Meet Malte Niebelschuetz: Playing with Plastic to keep it out of the Ocean | Wave Makers
July 20, 2022
Ocean plastic → Toys Connecting Children to the Ccean = Win!
On this month’s episode of Wave Makers, host, Tamara Kahn, dips into the fun topic of toys! This one is a meaningful conversation with a down-to-earth change maker Malte Niebelschuetz. When Malte quit his corporate job in Germany and moved to San Diego, he was shocked to see how big an issue there is with plastic on the beaches. And yet, he noted, plenty of plastic continues to be used everywhere. Inspired by others working to reduce plastics in the ocean, Malte set out to repurpose this waste in a fun and educational way. Shore Buddies works “to bring Sustainability into Play, to keep Plastics out of the Oceans.” Listen to hear how Malte got started and how toys and education can help save marine life and support others with similar missions.
You can help too, by supporting the Shore Buddies WeFunder campaign, or even by purchasing a stuffed animal! $1 from every product purchase helps save Marine Life.
Before diving into promoting the incredible innovations of the ocean and water industry, Tamara spent a decade ocean bound for weeks at a time, working with state-of-the-art geophysical sensors in some of the most challenging environments, the salty depths of the world’s oceans. She enjoyed managing projects with advanced technology and collaborating with a diverse workforce and clientele, but her international travels made her witness to some of the worst challenges facing humanity, from ocean pollution to water scarcity. She resolved to pivot her career into sustainability and ecological resilience. Since earning a Masters of Advanced Studies in Climate Science and Policy from the Scripps Institution of Oceanography, Tamara develops and facilitates programs that enable STEM students, researchers, policymakers, government officials and tech companies to form mutually beneficial partnerships, innovating and collaborating internationally towards sustainable solutions. She also holds a Bachelor of Science in Geological Sciences from the University of Texas at Austin and contributes technical knowledge along with expertise in strategic collaboration and a zest for innovative thinking. Tamara is most happy near a body of water, relishes any chance to SCUBA and loves learning new languages and cultures.
