Recycling Plastics to Reduce Poverty

People in developing countries don’t have access to proper waste management. As a result, plastic is often thrown onto the streets which eventually makes it’s way into ocean. It is estimated that about 8 million tons of plastic enters the ocean each year. Plastics For Change, a social enterprise, is on a mission to transform discarded plastics into a resource for positive change.

They stress on the fact that new plastic doesn’t need to be created from oil if companies use fair trade recycled plastic in their products. Recycling rates can be increased by encouraging more companies to do their part for the planet. So they partner with sustainable brands to recycle their ethically sourced plastic into eco friendly products. On the other hand, their fair trade model insures that waste pickers receive a high value for their plastic. By increasing the value of discarded plastics, they can enhance the livelihoods of waste pickers while preventing plastic pollution. Pretty much a win win situation for all parties involved.

Here is one model that helps create dignified green jobs for waste pickers while increasing plastic recycling. What other ways can we encourage both consumers and producers to recycle?

Source: Plastics For Change
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Spotted by: Bikram Palikhey