Pretty in Plastic: Rashu Plastic Project

Idyllic walks on the beaches of Maldives are sadly marred of late by the sight of plastic waste peppering the white sands. 

Young couple Mimrah and Bethany have set up their life in the tranquil island of Vaavu Felidhoo. 

On a warm, breezy day, the two set out to stroll across the beach and watch the sunset. Little did they know that this would lead to a project that harnesses their creativity, talent and passion, while also tackling the plastic crisis. 

Halfway into the walk, they came across a hermit crab on the beach. While hermit crabs are a common sight on beaches, this particular one caught their interest as it had made its home not in a shell as would be expected, but a discarded plastic bottle cap. 

Bethany, a marine biologist who focused her thesis on microplastics, was struck by the unusual sight. Mimrah, a freediver and fisherman, has a deep appreciation for Maldives’ natural beauty. He has grown up witnessing the impact that erosion, coral bleaching and other factors have had on nature and society, and aspires to do his part to address this. 

“Across the Maldives, the most beautiful shells are often taken as souvenirs, leaving the crabs with fewer and fewer natural homes,” Bethany and Mimrah wrote. 

“We must give plastic a new home, not the wildlife.”

Here, an idea was born. 

“We set out to remove the plastic, leave nature's treasures untouched, and create sustainable souvenirs with a meaningful impact.”

The two clicked a snapshot of the hermit crab, which they adapted into a logo for their new project, the ‘Rashu Plastic Project’. 

The Rashu Plastic Project [rashu translates to island] converts plastic waste into delightful souvenirs, often on a Maldivian sun, sea, and sand theme. This idea is unique in the local islands, although some resorts do collaborate with international parties to create similar souvenirs on a larger scale. The Rashu Plastic Project is a much more intimate endeavour, with the souvenirs crafted individually with patience and dedication. 

The project’s Thursday stall, visited by tourists staying in nearby resorts and guesthouses, displays an array of colourful turtles, rays and other designs in varying hues from turquoise to reds. They offer several variations of earrings, keychains, pendants, bracelets and more. 

As of now, each is painstakingly designed and produced by hand. 

The plastic is sourced, picked up from the beaches or brought to them by a supportive circle of friends and family. This is then shredded and cut with instruments as simple as a reliable pair of scissors. The shredded plastic is then heated and shaped with the use of moulds or cookie cutters. 

Although it started small, Bethany and Mimrah aspire to build up Rashu Plastic Project to greater heights. 

They are further encouraged by positive reviews from customers, many of whom have praised the idea, stating this was a novel approach they have never before seen. 

The two are now investing in some machinery to better assist productions, but are actively seeking further support, financial and otherwise, to broaden the project. 

Mimrah and Bethany also highlighted that they would welcome collaborations with guesthouses and resorts.