Did you know businesses can save more money by giving away unwanted items like desks, chairs and medical equipment for free instead of throwing them away?
In this episode of the Sustainability Matters Today podcast, I interview May Al-Karooni, CEO of Globechain, an award-winning reuse marketplace that connects businesses that want to throw items away with charities, people, and SMEs that want to use those items. 
Since starting its operations in 2013, Globechain has over 10,000 customers, they’ve diverted over 5.2 million kgs from landfill, and they have helped over 14,000 communities and 82,400 people globally. Some of their partners include Marks & Spencer, B&Q, Nando’s, Radisson Hotels and the NHS. 
May and I begin by discussing the ongoing demand for the Circular Model of Economy within the waste management industry.  She explains that the Circular Economy focuses on reducing or even eliminating all waste by reusing and recycling all materials. Companies can therefore increase their profits significantly by saving money on materials and supplies. 
We talk about businesses cutting their waste disposal costs by 50% simply by giving away 60% of what they were originally going to throw away.  That’s a win-win-win situation: a win for the business, a win for the charities and the causes they support, and a win for the environment!
May was chosen by the Morgan Philips Group as one of the 5 Most Influential Female Online Entrepreneurs of 2019 and Globechain was listed in Forbes as one of The Startups You Should Watch In 2019. And since the recording of this episode, Globechain was also chosen as the Barclay’s Regional Winner for the Social Entrepreneur of the Year Award.
This is a really exciting episode. If you know someone who is a recycling warrior and reuses items rather than throws away, share this episode with them! You can find us at sustainabilitymatters.today. If you’d like to learn more about May and Globechain, visit their website at Globechain.com
And while you’re at it, tag us on Instagram to let us know you’re listening to this episode -  @weareglobechain and @sustainabilitymatterstoday. We’d love to hear from you!
I also recommend checking out Globechain’s Twitter account - @Globechain - for fascinating facts and practical tips for living a sustainable lifestyle. 
Alright, let’s jump in!

Resources:
Globechain website: http://globechain.com
Globechain and the circular economy: https://www.ns-businesshub.com/transport/globechain-circular-economy
Circular Economy: https://www.ellenmacarthurfoundation.org/circular-economy/concept
ESG data: https://www.esg.adec-innovations.com/about-us/faqs/what-is-esg
Book by Malcom Gladwell, “Outliers” (2011): https://www.amazon.com/Outliers-Story-Success-Malcolm-Gladwell/dp/0316017930

You can read the transcript of this episode here: http://bit.ly/mayalkaroonitranscript
Watch the full episode: https://sustainabilitym.at/Youtube-May-Al-Karooni