Since 2018, Starboard’s Plastic Offset Program (POP) has been reducing the amount of waste polluting the marine environment. In 2023, while it continued to positively impact the planet, the POP also made a positive difference to people too.
Now more than ever, plastic waste is endangering wildlife, robbing destinations of their beauty and ruining the enjoyment of experiences on the water. At the same time, developing countries, such as Myanmar, vitally need support to improve social stability, increase financial security and build resilience to the effects of climate change.
This year, Starboard has taken action and helped to demonstrate the transformative power of community-driven initiatives. In coupling 395 beach clean ups with community engagement, education and partnerships, the POP has simultaneously combatted plastic pollution and fostered environmental awareness for a protected future.
POP for the Planet.
Building on the success of previous years, in 2023 the POP expanded its positive impact by setting up two new chapters in Ngapali and Singuang. With these additional sites, the POP removed an incredible 460 tonnes of plastic from the shorelines of Thailand and Myanmar! Thank you to our team of collectors that worked to remove, sort and recycle the litter polluting the beautiful landscapes.
POP for the People.
However, the action does not stop at the beaches. As well as creating 85 job opportunities, in 2023 the POP also continued to help the communities of our collectors through supporting education and livelihood projects.
In collaboration with local organizations, the POP set up 15 environmental awareness programs. The aim being to equip communities with new skills to enhance their financial independence. For example, through providing workshops on how to create natural fertilizers and pesticides, the local farmers became empowered to utilize new sustainable farming techniques. As a result, they can increase the efficiency of their farms, to better diversify their income and support their families. Read more about it here.
The positive impact of the POP reached the youngest generations too. Over 1000 children engaged with our environmental education programs, showing them that they can make a difference just like their parents. In teaching them how to properly dispose of rubbish, the children gained the knowledge to make the best decisions with their trash. There is optimism that through activating the next generation, we can ensure that the issues surrounding improper waste management can be significantly reduced, so that less plastic will enter the environment.
POP in 2024.
Looking forward to next year, we hope that the Plastic Offset Program can continue to grow and amplify the positive impact that it’s had so far. We remain committed to preserving the environment while empowering communities for a sustainable future.
In 2024, we want to collect more plastic and support more people!
To do this, we’re inviting you to join our action. If you would like to become involved with the POP and make a positive impact too, please contact eco@star-board.com.
