Entire ecosystems and small-island economies are at risk from marine pollution, a fact that became apparent to Laura as she attended her first beach cleanup in 2009. Thirteen years later, she is a social entrepreneur with a proven track record of achieving impact, responsible for the Waste to Opportunity initiative in the Bay Islands.
Upon moving to Roatán, Laura identified the various challenges faced by pickers on the frontlines of the waste crisis. She partnered with the Bay Islands Conservation Association (BICA) to form the Waste to Opportunity initiative, to assist these informal recyclers in municipal dumps.
In 2018, Laura was recognised for this by Mary Robinson and One Young World, receiving a $6,660 grant to expand her work.
“Receiving the award from Mary Robinson herself gave me self-confidence and more trust in the project.”
With the help of BICA, Laura provided 30 low-income recyclers with personal protection equipment, motorcycle trailers for transportation, and machinery to process glass. This has vastly improved their safety and working conditions. Laura and the team also adapted to new challenges posed by the pandemic and the resultant loss of tourism that significantly affected the work available to low-income recyclers.
Laura helped to prevent starvation among the workers by providing them with essential relief in the form of emergency food bags. Laura and the organisation continue to generate impact, recently securing a new global grant with The Rotary Foundation for which she credits the recognition provided by Mary Robinson.
“Attending the One Young World Summit gave me the opportunity to get to know other ideas and people working to improve the planet. I’ve had the opportunity to interact with other leaders, and that contributes to improving my leadership skills.”