Save a paradise island from drowning in plastic

Thank you for following the journey of Save a paradise island from drowning in plastic by Nature Kids of Siargao Association Inc.

Here is our latest update from the Siargao Recycling Art Studio.

Highlights and Impact

Tackling Siargao’s Plastic Problem at the Root

• This quarter reminded us once again of a daily reality on Siargao: most municipalities still lack a workable, long-term solution for plastic and styrofoam waste. With limited segregation systems and no formal upcycling facilities, the default continues to be dumping waste into open landfills hidden in our jungles or burning it in backyards.

Our studio remains an urgent and practical solution. Every kilo of plastic that arrives here becomes something new instead of becoming pollution. This quarter alone, we collected and processed more than 1800 kg of post-consumer plastic and styrofoam—waste that would have otherwise contributed to our island’s growing environmental crisis.

Eco Hollow Blocks and Functional Building Materials

• We continued production of our eco hollow blocks made from low-value plastics. These blocks are durable and tested for real community use. We completed another 450 blocks this quarter, many of which were used in the construction of the new Kids Club in Burgos.

We are proud to share that the Department of Public Works and Highways (DPWH) conducted a formal strength test on our blocks and confirmed what we have long observed in practice—they are stronger than the regular concrete blocks sold in our area.

This milestone has sparked growing interest from barangay officials and local leaders who are now exploring how these blocks can support municipal waste reduction while creating cost-efficient building materials.

Growing Demand for Recycled Furniture and Daily Essentials

• Our line of custom, upcycled furniture continues to expand. This quarter, we produced more than 100 upcycled products including beanbags, pet beds, and hammock chairs, along with dozens of small items such as keychains, magnets, and jewelry made from recycled caps and plastics.

Each item supports local artisans, keeps waste out of landfills, and demonstrates the true value of circular design.

Education and Community Engagement

• More than 70 families, students, and eco-groups visited the studio this quarter. Many came with sacks of segregated plastic, eager to understand how they can be part of proper recycling from home.

We also strengthened our “Recycle & Swap” initiative. Families can exchange clean, dry plastic for useful items such as food essentials, toothpaste and toothbrushes, school supplies, and other household goods. Your donations help us stock this swapping corner—and it has become one of the most powerful tools in motivating households to segregate, clean, and stop burning their waste.

This system is a key driver in reducing the amount of household plastic ending up in the environment.

Logistics and Challenges

Siargao’s core challenge remains: plastic has nowhere to go.

Our Recycling Art Studio is one of the very few alternatives to open dumpsites, which continue to overflow into forests, waterways, and coastal zones.

This quarter, we faced:

1. Transporting heavy eco blocks to far barangays
2. Unpredictable ferry schedules delaying block and furniture deliveries
3. High logistics expenses absorbing much of our income
4. A steady flow of waste from households and resorts with no disposal options

Local government units are trying their best with very limited resources, but the island urgently needs scalable recycling models. Until then, we remain on the frontlines.

Solutions in Motion

To address these challenges, we are:

1. Meeting with transport providers to negotiate subsidized delivery rates, as our organisation does not own a truck
2. Strengthening our swap system to help families reduce their household waste, not only dispose of it
3. Preparing grant proposals to upgrade machines, expand capacity, and create more permanent community drop-off points

What’s Next?

1. Produce another 50 beanbags for a new partner in General Luna
2. Expand eco hollow block production to meet growing interest from nearby municipalities
3. Begin collecting plastic waste from our new partner communities in Del Carmen and General Luna

Thank You

Because of your support, tons of plastic and styrofoam has been diverted from Siargao’s environment since 2017. This waste is no longer hidden in jungles, burned in backyards, or floating toward the sea. Instead, it has been transformed into building materials, furniture, daily-use items, and—most importantly—opportunities for local people.

You are helping us build a cleaner, smarter, circular future for Siargao and other island communities.

Thank you for believing in this mission.

If you would like more data, field photos, or interviews with our team and families, just let us know.

Together, we turn trash into change.

– The Siargao Recycling Art Studio Team