Plastic is an incredible substance for the economy -- and the worst substance possible for the environment, says entrepreneur Andrew Forrest. In a conversation meant to spark debate, Forrest and head of TED Chris Anderson discuss an ambitious plan to get the world's biggest companies to fund an environmental revolution -- and transition industry towards getting all of its plastic from recycled materials, not from fossil fuels.

Andrew Forrest: A radical plan to end plastic waste

A radical plan to end plastic waste

Shifting from fossil fuel to recycled plastic can ignite an economic boom, unlocking a half-trillion-dollar opportunity worldwide.

A radical plan suggests a minuscule price hike in virgin plastic could make recycled plastic valuable, cleaning oceans and creating jobs.

By redirecting plastic's economic value, impoverished areas could transform waste into wealth, combating pollution and poverty alike.