Upcycle the Gyres Society (UpGyres)
Upcycle the Gyres Society (UpGyres) was born from the news about the devastating effects of plastic pollution in the ocean and Z Day Vancouver Summit 2012 proposing that planet and people are one and exploring how to utilize the solutions of today to create a better world for tomorrow.
The Summit and the news gave birth to the idea that Cleaning Up Plastic Pollution from the Oceans will stop the painful and indifferent killing of marine life and habitats.
Since 2013, Upcycle the Gyres Society has been a driving force in banning micro plastic beads from cosmetic and toiletries in Canada. On July 4, 2015, UpGyres hosted the first ever Clean Up the Oceans Concert in Vancouver and on July 30, 2015, the Canadian government announced that microbeads will be banned nationwide.
UpGyres is now taking action to stop micro-fibres from synthetic clothing from being discharged into the marine environment by intercepting and diverting washing machine lint from the sewage system. Our Stop Plastic Smog project will engage communities in working together to stop micro-plastic pollution (fibres and beads) at source before it reaches the ocean.
Vision
Developing new equipment, technology and methodology for transforming ocean pollution into resources.
Mission
To implement efficient, eco-responsible operations to recover and benefit from plastic and other ocean pollution.
Goals
- Recover resources through remediation of ocean pollution;
- Create multiple revenue streams by recycling and upcycling;
- Attract financial support from, and produce financial gains and positive environmental externalities for impact and socially responsible investors (SRIs);
- Win and work with techno-philanthropists, donors, and corporate sponsors.