How it works

Tackle plastic pollution and poverty at the same time.

The idea of Buy Food with Plastic

What we do

We are tackling two global problems at the same time: Plastic pollution and extreme poverty.

We initiate events where the local population in Ghana, Nicaragua and India can pay for hot meals with plastic bottles. At the same time, they are made aware of environmental issues such as plastic pollution.

First and foremost, we are dedicated to the United Nations Development Goals 1(No Poverty) and 12(Sustainable Production and Consumption).

Our vision is to create a self-functioning cycle in which we process the collected plastic bottles into new products and reintegratethem into the production chainthrough sales.

How we do it

"Think globally and act locally."

This quote from Jane Goodhall describes our mission very well. We tackle global problems and transform them into locally adaptable solutions. This is how we have already introduced our concept on three different continents.

In our outreach countries Nicaragua, Ghana and India, monthly events are held where the local population can exchange 20 plastic bottles for food. Plastic serves as currency and is exchanged for balanced food provided by the local team on site.

We contribute to the solution of plastic pollution by giving plastic a value. To close the loop, we further process the collected plastic into beautiful and useful products. Our first product from Nicaragua is a surf comb for the local surf community. In Ghana, we make handmade outdoor blankets from recycled sachets & cotton fabrics.

At the same time, we engage local people by creating jobs for our event organization and in upcyclingfactory .

But for us, the solution does not stop at recycling. We believe that education and awareness raising for a more conscious use of plastic is the key to long-term change. We want to learn from each other and seek dialogue with the community.

Why we do it

The idea for Buy Food with Plastic was born in Nicaragua when we saw with our own eyes how the local people at
struggle with many challenges on a daily basis. We were not only confronted with the obvious problem of plastic pollution , but also with massive poverty and unemployment. We quickly realized that plastic was not the biggest threat to the lives of the locals. We could not stand idly by and took action.

Where we are active

"We did not choose the countries, they chose us."


Our activities are concentrated in the countries of Ghana, Nicaragua and India. Locals from each country contacted us to implement the concept in their country because they were convinced from the beginning that it would work in their communities. To date, we also receive many requests from other countries, but in order to professionalise the organisation in all three existing locations, we have decided to limitour work to Nicaragua, Ghana and India for the next 3 years.

But if you want to implement the idea yourself in your community - go for it!

See how it works

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Nicaragua

Highlighting the plastic problem
Through our events, at which the local population exchanges plastic bottles for hot meals, we enable the communities around El Astillero to use plastic consciously and sensitize them to the consequences of plastic pollution with playful workshops.

Creating a circular economy for plastic
As there is no adequate infrastructure for plastic recycling in Nicaragua, Buy Food with Plastic set up the first factory in the region where plastic bottles are upcycled into new products. We can reintegrate these products into the production chain to make them self-sustaining. In this way, we want to generate a sustainable cycle and create new jobs and opportunities for the communities.

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India

Highlighting the plastic problem
We are active in the slums of Bhandup, Mumbai, where we hold events at which the local population can pay for hot meals using plastic bottles. We use workshops to raise awareness of more sustainable waste management.

Finding local solutions to global problems
India already has an intact waste disposal and recycling infrastructure. However, the slum dwellers of Bhandup have hardly any access to it and plastic waste is piling up. We are currently in the process of setting up our local upcycling factory, where we turn plastic waste into new products such as jewelry, ice scrapers, cell phone covers and more.

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Ghana

Highlighting the plastic problem
In Ghana, we hold events in schools and remote communities in Elmina. We not only accept plastic bottles, but also sachets, as they are very common in the region.

Finding local solutions to global problems
We are currently sorting and shredding plastic waste in our local upcycling factory in Elmina. Together with our partner Trashy Bags , we can use the sachets to make hand-sewn products such as outdoor blankets and other travel items. We are currently working on securing funding for our injection molding machine so that we can also process hard plastic in the future.

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Switzerland

Highlighting the plastic problem
We facilitate and coordinate all global activities from our headquarters in Zurich.

Finding solutions to global problems
Through partnerships, we find solutions to make this world a better place. The team in Switzerland manages a global fundraising strategy and organizes charity events. We maintain and expand our relationships with foundations and companies to financially secure Buy Food with Plastic .

Creating a circular economy for plastic
By providing marketing and sales opportunities to monetize upcycled products, we aim to put Buy Food with Plastic on a stable long-term footing.

Get to know the whole team

Our concept is bearing fruit

Find out how much impact we've already made. Details about plastic waste saved, jobs created and meals distributed can be found here.

Our impact

Do you still have questions about our concept? Contact us

Anna Gracia Herbst

Co-founder & responsible for communication