Reducing Plastic Pollution in Cambodia: QOEN Consulting's Strategic Collaboration with CARE Cambodia

In a visionary partnership aimed at fostering sustainable change, QOEN Consulting has joined forces with CARE Cambodia to meticulously craft a comprehensive Concept Note for a European Union Call For Proposals. As the lead writer, my role extended beyond drafting – it encapsulated a commitment to driving positive transformation within Cambodia's plastic usage realm.

 The project's overarching goal is to address the escalating issue of plastic waste generated by micro, small, and medium enterprises (MSMEs) surrounding four pivotal factories. At the core of our initiative is the strategic replacement of conventional plastic packaging with sustainable alternatives, ensuring a tangible impact on the environment and local communities.

The project strategically targets the MSME’s and involves workers of these factories, who actively contribute to the daily plastic waste by purchasing food and drink items from local vendors. By collaborating with these vendors, CARE will aim to reduce plastic usage among workers, thereby establishing a ripple effect towards sustainable practices in the broader community.

 Recognizing the multifaceted nature of plastic pollution, this project goes beyond the factory walls. A key component involves collaboration with both formal and informal waste collectors, colloquially named "Etchai." By developing and pilot-testing sustainable and profitable waste management alternatives, CARE aspires to create a comprehensive solution encompassing the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastics in Cambodia.

 The holistic approach in this project extends to engaging with government entities and forging partnerships to ensure formal waste management processes align with environmental sustainability goals. Simultaneously, we recognize the vital role of informal waste collectors, empowering them to become key stakeholders in the sustainable waste management ecosystem. By involving community members in using a Community Scorecard, information will be collected on the levels of plastic pollution and waste management, which will be further discussed in multi-stakeholder meetings with the local government authorities for policy change and advocacy. 

This collaborative effort embodies a profound commitment to environmental responsibility, economic empowerment, and community development. By strategically addressing plastic waste within the context of MSMEs and factory workers, the project aims to mitigate environmental impact and foster economic growth and social resilience within Cambodia.

This project serves as a testament to the power of strategic partnerships in achieving sustainable development goals. It aligns seamlessly with the European Union's vision for a greener, more sustainable future and underscores how concerted efforts can create lasting change locally and globally. Through this initiative, CARE Cambodia and QOEN Consulting envision a future where sustainability is not just a concept but a way of life, empowering communities and catalyzing positive transformations for generations to come.