Buy Food with Plastic

What we do: We are tackling two global problems at the same time: Plastic pollution and extreme poverty. We initiate events where the local population in Ghana, Nicaragua and India can pay for hot meals with plastic bottles. At the same time, they are made aware of environmental issues such as plastic pollution. First and foremost, we are dedicated to the United Nations Development Goals 1(No Poverty) and 12(Sustainable Production and Consumption). Our vision is to create a self-functioning cycle in which we process the collected plastic bottles into new products and reintegratethem into the production chainthrough sales. How we do it: "Think globally and act locally." This quo... read more What we do: We are tackling two global problems at the same time: Plastic pollution and extreme poverty. We initiate events where the local population in Ghana, Nicaragua and India can pay for hot meals with plastic bottles. At the same time, they are made aware of environmental issues such as plastic pollution. First and foremost, we are dedicated to the United Nations Development Goals 1(No Poverty) and 12(Sustainable Production and Consumption). Our vision is to create a self-functioning cycle in which we process the collected plastic bottles into new products and reintegratethem into the production chainthrough sales. How we do it: "Think globally and act locally." This quote from Jane Goodhall describes our mission very well. We tackle global problems and transform them into locally adaptable solutions. This is how we have already introduced our concept on three different continents. In our outreach countries Nicaragua, Ghana and India, monthly events are held where the local population can exchange 20 plastic bottles for food. Plastic serves as currency and is exchanged for balanced food provided by the local team on site. We contribute to the solution of plastic pollution by giving plastic a value. To close the loop, we further process the collected plastic into beautiful and useful products. Our first product from Nicaragua is a surf comb for the local surf community. In Ghana, we make handmade outdoor blankets from recycled sachets & cotton fabrics. At the same time, we engage local people by creating jobs for our event organization and in upcyclingfactory . But for us, the solution does not stop at recycling. We believe that education and awareness raising for a more conscious use of plastic is the key to long-term change. We want to learn from each other and seek dialogue with the community. Where we are active: "We did not choose the countries, they chose us." Our activities are concentrated in the countries of Ghana, Nicaragua and India. Locals from each country contacted us to implement the concept in their country because they were convinced from the beginning that it would work in their communities. To date, we also receive many requests from other countries, but in order to professionalise the organisation in all three existing locations, we have decided to limitour work to Nicaragua, Ghana and India for the next 3 years.