Dustan woodhouse
Photo by Dustan Woodhouse on Unsplash

Plastic pollution has become a global crisis, with developing nations significantly bearing the brunt of its effects. Over 8 million metric tons of plastic1 enters the oceans each year. A large percentage comes from areas that lack proper waste management infrastructure. These staggering numbers highlight the urgent need to tackle plastic waste on a global scale. 

But why should you, living in a different part of the world, consider funding solutions in these regions? The answer lies in our interconnectedness on the planet and our shared responsibility to address environmental challenges together.

The global impact of plastic pollution

Based on studies, there are 75 to 199 million tons of plastic present in our oceans2. Plastic pollution is not confined by borders; it knows no limits. Oceans are vast ecosystems that link all countries. This means that pollution in one area can directly affect ecosystems thousands of miles away. Here’s how:

  • Air and water pollution: Improper plastic disposal in developing countries releases toxins into the air and water, contributing to pollution that harms marine life and human communities worldwide in the long term.
  • Soil degradation: Plastic in soil breaks down into microplastics, it alters not only the structure of the soil but also its ability to retain and drain water and oxygen, negatively affecting plant growth. Furthermore, harmful additives released from plastic contaminate and disrupt microbial activity essential for nutrient cycling.3
  • Depletion of natural resources: The production of plastic depletes finite resources like fossil fuels and worsens environmental harm.4
  • Ocean becomes more acidic: As sunlight and wave action breaks down plastic in the ocean, it causes greenhouse gas emissions. Absorption of excess carbon dioxide by the ocean lowers pH levels, threatening marine life and ecosystems.5 Coral reefs, vital for fish populations and coastal protection, are particularly at risk. This affects everyone, but especially communities that rely on fishing for food and income, such as those in developing nations.

Why focus on developing nations?

Developing nations often struggle with inadequate waste management systems, making them the hotspots for plastic leakage. Supporting plastic collection in these areas offers several benefits:

1. Maximizing impact per dollar

Plastic collection costs are significantly lower in countries with underdeveloped waste management systems. By funding efforts in these regions, your contributions go further, removing more plastics from the environment at a lower cost. 

2. Tackling the root causes

Developing nations account for the majority of ocean plastic pollution because of insufficient waste management systems. Funding solutions in these areas tackle the issue at its source, preventing waste from entering the global ecosystem.

3. Empowering local communities

Partnering closely with underserved communities creates income opportunities  and improves lives. For instance, Plastic Bank turns plastic waste into a valuable resource, providing income to local collection members while protecting the environment.

Environmental challenges are deeply interconnected. Addressing plastic pollution in one part of the world has ripple effects that benefit others:

  • Restoring marine ecosystems: Cleaning up plastic in one area helps restore natural ecosystems and fisheries, benefitting global food supplies.
  • Improving air and water quality: Reducing air and water pollution in developing nations limits the spread of harmful toxins across borders, promoting global health.
  • Fighting climate change: Removing plastic waste and improving recycling systems cuts greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to climate change mitigation efforts worldwide.

Supporting environmental sustainability in developing countries ensures that no region is left behind in the fight against pollution and climate crisis. These regions are often home to vital ecosystems essential for global stability, yet they bear the brunt of environmental degradation, despite contributing the least to its causes.

What makes funding plastic collection worthwhile?

Many hesitate to fund environmental initiatives in other parts of the world because they worry about transparency or the effectiveness of their contributions. Here are three compelling reasons why funding these efforts is not only worthwhile but essential:

1. Clear accountability

Leading environmental organizations now leverage blockchain technology and transparent reporting systems, allowing you to track exactly how your funds are used and measure the tangible impact of your support.

2. Shared global responsibility

Pollution and climate change are global challenges, and it’s only fair that wealthier nations play an active role in addressing them. Funding plastic collection in vulnerable areas is a tangible way to contribute to the global solution.

3. Promoting sustainable development

Your support fuels sustainable practices by fostering a circular economy where waste becomes a valuable resource. This reduces reliance on depleting natural resources while building long-term resilience in communities that need it most.

Plastic Bank member in the Philippines bringing gathered bottles to a branch
Plastic Bank member in the Philippines bringing gathered bottles to a branch

How you can make a difference

Caring for the planet doesn’t stop at your local community. Small actions can create significant change when channeled through the right partner organizations. Here are some steps you can take:

  1. Research reliable organizations: Look for groups that focus on transparency and long-term impact.
  2. Contribute to crowdfunding campaigns: Many initiatives allow you to fund specific projects, such as community-based plastic collection, or building waste management systems in areas of high poverty and pollution.
  3. Spread awareness: Share with friends, family, and your network how every step toward preventing pollution counts.

Environmental issues are deeply interconnected, and their consequences transcend borders. When you support plastic collection efforts in developing countries, you’re not just cleaning up their backyard—you’re protecting our shared home. By tackling the root causes of plastic pollution, promoting sustainable practices, and empowering vulnerable communities, your contributions can break the cycle of poverty and environmental degradation. Together, we can build a healthier, more equitable planet for all. Learn more about our impact membership today!


  1. Marta Fava, “Ocean plastic pollution an overview: data and statistics,” Ocean Literacy Portal, May 9, 2022https://oceanliteracy.unesco.org/plastic-pollution-ocean/ 
  2. “Our Planet is Choking on Plastic,” United Nations Environment Programme, https://www.unep.org/interactives/beat-plastic-pollution/
  3. Matthias C Rillig et.al, “Microplastic transport in soil by earthworms,” National LIbrary of Medicine, May 2, 2017, https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/28465618/ 
  4. “Fossil Fuels & Plastic,” Center for International Environmental Law, https://www.ciel.org/issue/fossil-fuels-plastic/ 
  5. Elizabeth Claire Alberts, “One more thing about plastics: They could be acidifying the ocean, study says,” Mongabay, October 4, 2022, https://news.mongabay.com/2022/10/one-more-thing-about-plastics-they-could-be-acidifying-the-ocean-study-says 

More Plastic Pollution and Recycling articles