“Plastic pollution is everyone’s problem,” says Fleur Hermanides, President of the EPIC Sint Maarten Foundation and architect of the Perpetual Plastics Program. The Perpetual Plastics Project marks a groundbreaking effort to tackle the island’s waste crisis. A social recycling workspace in Cole Bay has been opened and this innovative facility is already transforming discarded plastics into reusable items using open-source recycling methods inspired by the Precious Plastics initiative, through collaboration with the support of more than a dozen community volunteers and donors.

The process starts with collecting and sorting high-den-sity polyethylene (HDPE) and polypropylene (PP) plastics from schools. These materials are then shredded, melted, and molded into new products. “Our goal is to turn plastic waste into a resource that benefits the community while reducing the burden on our environment,” Hermanides says.

The project also addresses social challenges by creating job opportunities for individuals who face barriers to traditional employment. The workspace provides a supportive environment where community members can develop skills while contributing to sustainability efforts.

SPECIAL THANKS
Heartfelt gratitude for the many donors, supporters, sponsors, and grantors who made this a banner year for the EPIC Sint Maarten Foundation. View the recognition list here.

Enjoy the EPIC 2024 Annual Impact Report Here.

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