Going Green is a big advocate for sustainable businesses and reducing single use plastics. We had the opportunity to talk with Ali Orabi, co-founder of PathWater. Ali, thank you for being here. First and foremost, tell us a little bit about yourself.
I was born in Jordan and I moved to the US in 2005. I have a background in sales from my time as a car salesman in Fremont CA, and my passion for building businesses started with alarm systems. I have worked with alarm systems my whole life, I take pride in my meticulous work, and instilling peace of mind. Providing safety to people was my mission and still is. Working as a technician led to building my own company which I still run today.
PATHWATER co-founded by myself, my brother Amer Orabi and Shadi Bakour, began as an idea we had while sitting in my truck on Christmas eve. We were brainstorming what we could do to save the environment and build a thriving business at the same time.
What is a fun fact about you?
I’m into weird food combinations, like peanuts with ketchup…it’s a good one.
What was your motivation to get into this industry?
I was so discouraged by what I saw happening around me. The amount of plastic alone that was filling the oceans and streets with seemingly no solution in sight was at the core heart breaking. I have a daughter, and I knew that I had to take action and do everything I could to prevent her from growing up in a polluted world.
Why do you think climate change/sustainability is such an important topic today?
It is important because we are in a crisis. Climate change and pollution are killing ecosystems and animals at a frightening rate, and degrading our health and way of life at the same time. We only have one earth and we need to protect it, it won’t work out on its own.
What do you envision your industry looking like 10 years from now?
I envision the beverage industry being plastic free. In 10 years it is our mission to ban the sale of single use plastic everywhere.
What can the average person do to make a difference?
Refill not land fill, start with a reusable water bottle and challenge yourself to reuse it as many times as you can. Take reusable bags with you to the grocery store, cut out plastic straws or use a paper alternative. There are lots of simple ways to be sustainable and I think the average person will be surprised how much their participation makes a difference.
What positive changes are you seeing?
There are way more conversations about sustainability then there were even four years ago when we started. The level of consciousness is growing and we are seeing an amazing amount of passion from consumers especially teenagers and young adults which is incredible!
Ali, thank you for taking the time to meet with us. For more information about PathWater, be sure to follow them on social media and reach out to them via their website:
@pathwater & http://www.drinkpath.com
Dylan Welch is the CEO and Host of Going Green, a podcast, website, and social media brand that highlights renewable energy, cleantech, and sustainable news.