In keeping with our profile on Joshua Katcher on Wednesday, we aren’t hopping off the eco train just yet! For today’s column we are featuring The People’s MOVMT, a sweet looking shoe and accessory line that is made with natural, organic and upcycled materials from plastic bags found in Bali and California.
Five percent of their sales goes to their non-profit partner, 5 Gyres which is dedicated to reducing the global impact of plastics in our environment though education, clean up and exhibits around the nation. The People’s Movement has cleaned up over 175,000 plastic bags and their products have inspired many retailers to join the cause and start a MOVMT.
It all started when one of the co-founders, Kevin (they don’t do last names- like Bono), took a trip to the idyllic islands of Bali. He was dazzled by the sea, the people and the lifestyle but once he peeked behind the scenes and left the resorts he saw the pollution, garbage and waste from plastic bottles and bags. Because of this, he and his brother created The People’s MOVMT and they are taking trash from the beaches and repurposing it to use in their shoes, packaging and accessories.
Keeping in their ‘Movement’ theme, the brand hosts The People’s Sessions which are live music series of up-and-coming artists who partner with MOVMT’s Activists for a night of music and education. They also created The Movement Surf Club where fans can charter their own club to help organize beach and river clean ups around the world. They will also send you some free product to help get the club going.
If you have 10 extra minutes, check out this 10 minute mini doc, PLASTIC SEAS also featuring one of the other founders, Mark, that will explain scientifically why Single Use Plastic is one of the greatest threats facing the environment today.
So join the cause and let us know how you help the MOVMT!
