Tidey vs 4Ocean: Comparing Plastic Cleanup Models, Impact, and Bracelets

Two organizations are working to address ocean plastic pollution through different approaches. 4Ocean operates in several countries worldwide and funds their work primarily through bracelet sales, removing one pound of plastic per bracelet sold. Tidey, a newer organization, focuses on preventing plastic from entering oceans in the first place while creating economic opportunities in impoverished communities.

When it comes to bracelets, 4Ocean's bracelets fund the removal of five pounds of ocean plastic, while Tidey bracelets support the collection of ten pounds of ocean or ocean-bound plastic. Both organizations have operations in Guatemala, though 4Ocean additionally works in Indonesia, Florida, and Hawaii.

Both groups offer plastic offsetting programs allowing supporters to fund cleanup efforts without purchasing products. However, they differ in approach and cost. 4Ocean employs full-time captains and crews for collection work, while Tidey uses a gig-economy model. A key distinction is that Tidey focuses on collecting and recycling plastic, so funding covers both collection and the recycling process itself, whereas 4Ocean primarily focuses on collection.

Other organizations working in this space include The Ocean Cleanup, CleanHub, Seven Clean Seas, and rePurpose Global.