At IN MOCEAN, we share a deep commitment to protecting our oceans and shorelines. We have witnessed firsthand how plastic pollution harms marine life and coastal communities, and we put our time, skills and energy into practical actions that make a difference.
By building a global community of sailors, organisations and communities we raise awareness about plastic pollution and share practical solutions. We provide resources and know-how to reduce plastic waste, run clean-ups, deliver workshops and develop grassroots plastic recycling initiatives.
Together, through shared knowledge, local action and supportive networks, we create circular, plastic-waste-free environments that protect shorelines and strengthen coastal communities.
The problem
*Source: Wissenschaftlicher Dienst des Europäischen Parlaments
Awareness
The first step towards affecting change is to be aware of an existing problem and a possible solution. If people knew about plastic waste’s potential to not only create value for people living in remote coastal areas but to also improve the general environmental and health situation, it would be seen as a precious asset. This change of mind set would give an incentive to collect the plastic that gets washed up ashore and prevent domestic waste from being improperly disposed of in the first place. So, let’s spread the good news!
Solution
By setting up community recycling workspaces in remote coastal areas, plastic waste will be turned into new goods. These recycled products can be sold through a network of various sales partners like hotels, restaurants, dive centers or souvenir shops. The revenue will create employment opportunities, paying local workers for the collecting, sorting, washing and recycling of the plastic. Plastic waste will be brought back into the economic circle which will provide value for the community instead of polluting the environment.
Change
Turning plastic waste into sellable products has many positive impacts for people living in remote coastal areas. First of all, it provides an income for people who collect, sort, wash and recycle the plastic. Furthermore, it will clean the environment and prevent new pollution caused by plastic waste. Step by step, through education and hands-on learning experiences, the revenue from the recycling workspace can help to improve the general trash management infrastructure of the community. Simultaneoulsy, it will improve the local air, soil and water quality.
