Only From Action Comes Change
At Copacabana Surf Village, our commitment to environmental stewardship took on new urgency in 2019 when we discovered that most of our restaurant's waste was plastic, with 6,000 plastic water bottles disposed of each year. Determined to change, we began transitioning to a zero-waste model, replacing plastic with sustainable materials like reusable glass bottles, bamboo utensils, and biodegradable plates. This shift has not only significantly reduced our plastic waste but has also inspired 66 other restaurants in Senegal to adopt similar practices.
The turning point for us came in 2010 when Babacar was surfing with foreign visitors and noticed the ocean was surrounded by plastic. He asked himself, "Am I condemned to live in this kind of situation for the rest of my life?" The foreigners would leave, but he and the community would remain, facing the ongoing pollution. This eye-opening moment ignited our drive for change. Beyond the restaurant industry, we're dedicated to instilling a zero-waste mindset in our community, especially among children, to foster long-lasting habits that protect our planet.
Today, our hope is that we can all come together and draw attention to this global problem, recognizing the urgent need for a global solution and initiative that will change our way of living forever. Join us in this journey to honor the ocean and create a legacy of environmental preservation. Together, we can make a difference – one action at a time.