How collection containers are changing the Tola region in Nicaragua

Nicaragua, a country of breathtaking natural beauty, is facing a growing problem: plastic waste. As in many parts of the world, the extent of plastic pollution is becoming increasingly apparent here too. The country's beautiful beaches and nature reserves are increasingly threatened by plastic waste left behind by both tourists and locals. The consequences are devastating: marine animals swallow plastic, birds become entangled in nets and plastic bags, and microplastics enter our food chain. Inadequate infrastructure for collecting and disposing of plastic waste means that it is either disposed of in nature, buried, or burned.

Khalil Radi, founder of Buy Food with Plastic, visited Nicaragua in 2018 to fulfill his dream of a surfing holiday. But the idyllic beaches of Popoyo, in the Tola region, were marred by plastic waste. The outbreak of civil war exacerbated the situation. In the midst of this difficult situation, the idea arose to organize an event that would address the two most pressing problems: plastic pollution and poverty. This is how Buy Food with Plastic was born. Since 2018, the initiative has already achieved a lot. By giving plastic waste value through the initiative, people's attitudes towards careless disposal have changed. Plastic is no longer seen merely as a disposable product, but as a resource that creates jobs and regular income.

An open dump, commonly found in Nicaragua.

Positive change through community action

Positive changes are often visible in the small details. People voluntarily bring more plastic bottles to our community events than expected. Demand for plastic waste collection containers outside of events has grown. The community enjoys a cleaner environment and wants to be able to dispose of plastic waste properly at all times. Even the local government has installed a container supported by Buy Food with Plastic, which was painted brightly by the local community to show their appreciation for the facility. The most recent request came from the community: Buy Food with Plastic should regularly drive through the villages with a truck and collect the plastic waste. The high demand for suitable disposal options shows that the community considers this issue extremely important. We are also relying on another effective solution: placing collection containers in strategic locations that are emptied regularly.

The introduction of plastic waste collection containers in the region has a wide range of positive effects. First, the environment benefits significantly from the reduction of plastic waste. The containers provide locals and tourists with an easy and accessible way to dispose of their plastic waste properly, thereby reducing pollution on beaches and in waterways. This helps to protect fragile ecosystems and preserve biodiversity. In addition, the permanently placed containers serve a function that visibly strengthens awareness of the problem of plastic pollution.

Frank Sarria (right), Country Manager of Buy Food with Plastic Nicaragua, in front of a plastic waste collection container. The container was painted brightly by the village children.

The Tola region and its hope for change

The Tola district is a place of natural beauty and cultural diversity. Before the civil war, the local community mainly lived off traditional activities such as fishing, agriculture, and the tourism sector. The beaches and waterways were less polluted. The civil war destroyed these livelihoods, and the lack of waste management infrastructure led to increased pollution of nature. However, by maintaining clean beaches and marine areas, the villages along the stunning coast can once again become attractive destinations for tourists, especially surfers:s. The revival of the tourism sector could restore the income opportunities that locals once relied on. They ran modest accommodations, local restaurants, and bars where tourists and locals met. But the management of plastic waste also creates new, additional jobs, whether in the maintenance and cleaning of the containers, in the upcycling factory, or even in the development of sustainable business models that use recycled plastic.

By maintaining clean beaches and villages along the stunning coast, Nicaragua can once again become an attractive destination for tourists.

Small measures with a big impact

The introduction of plastic waste collection containers in Nicaragua is an important step towards a more sustainable future. Buy Food with Plastic has shown how committed community action and effective solutions can positively influence attitudes towards plastic pollution. The initiative not only helps to protect the environment but also strengthens the local economy. It is an inspiring example of how small measures can bring about big changes.