Caribbean Plastic-Free Initiative

Turning Plastic Waste into Purpose — Empowering Communities, Protecting Nature

Introduction to the Metaproblem

What is the larger, overarching issue that the project aims to address?

This project seeks to extend our Caribbean Plastic-Free Initiative by upscaling activities that combat plastic pollution, strengthen conservation efforts, and enhance circular economy practices in the Caribbean.

Our objectives are to:

• Minimize single-use plastic waste in the region
• Increase environmental awareness among residents and visitors
• Generate sustainable livelihood opportunities through recycling and education

Our current focus includes:
Weekly beach cleanups
Community workshops and events
Public education programs
Expansion of our recycling initiative — transforming plastic bottle caps collected from beaches, local schools, and recycling facilities into new, useful products.

Now, we aim to take it a step further by implementing a larger facility that can transform a broader range of plastics — bringing real, scalable impact to the entire Caribbean coast.

Core Problem in the Bioregion

Highlighting the local challenge and its community impact

In the South Caribbean region of Costa Rica, including Puerto Viejo, Cahuita, and Manzanillo, plastic waste continues to pollute coastal ecosystems and harm biodiversity.

Despite being one of the country’s most ecologically sensitive and touristic regions, the area still lacks adequate waste management infrastructure. The consequences are visible:

• Plastic debris on beaches and rivers
• Threats to marine and terrestrial wildlife
• Health hazards for local residents
• Loss of the natural beauty that sustains tourism and livelihoods

Without sustainable waste solutions, both people and ecosystems face increasing vulnerability.

Proposed Solution

From waste to wonder — scaling a proven model for impact

Over the past few years, we’ve already achieved major milestones:

Educational programs and workshops in schools and communities
Established a youth club for environmental leadership
Organized 39 beach cleanups this year alone, engaging locals and international volunteers
Built a strong network with NGOs, schools, and businesses
Developed a small-scale recycling workshop, transforming plastic bottle caps into chessboards, sunglasses, tiles, and carabiners using an injection machine

For the past three years, our workshop has successfully demonstrated that plastic waste can become a resource. However, our current machine is showing wear, and our capacity is limited.

Next Step:
We plan to purchase larger machinery and develop new molds to scale production and diversify products. This will ensure continuity, efficiency, and higher output, while also creating new income opportunities — particularly for local women and Indigenous communities.

By sharing our expertise with neighboring Caribbean communities, we aim to replicate this success and expand our positive impact along the coast.

What Makes It Unique

A tested, scalable, and community-driven solution

Unlike many environmental projects, this initiative is not theoretical — it’s already working.

What makes it stand out:

• Directly converts waste into useful, marketable products
• Empowers local women and Indigenous communities through skill-building and employment
• Creates local circular economy models where waste becomes value
• Protects marine and coastal ecosystems while promoting sustainability education

This is a model of regeneration — where environmental care, education, and social inclusion work hand in hand.

“We’re not just cleaning beaches — we’re transforming mindsets, economies, and futures.”

Why People Should Donate

Your support creates real, measurable change

Your contribution helps us build a professional recycling center that integrates ecological, social, and economic impact.

This initiative represents a bottom-up approach — growing through local leadership and shared knowledge rather than dependency.

With your support, we will:

• Purchase a new plastic injection machine
• Develop additional molds for product diversification
• Train local women and youth in circular economy practices
• Expand recycling collection points across the Caribbean coast
• Inspire regional replication through education and partnerships

Instead of short-term aid, you’ll help create lasting infrastructure for community resilience and ecological regeneration.

Call to Action

Be part of the Caribbean’s circular revolution!

Together, we can:
Turn plastic waste into valuable resources
Empower local communities through education and innovation
Protect Costa Rica’s most biodiverse coastlines

Join us today — donate now to make a lasting difference!
👉 Contribute to the Caribbean Plastic-Free Initiative