Make an impact with us
A 10-minute cleanup in 2017 inspired Thomas de Groote to take action for plastic-free rivers. In 2019, River Cleanup was created. Starting from zero, Thomas built a Belgian based non-profit organization with actions around the globe. You can make an impact with us.
From Cleanups to a holistic approach
River Cleanup started as an organization focussing on the mobilization of people through voluntary Cleanups, with over 240 000 people from 100 countries removing 3,5 million kg of river waste in the first 5 years. This is what we achieved on a minimal budget.
Our first-hand experience and growing research allowed us to develop a holistic Theory of Change. The new approach, called the Clean River Model, is designed to make and keep rivers plastic-free. Imagine what we can do in the next 5 years with your support.
Clean River Model
The logic behind the Clean River Model is simple yet effective. Through strategic and early interventions in the plastic lifecycle, we prevent new plastic pollution and permanently remove legacy waste on land and in rivers. Plastics that are never produced cannot become waste. Plastics that have not leaked into the environment cannot pollute.
We are currently testing and validating the Clean River Model in three countries. Our ambition is to scale the model to 100 rivers by 2030 and take on the 1 000 most polluted rivers by 2050.
Read more about the Clean River Model
Why River Cleanup and the Clean River Model stand out
We aim for maximum impact, making a difference with every euro/dollar invested in River Cleanup and the Clean River Model. With your support, we hope to gather enough funds for a global rollout of the Clean River Model. Our approach is unique because we combine our hands-on experience with science- & evidence-based knowledge, and focus entirely on rivers.
Here are five reasons why we stand out:
1. Hands-on and integrated
We have an integrated approach with strategic interventions along the plastics value chain: from virgin plastic use reduction and substitution to closed-loop circular economy solutions for collected plastics.
We go into the field to prevent new plastic pollution and clean up existing pollution. Moreover, we bring actors together to strategically intervene throughout the lifecycle with short, medium and long-term outcomes in mind.
2. Science- & evidence-based and highly data-driven
The Clean River Model is based on scientific research of the international report Breaking the Plastic Wave, combined with field experience. Data are guiding along the entire model. Every intervention in a new river starts with an assessment and a river-specific action plan. Continuous monitoring and the measurement of results on three levels (outputs, outcomes and impact) ensure that activities stay on track.
3. Open-source and highly scalable
Our Clean River Model can be used by anyone and adapted to any location around the world for maximum impact. As a global network organization, we actively seek cooperation and co-creation. We believe this is the best way to accelerate our collective understanding of plastic pollution prevention and have the most impact. We can reach maximum efficiency with (y)our resources.
4. Local and global activities
Our headquarters are based in Belgium and we have two more dedicated teams in our core countries: Indonesia and Cameroon. On top of that, we have volunteers in over 100 countries worldwide! Everyone adapts their actions to maximize local impact, and we connect on a global level. This enables us to share international best practices, knowledge and networks on a local level.
5. Financial sustainability
We test and validate the Clean River Model via philanthropy and corporate partnerships but we aim to scale it in part with new revenue models and innovative financing. We also look for ways to make local plastic-free river operations financially self-sustainable.
Your added value
Whether you work on plastic pollution, waste management, protecting freshwater ecosystems, oceans, biodiversity, health, climate change, circular economy, employment or other related causes: Let’s talk about how we can build bridges and create an impact for plastic-free rivers together.
There is no time to waste in preventing and cleaning up plastic pollution. We actively seek and welcome support from foundations in validating and scaling the Clean River Model. Together with you, we can explore how making rivers plastic-free contributes to your goals and the goals of your partners and grantees.
Contact
You can contact Josti Gadeyne, Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy, for a meeting. We understand and share the need for reliable partnerships and are happy to answer any questions you may have as part of your due diligence.
Josti Gadeyne
Head of Partnerships & Philanthropy