In 2022, after helping to set up the first ever recycling center in the Island community of Bocas del Toro, Panama, we reached a significant milestone by establishing a facility equipped with advanced machinery to produce synthetic wood from 100% recycled plastic collected from the community that was severely impacted by plastic pollution.
Our innovative product not only combats deforestation but also prevents substantial amounts of plastic from polluting our environment—plastic that would otherwise be incinerated, discarded, or buried in landfills, releasing toxins for centuries.
Our synthetic wood, renowned for its durability, humidity resistance, and termite-proof properties, emerged as a superior alternative to traditional timber. The high demand from the start propelled our operations to profitability, fully covering operational costs.
Unfortunately, our progress was temporarily halted by a devastating fire that destroyed our factory at the end of 2022. Despite this setback, the project’s initial success fuels our determination to rebuild and innovate further.
We are dedicated to refining our approach, learning from past experiences, and continuing to set an example for communities globally on effectively addressing plastic pollution.
As part of our rebuilding efforts, we are committed to connecting with and investigating other projects around the globe that have successfully implemented sustainable waste management and pollution solutions. We invite you to follow this open-source investigation through our podcast and social media channels.
By exploring these projects, we aim to find effective ways to fund the research and development of our initiative. The insights and discoveries from this investigation will be shared with the world through the Wasteless World Podcast.
Our vision transcends recycling; we aim for systemic change. While recycling is crucial for managing existing waste, it is not the ultimate solution to plastic pollution—it’s merely damage control. We are committed to using our revenues and innovative solutions to drive education and inspire changes that reduce plastic consumption at its source.
Our plan to revive the plastic lumber factory includes integrating additional innovative solutions such as Pyrolysis. This time, we aim to leverage our learnings, register as an international NGO, and secure proper funding, eliminating our reliance on the goodwill of volunteers and sporadic community donations.
That said, until we reach that target, your support is vital for the progress and growth of our project. If you wish to support us in our journey to becoming an NGO, please consider becoming a Patreon Supporter. If you are curious about joining the team in some shape or form, we invite you to reach out.
1. Use Reusable Items: Switch to reusable shopping bags, water bottles, coffee cups, and food containers. This significantly cuts down on the need for single-use plastics. We have a few products available in our online store and the best thing is all proceeds go towards helping our mission to clean up the planet.
2. Avoid Single-Use Plastics: Refuse plastic straws, utensils, and plates. Opt for alternatives made from materials like bamboo, stainless steel, or glass.
3. Recycle Properly: Educate yourself on your local recycling guidelines and make sure to recycle plastics correctly. Clean and sort them to prevent contamination in recycling bins.
4. Choose Products with Less Packaging: Select products that have minimal or eco-friendly packaging. Support companies that prioritize sustainable packaging solutions like us 😉
5. Engage in Clean-Up Activities: Participate in or organize community clean-ups to remove plastic waste from natural environments, such as beaches, rivers, and parks.
6. Educate Others: Spread awareness about the impacts of plastic pollution and encourage friends, family, and colleagues to adopt plastic-reducing habits.
7. Opt for Bulk Purchases: Buy in bulk to reduce the amount of plastic packaging used. Bring your own containers to stores that offer bulk-buy options.
8. Support Sustainable Brands: Choose to purchase from companies that have sustainable practices and use eco-friendly materials.
9. Use Cloth Diapers and Reusable Hygiene Products: For families with babies, using cloth diapers instead of disposable ones can reduce plastic waste. Similarly, opt for reusable menstrual products like cloth pads or menstrual cups.
10. Support Plastic Bans and Legislation: Advocate for and support local, national, and global initiatives that aim to reduce plastic use and improve waste management, just like the worldwide plastic pollution treaty.
What Is the Global Plastic Pollution Treaty?
- In 2022, this groundbreaking treaty was adopted by 175 countries during an annual conference held by the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP).
- The treaty’s primary goal is to tackle the entire life-cycle of plastic, with a strong focus on developing circular economies that break the dominance of single-use plastics1.
- It covers various aspects, including the extraction of fossil fuels, plastic design, production, consumption, and associated waste management.
Why Is It Important?
- Plastic pollution is a global crisis, with a truckload of plastic being dumped into the ocean every minute1.
- Efforts to combat plastic pollution have been fragmented, leading to an escalating problem.
- The treaty aims to provide global coordination to address plastic pollution effectively.
Key Facts About Plastic Pollution:
- A truckload of plastic enters the ocean every minute.
- Plastic waste is projected to almost triple by 2060, with only a small fraction being recycled.
- Single-use plastics are already illegal, partially banned, or taxed in some regions1.
Debate Over Production Limits:
- During UN talks, delegates from various countries have faced off over whether the treaty should have binding provisions for reducing the production and use of virgin plastic polymers derived from petrochemicals.
- Some countries, including the European Union, Japan, Canada, and Kenya, advocate for strong restrictions on problematic plastics like PVC and others containing toxic ingredients2.
To support this crucial effort, stay informed about its progress and advocate for its implementation through relevant channels and organizations. Together, we can make a positive impact on our planet! 🌍🌱