Global Recycling Foundation honors 10 #RecyclingHeroes

The foundation awarded 10 groups and individuals from across the globe in honor of Global Recycling Day, which took place March 18.

Ranjit Baxi, founder of Global Recycling Foundation
Ranjit S. Baxi, founder of the Global Recycling Foundation
Global Recycling Foundation

The Global Recycling Foundation, Brussels, has announced 10 #RecyclingHeroes for Global Recycling Day, which took place March 18. According to a news release from the Bureau of International Recycling (BIR), Brussels, on the winners, the winners each received a $1,000 prize for their dedication and innovation in recycling. 

BIR reports that winners were selected from more than 2,000 entries from across the globe, covering eight countries and all the main continents. The following are the 10 #RecyclingHeroes:

Plogging Club – Nigeria: This is a movement inspiring young people across Nigerian campuses to take action for the climate through exercise that combines jogging with picking up litter and recyclables.

Reform Africa – Uganda: This is a group that is tackling waste disposal by transforming plastic waste into sustainable, waterproof and durable bags, employing youth to collect the plastic waste, and single mothers who wash and tailor the products.

U-Recycle – Nigeria: This is a youth-led nonprofit that is working to promote a circular economy in Nigeria through reinforcing a sustainable recycling culture, investing time and resources into educating schools and communities about the value of recycling.

Zizo Ezi Foundation – South Africa: This is a nonprofit that operates in South Africa in the Eastern Cape and works with school children in rural areas teaching them on the benefits, as well as the dos and don'ts regarding a clean eco-future in South Africa.

Anuya Trivedi, Founder of Greenbuddies – India: This is an organization that creates eco-designed, cost effective ‘Recycled Play Stations’ for children out of tires and other reusable scraps.

Aribe Bajwa, Founder of Social Ambassadors – Pakistan: This is a youth-based organization working toward community empowerment and specifically towards environmental causes, including planting 300,000 plus trees and providing training and awareness sessions on conservation of environment at different institutions.

Made by TREID – Philippines: Made by TREID extends the life consumption of old clothes and uniforms to reduce environmental waste by transforming them into higher valued products such as multifunctional and fashionable shoes and bags, home accessories and new fabric, while also providing job opportunities to disadvantaged people.

Ecolana – Mexico: This is a social impact company focused on inclusive recycling practices in Mexico. On the one hand it is a digital platform with a recycling guide (a map and a waste-materials dictionary) that guides consumers on how and where to recycle, and on the other it helps consumer brands develop recycling programs.

Cappabue National School – Ireland: This small school in Cork, Ireland is raising awareness of climate change with their viral rap video ‘One Small Change,’ a response to polluted beaches in Co Cork.

Nick Oettinger, managing director and founder of The Furniture Recycling Group – United Kingdom: The Furniture Recycling Group is helping to tackle U.K.’s mattress landfill problem, diverting 400,000 mattresses away from landfills each year. The company has recycled more than 1.5 million mattresses since launching and is continually investing in research to make the recycling of mattresses more viable and much more efficient.

The #RecyclingHeroes competition, which was launched in February, encouraged people from across the globe to nominate individuals, businesses or communities that are setting examples and pushing boundaries with their recycling initiatives, BIR reports. In addition to receiving $1,000 prizes, the Global Recycling Foundation plans to promote the 10 winners’ work to audiences across the world. 

“We are proud to recognize the world’s unsung #RecyclingHeroes, from children, schools, teachers and professionals to businesses and communities, and everyone in-between,” says Ranjit S. Baxi, founder and president of the Global Recycling Foundation. “Global Recycling Day allows everyone to play their part in the circular economy, help protect our natural resources and build a better future for generations to come. Anyone can be a #RecyclingHero, no matter how big or small their recycling initiatives are.”

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