Families collect plastic bottles for school supplies in Dominican Republic initiative

In the Dominican Republic, a heartwarming initiative by the National District's City Council, "Plastics for School Supplies," has seen hundreds of families dedicate months to collecting plastic bottles. The goal: to exchange these recyclables for much-needed school supplies for their children and grandchildren.

The effort transformed into a routine for many. "Wherever you saw it, you picked it up and took it home," one family member told Diario Libre. This dedication, starting early in the year and intensifying by May, culminated in families like one from Los Guandules receiving four backpacks after months of diligent collection.

Some participants demonstrated extraordinary commitment. One mother, a single parent of three, began collecting just three weeks prior, filling a large sack with bottles. To secure her spot in the exchange, she and her daughters arrived at the city hall the day before the event, spending the night to ensure they could trade their collected plastic for school essentials.

These stories underscore the significant sacrifices parents make for their children's education. The "Plastics for School Supplies" event, now in its third year, not only provides tangible benefits like backpacks and school supplies but also fosters a sense of community and environmental responsibility, turning discarded plastic into opportunities for learning.

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Wherever you saw it, you picked it up and took it home.