Cleaning up our blue planet by tackling plastic pollution
Over 2 billion people in coastal regions worldwide don't have access to proper waste management, meaning that used plastic is often disposed of alongside waterways. A large proportion of this eventually makes its way into our oceans, with the equivalent of one garbage truck full entering the sea every single minute. Plastic causes many problems for marine life, and almost 700 aquatic species have been negatively affected by this form of pollution. Millions of sea creatures also lose their lives due to ocean-borne plastic waste, and microplastics can even make their way up the food chain and onto our plates. This is understandably a cause for concern, as some plastics contain toxic chemicals that have been linked to health issues in humans.
It is difficult to collect plastic once it has entered the sea, and CleanHub recognizes that it is more efficient to solve the problem of plastic pollution on land. To this end, the trailblazing company has established extensive waste collection networks in coastal communities around the world, reaching over 225,000 households. Workers collect plastic from homes and businesses that do not otherwise have a way to dispose of their waste, preventing it from being burnt or dumped along water courses. They also remove trash directly from beaches and riverbanks before it reaches the sea. Recyclable plastics are then separated out and sent to local processing sites, while non-recyclable plastics are used as a fuel source in energy-intensive factories, such as cement plants. So far, CleanHub and its local partners have collected 11.7 million kg of plastic, stopping it from entering the ocean and protecting marine wildlife.
The initiative brings with it several other advantages too, as CleanHub works with local waste management partners who ensure that their employees receive stable, fair wages and have safe working conditions. Door-to-door plastic collections also raise awareness of environmental issues among local populations, and highlight the need for proper waste disposal to protect the environment.
We are proud to be supporting CleanHub’s ongoing efforts to clean up our seas, and our financial contribution has enabled the pioneering company to collect another nearly 11,800 kg of plastic waste throughout 2024.
CleanHub has had a successful year, and we hope you did too! All the best for the holidays and a happy New Year.