"La basura es un error de diseño" - TATI BESADA

The Journey from Industrial Design to Sustainability

Discovering Purpose in Design

• The speaker reflects on their educational journey, emphasizing that studying industrial design was driven by a deeper purpose.

• They express a shift in focus from designing furniture to redesigning systems, aiming to address systemic problems.

The Impact of Studying Abroad

• A pivotal moment occurred during a six-month exchange program in Barcelona, where the concept of sustainability became central to their work.

• The realization that "waste is a design error" sparked an obsession with waste management and sustainable practices.

Nature's Model vs. Human Waste

• The speaker highlights that nature does not produce waste; everything transforms into nutrients for other systems.

• This contrasts with human behavior, which generates waste, prompting the speaker's commitment to addressing this issue through design.

Transitioning from Furniture Design to Waste Reduction

Shifting Focus in Professional Work

• After returning home, the speaker transitioned from furniture design to working at a co-design company focused on transforming industrial waste into products.

• Their role evolved from addressing existing waste issues to preventing waste generation altogether.

Academic Pursuits and Leadership Roles

• The speaker pursued further education in sustainability and took on leadership roles, including directing a recycling center in New York.

Insights Gained from Working in New York

Understanding Corporate Sustainability Approaches

• While working with NGOs focused on corporate sustainability, the speaker noted companies often approached sustainability superficially rather than integrating it into core operations.

Volunteering Experience at Recycling Center

• Involvement as a volunteer at a Brooklyn recycling center deepened their understanding of community-driven recovery efforts and urban recyclers' challenges.

Community Dynamics within Urban Recycling

Unique Aspects of Brooklyn’s Recycling Cooperatives

• The recycling cooperative operated differently than expected; it focused on recovering bottles and cans due to economic incentives tied to deposit schemes.

Diverse Community Engagement

• The cooperative fostered community among diverse groups—immigrants and marginalized individuals—who relied on recycling for income or social engagement.

Role and Experience in Recycling Initiatives

Initial Involvement and Growth

• The speaker began as a volunteer, providing support to the board before becoming more involved.

• Eventually, they became the president of the board and later took on the role of executive director for two and a half years, leading a community of 500 people.

• This experience was significant for them as a recent graduate, allowing them to learn extensively about community issues and recycling systems.

Challenges Faced

• The speaker acted as an intermediary between various stakeholders like Coca-Cola and Pepsi to ensure effective recycling operations.

• They raised questions about plastics that were not being recycled, highlighting gaps in existing systems.

Focus on Prevention

• The speaker's interest in addressing plastic waste grew from their experiences, prompting thoughts on how to prevent waste rather than just manage it.

• They emphasized learning through collaboration with partners like Anplasifa to develop strategies focused on prevention rather than remediation.

Understanding Recycling Complexities

Economic and Logistical Challenges

• The discussion highlighted that focusing solely on waste management is costly; instead, reducing waste at its source is more effective.

• By shifting perspectives towards prevention, significant reductions in waste can be achieved without solely relying on recycling efforts.

Global Perspectives on Waste Management

• Argentina appears behind other countries regarding discussions around recycling and waste reduction compared to Europe or the U.S., where there’s greater awareness.

• Despite Argentina's position in global climate change contributions being less prominent than others, there remains a need for increased focus on sustainable practices.

Impact of Global Policies

Changes in International Recycling Practices

• The closure of China's doors to foreign recyclables has created challenges for countries that previously relied heavily on exporting their recyclable materials.

• This shift has led to economic complexities surrounding recycling logistics and highlights why many systems struggle with efficiency.

Recycling Challenges and Insights

Overview of Recycling in Latin America

• The speaker discusses the significant challenges associated with plastic recycling, emphasizing that many countries, particularly in Latin America, are still lagging behind in effective recycling practices.

• While some countries like Chile and Colombia have made regulatory advancements, Mexico is less progressive due to heavy influence from the United States.

• The speaker advocates for learning from the experiences of more advanced nations rather than replicating their entire journey, suggesting a need for innovative solutions.

Understanding Plastic and Its Impact

• Acknowledging the complexity of recycling, the speaker stresses the importance of prevention and reduction before managing waste effectively.

• Reference is made to a book by Backlaps Smill that outlines four fundamental materials essential to civilization: cement, steel, ammonia (fertilizer), and plastics.

• The author explains how plastics are versatile synthetic materials that can be molded into various forms but highlights a lack of public understanding about their nature.

Personal Journey Towards Recognizing Plastic Issues

• The speaker reflects on generational changes regarding plastic use and disposal methods compared to previous generations who had different packaging practices.

• They inquire about how others began recognizing plastic problems, noting that initial perceptions often focus solely on recycling without understanding broader systemic issues.

Complexity of Recycling Systems

• The discussion reveals a common misconception among people who believe they are contributing to recycling simply by sorting waste at home without grasping its complexities.

• The speaker emphasizes that while many people recycle at home, they may not realize the intricate processes involved beyond just placing items in designated bins.

Material Properties and Design Flaws

• It’s noted that 42% of plastics used are for packaging purposes—often single-use—which could be significantly reduced through better design choices.

• Highlighting the indestructibility of synthetic materials like plastics raises concerns about their disposability; these materials do not biodegrade back into nature as organic matter does.

• The conversation concludes with an acknowledgment that while eliminating all plastics is impractical, there must be a shift towards sustainable design principles.

Understanding Our Relationship with Plastic

The Complexity of Plastic Use

• The discussion highlights the dual nature of plastic, emphasizing its essential role in health-related applications while also critiquing its overuse in non-essential areas.

• A metaphor is drawn between humanity's relationship with plastic and a toxic romantic relationship, suggesting that moderation is key to managing this complex issue.

Advocating for Moderation

• The speaker advocates for a balanced approach to environmentalism, promoting moderation rather than extreme positions on either side of the debate.

• There is a critique of both alarmist environmental narratives and climate change denial, calling for a more nuanced understanding of ecological issues.

Realistic Environmental Goals

• The conversation stresses the importance of acknowledging current limitations in achieving ambitious environmental goals like energy transition by 2050.

• It emphasizes the necessity of mining as part of human needs while advocating for methods that minimize environmental impact.

Positive Environmentalism

• An "optimistic environmentalism" is proposed, which recognizes urgency without succumbing to panic or extremism; this approach encourages practical actions rather than drastic measures.

• The idea that gradual progress towards better practices can be more effective than immediate radical changes is reinforced.

Sustainability Beyond Environment

• Sustainability should encompass not just environmental but also social and economic dimensions; solutions must integrate these aspects to be effective.

• Collaboration across sectors is deemed crucial for developing comprehensive solutions that address various developmental needs without falling into extremes.

Capitalism and Environmental Challenges

• A reference to Elon Musk’s perspective suggests optimism about human ingenuity in facing challenges, despite current technological limitations.

• The discussion reflects on capitalism's successes alongside its negative externalities—inequality and environmental degradation—and questions how these can be managed effectively.

Addressing Externalities

• There's an exploration of whether capitalism can adapt to account for negative externalities like pollution through market mechanisms or regulations.

• Practical suggestions are made regarding addressing minor issues (like plastic straws), indicating a need for sensible approaches rather than blanket prohibitions.

Understanding Externalities and Sustainability

The Concept of Externalities

• The speaker discusses the connection between externalities and sustainability, emphasizing that businesses should internalize these external costs.

• A critical perspective is shared on the affordability of plastics, questioning "cheap for whom?" and highlighting the negative impacts on health and the environment.

Slow Progress in Addressing Environmental Issues

• The speaker expresses frustration over the slow pace of change regarding environmental issues, noting a gradual increase in awareness among various stakeholders.

• Observations from attending COP climate conventions reveal a growing involvement of financial sectors and companies committing to reducing plastic emissions.

Challenges in Transitioning Business Models

• There is an acknowledgment that existing efficient business models prioritize profit over integrating externalities into decision-making processes.

• Few companies genuinely strive to understand their impact on the environment; Patagonia is cited as a positive example of balancing profit with social responsibility.

Examples of Positive Business Practices

• Patagonia exemplifies a successful model where profitability coexists with corporate culture focused on social and environmental impact.

• The rise of B Corporations demonstrates that it is possible to generate profits while adhering to sustainable practices.

Activism and Collaboration

• While acknowledging the role of environmental activism in raising awareness, there’s concern about its potential to create division rather than collaboration.

• The speaker advocates for a balanced approach that encourages cooperation among organizations, governments, and businesses towards sustainability goals.

Case Study: Reducing Plastic Use

Initial Project Insights

• A project with a food chain selling healthy products highlights how they initially relied heavily on plastic packaging despite consumer preferences for reusable options.

Diagnosis and Action Plan

• Starting with a diagnostic phase allowed identification of key areas where action could significantly reduce plastic waste by focusing efforts effectively.

Exploring Sustainable Solutions in Gastronomy

The Challenge of Implementing Biodegradable Alternatives

• The speaker discusses the complexity of transitioning to biodegradable materials, emphasizing that while alternatives exist, they often come with higher costs and logistical challenges.

• They argue that "magical solutions" do not exist; instead, a careful analysis of operations and material choices is necessary to effectively reduce environmental impact.

Campaigns for Reducing Plastic Waste

• The speaker highlights their collaboration with 50 gastronomic businesses in Argentina, focusing on a campaign called "Destino Cero," aimed at reducing waste.

• They translate potential reductions into tangible metrics, such as the amount of plastic waste compared to marine life, illustrating the urgency of addressing plastic pollution.

Interconnectedness of Environmental Issues

• A discussion on how plastics end up in oceans and their broader ecological impacts is presented. This includes microplastics affecting air quality and ocean temperature regulation.

• The speaker emphasizes that climate change and plastic pollution are interconnected issues, arguing against viewing them in isolation.

Regulatory Challenges Surrounding Plastic Use

• There is a debate about whether to prioritize regulations on single-use plastics or focus solely on climate change. The speaker advocates for understanding the complexities involved rather than taking a siloed approach.

• Current legislative efforts in Argentina regarding single-use plastics are discussed, including public responses that often resist regulatory changes due to employment concerns.

Collaborative Efforts Towards Effective Regulation

• The speaker recounts past collaborative projects involving various stakeholders (industry representatives, NGOs), which aimed at creating comprehensive proposals for regulating plastics.

• They stress the importance of data collection to inform regulations that could affect employment and industry practices without causing job losses during transitions.

Supporting Transition Strategies

• Emphasizing the need for supportive measures during regulatory changes, the speaker draws parallels with tobacco regulation—highlighting how industries can adapt over time.

• They advocate for stimulating alternative material markets since current low prices for plastics hinder development efforts towards sustainable options.

Exploring Ambitious Environmental Goals

Setting Realistic and Impactful Objectives

• The speaker emphasizes the importance of setting ambitious goals for environmental projects, particularly in urban settings like Buenos Aires. They advocate for extending timelines to ensure that objectives lead to real impact.

Transitioning Towards Sustainable Practices

• A discussion on how to facilitate a meaningful transition away from unnecessary products towards sustainable alternatives is introduced. The focus is on making these changes practical and impactful.

Role at National Geographic

• The speaker describes their role as an explorer with National Geographic, highlighting their mission to preserve nature and educate others about environmental issues.

• Their work involves developing educational programs aligned with National Geographic's mission, focusing on empowering youth through hands-on learning experiences.

Educational Initiatives and Global Reach

• The speaker shares details about a project initiated with nine schools aimed at reducing plastic use. This program equips students aged 15-16 with tools for action rather than just raising awareness.

• The initiative has expanded to ten countries, demonstrating its potential as a national policy model that could be implemented in schools worldwide.

Collaborations and Community Engagement

• Partnerships are formed with various organizations, including government bodies like Ecuador's Ministry of Education, which helps disseminate the program across schools.

• Students engage collaboratively across borders, enhancing their learning experience by interacting with peers from different countries.

The Value of Being Part of a Global Network

Benefits of National Geographic Membership

• Being part of National Geographic provides access to a global community that offers support, resources, and opportunities for collaboration in environmental education initiatives.

Diverse Perspectives within the Community

• The speaker highlights the diversity within the network, mentioning interactions with professionals from various fields such as paleontology and marine biology. This exchange fosters unique insights into different aspects of environmental science.

Addressing Greenwashing Concerns

Understanding Corporate Responsibility Trends

• A conversation about corporate responsibility trends reveals skepticism regarding companies claiming triple impact without substantial actions backing those claims.

Pragmatic Approach to Environmental Advocacy

• The speaker expresses concern over greenwashing but maintains an idealistic yet pragmatic view on convincing key individuals who can influence systemic change rather than trying to persuade everyone.

Empowering Youth for Change

• Emphasis is placed on empowering young people who can enact change within their communities by forming local partnerships and advocating for sustainable practices in schools.

Change Agents and Environmental Dialogue

The Role of Change Agents

• Change agents are crucial for shifting perspectives within a community. It is not necessary to convince everyone, but rather those willing to change the system, as this can alter the reality for others without their awareness.

Challenges with Greenwashing

• The speaker expresses skepticism about the effectiveness of combating greenwashing by companies, suggesting that even if actions are taken for the wrong reasons, they still contribute positively in some way.

Argentina's Resource Potential

• Argentina has significant potential in fossil fuel and mining industries, particularly oil and gas, which comes with controversy regarding environmental impacts in regions like Mar del Plata and Mendoza. Discussions around these topics often lead to conflict.

Need for Balanced Development Agenda

• There is a call for creating an agenda that balances natural resource exploitation with environmental considerations. The speaker emphasizes the importance of dialogue and serious discussions to reach consensual outcomes rather than confrontational approaches.

Importance of Dialogue

• A lack of dialogue hinders progress on development opportunities; both sides must engage seriously to avoid extreme positions that do not yield beneficial results. Effective communication is essential for planning sustainable development strategies.

Engaging Experts in Conversations

• The speaker highlights the value of involving knowledgeable individuals from various fields (e.g., geology, agronomy) who can provide scientific insights into environmental impacts while avoiding dogmatic stances on either side of the debate. This collaboration could lead to better-informed decisions regarding resource management.

Finding Common Ground

• There is a recognition that society often operates in a middle ground where practical solutions can be found without reverting entirely to past practices or extreme environmentalism. A balanced approach should consider historical context while addressing modern needs effectively.

Optimism and Change: A Personal Perspective

The Role of Optimism in Driving Change

• The speaker identifies as an optimist, believing that their work contributes positively to societal change. They emphasize the importance of being part of the solution rather than ignoring issues.

Growing Awareness and Action on Environmental Issues

• Over the past five years, there has been a noticeable increase in awareness regarding environmental issues, with many companies now addressing these topics publicly.

Global Initiatives and Treaties

• The United Nations is actively working towards a global treaty on plastics within two years, indicating significant international engagement despite existing pressures and opposing interests.

Comparison Between Climate Change and Plastic Issues

• The speaker notes that while climate change discussions have been ongoing for decades (e.g., COP meetings), plastic pollution seems more manageable due to its tangible nature and public visibility.

Collective Efforts Towards Change

• There is a growing consciousness about environmental issues today compared to 30 years ago. The speaker references Atahualpa Yupaniqui's song "El Payador Perseguido," highlighting the idea that individual efforts contribute to larger collective movements for change.

Belief in Human Agency

• The speaker expresses faith in human agency, asserting that individuals can influence outcomes even if their actions seem small. They hope this conversation inspires others to engage with similar projects.