Climate Action Curaçao Project #37146

Green Phenix - Creating a circular economy

by Friends of Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao

Green Phenix - Creating a circular economy

Project Report | Sep 20, 2023
End of project - Green Phenix still going strong

By Fedde Burgers | Chairman of the board of STCC

Green Phenix started as a project that was part of Sea Turtle Conservation Curacao. It now has its own organization on GlobalGiving and thus also its own project: The Dreamfactory! The Dreamfactory, empowers marginalized individuals by providing social employment and a creative recycling makerspace, tackling unemployment and waste in Curacao, while fostering a sustainable and inclusive community. Challenge Curacao faces a dual challenge of high unemployment rates and inadequate waste management, especially with regard to plastic waste. Marginalized individuals often struggle to find employment opportunities, contributing to social inequity. Additionally, the growing accumulation of plastic waste poses significant environmental concerns, impacting the local ecosystem. These issues call for urgent action to address unemployment and improve waste management practices. Solution At the Dreamfactory these interconnected problems are tackled head-on. By providing social employment and a creative recycling makerspace, individuals are empowered to contribute their skills and creativity. We transform waste into valuable resources and practical long lasting end products. Long-Term Impact Curacao faces high unemployment and inadequate plastic waste management. The Dreamfactory empowers marginalized individuals and repurposes plastic waste, creating lasting impact. Benefits include reduced unemployment, improved waste management, and a shift towards a sustainable, inclusive society. Invest in the Dreamfactory for a brighter future, where individuals thrive and Curacao leads in social and environmental transformation. https://www.globalgiving.org/projects/dreamfactory-empower-and-create-to-sustain/ Keep supporting them and us!

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Dec 28, 2021
Holiday Greetings

By Sabine Berendse | Founder

Dec 28, 2021
Developing our character muscles

By Sabine Berendse | Founder

Certificates for first 2 cohorts

Since the last report Green Phenix encountered quite some adversity. The bricks are not coming along as we expected and hoped, the hang printer requires more R&D than anticipated and after a year of operating from 2 locations, we decided that we simply couldn't continue operating 2 locations anymore. This meant that we had to move everything to Paviljoen Zeelandia. We were very fortunate that there were still some empty spaces, which we could use to expand our operation there. In a way we were very sad to leave Sambil, because they are a great partner and we've had an amazing year getting all the exposure of being in the mall. However, the move was a necessary step back to go forward.

In the meantime we've prepared Paviljoen Zeelandia in such a way that we can take tourists through the journey of plastic. From collecting, sorting, shredding, processing to a new product. This was supported by the new project "Curacao's Journey to Circularity" which we are doing in collaboration with Tui Care Foundation. Officially we'll start in January, but we already were able to host the first groups and celeberties. Sometimes our guests join us on a beach cleanup first, so that they also see the origin of our motivation.

Furthermore the first 2 cohorts finished the 1 year lasting "learn and work"-program "waste no more". They received a certificate and currenty 6 former participants are directly employed by Green Phenix, thanks to the support of both MCB & Tui Care Foundation. Currently the 3rd Cohort counts 17 participants and the 7 empty spots will be filled in the new year. We partnered up with Excellent Social Services to extend the support for the participants outside of Green Phenix.

Fortunately, after the challenges of the last months things are looking up. The new particicipants of the learn and work program are great, some really amazing volunteers have joined our cause and we've added an oven to the machine range to also be able to work with ocean plastic. We've been making great steps in creating a growth strategy and we're looking into an interesting opportunity to expand our impact 10 fold. If your interested to learn more, please let me know by sending us an email.

The COVID situation is still making things extra difficult for us and many are struggling. So are we, but we've seen first hand how important it is for people to be able to go somewhere and be valued. So we continue with our mission to create a circular and inclusive economy. We cannot do it alone. If you are doing something charitable at the end of this year, please think of us.

Make a donation, buy a souvenir or book a tour. If you book a tour you can see the work we do first hand.

1 of the new signs

Green Phenix team

Weekly beach clean up

Miss Supranatural delegates visiting Green Phenix

Links:

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