Two brothers decided to start their own local business called Jetsam. They use recycled plastic to make coastal goods, including kitchenware. They love the Great South Bay and want to do their part to help the environment from pollution.
For Albert Poulos, it's not just a brand or a product but an idea. “My brother and I noticed what was happening with the great South Bay with the increase of brown tide and other pollution factors,” said Albert.
Albert makes cutting boards, oyster knives, and clam knives from recycled plastic. The topographical lines of our local water are found on these products. Every purchase contributes to cleaning our waterways. Albert knows his dad would support this mission. “He was always obsessed with doing the right thing.”
Albert's father, John Poulos, died in 2020 from a 9/11-related cancer. Before he became an FDNY Firefighter, John was a bayman. Albert was inspired by his father's love for the Great South Bay, and there's a little piece of home on each Jetsam item. Albert remembers his first order. “When someone placed an order for a hat, just being able to pack it up meant so much to me. Wow, I made something, and someone wants it.”
“We have orders from New York to California. We are a small start-up, but we are growing quickly, and I am proud of that," said Albert. Albert knows his dad would be proud, too.