Meet Jim Mullen: Surfer Turned Environmental Cleanup Innovator | Wave Makers

Welcome to the first episode of Wave Makers! Tamara here, and I’m kicking off with a conversation with Jim Mullen of Earthwise Sorbents. Former professional surfer and musician turned environmental cleanup warrior, the CEO of Arctic Foam talks about the challenges of dropping in on a billion-dollar industry. Sorbents are used to clean up oil and chemical spills in a wide range of industries. You see them all the time even if you don’t realize it (Think: paper towels). Most of the effective available sorbents are made from virgin polyurethane and polypropylene materials. Many alternative products do not perform up to necessary industry standards and ultimately cost more in disposal fees. Earthwise Sorbents out of San Diego, California, has developed an array of highly effective sorbent products made from RECYCLED and REPURPOSED foam and fabric materials. Jim tells me how excited he is that Earthwise products have been tested compared to standard products and demonstrate equivalent or better absorbency! We dive into the happy accident, the motivation that led him to start this company, and the teamwork driving it forward. We also discuss some of the chop startups face as far as funding and credibility as they strive to make impactful change. Thanks for tuning in to Wave Makers on ASPN and I hope you enjoy Episode 1!