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How do we design a future built from discarded materials? | Jason Utgaard | TEDxSaltLakeCity

3,136 views · Published 22 October 2014 · 14:07 · Indexed 6 October 2026

Channel: TEDx Talks · 2014 · Nonprofits & Activism

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This talk was given at a local TEDx event, produced independently of the TED Conferences. How about a world made from cigarette butts, dirty diapers, and worn out jeans and tires? It's far more pristine than you may think; you could maybe even call it cool. The hip, socially and environmentally conscious Jason Utgaard shares with us many not so common methods to actively support the recycled and upcycled materials market, conceptualizing ourselves no longer as "consumers" but rather "temporary users."

Discerning that lost-function does not mean no-function, Jason Utgaard is an ecopreneur focused on designing tomorrow’s world using only recycled materials. Jason holds degrees in Leadership & Management and Entrepreneurship from the University of St. Thomas and Schulze School of Entrepreneurship. Having grown up working for the family’s nationwide retail business, the exposure provided in-depth experience with supply chain management, product lifecycles, market strategy, merchandising, inventory control, price-point metrics – you name it. The various roles as well provided an all-encompassing perspective of our culture of consumption and the impacts of one-way supply chains. Now incredibly passionate about green tech, sustainability, renewables and incubator-phase concepts, Jason is Founder of The Spotted Door and actively involved with The Climate Reality Project and other environmental causes in the broader community.

About TEDx, x = independently organized event In the spirit of ideas worth spreading, TEDx is a program of local, self-organized events that bring people together to share a TED-like experience. At a TEDx event, TEDTalks video and live speakers combine to spark deep discussion and connection in a small group. These local, self-organized events are branded TEDx, where x = independently organized TED event. The TED Conference provides general guidance for the TEDx program, but individual TEDx events are self-organized.* (*Subject to certain rules and regulations)

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