A plastic footprint is the total amount of plastic waste that is generated by our daily actions. We can use plastic credits to mitigate our footprint.
Plastic is incredibly versatile, with properties that make it ideal for many applications. These same qualities have also contributed to a significant environmental issue. Each year, more than 11 million tonnes of plastic waste end up in our oceans. It is estimated that without the implementation of recovery, prevention, and recycling projects, this will more than double to 29 million tonnes per year by 2040. Without change, plastic waste will continue to impact our planet’s ecology and economy, and significantly impact our food supply, health, and livelihood.
What is a Plastic Credit?
A plastic credit represents the collection or recycling of one tonne of plastic material, which then can be transferred between organizations. They are often used by individuals, companies, and organizations who desire to address their plastic footprint but are otherwise unable to do so in a practical or economically viable way.
How are they Generated?
Credits are created when one entity, often referred to as the project developer, voluntarily implements practices that collect plastic waste. Without these projects, this plastic would either remain in the environment as pollution, or as recycled material that would otherwise not re-enter a production loop. The recoveries generated can then be claimed by another entity. There are many types of projects that can generate plastic credits. A few examples are:
• Coastal debris removal by hand
• Open ocean collection by boat
• Litter traps set in rivers
• Microplastic filtration
• Recycling materials collected from the natural environment, commercial waste, and landfills
Co-Benefits
Many social and environmental co-benefits result from successful plastic projects. The most acute plastic waste occurs in the developing parts of the world. Plastic credit generating projects can provide direct and indirect employment opportunities, promote education and citizenship, improve water quality, sanitation, and community health, and protect food supplies and biodiversity. Plastic credits can be sold to compensate the project developer for the costs associated with developing and implementing the project.
The Simple Process To Making A Difference
Calculate
Select the country you reside in and then select the number of individuals you would like to include in your footprint.
Plastic Credits
Select a project to purchase plastic credits from to mitigate your plastic footprint.
Live Green
Once you’ve purchased the plastic credits, ClimeCo will provide incentives, environmental tips, rebates, and products to help you live a greener lifestyle.
Join the Movement To Reduce Plastic Waste
"I learned that, while recyclable plastic is collected in very high percentages, non-recyclable plastic is not collected efficiently and is a major pollution source. I realized that I could create a proven environmental effect by focusing on collecting and treating non-recyclable plastics and, at the same time, helping companies reduce their environmental footprint. And that the most effective way to do this is by a plastic credit system."
"I read about plastic credits in the Stanford Social Innovation Review, and your plastic capture program sounded like an excellent way to offset some of my family’s plastic usage that doesn’t get recycled. The thought of helping some up-and-comers in Southeast Asia with some of our shared modern history appealed to me as well. I hope this program accomplishes all its goals."
