If you're into finding that sweet spot between work and life while being eco-conscious, you've got to check out this Balance the Grind podcast episode where Steve chats with Matt Kendall from Phantm. They kick things off in style, both rocking their unique backgrounds – Steve with his signature colourful setup and Matt bringing some serious vibes with stained glass and books.

Matt's up in Mullumbimby, trying to beat the heat with a fan in the background, while Steve's feeling the Sydney stickiness. Matt dives into his journey from the ad world to environmental activism and his role at Phantm, aiming to solve the plastic crisis with smarter, sustainable solutions. He drops a bombshell that's hard to forget: every piece of plastic ever made still exists today, breaking down into microplastics rather than truly degrading.

Phantm's mission? To replace traditional plastics with materials that nature can handle, starting with innovative, bio-assimilable materials made from stuff like whey or used cooking oil. They've shifted gears from manufacturing these materials to creating a tech platform that bridges the gap between material innovators and eco-forward brands looking to lessen their environmental impact.

Matt shares simple yet impactful ways businesses can reduce plastic use, like thinning down packaging. He also encourages us to be mindful consumers, questioning our need for products and choosing alternatives with less environmental impact where possible.

If this conversation got you thinking or you're just into discovering more about balancing life, work, and sustainability, don't miss out on more episodes. Head over to YouTube to subscribe to the Balance the Grind channel, and make sure to catch us on your favourite podcast platforms.