In October 2024, while in Houston for the National Plastics Conference, members of the Plastics Industry Association (PLASTICS) joined forces with Cyclyx International, Keep Houston Beautiful and Friends of Woodland Park, for a major clean-up event at Woodland Park. This initiative marked a meaningful start to the conference, demonstrating a commitment to environmental stewardship and giving back to the local community.
Despite the unseasonably warm weather, the cleanup event drew 47 dedicated volunteers who set out to clear trails, green spaces, and the banks of the bayou. Collecting 51 bags of litter—including significant amounts of plastic waste—volunteers wore t-shirts emblazoned with the message, "We love plastic. We hate plastic waste," a powerful statement reflecting the complex relationship between plastics, humanity, and sustainability.
Heather Neilan, Manager of Sustainability and Materials at PLASTICS, expressed her gratitude to the volunteers and partners, saying, “We received many great responses from all who participated, commenting on the efficiency of the day and appreciation to work with so many local community groups! It is always important to give back to the communities we visit, and cleaning up litter serves as a good reminder of what we are all working toward—a clean and sustainable environment.”
A significant portion of the collected waste was directed towards recycling through Cyclyx International, a US-based company pioneering innovations in plastic recycling. Cyclyx’s 10to90 initiative focuses on creating landfill diversion opportunities for plastic waste, aiming to increase plastic recycling rates from 10% to 90% by redesigning how materials are processed and repurposed.
The event was facilitated by Keep Houston Beautiful as part of the Fall Sweep, a city-wide clean-up initiative running from September 11th to November 23rd. Alan Steinberg, Board Member of Keep Houston Beautiful and Chair of the Houston Clean City Commission, praised the collaborative effort, saying, It’s wonderful to see PLASTICS leading a cleanup at Woodland Park as part of the Fall Sweep. Community cleanups like this foster pride in our environment and make our green spaces healthier and more enjoyable for all.
This clean-up event illustrates the power of collaboration between industry, community organizations, and environmental advocates.
Thank you to everyone involved for your hard work and commitment. This event may be one step, but it reflects the potential impact when industry and communities work together toward a cleaner, greener future. 🌿🌎
