Since its invention in 1907, plastic has become one of the most widely used and cheapest materials in production. From food packaging to medical supplies, society has grown entirely dependent on the convenience of plastic. While its affordability and versatility make it appealing, plastic poses a significant problem due to its permanence.

“What I’m trying to do in this role is build a bridge between the people who want to be able to do something because their faith commitments have motivated them to care for our planet, but they need [a] vehicle to drive change,” Beilke said.