Turning Plastic Waste into Knowledge, Action and Opportunity
"I'm sure you feel a responsibility to your kids to leave them a planet that is the same or better than the one you've lived in."
- Bella Lack
Plastic pollution is one of the most visible environmental challenges facing the Kilimanjaro region. Discarded bottles, packaging and other plastic waste litter streets, contaminate rivers and spoil one of Tanzania's most iconic landscapes. For Greenmanjaro, the fight against plastic waste is therefore essential to protecting the region we love.
From Pollution to Solution
Our goal is not only to collect and recycle plastic, but also to change the way the next generation thinks about it.
Through our Plastic recycling project, one of the four pillars of our Kili Lighthouse Educational Programme, students learn how to collect, sort, recycle, and upcycle plastic into new, sustainable products, introducing them to the principles of the circular economy in a practical, tangible way.
We combine knowledge with action. Instead of children only learning about pollution, they see what happens to plastic after it is thrown away and discover how they can become part of the solution. By changing attitudes at a young age, we aim to create a generation that respects its environment, reduces waste and inspires others to do the same.
Learning by Doing
Greenmanjaro has developed specialised recycling equipment for educational workshops, bringing plastic recycling directly into schools.
Our machines include a plastic shredder, melting machine, and heat press, engineered and manufactured in the Netherlands by Mark Bachrach of Studio MBB, and then shipped to Tanzania.
To date, we have funded 3 plastic recycling workshop hubs at secondary schools in Moshi and Arusha, housing a total of 9 recycling machines where students take part in practical workshops and transform collected plastic waste into useful new products for their families, schools and communities. Students experience every stage of the process from collecting discarded plastic to creating something tangible they can hold in their hands.
Taking Plastic Recycling to More Schools
In 2025, we introduced portable table-top recycling machines at the Kili Kids Climate Festival. This enables our volunteer team to bring hands-on recycling demonstrations directly into classrooms, Kili Green Clubs and Kili Climate Days. To date, we have 5 tabletop machines, enabling us to reach more young people, raise awareness, and give students hands-on experience showing that recycling can be practical, creative, and exciting.
Clean Up. Recycle. Inspire.
With our local partners and volunteer team, students participate in large-scale clean-up events around Rau Forest and neighbouring communities.
A child who understands the consequences of plastic pollution is more likely to protect nature. A child who learns how to recycle can teach a family. A group of motivated students can influence an entire community.
Changing a Mindset
Tanzania took an important step in June 2019 by introducing a ban on plastic carrier bags. But legislation alone cannot solve the problem. Long-term change also requires education. Through our plastic projects, we encourage children to question the throwaway culture and understand that materials have value after they are discarded.
Our message is simple: Don't throw it away. Think again. Reduce it. Reuse it. Recycle it. Give it another life.
