What they do
4ocean is an ocean cleanup organization funded by the sale of bracelets and products made from recycled ocean plastic. Since 2017, they have removed over 35 million pounds of trash from oceans, rivers, and coastlines worldwide. Operations span 27 countries with professional cleanup crews and community partnership programs. Each product purchased funds the removal of one pound of trash from the ocean, with GPS-tracked cleanup data available on their website.
Why they matter
4ocean solved the funding problem that plagues most ocean cleanup efforts. By creating a consumer product that directly funds cleanup operations, they built a self-sustaining model that scales with demand. Their transparency is notable: every cleanup is GPS-tracked, photographed, and reported. While prevention is more important than cleanup long-term, 4ocean demonstrates that meaningful removal at scale is possible and that consumers will fund it.
How to support
Purchase 4ocean products (bracelets, apparel, accessories) to directly fund cleanup operations. Follow their social media for real-time cleanup updates with GPS data. Volunteer with their community cleanup events if you are near a coastal area. Corporate partners can sponsor dedicated cleanup operations.
Key project to explore
The Indonesia Ocean Cleanup expansion, where 4ocean operates its largest international operation. Indonesia is the world's second-largest source of ocean plastic, and 4ocean's professional crews in Bali and Java have removed over 5 million pounds from local waterways and coastlines.