2026: The world says “more”. Sounds like greed to #Us.

Everywhere we turn, we’re told to move faster, do more, and buy more.

But “ more ” isn’t making us happier, and it’s not healing the planet. It’s feeding a greed-driven system that depicts overconsumption and extraction as an achievement.

So we’re choosing a different path.

What if the year ahead wasn’t about adding more things…

but about restoring more dignity?

How about more families with food on the table?

More children going to school?

More people building better lives?

Change doesn’t start with a perfect plan. It starts when people dare to say, “ No more. ” That future isn’t impossible—but it’s up to #Us.

We begin this year with proof: 9 billion plastic bottles collected and 62,000+ collectors building better lives, made possible by people and partners who chose participation over passivity.

If you’re ready to make your year count, this is your sign. Join #Us.

*Plastic Bank Impact Dashboard (Jan 23, 2025)

To kick off 2026, our leadership team gathered in Manila to shape the year ahead - sharpening our focus to scale the movement, reach more people, and create greater impact. Beyond strategy, our team spent time with local communities, witnessing firsthand how collectors’ livelihoods continue to improve year after year. They also visited our school partners as we work to reach more children and households. These moments - seeing lives and futures change - are the heart of our work.

Meet Sholihin: a dreamer who made his dream come true

For years, Sholihin, a branch owner in Bali, believed his dream of completing a pilgrimage with his family was out of reach. But he kept hoping, working hard, and praying.

In 2025, that dream came true. After years of collecting and recycling plastic, Sholihin was able to bring his wife and daughter to Mecca 🕋

For his family, plastic isn’t waste, it's an opportunity.

And it’s made possible by your support.

Join #Us to help more families turn hard work into hope and dreams into reality 💙

Historic moment: The high seas treaty finally comes into force

The High Seas Treaty is a global agreement to protect ocean areas beyond any single country’s control. These waters cover most of the ocean and are vital for climate regulation, food systems, and livelihoods worldwide, yet they have long lacked proper protection. After 20 years of negotiation, the treaty is now in force, creating a shared legal framework that enables countries to work together to conserve marine life, prevent environmental damage, and steward the ocean responsibly for the long term - because what happens at sea affects us all.

Aquage is setting a higher standard for sustainable haircare

Aquage is a professional haircare brand powered by Algaeplex, a blend of marine botanicals that restore and strengthen hair. Inspired by the sea, Aquage treats clean formulas and sustainable practices as non-negotiables, with a responsibility to protect the ocean that shapes its identity. Through our partnership, Aquage links everyday haircare choices to measurable plastic recovery, reinforcing its belief that true sustainability connects beauty, community, and responsibility.

This January, we marked International Day of Education (Jan 24) as a reminder of its power to shape better futures.

Children inherit the planet and they deserve the tools to protect it from a young age.

Through our School Program, we teach children about waste management while supporting the school communities with plastic collection facilities.

Join our movement and help build a thriving world for #Us and our future generations 💙