Plastic Waste-Free July

Every July, we are called to eliminate plastic from our lives. But what if we've been looking at this all wrong? What if the problem isn't plastic itself but how we treat it?

For too long, plastic has been vilified. Yet, the truth is that plastic is not the enemy. Our failure lies not in the creation of plastic but in our disregard for its life cycle. We allowed it to become waste instead of harnessing it as a resource for good.

Casting plastic waste as a villain achieves nothing. The real solution is for humanity to gather together and create a world where every piece of discarded plastic joins a circular economy, reveals its value as a substitute for virgin plastic, and lifts communities out of poverty.

Let this month mark the beginning of a new perspective and carry this mindset through the entire year. Embrace circularity, where every item is reused, repurposed, and never wasted.

We invite you to help regenerate our planet not just through circularity but by empowering communities through our Impact Subscription. Enjoy 50% off the first three months of your Impact Subscription with code FREEDOM – offer valid until July 31. Subscribe now!

Alcon Canada and Plastic Bank teamed up for a shoreline cleanup at the English Bay Beach in Vancouver! In collaboration with British Columbia Doctors of Optometry (BCDO) and BC Society of Eye Physicians and Surgeons (BCSEPS), we gathered eye care professionals, nurses, staff, and their families for a day of protecting our ocean and learning how they can contribute to stopping plastic pollution and ending poverty. What a remarkable day filled with laughter, teamwork, and a shared commitment to positively impacting our environment and the lives of collection communities!

Data as of July 18, 2024

Meet Haryanto, a hard-working and dedicated dad whose greatest aspiration is to provide his children with quality education. He is a testament to the power of a parent's love in shaping a brighter future for his children.

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

Philippines

Plastic Bank Philippines appeared on Good News with Vicky Morales, a weekly newscast showcasing uplifting stories in the country. The show followed Julie Ann, one of our dedicated collection members, as she carried out her daily collection activities. The segment highlighted how Julie Ann and her partner can send their children to school and repair their home damaged by flooding by gathering discarded plastic and exchanging it for cash and social benefits at Plastic Bank branches. Watch the feature here!

Indonesia

Our Indonesia team recently convened a dynamic event in Jakarta, gathering 33 business leaders to discuss the intersection of purpose, sustainability, and business growth. Business experts Ir. Hasnul Suhaimi and Wisnu S D ST highlighted the rising consumer preference for brands committed to environmental and social impact. Our partner Venteny showcased our collaboration’s concrete outcomes in helping end poverty and stopping plastic pollution. Furthermore, our Indonesia Country Manager, Frederick Saman, introduced Plastic Bank’s Impact Subscription, designed to address Indonesia’s critical poverty and plastic waste challenges. We aim to inspire more businesses to join us in building impactful partnerships for a regenerative future.

Brazil

Plastic Bank Brazil has completed the distribution of 400 school kits and 400 hygiene kits funded by Alcon for collection communities and their families in Espírito Santo and Rio de Janeiro, Brazil. These kits included school supplies such as notebooks, pencils, and backpacks for children, along with other essentials like feminine hygiene items, and handwashing soaps. For members like Priscila, receiving these kits makes a significant difference. “We work hard daily and sometimes forget about ourselves. This kit symbolizes the importance of self-care,” she said.

Egypt

In Egypt, we are running an expansive after-school program that reaches over 750 children across the country. The program provides enriching activities such as painting, documentary screenings, arts and crafts, sports, music lessons, and theatre participation. Our primary goal is to offer holistic development opportunities that empower children to thrive and contribute positively to their communities.

Break the status quo, go beyond mundane sustainability initiatives, and regenerate.

With your subscription, you’ll empower collection communities to gather plastic materials and exchange it for money and access to social benefits. It’s a win-win-win-win — for your business, your customers, people, and the planet.

Get 50% off the first 3 months of your Impact Subscription using code FREEDOM. Valid all July long.

Subscribing for yourself? Click here for individual impact!