Let's Rethink Plastic Waste
Who Are We?
At The Sea Monkey Project, we turn trash into treasure, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering a decentralized circular economy ecosystem, one community at a time. We believe that by rethinking our material choices and equipping marginalized groups with the tools and knowledge to upcycle plastic waste, we can make a lasting impact on both the environment and society. Together, we are building a future where the oceans are cleaner, and opportunities are endless.
220+
Machines Sold
100+
project sites globally
166, 956
TOTAL INDIVIDUAL PRODUCTS MADE
50,000+
student engagements
65,000+
hours of marginalized community employment
Our Story
Our story isn’t just about combating plastic pollution; it’s about building a movement that reshapes how we think about waste and sustainability. In Malaysia, where the impact of plastic pollution is particularly severe, The Sea Monkey Project took on the challenge of laying the groundwork for an upcycling ecosystem that didn’t exist before. We didn’t just stop at designing and building upcycling machines; we created the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable recycling ecosystem. Through hands-on training and support, we empowered local communities, businesses, and organizations to manage their plastic waste effectively. Our efforts have been the catalyst for a broader recycling movement in Malaysia, setting a roadmap that others can follow.
Empowering communities and growing education to create positive social and environmental impact for our Oceans.
Meet the Team
At The Sea Monkey Project, we turn trash into treasure, creating sustainable livelihoods and fostering a decentralized circular economy ecosystem, one community at a time. We believe that by rethinking our material choices and equipping marginalized groups with the tools and knowledge to upcycle plastic waste, we can make a lasting impact on both the environment and society. Together, we are building a future where the oceans are cleaner, and opportunities are endless.
The Founders
Carlos Steenland
“The Project is much more than just plastic up-cycling and education, it’s about reshaping communities and building a better world for our children so they can grow up with healthy environments in their lives”
Sydney Steenland
“I started the Project with my Dad when I was just 11 years old. Growing up immersed in the message of sustainability has built who I am today, nurturing my passion for educating others and sharing stories!”
The Team
Michael Golub
Industrial Designer
Erra Amielia
Client Liason & Project Manager
Our Impact
Our story isn’t just about combating plastic pollution; it’s about building a movement that reshapes how we think about waste and sustainability. In Malaysia, where the impact of plastic pollution is particularly severe, The Sea Monkey Project took on the challenge of laying the groundwork for an upcycling ecosystem that didn’t exist before. We didn’t just stop at designing and building upcycling machines; we created the infrastructure necessary for a sustainable recycling ecosystem. Through hands-on training and support, we empowered local communities, businesses, and organizations to manage their plastic waste effectively. Our efforts have been the catalyst for a broader recycling movement in Malaysia, setting a roadmap that others can follow.
Featured Projects
MARIANA ISLANDS NATURE ALLIANCE
We embarked on a project to establish a sustainable recycling and upcycling ecosystem in Saipan. We trained MINA's team on how to operate the machine and educated them on the broader impacts of plastic waste, fostering a deeper understanding of sustainable practices. This hands-on approach empowered MINA to manage their plastic waste effectively, transforming it into a valuable resource rather than a growing problem.
PRINCE OF WALES ISLAND INTERNATIONAL SCHOOL
Through its educational and training initiatives, The Sea Monkey Project collaborated with POWIIS to offer students hands-on experience in addressing plastic waste. Students were not only introduced to the pressing environmental challenges facing their communities but were also given the opportunity to engage directly with upcycling machines developed by the project.
FUTURE ALAM BORNEO
Through its educational and training initiatives, The Sea Monkey Project collaborated with POWIIS to offer students hands-on experience in addressing plastic waste. Students were not only introduced to the pressing environmental challenges facing their communities but were also given the opportunity to engage directly with upcycling machines developed by the project.
Activities
Join our hands-on workshops and talks that turns learning into real-world action and impact.
Our Machines
Build your own recycling ecosystem with our upcycling machines, designed for communities, schools, businesses, and organisations. we offer a range of machines tailored to your needs, helping turn plastic waste into valuable products while supporting a circular economy.
