Critical mass for a plastic revolution

Jambo Plastic Revolutionary,

We hoped to start this newsletter with good news from the recently completed Global Plastic Treaty negotiations. Despite over 100 countries advocating for a cap in global production of plastics, the world failed to sign off on a binding Treaty. However, as many have remarked, better something that would actually have substantive commitments than a watered down agreement that does nothing but perpetuate the status quo. In the meantime, we need to keep pushing ahead, tackling what is at hand in the best way possible and keep pushing for effective reduction measures.

"Plastics management and recycling amid global governance change" Insights from The SMEP Programme

"In such a rapidly evolving landscape, the voices of those on the frontlines of innovation are crucial." Henrique Pacini

Plastic Pollution, Public Health and Climate Change: Flipflopi attends Africa’s first Climate and Health Conference, in Zimbabwe.

Davina Ngei , our Program Manager, was invited to present and discuss the nexus between plastic waste, climate change and health across the plastic production and waste management value chain as well as the sector's rapidly growing contribution to GHG emissions.

Plastics production and waste management currently contributes 4% of GHG emissions, and is projected to rise to 19% by 2040. The health risks from direct exposure have been well documented at all stages of the life cycle.

Recycling alone cannot solve the problem but if done properly and with the right intentions, can have a positive impact at multiple levels.

A recent independent study showed that building boats from recycled plastic waste results in an impressive life gain of 24 years per 1 thousand tonnes of recycled plastic.

These benefits primarily arise from the efficiency of the recycling processes, including considerations for electricity and water consumption. Additionally, the gains are significantly impacted by the energy and resource intensity of the products that the recycled materials replace and the emissions profiles of these substituted products. Thus, the overall health benefits are a function of both the effectiveness of the recycling process and the environmental footprint of the alternative product systems.

We are taking our lessons and processes one step further and applying the same high quality approach to making long lasting traditional furniture that ensures maximum benefit to our community and environment.

Furniture business going from strength to strength

Innovative solutions like ours, seeking to transform ocean-based and ocean-bound waste into something of value that can protect public, environmental and animal health are critical – and we are really proud of the beautiful furniture that we are making on our mission!

Read our latest blog, including a client testimonial from Reshma Aziz Khan , below!

Asante sana!

The Flipflopi Team