Repurpose collectors are ordinary people that do an extraordinary job. Because we have a gig-economy style collection method anyone in the coastal communities we work in can collect ocean or ocean-bound plastic. This means our collectors come in all varieties. Some of our collectors work full-time stopping ocean-plastic others do it on the side on weekends and evenings. Here are some of the stories of those collectors!
Marivel
Marivel lives close to this mangrove that has turned into a dumping ground for plastic waste. She has been working hard to clean it up! Marivel is a very driven person that has been able to significantly improve her livelihood by hard work. When she’s not collecting plastic she takes care of her pigs and chickens.
Edith
Edith lives right next to this landfill that goes straight into the river. Years ago her husband fell down this landfill and tragically died. Edith was one of the first people that started collecting plastic with us. As people take their trash to the landfill she pulls out the plastic from their load. She is now able to pay for things for herself instead of relying on the generosity of neighbors, and she is so happy to be more self-reliant!
When she’s not saving the oceans from plastic she likes to take care of the neighborhood cats and dogs.
Silverio
Silverio is also one of the first people to collect plastic with us. He is 86 years old and his kids and grandkids live with him. He has been able to go on walks through town picking up trash as he goes. This way he’s able to provide extra income for his family.
