Change starts at the grassroots
Beyond certification lies the soul of our work – real people, real stories, and community-led solutions to plastic pollution that build long-term resilience.
Rooted in people. Driven by purpose.
Plastic Collective Foundation is the non-profit heart of our work. It was born out of a commitment to walk alongside communities too often left behind.
For founder Louise Hardman, true impact begins with presence. Not blueprints or funding models, but time spent listening—sitting with village leaders, learning from elders and locals in remote communities where community empowerment for resource recovery creates pride and dignity.
We work in places the world often overlooks: remote villages, coastal towns, Indigenous lands. But it’s here where change takes root and where impact runs deepest.
These aren’t projects built for the headlines. They’re built for dignity, for self-determination, and for the long road ahead.
Capacity building
We equip communities with the knowledge and skills to reduce waste, recover resources, and take environmental action.
Recycling tools and support
We guide communities in choosing the right tools and simple set-ups to process plastic safely and sustainably.
Resource recovery heroes
We champion waste pickers, Indigenous Land and Sea Rangers, and volunteers who protect their lands and seas every day.
Indigenous and local leadership
Collaborating with traditional leaders and Elders to protect ecosystems and cultural knowledge through plastic action.
Real places. Real people. Real impact.
Each project empowers local leadership and community ownership. Here are some of our initiatives:
Hunter Gatherer Networks
Cape York, AUSTRALIA
An artist network of microenterprises transforming ghost gear and marine debris into saleable raw products and valuable artworks.
Wetlands not Wastelands
Gulf of Carpentaria, AUSTRALIA
A cultural environmental initiative with Land and Sea Rangers recycling collected marine debris through connection to Country.
Leaf Farmers Recycling Program
East Java, INDONESIA
Remote farming communities in East Java are struggling with plastic pollution impacting their farming areas, community health and environment.
Mantanani Plastic Recycling Centre
Borneo, MALAYSIA
Mantanani Island, located 30km northwest of Sabah, has a population of 1000 locals and 22 resorts. The main industries are fisheries and increasingly tourism
Ocean Trash Recycling Shack
Queensland, AUSTRALIA
In the middle of the Great Barrier Reef, Australia, there are over 200 stunning uninhabited islands making up the Whitsunday region
Shruder Resource Recovery Program
North Bali, INDONESIA
Les Village is located on the northern coastline of Bali, 45 minutes east of Singaraja. The village is home to mostly fishermen, salt farmers and their families.
The Centre for Sustainbility
New South Wales, AUSTRALIA
Bowraville is small regional community on the mid north coast of New South Wales, with high proportion of first nation people. Due to the remote area, there is a lack of employment opportunities for the youth.
Turning marine debris into culture, creativity, and commerce
The Hunter Gatherer Network is a unique initiative that connects Indigenous sea rangers, artists, and remote communities through a shared mission: transforming ghost gear and marine debris into high-value products, stories, and livelihoods.
In collaboration with Charles Sturt University and supported by the Australian Government’s Ghost Gear Initiative, the Hunter Gatherer Marketplace App enables artists and communities to showcase and sell goods made from recovered plastic.
Got a community project that needs support?
If you’re leading or dreaming of a local initiative on plastic waste, education, or empowerment, let’s connect. We offer tools, guidance, and visibility to help you grow grassroots impact where it’s needed most.
Build your impact. Back it up with proof.
Join the global movement of brands and individuals supporting traceable, certified plastic recovery.
Latest Posts
Turning Tides: Transforming marine debris into art in the Torres Strait
In November 2025, the Torres Strait Regional Authority (TSRA) invited us to deliver an intensive workshop on Waiben, Zenadeth Kes,
Launching the Plastic Collective Foundation: Supporting the Heroes Behind Plastic Recovery
Plastic Collective has been in operation since 2016 as a social enterprise–a for-profit business with the purpose of preventing plastic
UN Business & Human Rights (UNHBR) Regional Forum Australia & New Zealand
“Lets start talking about people again, lets talk about exploitation”. – Chris Evans, Australian Anti-slavery Commissioner (UNBHR, 2025). Over 300
When art meets ocean waste: Inside the Hunter Gatherer Networks movement
Explore how Indigenous artists are turning ghost gear and marine debris into stories, livelihoods, and resistance, and how the Hunter
Torres Strait Workshops- Transforming Trash to Treasure
The Hunter Gatherer Network team will visit the remote Torres Strait Islands in northern Australia (12-20th May), where these communities
Ghostnet & Marine Debris Artwork Market Place App
New ghost net & marine debris artwork digital marketplace set up to support indigenous women of Cape York Wei’Num Aboriginal
