Overview
Arugam Bay is not just a surfers' haven in Sri Lanka, but also a pioneer in a sustainable lifestyle. Visit Wasteless Arugam Bay and Rice & Carry – two distinguished social enterprises in the country that have shown the way forward in the anti-waste and recycling movement. Learn about the projects, their implications and how they contribute to preserving the ecosystem of this blissful coastal town while empowering the local community.
Why you will love it!
- Visit two unique facilities that recycle waste in the area for a great cause.
- Witness how social enterprises are helping communities.
- Learn about the holistic solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the Arugam Bay
- See how rice bags are recycled into beautiful artefacts and useful materials
What you will experience
Arugam Bay has been popular with the surfing fraternity since long. They come here to ride what are generally acknowledged to be the best waves in Sri Lanka. But this coastal town has much more to offer than just natural beauty – preserving nature while empowering the local community.
Start with a visit to Waste Less Arugam Bay, a venture that provides holistic solutions to the problem of plastic pollution in the area. They offer filtered water to reduce the use of plastic water bottles, coordinate plastic waste segregation and collection service, and produce recycled plastic products. Waste Less Arugam Bay also works with local schools, community stakeholders, and travellers on educational programs to raise awareness and promote behavioural change.
There is another eco-conscious venture at just 20-minute drive that transforms traditional rice bags into chic pouches, laptop covers, handbags and many more useful items. It also provides a source of livelihood to the women in the neighbourhood, who use their talent to take this venture to new heights. The end products of their labour not only earn the women a living but also enable them to contribute towards environmental conservation.