Thread Impact Report 2013 | Page 27

Plastic recycling now provides income opportunities for thousands of Haitians across the country. Some use plastic collection as a way to supplement their existing income, some have turned it into a full-time job, bringing in volumes that support their families. The majority of collectors who feed into Thread's supply chain bring their recyclables to Ramase Lajan centers. Some arrange for transport directly to Haiti Recycling in Port-au-Prince. Mary Rose, pictured with her granddaughter Naime and Executives Without Borders employee Johnny Atilus, is a collector who participates in the Ramase Lajan program. Mary Rose joined the Ramase Lajan network in October 2013, when a collection center sponsored by World Vision USA opened in her neighborhood of Croix-des-Bouquets. Mary Rose now brings recyclables to the center twice a week, and she uses the income she earns to help support her household and save for Naime's future school fees. 26