By Gabriel
This is a story that shows how “Impossible” can become “I-m-possible” through determination and action.
I was lucky to go on board the "Plastic Odyssey" during its 28th stop on its journey around the world in Hong Kong. Founded by Simon Bernard and Alexandre Dechelotte, “Plastic Odyssey” is a global project aboard a boat that travels the seas to reduce plastic use and educate communities about plastic pollution. Their logo cleverly combines a plastic bottle and the sea, symbolising their mission.
During the tour of the boat, I saw the machines the crew of 20 uses to process plastics collected at sea into furniture. My guide, Alaric, highlighted the urgency of plastic pollution—20 tonnes enter our oceans every minute! They embarked on an “impossible” odyssey to teach people how to pollute less, including removing plastic from the uninhabitable Henderson Island, a UNESCO World Heritage Site known as the world’s most polluted place.
At the end of our visit, the crew served us toothsome vegan food on the deck, decorated with a garland made from recycled potato chip bags, overlooking the stunning Hong Kong skyline. Recently, I learned that the devastating flash floods in Spain were caused by global warming, highlighting the need for everyone to protect the planet. I am inspired to use less plastic and educate my friends.