2. rePurpose Global's mission
Plastic waste is a global emergency that’s destroying ecosystems, exploiting communities and damaging human health.
Founded in 2016 based on an award-winning university project by Peter Wang Hjemdahl, Svanika Balasubramanian, and Aditya Siroya, the organization set about on a mission to fight the plastic waste crisis by empowering waste workers and creating systems changes. Back in the early moments of rePurpose Global, the founders visited Asia’s second-largest landfill, Deonar East in Mumbai. On one side they saw towering mountains of plastic, and to the other, the city’s endless, booming urban skyline. This pivotal moment led (though, if we’re honest, not in a completely straight line) the realization that businesses possess the resources and bear some responsibility in combating waste. It also catalyzed the idea that financial innovations were part of the solution, and rePurpose Global pioneered the creation of incentives for brands to address waste, and continue to drive 'Outcomes-Based Financing' models to promote circular solutions.
Today, rePurpose Global’s mission is more ambitious than ever. True to our roots, we want to end plastic waste and revive the lives of people impacted by waste, but we also seek to drive global change and catalyze more circular solutions. We work to tackle the 3+1 planetary crisis:
- Waste and Pollution: Targeting the reduction and management of waste and pollution.
- Biodiversity Loss: Working to prevent the loss of biodiversity and protect ecosystems.
- Climate Change: Implementing measures to combat climate change.
- (+1) Social Inequity: We recognize that social inequity is exacerbated by the three issues above, and ensure that projects address this important intersectionality.
We do this through an approach that is based on science, stewardship, action, and advocacy. We also realize that this can't happen in isolation, and our work involves bringing together creators, doers, and leaders to create systems change against the most pressing social and environmental crises facing humanity today.
rePurpose Global's work today involves inspiring and implementing solutions towards a world where every individual, community, and business thrives in harmony with natureRead on to find out how we work with businesses to do this.
