In the United States, a mere 5% of plastic is recycled, with projections from the Ellen MacArthur Foundation suggesting that, by 2050, the oceans could contain more plastic than fish. Against this backdrop, the environmental toll of single-use plastic is increasingly recognized. In response to this challenge, Anastasia Kiku, Co-Founder of Reusables.com and BC Business’ Youth Entrepreneur of the Year for 203, has spearheaded the development of a container tracking platform designed to facilitate the shift from single-use to reusable packaging for businesses. This innovation not only mitigates environmental impact but also enhances customer loyalty and drives sales.
After relocating from Russia to Vancouver, Canada, to pursue her bachelor's degree, Anastasia delved into the environmental consequences of various industries. Her journey led her to focus on the food industry, founding Lighter Foodprint—a non-profit organization dedicated to shedding light on the emissions linked to food. Her academic endeavors extended to Denmark and Indonesia, laying the groundwork for her venture into entrepreneurship with Reusables.com. Through her company, Anastasia is dedicated to reducing waste in the food sector, aligning with her broader environmental mission.
This episode also unveils Anastasia's unique background as a professional alpine ski racer, revealing how the sport instilled in her the discipline and motivation necessary for collaborative leadership and teamwork. Join us as we explore Anastasia Kiku's multifaceted journey from athlete to environmental entrepreneur, and her commitment to pioneering sustainable solutions in the food industry.
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