A simple bag for a cleaner coast

Pelorus Foundation is proud to partner with PISPO to turn an everyday choice in UK pharmacies into practical support for women-led conservation efforts on Kenya's coast.

Through our partnership, PISPO's recyclable and compostable paper pharmacy bags provide an alternative to unnecessary plastic packaging in the UK, while one per cent of every bag supports the Mama Karangas working with our local conservation partner, Oceans Alive Kenya.

The idea is simple: reduce plastic here, while helping remove plastic threatening coastal ecosystems elsewhere.

To turn a problem into an opportunity, our local project partner Oceans Alive Kenya's Trash for Cash programme works with women fishmongers, known locally as Mama Karangas, to turn beach clean-ups into an additional source of income.

The initiative has grown from an original group of 19 women into a wider coastal movement, with around 100 women now participating in plastic recycling activities thanks to peer-to-peer training.

Recently, a further 35 members from a neighbouring landing site are also generating a small revenue stream by collecting and selling plastics for recycling, while improving conservation of an area identified as an important turtle nesting site.

A key part of the programme is that it is designed to be both locally led and locally sustained.

Women share practical knowledge with one another, build confidence in handling and sorting recyclable materials, and strengthen the community networks that help the initiative grow beyond a single beach or landing site.

The benefits also extend beyond waste collection. By creating more reliable income opportunities, the programme can help reduce pressure on already fragile marine resources while strengthening the role of women in local conservation and decision-making.

For PISPO and Pelorus Foundation, this is what makes the model so compelling: it links environmental protection, women's economic resilience and community leadership in one practical solution.

For Pelorus Foundation, the strength of this partnership lies in connecting two simple actions.

In the UK, pharmacies can make a more responsible packaging choice.

In Kenya, that choice helps women build the skills, equipment and systems needed to remove plastic from vulnerable coastal environments while creating additional livelihood opportunities.

This is partnership, not aid: supporting local women to lead practical solutions that benefit both their communities and the marine environment.

Because a simple bag can have an impact far beyond the pharmacy counter.

Pharmacies interested in making their packaging work harder for people and planet can visit PISPO to learn more about the bags and the businesses already taking part.

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"Corporate partners like PISPO play an important role in helping us turn practical ideas into lasting conservation impact. We really value relationships that connect business action with locally led solutions."

- Justine Williams, Head of Pelorus Foundation

Please Support Us Today

Your generous support is fundamental to the continuation and ongoing success of these inspiring initiatives. There are also opportunities to hop on board and actively get involved.

To find out more and how your donation will make a positive impact, please email support@pelorusfoundation.com.

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