The Need
Our oceans are in crisis. An estimated 88% of the sea’s surface has been polluted with plastic — with 5.25 trillion pieces currently floating on our waters and 8 million more added every single day. Without urgent and sustained action, plastic in the ocean is projected to outweigh fish by 2025. Marine ecosystems, coastal communities, and the species that depend on healthy oceans face a threat that grows faster than awareness alone can address. The window to act is narrowing — and the cost of inaction is measured in the life of every ocean it touches.
The Intervention
Circular Explorer integrates ocean plastic recovery, environmental education, and marine science advancement. Built in partnership with One Earth One Ocean and powered by 100% renewable energy, it recovers up to four tons of floating plastic daily from high-pollution waterways — recycling waste in a carbon-neutral way that closes the loop on ocean plastic. The vessel also serves as a floating education center, empowering students as the next generation of environmental changemakers through hands-on learning and awareness building. Through collaborations with leading academic and research institutions, the project pushes the boundaries of marine science — developing new solutions to preserve and protect the world’s oceans for generations to come.
Country:
Phillippines
SDGs
Key Priority Area/s:
Sustainable Economy & Living
Partners:
Holcim Philippines, One Earth One Ocean, Department of Education (DepEd), Philippine Transmarine Carriers, Inc. (PTC)
30,000+
Students reached through various circular economy activities, workshops, and awareness campaigns
Goals Achieved:
100+
Public school teachers trained on circular economy principles and sustainable classroom practices
Goals Achieved:
25+
Public schools engaged across 4 pilot cities — Manila, Pasay, Parañaque, and Las Piñas
Goals Achieved:
1 set
Circular Explorer toolkits developed and mainstreamed into the DepEd curriculum, institutionalizing sustainability education nationwide.
Goals Achieved:
Featured Projects
SunLife Global Solutions - Coastal Cleanup 2025
Noveleta Coastal Community Rehabilitation Program - Wells Fargo
Sinag Pag-asa: Lighting the path to better lives
SOLution: Solar-powered Irrigation System for Farming Communities
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