© Ozeankind e.V.
OZEANKIND E.V.
United against plastic waste
Plastic waste is everywhere – in cities, on beaches, in the ocean. Ozeankind e.V. proves that change is possible: through environmental education, cleanups, and recycling projects. Our motto: Learn today. CHANGE tomorrow. We create real impact – in Germany and on Zanzibar.
United against plastic waste
Every year, around 11 million tons of plastic enter the ocean. Behind those numbers lie destroyed ecosystems, suffering wildlife – and ultimately, us humans. Ozeankind e.V. was founded to change that.
We are an independent, non-profit organization dedicated to environmental education, waste reduction, and recycling – wherever it’s needed most. Our approach: hands-on, international, sustainable.
Our story
In 2016, a single empty tin can drifting past us in the Indian Ocean changed everything. A seemingly insignificant moment – but it set everything in motion. Back then, we were regular consumers. Today, as Ozeankind e.V., we are part of a global movement against plastic pollution.
Since founding our organization in 2018, our mission has been clear: to raise awareness for environmental protection – especially among children – and to give people practical tools for real-world action.
© Ozeankind e.V.
© Ozeankind e.V.
© Ozeankind e.V.
© Ozeankind e.V.
"Nobody can do everything. But everyone can do something."
OZEANKIND e.V.
Our work in Germany
In Germany, we focus on education and awareness. With our interactive environmental program “Plastikrebell” (Plastic Rebel), we reach several thousand children in schools every year.
We show that small actions can create big change: reducing waste, consuming more consciously, understanding recycling. In addition to workshops and talks, we actively involve children and communities in cleanup events – because knowledge without action changes nothing.
Our work on Zanzibar
Since 2019, we’ve also been working on the island of Zanzibar (Tanzania), where plastic pollution is a growing problem – especially for children and women.
At the heart of our work are the Recycling SwopShops. The concept: children collect plastic waste, bring it to a SwopShop, and receive school supplies, clothing, or hygiene products in return.
This system has proven to be a real gamechanger. Six SwopShops now operate across the island. Thousands of children are actively involved, and more than 250 tons of plastic have already been collected and recycled.
At the same time, we’re creating safe, fairly paid jobs for local women. For us, environmental protection and empowerment go hand in hand.
Our impact
We don’t believe in symbolic action. We measure success in real numbers:
• More than 6,600 registered children participating in our Zanzibar SwopShops
• Over 420,000 kilograms of plastic waste collected
• Around 2,000 children reached annually through our educational programs in Germany
And we’re just getting started.
Our message
No one can do everything. But everyone can do something. Whether it’s a cleanup on the Baltic Sea, a Plastic Rebel workshop in a school, or a child walking into a SwopShop on Zanzibar – we believe that every action counts.
Our vision: a world in which children, families, and communities take responsibility for protecting their environment – together. Learn today. CHANGE tomorrow.
Get involved
Want to become part of the movement?
More info: www.ozeankind.de
Instagram: @ozeankind_ev
LinkedIn: Ozeankind e.V.
© Ozeankind e.V.
Acquire article rights