In informal settlements in Dar es Salaam, plastic waste can be traded for health insurance.
Tanzanian-based EcoAct, a social enterprise, collects about 30 kilograms (66 lbs.) of plastics from each family per month, which it uses to manufacture plastic timbers for construction and furniture making, in an effort to decrease deforestation, reduce pollution, and support low-income families in getting health access.
“The pressing issue in most of our communities is that most of our poor families need health access,” said Christian Mwijage, managing director of EcoAct.