Harnessing the Power of Waste: How Intercepting Plastic Benefits Jobs and the Environment

In recent years, the issue of ocean plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, especially in Southeast Asia. As the co-founder of Honest Ocean, a business dedicated to tackling the plastic crisis in Indonesia through recycling plastic, I have witnessed the urgency of the situation first-hand. It is clear that focusing on recycling 'ocean plastic' alone is not enough. Instead, we must prioritise ‘ocean-stopped' plastic, intercepting waste before it reaches the ocean.

Preserving the ocean’s environmental integrity

Intercepting plastic waste before it reaches the ocean preserves marine ecosystems and prevents the devastating consequences of plastic pollution, such as entanglement and habitat degradation. It also reduces the overall accumulation of waste in marine environments, addressing the root causes of plastic pollution proactively.

Job Creation & Improved Well-being

Choosing 'ocean-stopped' plastic drives social impact through job creation and economic opportunities in Indonesia. By investing in waste collection, sorting, and recycling infrastructure, we create employment opportunities for local communities. This not only boosts the local economy but also contributes to poverty alleviation and social development.

Higher Quality Feedstock

Plastic that has already entered the ocean undergoes extensive degradation due to exposure to saltwater, sunlight, and other elements. This degradation leads to reduced material quality and increased levels of contaminants. In contrast, by recycling plastic before it reaches the ocean, we collect it at an earlier stage when it is relatively cleaner and less degraded. This results in a higher-quality feedstock for the production of recycled materials.

Proactive Solutions for a Sustainable Future:

Prioritizing 'ocean-stopped' plastic empowers us to proactively address the ocean's plastic problem. By intercepting waste before it reaches the ocean, we hold the power to make a significant impact in safeguarding our precious oceans and creating a sustainable future. Together, through concerted efforts, we can combat plastic pollution and protect the environment for generations to come.

In the face of escalating ocean plastic pollution, focusing on 'ocean-stopped' plastic interception is paramount. By preserving the environmental integrity of our oceans, driving job creation and improved well-being, and ensuring higher-quality feedstock, we can make a substantial difference. Let us prioritize 'ocean-stopped' plastic and work together to safeguard our oceans, empower communities, and pave the way for a sustainable future