FIGHTING OCEAN PLASTIC AND CHILD LABOUR AT THE FIRST MILE WITH WORK
Truittier , Haiti ’ s largest landfill is located in the community of Molea , a neighbourhood in Port-au-Prince where many of the families in its residence rely on waste collection as a primary source of income . These families often face the difficult choice of involving their children in this work to ensure the security and well-being of the family . While we believe strongly in supporting income opportunities driven by utilising waste as a resource , children working full-time in waste reclamation does not fall under our definition of dignified work .
As a partner , WORK leads the efforts in providing services to the 300 Haitian children in the landfill with access to medical care , educational opportunities , safety workshops and supplies , and job training and placement in the future . Hewlett Packard has been actively reducing ocean-bound plastic in Haiti since 2016 , when the company began partnering with the First Mile Coalition to convert plastic bottles into recycled material used in Original HP ink cartridges .
“ Our investments and partnerships in Haiti are a great example of the positive change that can happen when business and NGOs come together to support shared objectives , “ said Ellen Jackowski , Global Head of Sustainability Strategy and Innovation , HP . “ We are keeping millions of plastic bottles from ever reaching our oceans , converting them into sustainable products , and creating new opportunities for local residents through job creation and education .”
14 firstmilemade . com