The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS), University of Chittagong (CU) has been awarded an Innovation Grant (IG) to implement their project ‘Community-based Reduction of Plastic Pollution: Case of Circular Economy and Biodegradable Products in Bangladesh’

The project aims to reduce plastic waste by replacing single-use plastic items with biodegradable alternatives, such as cutlery sets, cups, and pens. It also involves collecting and processing plastic waste to regenerate commonly used plastic items. Additionally, the project focuses on creating innovative products from new materials, aligning with all the three Parley AIR thematic categories: Avoid (Reduce and Replace), Intercept (Retrieve and Recycle), and Redesign (Create New Materials, Smart Products, and New Industry Standards).

The Institute of Marine Sciences (IMS) at Chittagong University in Bangladesh envisions becoming a premier center of excellence in marine sciences education and research. It strives to lead in fostering ocean-based economic growth through innovative approaches and sustainable practices.
Visit the Institute of Marine Sciences for more information.

Total budget (USD)

119142

Objectives

Development objective: Improved circular economy with implementation of biodegradable materials to replace single-use plastics for alternative livelihoods and cleaner environment.

Project objective: To reduce environment pollution from plastic wastes by strengthening circular economy for maximum use of materials over multiple cycles and replace single-use plastics with innovation of biodegradable materials for community livelihoods. More specifically, the project proposes to reduce risk to rivers and seas through circulating plastic materials in the economy for recovering maximum value, while capacity building of women, girls, men and boys for behavioural change, business partnership and alternative livelihoods. The specific objectives are as follows:

1) To assess the quantity and composition of plastic wastes with underlying sources

2) To strengthen collection and processing of plastic wastes

3) To promote sustainable circular economy of plastics involving local stakeholder groups

4) To educate and aware marine fishers for managing ALDFG (abandoned, lost or discarded fishing gear) with exchanging/selling to local recyclers and up-cyclers

5) To foster innovation of biodegradable materials for business partnership and alternative livelihoods by replacing single-use plastics

The project focuses on 40 activities to achieve 15 outputs under 5 outcomes. The output-based activities are listed below:

Output 1.1: Inventory of plastic wastes updated
Main activities:

1. Develop survey design, sample size, and location of the survey.
2. Complete inventory survey, field visits, develop database, and validate accuracy.
3. Analyze and interpret data for plastic waste quantity and composition.

Output 1.2: Hotspots of plastic waste to drains, canals, rivers, and seas identified and mapped
Main activities:

1. Conduct participatory field visits and community interactions for data collection.
2. Develop GIS modeling to classify the abundance of plastic waste in various locations.
3. Map hotspots of plastic waste with the highest abundance and river disposal.

Output 1.3: Recommendations for environmentally sound disposal of plastic wastes proposed
Main activities:

1. Organize workshops with government, NGOs, academia, and the community.
2. Draft participatory guidelines for environmentally sound waste disposal.
3. Distribute and finalize guidelines among stakeholders.

Output 2.1: Training for women, men, and youth on plastic waste collection, processing, trading, and income generation
Main activities:

1. Conduct training on plastic waste collection, safety, and use of PPE.
2. Provide training on risk assessment and hazard characterization.
3. Prioritize local demand for separate training sessions by gender.

Output 2.2: Supported PPE and other inputs for waste pickers and processing workers
Main activities:

1. Conduct surveys for selecting waste pickers and PPE fitting.
2. Demonstrate the proper use, cleaning, and maintenance of PPE.

Output 2.3: School-based education programs on AIR framework (Avoid, Intercept, Redesign) for long-term behavioral change
Main activities:

1. Engage schools in reducing plastic waste.
2. Arrange educational sessions on the AIR framework.
3. Prepare and distribute communication materials like T-shirts and stickers.

Output 3.1: Select regenerative and popular items with producers, traders, and user groups
Main activities:

1. Survey producers, traders, and users to identify popular items (e.g., furniture, containers).
2. Assess demand-supply needs for these items.

Output 3.2: Pilot production of selected items with local producer groups
Main activities:

1. Assess capacity of local producers and identify gaps.
2. Provide training support for pilot production.
3. Develop business partnerships among producers and traders.

Output 4.1: Identify and map hotspots of abandoned fishing gear (ALDFG) with marine fishers
Main activities:

1. Conduct awareness sessions with the fishing community on gear disposal.
2. Use GIS modeling to classify ALDFG hotspots.
3. Draft recommendations for environmentally sound disposal.

Output 4.2: Increase exchange/sale of fishing gear with recyclers and up-cyclers
Main activities:

1. Conduct baseline surveys with recyclers and up-cyclers.
2. Perform final surveys after project interventions.
3. Analyze and disseminate survey findings.

Output 5.1: Support entrepreneurs to produce biodegradable items (e.g., cutlery, cups, pens)
Main activities:

1. Train entrepreneurs on producing biodegradable items from natural resources.
2. Provide inputs for innovation and connect with food delivery platforms.

Output 5.2: Reduce single-use plastic items in selected outlets (e.g., restaurants, tourist spots)
Main activities:

1. Conduct baseline and final surveys with selected outlets.
2. Analyze and interpret survey findings.

Output 5.3: Increase income generation for the broader community with decent livelihoods
Main activities:

1. Conduct baseline and final income surveys in the community.
2. Analyze survey data for income changes and improvements.

Output 5.4: Develop and distribute communication materials
Main activities:

1. Design posters, leaflets, and stickers involving local communities and schools.
2. Distribute communication materials effectively.

Output 5.5: Generate media interest and showcase project innovations
Main activities:

1. Conduct regular media briefings on project interventions.
2. Arrange media visits to document evidence of project impact.