Zero-Plastic Oceans (ZEPO)

Project Overview

Plastic waste pollution continues to pose a growing threat to both environmental sustainability and human health, particularly in low-income and underserved communities where waste management systems remain limited. A significant portion of plastic waste is improperly disposed of, often ending up in drainage systems, rivers, and eventually the oceans. Over time, these plastics degrade into microplastics, contaminating ecosystems and entering the food chain, with long-term consequences for biodiversity and public health. In response to this challenge, eTrash2Cash, with support from the Arab Gulf Programme for Development (AGFUND) under the Prince Talal International Prize for Human Development, is implementing the Zero-Plastic Oceans (ZEPO) project to expand community-based plastic recovery systems across five local communities in Nigeria. The project is designed to create a sustainable model that links environmental action with social impact by turning plastic waste into incentives for vulnerable populations, particularly women and girls. Through ZEPO, we will establish 20 community-based collection points and train 50 women as waste champions and community ambassadors. These women will lead grassroots efforts to collect plastic waste, drive behavior change through awareness campaigns, and facilitate the exchange of plastic waste for incentives such as eco-friendly sanitary pads and cash support. Over the 18-month project period, the initiative aims to divert more than 1,000 tons of plastic waste from the environment, while directly supporting 10,000 women and girls with access to eco-friendly sanitary pads. In addition to waste recovery, ZEPO integrates education and financial inclusion by equipping women with leadership and basic financial skills, enabling them to manage collection activities and generate income through recycling systems. The project also targets over 20,000 community members through awareness campaigns, radio programs, and door-to-door engagement to promote sustainable waste management practices. By combining environmental protection, women empowerment, and circular economy principles, ZEPO provides a scalable and replicable model for reducing plastic pollution, protecting marine ecosystems, and improving livelihoods at the grassroots level.