It’s no secret that plastic pollution has become a global crisis and the planet is drowning in plastic. It affects marine and ocean life, but it affects people too. In India, almost a third of waste is uncollected. This has given rise to 1.5 million people known as ‘waste pickers’ who collect this waste in the informal sector. ‘Waste pickers’, however, are mostly made up of ‘dalits’, formally known as ‘untouchables’, the lowest social group in India’s caste system. This means that they are vulnerable to discrimination and poor working conditions. They are vulnerable to harassment by the police, constant displacement and no access to health and financial services. In 2015, the price waste pickers received for plastic they collected dropped by 60%. The price has recently dropped even further.

An abundant resource of recyclable plastic already exists. That’s why The Body Shop started using Community Trade recycled plastic from Bengaluru, India. This not only helps tackle the plastic problem, it will also help to empower the waste pickers. The Body Shop supports Bengaluru pickers with access to more sanitary working conditions, a fair price and the respect and recognition they deserve.

PARTNERS

Plastics for Change are a for-profit organisation that partners with local NGOs Hasiru Dala and Hasiru Dala Innovation (HDI) to provide Bengaluru’s waste pickers with a stable income and better opportunities. These partnerships help integrate marginalised waste workers and waste pickers into organised waste management by utilising their expertise. For HDI, their main focus is improving the livelihoods of waste pickers so that they can boost their entrepreneurial skills. They also provide training for other useful skills, including urban gardening.

The Body Shop has started using Community Trade recycled plastic in the 250ml Shampoo and Conditioner bottles.*

*100% recycled plastic with 15% Community Trade recycled plastic, excluding bottle caps.