Ocean plastic is a global headache but also an untapped opportunity. In Taizhou, a coastal city on the Chinese mainland, local fishermen are turning the tide with the Blue Circle initiative.
Every day, crews collect plastic debris during their trips—bottles, nets, packaging—and bring it back to shore. At a central facility, the waste is sorted, cleaned, and processed into raw materials for new products, from eco-friendly building blocks to innovative consumer goods.
Erik Solheim, former UN under-secretary-general, calls it a process of turning trash into "diamonds," highlighting Blue Circle as a powerful example of a practical circular economy model that can be scaled globally.
Since its launch, Blue Circle has involved dozens of fishing vessels and recycled over 200 tons of plastic waste, providing extra income for coastal communities and reducing pressure on marine ecosystems.
Key takeaways:
- Engaging fishermen as active stewards of the sea
- Transforming waste into market-ready materials
- Demonstrating circular economy impact beyond industrial hubs
For young global citizens, entrepreneurs, and changemakers, Blue Circle offers a blueprint: real-world impact begins with creative collaboration, data-driven solutions, and a shared mission to heal our oceans.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
