- green-spots
- waste
- Haiti
- Cleaning our Oceans of Plastic, Haiti
Problems
In developing nations, waste management systems are either lacking, inefficient, or underfunded. The plastic waste management strategy is often to dispose of plastics directly into ocean-bound waterways or burn them. Plastic disposal into waterways facilitates the spread of some tropical diseases by providing breeding grounds for mosquitos, which can foster the spread of cholera. Floating plastic waste can survive for thousands of years and serve as mini transportation devices for invasive species. Burning plastics releases pollutants, such as dioxins, that build up in the environment and adversely affect human health. Harmful chemicals that are present in plastic buried deep in landfills can leach into groundwater. Plastic debris laced with chemicals is often ingested by marine animals and can injure or poison wildlife. At least 267 species have suffered from ingesting or becoming entangled in marine plastic debris. Last but not least, around 4% of the world’s oil is used as raw materials to make plastics, and a similar amount is consumed as energy in the process, resulting in greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change.
Solutions
Cleaning our Oceans of Plastic, Haiti
Author: United Nations
The Plastic Bank applies integrated carbon reduction strategies to recycle plastic, which may be exchanged for cash and essential elements, such as a child’s school tuition. Top recycle market entrepreneurs recycle up to 200,000 pounds/month. The Plastic Bank’s efforts make the local society more resilient and better adapt and prepare for climate-related stresses. The value of recycling is being acknowledged by monetizing and connecting plastic waste to global supply chains. The project delivers various environmental benefits and provides families with income opportunities and critical products and services. Removing waste plastic from the waterways prevents many adverse environmental and health impacts associated with its disposal. Clearing waterways ensures that natural basins can more effectively handle large storms to reduce risks like flooding and landslides and thus maintain habitats and ecosystems. Marine life and waterfowl species are being protected against ensnaring or ingesting plastic, thus aiding in the retention of biodiversity. Reducing the amount of new plastics being manufactured mitigates the production of greenhouse gases and addresses climate change. The Plastic Bank’s team in Haiti trains the recycle market entrepreneurs in financial literacy, basic accounting, enrollment of recyclers, strategies to increase volumes, and engaging/educating the community. Several co-benefits aid some of the most marginalized and poorest people in escaping the poverty cycle, such as creating opportunities to double pre-existing income and strategies that incentivize parents to use income gained from plastic collection to pay for their children’s education. Currently, over 200,000 children in Haiti cannot attend school due to a lack of financial funds, thus making the project a viable means for their children to access education. Plastic removal from urban centers can also create local environments that are more aesthetically pleasing, which could then attract tourism and thus provide an additional economic opportunity. The Plastic Bank is designed to be primarily an easy business solution. The mobile-based blockchain app that manages payments, stores credit, and validates impact claims dramatically enhances the possibility of scaling The Plastic Bank into new markets. The business model relies on supporting and improving existing waste management facilities, specifically their ability to process recycled plastics. Adequate support of recycling facilities is being enhanced the more extended the company operates and the more markets it operates in. Connecting the recycling facilities to the benefits of supplying ‘social plastic’ The Plastic Bank’s trademarked plastic to global brands will accomplish significant economies of scale. The Plastic Bank has also been designed to be as quickly executed as possible in developing economies with elevated poverty rates and mismanaged plastic waste. Mismanaged plastic waste is often correlated with underdeveloped economies, and The Plastic Bank offers significant climate change mitigation and adaptation solutions to various underdeveloped nations. The Plastic Bank’s success in Haiti has led to its expansion into southeast Asia.
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Timelines
2021
Plastic Bank celebrated its 8th anniversary and announced its goal of collecting 1 billion kilograms of plastic waste by 2025. Plastic Bank also partnered with Procter & Gamble, a multinational consumer goods company, to launch a new line of products made with 100% recycled plastic packaging
2020
Plastic Bank adapted to the COVID-19 pandemic by implementing safety measures, providing personal protective equipment, and offering online training and education for its collectors. Plastic Bank also received the UN Climate Action Award, a prestigious recognition for innovative solutions that address climate change.
2019
Plastic Bank launched its app, which allows anyone to join the Social Plastic movement and earn rewards for collecting plastic waste. Plastic Bank also joined forces with Aldi, a supermarket chain, to support its collection centers in Indonesia and create more demand for Social Plastic.
2015
Plastic Bank expanded its operations to Haiti, the poorest country in the Western Hemisphere, where it established more collection centers and provided access to education, health care, and 3D printing for its collectors.
2014
Plastic Bank launched its first pilot project in Peru, where it partnered with local organizations and communities to set up collection centers and offer incentives for plastic waste collection.
2013
Plastic Bank was founded by David Katz and Shaun Frankson with the vision of creating a global network of micro-recycling markets that empower people to exchange plastic waste for money, goods, or services.