The Plastic Barter project is a Green Mind International Academy project that addresses two pressing issues: plastic pollution and food insecurity. Through a community-driven approach, GMI is creating awareness and sensitization about environmental sustainability while providing immediate relief to various communities in Nigeria. By engaging residents in a barter system, we aim to reduce plastic waste while providing essential food items.
Project Approach
Waste Collection : Through a one day barter event, community members drop off plastic waste – cleaned plastic bottles, pure water sachets e.t.c. at the GMI Academy location in Nigeria.
Barter System: Participants will exchange their collected waste for food items such as noodles, spaghetti, rice, e.t.c.
Recycling: Collected waste will be dropped off with major recycling partner for further recycling, promoting a circular economy.
Education (Phase 2): A follow up sensitization event will be scheduled for young people to visit our partner company for a day, to learn how recycling is done. Subsidies will be given on transportation to assist people who are unable to commute to our partner company.
Expected Project Outcomes
- Reduction in plastic waste accumulation in the community.
- Alleviation of food insecurity among vulnerable residents.
- Increased community participation in environmental sustainability efforts.
- Enhanced awareness about the importance of waste reduction and recycling.
This project, Plastic Barter, contributes to SDGs 4 and 13.
Plastic Barter 1.0
The maiden edition of the plastic barter project was implemented in Agbowo community in Ibadan, project commences in Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria, on Saturday, July 20th, 2024.
The event kicked off at 10am at Immanuel College Basic School, Orita, Ibadan, Oyo state Nigeria with an environmental education discussion led by Green Mind International Academy and recycling partner, Green Recycle by KIC. The community members, who already arrived before 9am, learned about the importance of waste management and need to preserve the environment through plastic recycling.
Plastic drop off
The plastics of the various households were weighed and based on the weight of their plastics, they received food stuff. Food items such as rice, garri, spaghetti, seasoning cubes, Tomato paste e.t.c were distributed to the locals of Agbowo community, Ibadan.
Food stuff collection
At the point of foodstuff collection, Green Mind International Academy team also educated the people on how to properly sort waste and keep their community clean. The barter/exchange continued from 10am to 3pm Nigeria time.
Results – Plastic Barter 1.0
The estimated goal was to feed about 100 to 150 households and recover about 200 to 300 kgs of plastic. The estimated goal was well surpassed as Green Mind International Academy, through her maiden plastic barter project, fed over 200 households and recovered over 500kgs of plastics. The plastic recovered were well transported to a recycling plant to be recycled into everyday useable products. The recycling credit goes to our recycling partner for the project, Green Recycle by KIC.
Partnerships – Plastic Barter 1.0
Many thanks to our partners for the successful implementation of the Plastic barter project in Ibadan. Green Mind International Academy partnered with organizations in Oyo and Lagos states. Our partners for the maiden edition were:
- Ministry of Environment, Oyo state.
- Green Recycle by KIC/KIC Cleaners
- Biodiversity Conservation Club, University of Ibadan.
- RENARSA, University of Ibadan.
- JCI, University of Ibadan.
- Samwise Surveys Limited.
Together, we worked together to achieve this feat. Green Mind International Academy is grateful. Thank you for supporting us.
Indeed, the maiden edition was a huge success and thanks to the Green Mind International Academy Team working tirelessly behind the scene to implement all our projects.
Like someone said – In the end, everyone went home happy after Plastic Barter implementation.
GMI Academy Team members present at plastic barter 1.0
The maiden edition in Ibadan, Oyo state might be over but Plastic Barter is not. Green Mind International Academy is taking the plastic barter project to every state in South West and Nigeria at large.
For enquiries, partnerships and sponsorships, contact us here
Gallery – Plastic Barter 1.0
