Our bonus program

Our bonus program for ocean-bound plastic collectors

At Tidey we’re focused on long-term, positive impact for the people who collect ocean-bound plastic. One way we do that is with a flexible bonus program that allows collectors to convert the plastic they collect into useful goods and services that improve health, save time or money, and reduce environmental impact.

How it works

Collecting plastic earns points: one point per pound collected. Points can be redeemed from our catalog of items (below). The catalog is intentionally broad so each collector can choose what best fits their family’s needs and priorities.

Catalog (items redeemable with points)

Large / durable items

• Improved wood stove

• Propane stove

• Home solar kit (solar panels + battery/charging)

• Solar panel (portable/phone charging)

• Refrigerator

• Washing machine

• Microwave

• Bike or tricycle cart

• Garden tower (vertical garden system)

• Beehive

• Piglet / Chick (livestock)

Health, household & convenience

• Water filter

• Water dispenser (for reusable jugs)

• Electric toothbrush

• Rechargeable batteries

• Reusable water bottle

• First aid kit

• Thermometer

• Books

• Hair-cutting kit

• Gloves, shoes, Tidey hat or shirt (regularly provided; extra available for points)

We also regularly provide basic personal protective items (gloves, shoes) and a Tidey hat or shirt to every collector; these remain available for those who want additional sets.

Why these items

We select items that can make a meaningful, practical difference in everyday life — and we present each with humility and local input. Below are concise explanations for why these items are offered and the benefits they commonly provide.

• Improved wood stove — Designed to use substantially less firewood and to vent smoke outside the home. This can reduce local wood consumption, lower household smoke exposure, and improve respiratory health.

• Propane stove — When clean fuel is available and affordable, propane often burns cleaner than open fires and can reduce indoor smoke; it can also be faster and more convenient for busy households.

• Solar lighting & home solar kits — Provide reliable lighting and phone charging for homes without grid power, increasing safety and enabling evening study or work.

• Refrigerator — Helps preserve perishable food and reduce foodborne illness and waste when electricity is available.

• Washing machine — Saves time and reduces wear on clothing compared with repeated hand-washing, freeing time for other activities.

• Water filter & dispenser — Many households rely on bottled or bagged water or on deliveries; affordable filtration and reusable jugs can reduce recurring cost and single-use plastic waste.

• Garden tower — Enables households to grow vegetables in small spaces, increasing food security and reducing grocery costs.

• Livestock (piglet, chick) — Small animals can be a source of income or nutrition; they also make use of household food scraps. Livestock require care and local market knowledge, so we encourage recipients to consider suitability before choosing this option.

• Beehive — Supports biodiversity and pollination; honey can be a small source of household food or income. Beehives require training and safe placement.

• Bikes / tricycle carts — Improve access to markets, work, education, and reduce travel time and cost.

• Rechargeable batteries & portable solar chargers — Reduce single-use battery waste and lower long-term cost for devices like radios and lights.

• Electric toothbrush / basic dental prevention materials — Preventive oral care helps avoid more serious interventions later and supports overall well-being.

• Books & literacy support — Education and literacy are powerful tools for opportunity; we prioritize culturally appropriate materials and literacy programs where needed.

• First aid kit & thermometer — Help families respond to minor injuries and monitor health at home, potentially reducing unnecessary travel to distant clinics.

For items that require training or ongoing maintenance (beehives, solar systems, livestock, some appliances), we pair distribution with local guidance so recipients can make the most of their choice.

Choice, dignity and community input

We aim to offer options that respect collectors’ knowledge and priorities. Each collector chooses what best fits their household — whether that’s a time-saving appliance, an income opportunity, or a health-focused item. We avoid one-size-fits-all assumptions and work with community leaders and collectors themselves to refine the catalog and to identify items that are safe, effective, and culturally appropriate.

Practical notes

• Points are earned per pound and redeemed through our local coordinators.

• Some items (for example refrigerators or solar home systems) may require confirmation of electricity access or additional training; our team helps arrange that when needed.

• For livestock, beehives, and other items that require care, recipients are informed about responsibilities and given basic guidance or training.

• We continually review the catalog based on feedback, availability, sustainability, and what collectors tell us works best for their families.

Closing

Our goal is simple: support collectors in ways that strengthen household health, economic stability, and environmental stewardship — while treating everyone with respect and listening first. If you have suggestions for items we should add or ways to improve the program, we’d love to hear from you.