used responsibly and sustainably.
This discussion promotes a nuanced understanding of plastic and the need for a holistic approach to its production, consumption, and disposal.

10. The Importance of Collaboration:

Slat emphasizes the importance of collaboration across sectors, involving governments, businesses, and individuals.
He highlights the need for collective action to address the global challenge of plastic pollution.
The Ocean Cleanup’s efforts demonstrate the power of partnerships and the potential for bringing together diverse perspectives to find solutions.
This message underscores the importance of working together towards a common goal, recognizing that collective action is essential for tackling global challenges.

11. The Role of Technology in Environmental Solutions:

The discussion delves into the role of technology in addressing environmental concerns, exploring both the potential benefits and the potential risks.
Slat advocates for the development of sustainable technologies that can help us mitigate the negative impacts of our civilization.
He acknowledges the need for careful consideration of the unintended consequences of new technologies.
This emphasizes the need for responsible innovation, prioritizing technologies that are both effective and environmentally sustainable.

12. The Ocean Cleanup’s Future:

Slat outlines The Ocean Cleanup’s ambitious goals, aiming to reduce plastic pollution in the ocean by 90% by 2040.
The organization plans to scale up its operations, deploying a fleet of cleanup systems to tackle various garbage patches worldwide.
The conversation explores the potential for The Ocean Cleanup to become a self-sustaining business, generating revenue through the sale of recycled ocean plastic products.
This highlights the organization’s commitment to long-term impact and its potential to become a model for sustainable environmental solutions.

13. The Value of a Problem-Solving Mindset:

Slat emphasizes the importance of a problem-solving mindset, encouraging listeners to identify challenges and develop solutions.
He highlights the need to think comprehensively about problems, considering all aspects and potential solutions.
He encourages listeners to embrace a spirit of experimentation and iteration, recognizing that progress often involves trial and error.
This message inspires listeners to become active problem-solvers, fostering a culture of innovation and critical thinking.

14. The Power of Inspiration:

Slat’s story serves as an inspiration to others, demonstrating that individuals can make a significant impact on global issues.
He encourages others to find their own passions and pursue solutions to the challenges they see in the world.
He highlights the potential for individuals to become catalysts for change, starting with small steps that can lead to larger impacts.
This message empowers listeners to believe in their own ability to make a difference and to contribute to a more sustainable future.

15. The Future of the Ocean:

The podcast offers hope for the future of the ocean, highlighting the potential for technological solutions and the growing awareness of plastic pollution.
Slat’s work inspires optimism that we can reverse the damage we’ve done and create a healthier ocean for future generations.
The conversation emphasizes the importance of collective action and the need for continued innovation and progress in addressing environmental challenges.
This message underscores the need for a shared vision for the future of the ocean and a commitment to protecting this vital resource.

5 Memorable Quotes:

“It’s sort of looking for something sort of something that real to to to work on a real problem.”
“I’ve always been very passionate about technology and just building things.”
“We can turn it into new products. So actually, the pair of sunglasses are finally being able to wear after a dreaded Northern European winter. They we already made that out of plastic that we took out of the Great Pacific garbage badger.”
“If you don’t do that, well, then I think it will be very hard to kind of get the scale you need to actually sort of solve solve the problem.”
“I think it’s really just about managing the material in a way that it doesn’t end up in the ocean.”