In the town of Puerto Guzmán, Colombia, communities affected by decades of conflict are working together to protect the environment and rebuild livelihoods through an innovative new initiative - the ITL Plastic Wood Recycling Project. The project brings together environmental protection, renewable energy, and community empowerment - transforming plastic waste into opportunity. By collecting and recycling discarded plastic, communities are creating sustainable livelihoods while cleaning their surroundings and reducing pollution in rivers and streets. Philippa Juma, In Their Lifetime Programme Manager, has recently returned from visited the project to see how the first phase is progressing.
Last month I had the opportunity to visit the Plastic Wood Recycling Project in Puerto Guzmán, Colombia. It was an inspiring trip, and I was amazed by how much has been achieved since the project began just a few months ago in June. The project brings together environmental protection, renewable energy, and community empowerment in a practical and hopeful way.
Already, eight recycling collection points have been set up -three more than originally planned - thanks to the community’s enthusiasm. These points are located in schools and public spaces, making recycling easy and inclusive. It was wonderful to see children proudly explaining how they collect and sort plastics, learning to care for their environment from an early age. The project is also piloting an incentive system where waste collectors can earn tokens from recycling and exchange them for essential goods. This creative approach helps families earn a green income while keeping plastic out of rivers and streets. Many women are leading this effort, becoming independent recyclers and community role models. The project offers a safer and more dignified alternative to informal waste collection, and provides stability and purpose while also protecting the environment.
The project is in the process of establishing a recycling plant equipped with machines to shred plastic waste, and preparations are underway for solar panel installation. As Phase 1 concludes, plans for Phase 2 will expand production capacity and create more sustainable jobs.
While in Colombia, I also visited another project led by Christian Aid and our partner, Biored, working with the same communities. This project is building climate resilience through clean energy, including installation of fuel-efficient stoves and solar-powered irrigation systems. It is also restoring forests and creating sustainable livelihoods. It works with indigenous communities and supports them in environmental advocacy, with findings to be presented at COP30 in Brazil. There is a strong overlap between this initiative and the ITL Plastic Wood Project, with common objectives of empowering communities to protect the environment and create green sustainable livelihoods. We are exploring how to connect and expand the project through Phase 2 funding.
