GLOBAL SOLLUTION, LOCAL SOLUTION (2023)

Panama - 4 min 
Directed by: Ilana Haubold
Produced by: Freethink, Too Much Productions
Genre:  Documentary
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What if there were a way to not only stop the flow of plastics into our oceans but to also empower communities in building environmental protections from the ground up? Marea Verde (or "Green Tide") is accomplishing just that through an initiative in Panama to reduce plastic pollution in rivers and oceans. The program uses a clean energy machine named Wanda, a water wheel that harnesses hydraulic power from the river to collect garbage. Impressively, about 50% of the collected trash is recycled, but Wanda is just one part of their larger goal: improving public services and education so communities can dispose of trash responsibly. Recipient of The McNulty Prize Marea Verde is also actively working with communities, governments, and children to spread awareness and engage them in a robust, holistic solution to the global plastic crisis.