Identifying brands making authentic impact

In a world filled with eco-claims and green buzzwords, how do you know if a brand is genuinely making a difference? The answer lies in your hands – quite literally! As a consumer, you hold the power to shape the future. But with great power comes great responsibility – to choose wisely.

So, how can you determine the authenticity of a brand's environmental commitment? Here are some ways that can help you navigate through the noise:

Seek transparency

Genuine changemakers don't just talk the talk; they walk the walk. They're transparent about their practices and eagerly share their sustainability efforts. Look into their reports, scrutinize their commitments, and don't hesitate to probe deeper. Authenticity shines through transparency.

Dive into traceability

In the digital age, blockchain technology redefines transparency. It allows you to trace a product's journey from its origins to your hands, ensuring each step contributes positively to our planet. Brands opting for blockchain-enabled traceability assure an unprecedented level of ethical and sustainable sourcing.

Look for certifications

Credible third-party certifications, such as Ecovadis ratings and the Global Recycled Standard, act as beacons of a brand's genuine commitment to sustainability. These badges of honour are awarded after thorough assessments, spotlighting companies that excel in environmental stewardship and social responsibility.

Remember, every purchase is more than just a transaction – it's a statement of your values and a vote for the world you want to live in. Choose wisely!

March 18 marks Global Recycling Day, emphasizing the critical need for gathering discarded materials from the environment, revealing value in them to be a source of income, setting them up for recycling, and reintroducing them into the global manufacturing supply chain to further the circular economy and secure a regenerative future.

Whether you are improving your waste disposal habits at home, buying products that use recycled materials, funding the gathering of discarded materials, or supporting policies that promote circular economies, every action makes a difference.

On this day, we invite you to reflect on how you can work towards a wasteless world by supporting communities on the frontlines of plastic pollution and poverty.

Let’s make more conscious choices that contribute to the regeneration of our planet and the wellbeing of its people.

Data as of March 5, 2024

Love can end suffering if we stand together with those who need it the most. Meet Nyoman, a generous grandfather dedicated to supporting his orphaned grandchildren.

Watch his story and how you’ve helped him and his family experience relief and restoration.

Philippines

Along with our Community Partnership team, WWF Philippines visited Araullo High School to witness Plastic Bank’s school partnership program in action and how it impacts the community. Led by WWF Project Manager Mr. Luis Caraan and his dedicated team, we were warmly welcomed by Principal Mayet Dela Cruz and school coordinator Ms. Rosanna Nilo. We discussed potential collaboration to strengthen household engagement by participating in the Plastic Smart Cities Project in Manila City.

Indonesia

Since July 2023, our Operations Team in Indonesia has been conducting Basic Digital Literacy Training sessions for our local collection community members. These sessions have reached nearly 1,000 individuals from marginalized backgrounds with limited digital literacy skills. Our mission is to equip them with the foundational skills necessary to navigate today's technology-driven world safely and confidently. The training includes proper smartphone and apps usage, teaching them about digital privacy and responsible internet usage. To measure the impact of our training, we conducted post-tests, which have shown a notable improvement in our members' digital understanding and proficiency.

Brazil

Starting April, Plastic Bank Brazil will offer computer classes to 60 collection community members in Espírito Santo. 30 members will take up basic computer skills, while the other 30 will be in intermediate classes. Last year, we celebrated the graduation of 76 local collection members from the basic class. With the generous support of our partner companies, we're committed to digital inclusion in our communities.

Egypt

Our Egypt team has partnered with SIG and Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH - the German Development Cooperation, to reshape the country’s recycling landscape while improving the lives of local collection community members. In a three-year initiative supported by the German Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development (BMZ) funding program “develoPPP” and its special initiative “Decent Work for a Just Transition”, they aim to recycle 700 metric tons of beverage cartons and improve the livelihoods of approximately 1,100 collection members in Egypt.

Heading to Austin, Texas this March? Make sure to catch the Global Changemakers Meet-Up at SXSW with Plastic Bank!

Join us for an immersive session with David Katz, Founder and CEO of Plastic Bank, and Taylor Leigh Cannizarro, Chief Relationship Officer as they explore impactful ways to support collection communities worldwide, and play a part in reshaping our planet’s future.

This event is more than just a dialogue—it's an interactive journey designed to disrupt the status quo, spark innovative ideas, and connect you with fellow visionaries. It's an invitation to not only dream of a better world, but to actively participate in its creation.

DATE: Wednesday, March 13, 2024

TIME: 4:00 PM - 5:00 PM, CT

LOCATION: Hilton Austin Downtown, Room 408

Join our Impact Program and help stop ocean plastic while supporting our collection communities. To commemorate your impact, you will receive a custom digital certificate.