Make a difference today! Your actions can create a cleaner, healthier planet for everyone.
Our Impact
To support our local partner in collecting 5000 kg of plastic, we need to raise €6250.
Donate now to help clean the Ganges River from the plastic waste.
(Each graphic represents 100 kg plastic collected.)
United Nations
Each year, 8 million tons of plastic end up in the oceans, with rivers acting as major conduits for this pollution, carrying plastic waste from deep inland to the sea. On this sometimes lengthy journey, plastic affects various ecosystems, posing an immediate threat to animals who are unable to escape it and as it breaks down into microplastics, it further pollutes our waterways, and ultimately impacts us, humans.
Animals are severely effected by the plastics that get out into the environment.
It is estimated that 1,000 rivers are accountable for nearly 80% of global annual riverine plastic emissions into the ocean. (UNEP)
The funds raised will support Plastic Fischer's ground operations to clean rivers.
This consists of the following steps:
In 2018 the US exported 961,600 tonnes of plastic to South-East Asia.
Plastic waste — whether in a river, the ocean, or on land — can persist in the environment for centuries. (Source: UNEP | Photo credit: archeoplastica/IG)
Leveraging the fact that most river plastic floats within the top 50 cm of the water column, this innovative approach employs a self-aligning, modular barrier. It effectively traps the vast majority of river plastic while allowing marine life to swim underneath unhindered. Recognised by the World Economic Forum, this passive collection solution enables manual retrieval of trapped plastics and has been adapted by organizations like Sungai Watch, paving the way for a cleaner, plastic-free future for our rivers.
Not only this, but Plastic Fischer also utilizes a 3L method (low-cost, low-tech, and locally-built), which helping them excel at every location.
Support our cause and help clean up rivers from the comfort of your home.
For €12.5, you can support the collection, drying, separation, and proper handling of 10 kg of river plastic.
No plastic in nature (WWF)
International petition for a legally binding global treaty to end plastic pollution.
Fix the UK’s plastic waste crisis now (Greenpeace)
UK-specific petition asking the government to fix the country's plastic crisis
Support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act
(Only One)
Urge U.S. leaders to support the Break Free From Plastic Pollution Act
If you would like your name to be displayed here, make sure you set your name visible when making the donation!
Challenge yourself and discover how to reduce plastics around you with our downloadable collection of tips. Don't worry about achieving perfection—small changes can have a significant impact in the long term, benefiting both the environment and your health.
Find out how you can lessen your reliance on plastic.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Why support this cause?
If you want to take action against plastic pollution, you've come to the right place. 80% of ocean plastic originates from rivers and coastlines. Rivers act as bottlenecks, allowing us to intercept plastic before it spreads into the ocean. This is the most efficient way to stop plastic pollution at its source
Who is doing the work?
Our local partner is Plastic Fischer, a German company providing easy and affordable solutions for river plastic problems in India and Indonesia. They have experienced the issue first-hand and work closely with local communities.
How is the plastic removed?
Plastic Fischer employs floating barriers (Trashbooms) that block plastic from flowing down rivers. When these barriers are full, their team collects the trapped plastic. The removed plastic is then transported to a processing facility for drying and sorting based on its recyclability.
Are these barriers harmful to wildlife?
No, the Trashbooms only block plastic floating within the top 50 cm of the water column, allowing marine life to swim freely underneath.
I have donated but I haven't received project updates. What can I do?
First and foremost, thank you for your support! It's great that you're keen to stay informed about the project's progress. We use Donorbox to share regular updates about the project with our donors who have subscribed to them. If you haven't received any updates, please don't hesitate to contact us at info@heartfeldt.org and we will be sure to look into the problem.
What happens to the plastic after removal?
At the processing facility, the collected plastic waste is meticulously sorted into recyclable and non-recyclable categories. The recyclable plastic is segregated and transported to dedicated recycling facilities, where it undergoes a comprehensive recycling process, ultimately transforming it into new plastic products or materials.
However, the non-recyclable plastic poses a greater challenge. Currently, the most viable solution for this type of plastic waste is co-processing, a method that involves controlled incineration. During this process, the non-recyclable plastic is used as an alternative fuel source, providing the necessary heat for cement or concrete manufacturing operations.
While co-processing is not an ideal solution from an environmental standpoint, it serves as a temporary measure to manage non-recyclable plastic waste responsibly. Unfortunately, due to the lack of better alternatives at present, co-processing remains a necessary step in addressing this specific type of plastic waste until more sustainable and environmentally friendly solutions can be developed and implemented on a larger scale.
How is the raised money allocated?
From the €6,250 raised, our partner Plastic Fischer will receive €5,000 to cover the operation of removing 5,000 kg of river plastic and properly handling it. The remaining funds will cover our campaign's advertisement, production expenses, salaries, and fees.
I’ve already donated, what will happen now?
Firstly, thank you for your donation! 💙 Once we reach our funding goal, within one month, we will transfer the allocated amount to our partner, Plastic Fischer. They will then schedule the collection. We will keep you updated every step of the way via email and social media channels, including sharing videos and photos of the collected material so stay tuned.
I couldn't find the answer to my question.
Check out our socials
We regularly post about the Heartfeldt Coral Nursery project and share other informative posts about corals in general on our social media platforms: Instagram, Facebook, TikTok, X, and LinkedIn.
Get in touch with us
Still no answer? Let us know! We're eager to provide you with as much information as possible about the program, so email us at info@heartfeldt.foundation.
Remember, there are no bad questions, and who knows, perhaps someone else has the same question too - by asking, you could help others too. 🙌
Take action for a healthier planet, benefiting us all, no matter where we live.
Follow us on the socials
Stichting Heartfeldt Foundation
Jacob van Lennepkade 155 H
1054ZL, Amsterdam, The Netherlands
RSIN: 859114624
COC: 72454784
info@heartfeldt.foundation
It's not just about plastic
Supporting our cause means supporting the local community.
The team on site is made up entirely of local residents, providing valuable employment opportunities in an otherwise uncertain job market. By supporting our cause, you contribute to the creation of full-time jobs that enable workers to support their families with a stable income above minimum wage and access to private health insurance.
But don't take our word for it - hear it from the Kanpur team.