> [!NOTE]+ Meta > Author:: > Reference:: https://garlandmag.com/article/biji/ > Date:: > Tags:: #warp > WeftLinks:: > Claim:: > [!SUMMARY] Summary > ### Highlights The Biji-biji Initiative is a Malaysian program focused on plastic recycling to empower underprivileged communities. Through the Beyond Bins program, participants learn about sustainability and earn income by creating recycled products. This initiative helps reduce plastic waste while improving the livelihoods of marginalized individuals. [[Attachments/02dccf19b4e7399300ea90f91df5f2ac_MD5.jpeg|Open: Pasted image 20250131155043.png]] ![[Attachments/02dccf19b4e7399300ea90f91df5f2ac_MD5.jpeg]] > Of the [8.3 billion metric tons of plastic produced](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782), 6.3 billion metric tons have become plastic waste. > However, from that, only [9% has been recycled](https://advances.sciencemag.org/content/3/7/e1700782). The majority (79%) piles up in landfills and the environment, eventually leaking into the oceans. > > Currently, they are both part of a programme called [Beyond Bins](https://www.biji-biji.com/what-we-do/beyond-bins/), established and created by [Biji-biji Initiative](https://www.biji-biji.com/), a pioneering social impact organization based in Kuala Lumpur, Malaysia. > > Biji-biji arranges for plastic recycling machines to be placed at underserved and underprivileged communities and trains them to be adept at creating recycled plastic products > > “Beyond Bins is a new venture for us as we have yet to be exposed to concepts such as recycling and reusing things,” said Keerthana, the administrator of the Association of Social Services and Community Development of Gombak District, Selangor. “Since Biji-biji’s programme, we have gained awareness about better habits and choices in sustainability – and opportunities in income generation.” > > The small-scale plastic recycling machines were inspired by the Precious Plastic project, an open-source blueprint by Dave Hakkens. The machine, which fits on a table, shreds, melts and molds recyclable plastic to create recycled products, such as plastic coasters, clothespins, keychains, planter pots, and notebooks. > > The small-scale plastic recycling machines were inspired by the Precious Plastic project, an open-source blueprint by Dave Hakkens. The machine, which fits on a table, shreds, melts and molds recyclable plastic to create recycled products, such as plastic coasters, clothespins, keychains, planter pots, and notebooks. > > Today, Biji-biji stands together with two sister companies: Biji Biji Ethical Fashion, Biji-biji’s ethical fashion label specializing in seat belt-made pouches and accessories, and Me.reka, an alternative education space emphasizing on upskilling youths and underserved communities for the future of work. > > In the national language of Malaysia, ‘*biji*’ carries the meaning of ‘seeds’. For the longest time, Biji-biji has poised themselves as trailblazers of a sustainability movement targeted at changing how the public traditionally views waste. Biji-biji sowed the seeds of sustainability, the circular economy and social entrepreneurship.