Green.org sat down with Mark Samuels and Josh Askin, of Nimbus Eco, to learn about their passion for the environment and how they have been building a one stop shop for sustainable products. Nimbus Eco offers a variety of environmentally friendly products like straws, towels, plates, and more.
How It Started
Back in 2012, Nimbus Eco co-founder traveled to Bukit Lawang in Northern Sumatra to film a documentary (watch below) on deforestation and how it was effecting the endangered orangutan and wildlife populations who have seen their land decimated by palm oil and paper operations. After coming back from this trip and learning more about the devastating effects many consumer products have on the environment, Nimbus Eco co-founders decided it was time to take a different approach to paper and tissue by using sustainable bamboo instead of trees.
Josh and Mark, thank you for being here. Tell us a little bit about you and your background:
Josh’s background is in CPG sales and overseas manufacturing and Mark is a previous filmmaker and media creator
What is a fun fact about you?
We have been friends since the third grade, and started a Bamboo Bath Tissue company in 2012. We believe we are one of the few business partnerships that can claim to have founded a toilet paper company in our 20s.
Why do you think climate change and sustainability is such an important topic today?
The new generation of consumers values technology, and “doing it the way it has always been done” is now an idea that doesn’t pass the litmus test. New technologies allow companies to optimize products to be more sustainable, and consumers are supporting these brands dedicated to Eco-Innovation. Furthermore, a product’s life cycle and packaging are now at the forefront of both retailers and consumers to limit waste.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
All single-use products will be in plastic free -100% compostable packaging.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Reuse and be conscious! It is simple and, in some cases, more cost-effective to purchase products you can reuse than only use once.
