"Plastic Champ" competition for sustainable plastic waste disposal in Nicaragua

In Nicaragua, we launched the "Plastic Champ" competition. With this prize, we want to further motivate the local population to rescue plastic bottles from the environment. At the same time, we are raising awareness of sustainable waste disposal and also recognizing individual commitment to a plastic-free environment. With the first competition alone, we were already able to almost double the number of plastic bottles collected!

Strengthening awareness of sustainable waste disposal

The recycling infrastructure in Nicaragua is still being developed. Especially in the remote communities where we operate, there are no recycling initiatives or collection containers for recyclable waste. This is a particularly major problem when it comes to plastic, because if plastic waste cannot be recycled, it is disposed of in open landfills, burned outdoors, or ends up in nature.

Although we regularly collect around 3,000 plastic bottles at our community events, which are reused in our factory, thus reducing plastic waste. "But we must and can do even more," thought Frank Sarria, Managing Director of Buy Food with Plastic in Nicaragua, and launched the "Plastic Champ" competition. With great success: Already at the first competition in January 2023, a remarkable 6,315 plastic bottles were collected! More than twice the average. 

The submitted plastic bottles are counted by the local Buy Food with Plastic team.

"Through the competition, we mainly want to reduce plastic waste while simultaneously creating and strengthening awareness of sustainable waste disposal," Frank explains. "But we also want to recognize the contributions that men and women make to our environment and community. In our society, appreciation is an important issue, because many people do not feel recognized, whether at school, at work, or in their free time. By awarding the title of "Plastic Champ," we motivate people to continue to work for environmental protection and our society. And thus we close the circle here too – the circle of motivation," Frank explains.

From "Plastic Champ" to "Plastic Superstar"

Ismaelda Salazar is the winner of the "Plastic Champ" competition on February 26, 2023, which took place in San Ignacio. She collected an incredible 237 plastic bottles, more than ten times the amount usually required for a meal! The collected plastic is now being processed in our factory into surf combs. In addition to the title of "Plastic Champ," she wins a food package worth USD 10.00, which contains the basic food staples of oil, rice, beans, and sugar, and corresponds to a week's ration. Also a certificate and participation in the final: At the end of the year, the "Plastic Superstar" will be chosen from among all the winners. 

Ismaelda Salazar submitted 237 plastic bottles in San Ignacio, Nicaragua, and thus won the "Plastic Champ" competition.

Ismaelda is overjoyed at winning the competition. With the over 200 plastic bottles she collected, she has set the bar very high for the upcoming competitions. "I am very happy that I can make a contribution to protecting our beautiful nature. And of course, I hope that others will follow my example," Ismaelda says proudly. "And of course, I am aiming for the title of "Plastic Superstar" and will also participate in the upcoming community events," she announces.

We congratulate Ismaelda on her great success and thank her for being an important role model for plastic reduction in her community – a "Plastic Champ" indeed. We also thank Frank for this creative idea. Once again, it shows that even simple concepts can lead to successful results and achieve a sustainable impact.