Impact | Trash Hero World

From a weekly cleanup to a global movement: ten years of Trash Hero

by Lydia on 13/02/2024 No comments

It all began with a simple idea. In December 2013, a group of friends gathered on a beach in Thailand, with the goal of cleaning up the trash that was washing up on the shore from all corners of the globe. It was the start of something extraordinary: a journey of ten remarkable years that transformed a local initiative into a global force for good.

From the start, cleanups are open to everyone and involve the whole community in the fun and appreciation.
We count the participants and the collected trash so we can monitor and celebrate our impact.
The weekly event means more and more people join and the word starts to spread.

The momentum leads to a 4-month “Trash Camp” on Koh Rawi, an uninhabited island in the National Park, where volunteers stay in shifts to remove mountains of plastic debris, much of it from the 2004 tsunami.
Trash Hero volunteers clean up on their travels to Indonesia, sparking local interest.
It’s soon clear that cleanups alone are not enough. We start encouraging people to reduce their waste and change their habits.
We start the water bottle refill programme to prevent plastic waste at the source.

The Trash Hero model gains popularity and the first local groups – chapters – open. First, elsewhere in Thailand, then in Indonesia and Malaysia.
Over 80,000 flip-flops collected from the Trash Camp inspire the Tlejourn project, which gives them a new life.
We receive the Thailand Green Excellence award for the second year in a row, with recognition from the Thai Princess.

The movement grows, with new chapters opening in the the Czech Republic, Myanmar, New York and Shanghai.
We pass 1,000 cleanups worldwide.
Trash Hero World is registered in Switzerland to help coordinate the rapidly expanding global movement.
Volunteers in Switzerland work with offices and festivals to reduce their plastic footprint.
The first Family Meeting is hosted in Indonesia to support volunteers. It is now a regular event in all major countries of operation.
Trash Hero joins the new Break Free From Plastic movement as a founding member.

Trash Hero Myanmar is invited to speak at TEDx Yangon.
Chapters open in Malawi and Singapore, bringing the total to 54 globally.
Trash Hero Thailand is offered a significant grant from a multinational polluter, but we vote to turn it down. Although we need funds, we won’t take part in greenwashing. The discussion sparked goes on to define our ethical fundraising policy.

We reach more than 100 chapters, welcoming groups in Laos, Cambodia, Romania, Serbia, Germany and Zimbabwe.
After years of being 100% volunteer-run, we are able to hire our first employee to provide vital programme and volunteer support.
We start a dedicated kids programme to create a new generation of Trash Heroes.
We collaborate with Schnarwiler to launch a new refill project in Switzerland, providing an alternative to single-use toiletries.

New chapters start in Australia, Serbia, Georgia, Poland and The Netherlands.
Brand audits become part of our cleanups, contributing data to Break Free From Plastic. Their reports are used to put pressure on corporate polluters and in court cases against them.
By the end of the year we pass 1,500,000 kg of trash collected.

Over 100,000 reusable bottles have by now been distributed through our refill network, avoiding the use of 36.9 million plastic bottles and 1,942 tonnes of CO2 emissions.
The network grows to Kuwait, Vietnam and Japan.
In March, the pandemic hits, stopping all group activities. Some chapters innovate with solo and remote cleanups.
We move Family Meetings online and create workshops offering “Zero Waste Communities” training.
This kick starts the Trash Hero Communities programme that helps to create long-term change at the local level.

As restrictions ease, some chapters resume group cleanups.
Our volunteers stay strong: since 2013, they’ve contributed more than 1 million hours of their time to our mission.
Our kids’ book is translated into its eighth language: Arabic, joining English, Thai, Indonesian, Burmese, Malay, Czech and German.
We help spread “The Story of Plastic” to millions of new viewers, with dubbed versions in Thai, Indonesian, Malaysian and Vietnamese.

Though many chapters closed during the pandemic, new volunteers continue to join.
More than 120,000 kids have now taken part in our cleanups.
In February, a Global Plastics Treaty is announced. Shortly after, Trash Hero is accredited by the United Nations Environment Programme, meaning we can join the negotiations as an official observer. This is a proud moment for our volunteers.

Media coverage continues, while Coldplay recognises our volunteers in Jakarta.
We attend two sessions of the UN Plastics Treaty negotiations in Paris and Nairobi, bringing our volunteers’ experience on the ground to member states.
We pass 20,000 cleanups and half a million volunteers!

The journey continues…

Thank you to all our volunteers and everyone who has joined and supported us over the last ten years! It’s been an incredible ride. The impact numbers for 2013 – 2023 speak for themselves:

Watch the full timeline in our 10th anniversary video:

Who are the Trash Hero volunteers?

by Lydia on 12/10/2023 2 comments

The results of our big volunteer survey are in! Discover who volunteers for our movement – and what motivates them.

Trash Hero volunteers are the driving force of our mission to create a world free from plastic pollution. To find out more about the incredible individuals who dedicate their time and energy to the movement, we conducted a survey of volunteers in all countries worldwide. We collected demographic information, asked about their motivation for joining Trash Hero and how their experience has impacted them and those around them.

We received 177 responses (approximately 70% of active volunteers). They make for inspiring reading and give some fascinating insights into the kind of people Trash Hero attracts – let’s dive in!

Volunteer demographics

Impact of volunteering

The survey revealed overwhelmingly positive feedback about how volunteering has helped people in multiple areas: making new friends, learning new skills and gaining knowledge about plastic pollution, as well as feeling happier and more confident! This confirms our experience that volunteering with Trash Hero is good for both the planet and your personal wellbeing.

Note: these statistics are self-reported.

Volunteer experience

Meet some of the volunteers who responded to the survey below:

Sabine, Trash Hero Basel, Switzerland Sabine found out about Trash Hero online and decided to join to help prevent plastic pollution. Before Trash Hero, she was already trying to reduce her plastic use, but since joining Trash Hero she has felt more confident to speak to others about the issue. She loves her team and the attitude of Trash Hero and hopes to volunteer with us for years to come.

Aziz, Trash Hero Mersing, Malaysia Aziz is a teacher who joined Trash Hero because he liked the vision and mission. Aziz wants to be a role model for people to reduce plastic use at home and school – he carries his Trash Hero water bottle wherever he goes! Thanks to Aziz, a friend chose an alternative to polystyrene plates at his wedding, avoiding a lot of plastic waste.

Nan, Trash Hero Ao Nang, Thailand Nan joined Trash Hero in 2015 after hearing about the cleanups in Koh Lipe. She loved the positive attitude of the movement. Since joining Trash Hero, she has installed a water filter in her home so they don’t have to buy water in plastic bottles. She has also reduced her own use of plastic and noticed that her friends and family have followed her example.

Suta, Trash Hero Tabanan, Indonesia Suta saw another chapter, Trash Hero Yeh Gangga, organising regular cleanups and thought it was a great way to expand his social circle. Since starting his own chapter, Suta has learned about the issues of plastic pollution and is now organising cleanups because he recognises plastic’s impact on our health. Since being part of the Trash Hero movement, Suta has become more confident, knowledgeable, happier and has made new friends.

So what are you waiting for? Join the Trash Hero movement today! You can join an existing chapter, start your own or volunteer remotely.

Group of volunteers smiling at the camera. ll are wearing Trash Hero -shirts

Our Impact up to 31st December 2022

by Lydia on 15/02/2023 2 comments

Every week volunteers around the world put on their yellow t-shirts and commit to working towards a world free from plastic pollution – but what does it really mean to be a Trash Hero?

It means that we are a global movement. Trash Hero is currently active in 139 locations in 17 countries. To date, our movement has mobilised 466,578 volunteers, 120,673 of whom were under 16! We are passionate about including a wide range of people in our activities, and we celebrate this diversity as much as possible.

Being a Trash Hero also means taking regular action against plastic pollution. In 2022 alone, Trash Hero volunteers organised 3,296 cleanups – an average of 9 cleanups a day and 45 kgs per event! This brings our total number of cleanups since 2013 to an incredible 18,206, removing a total of 2,302,862 kgs of trash

We help people reduce single-use plastic through our refill and reuse programmes. To date, we have distributed 106,188 reusable water bottles through our partner network, which includes 673 points where people can refill their bottle for free. This has prevented an incredible 38,8 million single-use plastic bottles from being used and has reduced 2017.572 tonnes of CO2 emissions. We have also distributed 29,520 reusable Trash Hero bags, preventing the use of 10.8 million single-use plastic bags

Trash Hero is also committed to inspiring a new generation of activists! Our dedicated kids programme, which began in 2018, has helped 23,330 kids build sustainable habits. This is done through our story and activities book

As well as hands-on action within communities, Trash Hero is committed to collecting data that can be used to influence policy change on plastic. Trash Heroes have conducted 402 brand audits that have been included in reports holding corporate polluters responsible. These reports have been submitted to the UN negotiations for a Global Plastics Treaty.

But it’s not just about the numbers. Being a Trash Hero means that we feel connected with your fellow volunteers, we are motivated to create change and we are thankful to everyone who supports and contributes to our movement.

And most of all, it means that we are family!

Thank you to all of our volunteers who have been part of the incredible impact that we have had. We can’t wait to see what 2023 brings!

We have been collecting data since December 2013; as of 31st December 2022 these are our numbers!

18,206 cleanups
139 active chapters in 17 countries
466,578 volunteers, including 120,673 under 16s
Responsibly collected and disposed of 2,302,862 kg of trash
As part of the Trash Hero Bottle program, 106,188 reusable bottles have been distributed, avoiding 38.8 million single-use plastic bottles and reducing 2,107 tonnes of CO2 emissions
As part of the Trash Hero Bag program, 29,520 reusable Trash Hero bags have been distributed, saving 10.8 million single-use plastic bags

Do you want to be part of a movement that is dedicated to creating change? Trash Hero cleanups are open for everyone to join – no cost, no sign-up, just show up! Find your nearest chapter here.

Making refill a reality

by Lydia on 13/12/2022 No comments

Sandro Schnarwiler, the managing director of Schnarwiler cosmetics, has been passionate about the problem of plastic pollution for a long time. After watching a television documentary that featured Trash Hero in 2018, he decided he wanted to help. He approached the team with the idea of developing a refill and reuse system for his cosmetic products.

We began discussions with Schnarwiler about developing a range of completely refillable products. By creating such a system, the company could drastically reduce its plastic use and support customers to transition to more sustainable ways of shopping.

‘Sandro Schnarwiler was eager to partner with Trash Hero to make meaningful impact with his business’

A partnership began, resulting in the ‘Love Refill’ product line. It launched with four products (shampoo, conditioner, soap and body lotion) – all-natural, locally made, and cruelty-free in reusable glass packaging. Once the bottle or jar is empty, customers can wash out the bottle and refill at a lower price than their original purchase.

To ensure the system was zero waste from start to finish, the Trash Hero team suggested that even the bulk containers used for refilling individual bottles were washed and reused at the factory, rather than being discarded. This idea was meant with a positive response and Schnawiler showed dedication to wanting to reduce plastic at every opportunity.

Now, the refill network has grown to more than 150 stores all over Switzerland, including the national chain Reformhaus, making refilling easier than ever. As for Schnarwiler, they have found the refillable range to be so popular that it has almost completely replaced single-use products as their core business.

Hotels are now also requesting the products to replace their in-room toiletries. Schnarwiler calculated that a hotel with 200 beds and 80% occupancy provides around 500 throwaway plastic containers per night. This results in more than 180,000 pieces per year or almost 4 tons of plastic waste from just one hotel!

Schnarwiler helps the hotels to fit reusable glass dispensers of products in the bathrooms. As they are refilled, they save both the plastic and the product itself from being wasted.

There are currently 24 hotels signed up to the project, with more in the pipeline!

In another boost for the initiative, Eliane, the winner of Best Female Solo Act at the 2018 Swissmusic Awards, became a brand ambassador for Schnarwiler’s refill lines which in 2022 now include both “Love Refill” and a new range, “Re-use-me.”

She promotes the products and concept of refill to her many fans and last year, together with Schnarwiler, organised a gala performance to raise funds for Trash Hero projects and our refill programmes in Asia. We are incredibly grateful for her support.

Sandro Schnarwiler and Trash Hero started a partnership that has proved refill is possible, practical and profitable in the real world. Since the project began in 2018, it has saved more than 79,000 plastic bottles from being used*!

Schnarwiler is leading by example in the beauty industry. In the long term, refill and reuse systems benefit both the business and the environment and help us work towards a plastic-free future.

Give the gift of a plastic-free 2023

If you want to try out the refills for yourself, or know someone who might like the concept, you can find the full product range and the refill locations online.Schnarwiler, in collaboration with Eliane, has released a fan package containing refillable and reusable products from the ‘Love refill’ range. They have also launched a brand new refillable and plastic-free deodorant and toothpaste in a tube – the first of its kind in Switzerland! In January 2023 they will be releasing a refillable suncream and lip balm!

All Schnarwiler’s products are made and sourced in Switzerland from 100% natural and cruelty-free ingredients. All products are vegan aside from the conditioner which contains a small amount of beeswax.

For each product or refill sold, Trash Hero receives a donation – the details of which can be found in our annual report.

If you’re not in Switzerland, consider a Trash Hero e-card or donation gift to help us continue our work for a cleaner world.

*as of December 2022.

Brand Audit Report 2022: the results are in!

by Lydia on 09/12/2022 No comments

In November, Break Free From Plastic released their 5th annual Brand Audit report. As well as documenting which companies are responsible for the majority of plastic counted this year, it analyses which corporations have been responsible for the majority of plastic pollution for five consecutive years.

The 2022 report consisted of 397 brand audits on six continents; 14,760 volunteers participated, counting and auditing 429,994 pieces of plastic from 4,645 parent companies.

The reports found that these companies were the top polluters for 2022!

The Coca-Cola Company
PepsiCo
Nestlé
Mondelēz International
Unilever
Procter & Gamble
Mars, Inc.
Philip Morris International
Danone
Colgate-Palmolive

Trash Hero contributed significantly to these findings. We submitted 30% (120) of the brand audits used in the report, 6.8% (29,504) of the plastics counted, and 18.2% (2,968) of volunteers that took part were Trash Heroes!

As this is the fifth annual brand audit report, Break Free From Plastic took the opportunity to analyse longitudinal data trends from the five years of data they have collected. They found that Coca-Cola, Nestle and Pepsico have consistently been the top single-use plastic polluters over that time.

Coca-cola has been the worst plastic polluter by a significant lead, with the amount of Coca-Cola branded plastic increasing each year! According to the report, they accounted for 31,000 pieces of plastic collected during the brand audits – representing a 61% increase since 2021! This is unsurprising as a recent report found that their plastic production has increased by nearly 10%!

Break Free From plastic members submitted data from this report at the first annual INC meeting – a meeting of UNEA member governments to discuss the global plastic treaty. This crucial meeting started the negotiation process for the treaty’s terms and included representatives from the plastics industry and civil society groups. The information from the report highlights the need for large corporations to take responsibility for their role in plastic pollution, and it shows that the only way to reduce plastic pollution is to reduce the production of plastic.

We are so proud to be part of such an important movement and play a role in influencing policies that will address the plastics crisis. We want to say a massive thank you to all of the Trash Hero volunteers who have contributed to this data over the years. We have been collecting data for this project since it began, and seeing it be part of such an important event makes the hard world worthwhile.

Thank you to Break Free From Plastic for analysing all the data and representing our views at the INC1 this week.

Small actions lead to big impacts!

by Lydia on 16/08/2022 No comments

Our half-year numbers are in!

Our half-year numbers are in, and they make us so proud of every single volunteer who has contributed to the impact of the global Trash Hero movement – whether they joined one cleanup or 100!

In just six months in 2022, 26,666 volunteers (of which 8,098 were under 16) completed 1615 cleanups, collecting 53,102 kg of trash.

That’s an average of 9 cleanups and 265 kg of trash per day!

We have been collecting data since December 2013, and as of 30 June 2022:

We have completed 16,525 cleanups
We have 159 active chapters in 17 countries
438,503 volunteers have joined us, including 111,608 kids
We have responsibly collected and disposed of 2,207,236 kg of trash
As part of the Trash Hero Bottle program, 104,688 reusable bottles have been distributed, avoiding 38,211,120 single-use plastic bottles and reducing 1989 tonnes of CO2 emissions
As part of the Trash Hero Bag program, 29,445 reusable Trash Hero bags have been distributed, saving 10,747,425 single-use plastic bags

Since January 2022, we have welcomed 11 new chapters to Trash Hero; however, this year, we have seen a decrease in the total number of active chapters.

We must recognise the pandemic’s impact on volunteers, not just with Trash Hero but across all charitable organisations. Although Covid-19 restrictions have been lifted in most countries, the impact of the lockdowns and the economic fallout still affect many communities. Many of our volunteers have had to change locations or professions to ensure they can support themselves and their families. This, unfortunately, means they can no longer commit to regular activity – but the door is always open if they feel able to return.

As Trash Hero World, we will continue to support our volunteers in every way possible. We organise regular catch-ups with our chapter leaders and country coordinators and provide mentorship and guidance with every step of the way.

And thanks to this momentum, we continue to see incredible numbers in terms of trash collected and volunteers who have taken part.

How do we get this data?

During every cleanup, our chapter leaders will record data – the number of volunteers in attendance, the weight of the trash collected and how many kids have taken part – which is then published on their social media accounts and uploaded to our database. Anyone can see the live statistics on our website. This data is checked every month to ensure it is consistent and correct.

Why do we collect data?

Collecting data helps us assess and celebrate our impact: seeing how much waste we have removed from shorelines, mangroves, cities, and rivers helps to keep us motivated and inspired. But also, this data is essential to share with researchers and our partners. Data equally helps to reinforce our message of reducing plastic at the source, showing people how much waste we produce, how many people want it stopped and how effective refill and reuse solutions can be.

We also share a more detailed analysis of the trash collected with researchers and campaigners so that they can push for change at the global level.

All of our data is publicly available as part of our commitment to being transparent.

All that we have achieved so far has been down to the dedication and commitment of our incredible volunteers. We want to say a huge thank you to them! Organising cleanups and collecting data takes time and energy, and our volunteers’ passion drives our movement.

Check out their work in the video below, and share it with someone you think would enjoy it:

Has this inspired you to join us? Find out more about starting a chapter here or email us.

World Refill Day: How you can have an impact

by Lydia on 16/06/2022 No comments

Plastic production is increasing, how can we – as concerned citizens- change this? We want to inspire you to make small changes and demand bigger ones so that globally we have a meaningful impact.

This World Refill Day (June 16th) we’re taking a closer look at refill and reuse and discovering why they are the key to reducing plastic pollution. We’ll share what we’ve been doing to support refill and show you how you can also make an impact with your actions. We’ll show you how to encourage the support of businesses who are providing refills, motivate you to examine the way products are sold and ultimately inspire you to integrate more refillables into your household and routine.

So why do we need to refill?

Currently, 380 million tonnes of plastics are produced each year ¹_, over half of which are single-use plastics ² . Around 9% of this plastic gets recycled, with less than 2% being effectively recycled³. The rest is littered, landfilled, burned or shipped around the world for someone else to deal with. The sheer volume of waste being generated means even improved recycling is not a practical solution – even if plastic manufacturers would like us to think it is.

The only solution that we know works is to reduce the amount of plastic being produced, especially single-use plastic. Refill and reuse of containers and packaging is one of the easiest and most efficient ways to reduce the amount of plastic needed in the world. Making refill the norm can start at an individual level and then must be supported by the local business community, government infrastructure and eventually by big consumer goods companies.

The benefits of refill are not just limited to reducing plastic waste in the environment. Reducing plastic also has a positive climate impact by reducing CO2 emissions. Plastic production and use currently accounts for around 4% of global carbon emissions, more than the entire airline industry. Integrating more refills into your routine will also have a positive impact on your wallet. Refilling as much as you need rather than buying pre-packaged amounts often works out cheaper, as does refilling drinking water. Many businesses also offer discounts for people who bring their own containers for takeaway food and drink.

So what can I do as an individual?

Make refilling a habit

Think about your daily routine – where do you eat lunch? What items do you regularly buy in single-use plastic? Then try and find ways in which you can swap the single-use for reuse or refill.

The simplest way is to switch to a reusable water bottle. If you already own one, you can encourage others to do the same!

There are many places that offer free water refills, especially in countries where you can drink from the tap. Even in those where you can’t, local refill networks such as the one created by Trash Hero (see below) often exist to help people stay hydrated while avoiding single-use plastic.

To see the impact you have when using a refillable water bottle you can use our free Bottle Impact Calculator. Share your results online to inspire others – and don’t forget to tag us @trashheroworld!

It’s not just water bottles

Let’s remember, It’s not just water bottles that can be refilled and reused! You can bring your own reusable cups and containers at many takeaway places and markets and more and more stores are offering refills of day-to-day essentials such as toiletries, cleaning products and groceries.

Even without a local refill store you can still take action: try a reusable container for your lunch (home made or takeaway) and a thermos for your coffee. You don’t necessarily need to buy anything new to start this, there are things in our houses that will do the job! Old takeaway containers are great to reuse for a packed lunch and old jam jars are perfect for home-made instant noodles – there are endless options and ideas out there! Have a look through your cupboards and see what can be repurposed for your refill journey.

reusable plates, world refill day — Reusable plates – Trash Hero Indonesia Family Meeting

refillable pots, world refill day — Reusable plates – Trash Hero Indonesia Family Meeting

Start a conversation

Talking about refill and how easy it is helps to make the idea accessible and normal for people around you. Make it your aim to research as many places as possible in your local community that allow you to bring your own container for purchases, or ask your friends and neighbours if they have any recommendations for water refills or other reuse tips. Share your findings with your network so that others are encouraged to try.

If there isn’t currently any refill store in your area, maybe there is a friendly local business that you can approach. Try bringing your own cup or container and start a discussion or brainstorm ways in which they could trial refills in their stores. A conversation is the first step to changing behaviour and consumer feedback is extremely powerful.

Support businesses that care

As we’ve mentioned, your feedback as a consumer holds power. This isn’t just about refusing single-use plastic in bigger stores, but supporting those businesses that are offering refills. Be sure to tell them you love what they do, share their sites on social media and encourage others to go there too.

A great resource for refill and reuse programmes is the Living Landscape of Reduse Solutions database – it provides fantastic information about the different ways refill works to eliminate waste, as well as an up-to-date list of refill and reuse providers. You can use it for research or submit your favourite store to their database.

Demand change

It is important to remember that refill is not a new idea. In fact, not so long ago refill was the norm in most countries. For example, products such as milk and soft drinks were delivered in refillable glass bottles. It’s easy to revive these systems and even improve them with new technology and materials.

Whenever you hear a company talking about more or better recycling, remind them and those around you that the real solution is to reduce and reuse / refill. Only when they realise people understand the link between their products and pollution and climate change will they change their packaging and delivery systems.

It may feel overwhelming at times, but together we have the power to demand change and show commitment to that change in our daily habits and purchases.

So what are Trash Hero doing about refills?

The Trash Hero bottle refill programme offers a safe and affordable alternative to single-use plastic bottles. We provide stainless steel water bottles at cost price to local businesses, who then sell them on and provide free drinking water refills to any bottle owner. We have a network of more than 700 refill points, predominantly in Southeast Asia, but also in Czech Republic. A study looked at the impact of refilling the Trash Hero bottle alongside the equivalent number of single-use plastic water bottles and concluded: ‘As a direct comparison between packaging systems, the Trash Hero reusable bottle reduces your [CO2 emissions] by around 95% vs. single-use plastic.’ ⁴ To date, we have sold 102,470 bottles and estimate that 37 million plastic bottles have been avoided as a result of the programme.⁵

Another Trash Hero refill project saw us partner with Swiss cosmetics company, Schnarwiler AG, to launch a range of refillable beauty products with 100% natural ingredients. Essential items such as hand and body soap, shampoo, conditioner and body lotion are packaged in recycled glass bottles and refilled in local stores from bulk containers that are also washed and reused. Since the project started in 2018, the refill network has grown to 84 outlets and 11 hotels, including a popular national chain store, demonstrating that such projects can be implemented on a large scale. It is estimated that 52,882 plastic bottles (200ml) have been avoided thanks to refill.

We’d love to hear from you about your refill journey. Any great refill or reuse ideas that you’ve found helpful? Any stores in your area that you want people to know about? Share in the comments below or tag us on social media!

Footnotes and references:

Trash Hero World receives UN Environment accreditation

by Seema on 24/03/2022 No comments

Trash Hero World is honoured to have been granted formal consultative status at the United Nations Environmental Assembly (UNEA). This “observer status” is awarded through an accreditation from the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which we received on 16 March 2022.

UNEP has been working for 50 years to protect the environment, fight climate change and support sustainable development. It sets the environmental agenda, promotes the coherent implementation of the environmental dimension of sustainable development within the United Nations system and serves as an authoritative advocate for the global environment. UNEA is its governing body, comprising of 193 member states, representatives from civil society, businesses, and other major groups and stakeholders. It is the world’s highest-level decision-making body on the environment.

The full list of UNEP-accredited organisations, including Trash Hero World, can be found on the UNEP website.

As an official observer, we are now among 500+ NGOs globally who can give input to policy discussions and participate in the UNEA sessions and those of its subsidiary bodies. With the announcement of a legally binding global plastics treaty at the recent UNEA-5.2 in Nairobi, it is a very exciting time to join and to be able to give voice to the needs and views of our grassroots volunteer network, many of whom are working on the frontline of the plastics crisis in Southeast Asia.

Making the line a circle

by Seema on 01/03/2022 No comments

Trash Hero Czech Republic’s Jan Bares recently met with the Czech Minister of the Environment, Anna Hubáčková, as part of a delegation from Zálohujme.cz, a campaign to introduce a nationwide deposit return system for cans and PET bottles.

They presented the government with a petition of 35,596 signatures calling for the introduction of such a system which would massively improve recycling rates and support the introduction of reusable containers. Trash Hero Czech Republic chapters have been providing the campaign with data from their cleanups to show how many bottles and cans are currently ending up in nature.

In Europe, 12 countries already have such a system. We hope Czech Republic will be next!

Camping sustainably with Trash Hero Pattani

by Martyna Morawska on 10/02/2022 No comments

The average city-dweller in Thailand produces 1.3kg of waste per day. Trash Hero Pattani organised a camping trip for 125 people that generated just 40g of waste per person, per day!

How did they manage it? They started training several weeks before the trip to the beautiful region of Yala, in southern Thailand. A group of volunteer coordinators were taught about zero waste principles and how they could apply them during the stay. Rules were drawn up for participants to firstly avoid bringing any waste to the camp and then committing them to separate and rinse any trash generated into 7 different categories.

While this may sound cumbersome, in fact the photos show the group had a fantastic time, with plenty of family activities, water sports, and music and fire shows in the evening – they even did a cleanup! The camping project is a really wonderful example of learning by doing, and demonstrating to local people that zero waste is possible in all kinds of situations.

In total the waste generated during the camp (4-6 Feb inclusive) was 31.6kg, with 16.6kg of organics and recyclables and 15kg of residual waste. 10.5kg of trash was picked up during the cleanup in the camp grounds. The trip was the sixth such event in Trash Hero Pattani’s “Zero Waste Camping” project, which they describe as a work in progress, refining the details each time. Already this year the amount of trash generated was halved, compared with the 2021 trip, where 95g of trash was logged per participant. Kudos to all involved, and for more information (in Thai) please visit the Trash Hero Pattani page.