An ambassador of Social Recycling by purpose, David is the Founder and Chief Executive Officer of Plastic Bank - an internationally recognized solution to ocean plastic. His idea has enlivened an opportunity for the world to collect and exchange plastic as a currency. Today, his social enterprise is a global network of over 550 collection communities with more than 40,000 members transcending poverty by saving the ocean from plastic. David’s leadership has helped guide global partners like SC Johnson, Henkel, and more to stop billions of plastic bottles before they reach the ocean.
David has been named one of the world’s most compassionate entrepreneurs. He is the recipient of the United Nations Lighthouse Award for Planetary Health, recipient of the Paris Climate Conference Sustainia Community Award, recipient of the Ernst & Young Lifetime Achievement Award, recipient of The Globe and Mail: Report on Business Magazine’s Changemakers Award, and named the Entrepreneur Organizations, Global Citizen.
His humanitarian work has earned him international recognition. David has been featured in hundreds of international news and investigative articles, including BBC, CNN, Time Magazine, Forbes, Fast Company, Business Week, and National Geographic. David can be found at TED.com, is featured in award-winning documentaries and starred in an international reality television show.
David is a steward of the earth and a champion for the poor.
David engages audiences with his charismatic and thought-provoking speaking style, leaving a lasting impact on individuals from various backgrounds, including business leaders, sustainability advocates, entrepreneurs, and students. His talks inspire individuals to think creatively, challenge conventional norms, and take action toward building a more regenerative, equitable future.
With his unique blend of expertise in environmental conservation, poverty alleviation, and entrepreneurship, David empowers audiences to rethink traditional approaches and embrace innovative solutions for a better world. Through his remarkable journey with Plastic Bank, he sparks hope, ignites a sense of purpose, and encourages each person to contribute to the collective effort of transforming our planet and society.