FUNDACIÓN GREEN APPLE
CREATING JOBS THROUGH WASTE
Green Apple is a not-for-profit social enterprise based on the island of Tierra Bomba - 30 minutes from Cartagena, Colombia.
We are dedicated to implementing long-lasting change in the way waste and natural resources are managed by the hospitality industry in our city, while creating long-term, dignified employment opportunities for local people.
GLASS PROCESSING
CARTAGENA'S ONLY GLASS RECYCLING CENTRE
Glass is heavy, making it expensive to transport to recycling centres. It also has a low value, so is unappealing to recycling businesses.
At Green Apple, we crush glass bottles into sand which can be used for building, landscaping and décor. The small profit margin is sufficient to pay living wages to people collecting the glass and operating the machines.
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In 2024, we will be scaling up to open a new glass recycling centre close to Cartagena's Old City. More on that soon!
ARTESANAL GLASS PRODUCTS
THE CIRCULAR ECONOMY IN ACTION
Not all glass is crushed. Since 2018, we have been working with a small group of female artisans from Bocachica village who have learned to craft glassware, lamps and souvenirs from discarded bottles.
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Through our programme, they learn not only the skills of their trade, but about product design, budgeting and marketing. In 2023 we opened a permanent workshop.
WASTE CONSULTANCY
HELPING BUSINESSES TO REDUCE THEIR WASTE
We provide managerial and staff training on everything from waste separation and internal waste processing, to implementing company wide zero waste initiatives.
We specialise in hospitality businesses (bars, hotels, beach clubs and restaurants) and work with companies at any stage of their development to implement systems that are long-lasting and effective. Businesses typically reduce their landfill waste by over 50% and some by as much as 80%.
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LUZ VERDE
HANDMADE LAMPS FROM WASTE MATERIALS
Luz Verde (Green Light) is a collection of beautiful made-to order-lamps, created from waste materials.
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The collection includes desk lamps, standing lamps and chandeliers. Choose from our set designs or contact us for bespoke creations.
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Shipping within Colombia only.
ORGANIC WASTE & KITCHEN GARDEN
REGENERATION ON THE ISLAND
Green Apple has created a composting system at Blue Apple Beach and built a small kitchen garden. The garden is an education tool for staff and sends organic, healthy produce to the hotel's kitchen.
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Our future plans are to expand this side of the business, eventually scaling up organic collections, compost production and creating a regenerative micro-farm.
SUPPORTING BUSINESSES
RESPONSIBLE HOSPITALITY OPTIONS IN OUR CITY
Green Apple was founded by Blue Apple Beach, but now serves several local businesses who are choosing to do things the right way.
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If you're living in or visiting Cartagena or the islands, you can eat and drink in these establishments and enjoy some guilt free hospitality.
SMALL BUT MIGHTY
OUR ACHIEVEMENTS
Since May 2018, this little foundation has hit some big milestones.
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We've diverted nearly 250 tons of waste that otherwise would have gone to landfill, with 15 people working as a result. We´re operating the only glass recycling centres in the city with more to come. We've helped over 25 businesses to reduce and recycle, training hundreds of local people every year.
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We´re supporting 6 women to run their own artesan glass business, and we're replicating the Green Apple model with other island businesses. We've been named the best global eco-travel initiative by Marie Claire, and are a certified Negocio Verde. We just won the Tahona Society´s 2023 Global Competition for Positive Social Impact.
WHAT HAPPENS TO THE BOTTLES WE COLLECT?
WE GIVE THEM A SECOND LIFE
See what we do with the bottles that we collect from businesses in Cartagena.
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