In the fight against ocean plastic pollution, one organisation is turning the tide—quite literally. Behaviour Change, founded by Sam Gill during his research at the University of Exeter, transforms discarded ocean waste into functional, beautiful products. From repurposing ghost fishing nets into bracelets to developing innovative techniques to recycle diverse types of plastics, the journey has been as challenging as it is inspiring.
In this interview with their dedicated team, we delve into the story behind Behaviour Change, exploring the hurdles of recycling ocean plastics, the community’s response to their mission, and the achievements that have shaped their journey.
What inspired the founding of Behaviour Change, can you give us a little background of the journey so far?
While conducting research for the University of Exeter Sam began finding no-one could actually recycle the vast majority of types of plastic found in the ocean - identifying this problem with the recycling process Sam set out to recycle his own plastic, first cleaning and repurposing the ghost nets found into bracelets and then onto using all the types of plastics found on beach cleans and shredding, melting and moulding them into new products such as the ocean plastic beads and coasters.
Your products are crafted entirely from ocean waste. Can you share the challenges and innovations behind transforming trash into functional, beautiful items?
It has been a long journey to figure out exactly how to recycle all of the different plastics found on beach cleans as you can be finding a whole variety of different types which all need to be categorised correctly (as some like PVC can actually be deadly!) Essentially dependent on what we find determines on what we can make. The extensive cleaning process everything has to go through is also a challenge as everything is tested for mercury, lead or any other nasties that could be in the net/plastic that we find.
What achievements or milestones in your work make you the proudest, and why?
Being one of the first people (that we know of) to recycle dolly ropes is a massive achievement for us, dolly ropes are used in bottom trawling, which means they're extremely destructive, stirring up entire ecosystems on the seabed. They also often get caught on rocky sea beds which means they become lost easily and go onto to trap even more wildlife as they live their second life haunting the ocean. It's also lovely to be recognised by other organisations about the work that we do, from simple things like being featured in the Guardian to winning eco champion in the Made in Cornwall awards.
You've found that over 70% of the plastic in the ocean in Cornwall is lost or discarded fishing nets and gear. What kind of feedback or support have you received from the local community in your efforts to clean and repurpose this material?
Our Cornish and local community has responded so positively to our mission - wanting to support us financially through purchasing our products. We've been really happy to see everyone recognises the problem - but most feel overwhelmed by the scale and don't know how to help as they cant dramatically overhaul their lives - so us being there has helped those who wants to help have a way to create change.
Which Behaviour Change products are your personal favourites?
Super hard question! We do love our ghost fishing net bracelets as even years down the line we are still finding new colour combinations from the nets we find - we find it very exciting when out on a beach clean when we find new ones to us, it's a bit like a treasure hunt!
What practical steps or advice would you offer to individuals who want to actively contribute to reducing ocean plastic pollution and make a tangible difference in their communities?
The best first step is too find out what is going on in your local community - there is amazing groups out there, simply give it a google or find your nearest group on facebook! Getting involved can help you find out what change already is underway and how you can best help make it happen.
Find out more
Through creativity and commitment, Behaviour Change has shown that solutions to ocean plastic pollution are possible. Their work not only cleans our seas but also inspires others to take action. Support Behaviour Change and browse their range of recycled ocean plastic products below.
Come and join us!
Join us every Saturday at 10am at the Fittie end of Aberdeen beach for invigorating dips in the sea. The refreshing waters will not only revitalize your body but also uplift your spirits, offering a perfect blend of mental clarity and physical well-being.
For updates on volunteering at beach cleans, joining adventure days, and other upcoming events please see our social media pages.
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