During my time studying abroad in France, I had the opportunity to participate in an incredible volunteer day with Sauvage, an organization dedicated to upcycling ocean plastic and turning it into something useful. The experience not only deepened my understanding of sustainability but also gave me insight into the coastal town I was staying in during my trip. 

What I Did During My Volunteer Day 

On the day of my service project, we gathered at Sauvage’s recycling facility near Marseille. We spent time learning about the different ways plastic is collected and sent to the facility. The engineers onsite explained their process of designing things that are safe to be used from the upcycled plastic. For example, they can make earrings, awards, and bracelets but it's not safe to make utensils or plates with their upcycling process. 

Jewelry display

The hands-on nature of this project was both eye-opening and fulfilling. I never realized how much plastic pollution ends up in the ocean and how many people are actively working to reduce it. Sauvage’s team not only collects the plastic but dedicates time to creating new and creative ways to upcycle with the materials they have.  

Work Station

Impact on the Local Environment and Community 

Sauvage has had a significant impact on both the local environment and the broader community. By recycling ocean plastic, they are directly addressing the pollution that harms marine life, ecosystems, and local communities. On a smaller scale, the cleanup effort creates a sense of pride among locals who can see tangible results in the fight against ocean pollution. 

They implement engaging incentives for locals that not only help clean up the oceans but also support local businesses. They have small upcycled coins given out to community members who bring in plastic found by the ocean. From this coin they can get free or discounted beverages or snacks from local coastal restaurants. The recycled plastic is then picked up and brought to the Sauvage facility.  

Materials

What I Learned About Sustainability 

I’ve never had the chance to work directly with sustainability projects before, so this was a really eye-opening experience for me. I live about three hours away from the coast, so I don’t usually get to participate in cool environmental projects like this. Being hands-on with the ocean plastic recycling process gave me a better understanding of how important these efforts are and how much work goes into them. It was a great reminder of how small actions can contribute to bigger environmental changes. 

This experience allowed me to deepen my appreciation and knowledge of sustainability efforts in Europe. It was surreal to see the major changes this small organization has made in their community. The engineers here are amazing. I am definitely more inspired to continue working on community service projects that center around sustainability.  

The Upcycling Process 

The process of recycling ocean plastic was more unique than I expected. First, we had the plastics collected from the beach. Then you clean the plastics, powered by an engineered bicycle-driven washing machine—something I didn’t even know existed before this! 

Cleaning Station

After that, we melted the plastics down and poured them into metal molds. It was really hard to crank the device which used pressure to put the mold in place. I had to put all my strength into cranking it! The fun part came when we popped the creations out of the molds, we made cute little octopus keychains! There was a bit of cleanup afterward, cutting off the excess plastic, but it was all worth it when we got to enjoy our new, eco-friendly keychains at the end of the day.  

Mold Press Process 

Advice for Students Interested in Similar Service Opportunities Abroad 

If you're considering a service opportunity abroad, especially in environmental sustainability, I’d say: do it! Volunteering with organizations like Sauvage provides not only an eye-opening experience but also the chance to make a real difference in the world. You’ll gain valuable skills, form meaningful connections, and deepen your understanding of global issues. 

I was fortunate to have my CEA CAPA organizers plan this community outreach as one of our cultural outings. However, I'm sure if you are interested in volunteering abroad your on-site CEA CAPA staff can connect you to reputable organizations. I will never forget working with Sauvage as it was an incredibly unique experience where I was able to learn more about sustainability.  

Final Product