Going beyond Plastic-Free July

Did you know that 80 percent of ocean litter, from surface to deep sea, is plastic? Our pervasive throwaway culture unleashes a torrent of plastic waste that wreaks havoc on marine life, ecosystems, and ultimately, our planet.

But there's hope for us, and there’s hope for our ocean! As we embrace Plastic-Free July, let's not confine our efforts to just one month of action. It’s time we make lasting changes in the way we purchase, consume, and dispose of plastic. Our persistent collective actions can pave a path toward a perpetual Plastic-Free Ocean!

Download and read our whitepaper – Becoming a Changemaker – and discover the impacts of the plastic waste crisis, the role we play, and the interventions we all can take. If you own a business, the paper provides insights on why doing good makes sense for your brand and how you can make your business plastic neutral.

Our choices matter. Let’s choose to create a future with a plastic-free ocean.

Data as of July 9, 2023

Philippines

In partnership with Coca-Cola Philippines, our team in the Philippines kicked off a series of business conferences in the country, which aims to equip our collection branches with skills and knowledge in improving their recycling business. The first event in Calamba, Laguna, was attended by 33 collection branches, and the next conference is slated to happen this July.

Indonesia

We welcomed our Impact Partner Herbalife to our collection community in Tangerang, Indonesia to experience our impact in action! During the visit, a group of 25 people from Herbalife met our collection members and participated in collecting plastic from the surrounding environment.

We also made new partnerships with two prominent Muslim organizations in Indonesia, namely LPBI Nahdlatul Ulama Sidoarjo and LPBI Nahdlatul Ulama Mojokerto. The collaboration will engage and educate communities about the issue of ocean plastic pollution and provide plastic collection facilities in mosques and Muslim-based schools, enabling them to take concrete actions in stopping ocean plastic.

Brazil

In June, Plastic Bankers in Brazil welcomed the Alcon team for an ecosystem visit in the O​​ Sucatão of Itaguaí collection community in Rio de Janeiro. This year, Alcon aims to support the collection and recycling of 1 million kilograms of plastic waste.

Moreover, we collaborated with our partner WeDo in June to conduct a beach cleanup in Ipanema Beach, Rio de Janeiro. The event gathered brand influencers and the local community who all learned about the importance of proper waste disposal and how they can contribute to a plastic-free ocean.

Egypt

In Egypt, we expanded our after-school education program for the children of collection members to a community called Tourah. Professionals from a non-governmental organization that specializes in children’s education are providing childcare services to 250 kids in the community while their parents continue collection activities.