Fighting plastic pollution: Plastic Odyssey docks in Nantes
Founded by a team of young sailors and engineers, the organization’s mission is to document and share existing solutions to plastic pollution. “We’re setting our sights on the world’s most affected regions—those that lack adequate waste management systems and receive a significant portion of the plastic waste exported by wealthy countries,” says Maïté Abos, the association’s director.
Aboard their 40-meter research vessel—a former oceanography ship that has been completely refurbished—the twenty crew members alternate between sailing and making stops ashore to provide training, raise awareness, and document local initiatives. “The goal is to share knowledge and highlight solutions that are already in place. Beyond recycling and reuse, we especially promote alternatives that drastically reduce plastic use.”
An Exceptional Stopover in Nantes This Spring
Having set sail from Marseille in 2022, the first expedition will return next spring and share its discoveries with the French public. A major stopover is planned in Nantes in May, featuring numerous highlights: tours of the ship for school groups and the general public, lectures, screenings, exhibitions, and collaborative workshops, among other events. “This stop will be an opportunity to foster dialogue between solutions from around the world and those emerging right here in the Nantes area.”
A branch office in Nantes, “a pioneering city in plastic reduction”
For the past few months, Nantes has been home to a regional branch of the association, led by Maïté Abos. Based at Solilab, it aims to build bridges between local stakeholders and the Plastic Odyssey community. “Nantes is a pioneer in plastic reduction and the circular economy; it was an obvious place to set up shop and strengthen our network,” she explains. “Nantes Saint-Nazaire Développement has opened many doors for us and helped us forge connections.” The Nantes team will be expanded in the coming months “to foster a network of members and volunteers mobilized across the region to combat plastic pollution around the world.”
A New Adventure Under the Auspices of UNESCO
Following its tour of France, Plastic Odyssey is set to embark on a new chapter: a scientific expedition to marine sites designated as UNESCO World Heritage Sites. The goal: to collect waste from the most remote islands, study its composition, and better target efforts to reduce plastic at the source. At the same time, the organization plans to develop a network of local chapters committed to fighting plastic pollution.
