The Circular Economy to protect the sea and the environment

Qualitative benefits

Since it was set up in 2001 in La Rochelle, the association has been involved in a multitude of projects of different kinds but always related to the marine environment and sustainable development. Echo-Mer is a laboratory for testing and experimenting that will strike a chord with those - individuals, local authorities and companies - who take action to preserve people and their environment. The objectives are developed in four areas with our slogan “to preserve the oceans, listen to the sea!”

CLEAN WATER SPORTS: Echo-Mer is committed to action against marine pollution. With this in mind, the association has chosen to work with marinas in Charente-Maritime, shipyards, and amateur yachtsmen to raise awareness and assist them in setting up their environmental initiatives. The guidelines are those of the eco-sailor charter (Charte de l’Eco-Marin), recognized by the French national council of boating and water sports (Conseil National Supérieur de la Navigation de Plaisance et des Sports Nautiques).

EDUCATIONAL: Educational work is done in companies, schools, recreation centres and any organisation that might call on us. The subjects addressed, adapted to the audience, are water pollution, sustainable development and waste reduction at source.

WASTE RECOVERY: The aim is to provide alternatives for waste reduction at source (in particular with regard to plastic bags or selective sorting) by offering reusable products made from recycled materials from nautical activities such as sails, worn-out pennants, oyster bags, corks and, most recently, neoprene. While respecting sustainable development objectives, the aim is to create a recycling process for this waste that would otherwise be incinerated or sent to landfill.

SOLIDARITY-BASED SAVINGS: In partnership with Crédit Coopératif, Echo-Mer is heading towards solidarity-based savings with the Agir booklet and card, which are a source of funding for the association.

Stages of the initiative

2001: The association is created in La Rochelle

2001: Batteries collected in ports

2002: Raising awareness of shipyards in La Rochelle to waste management

2004: “Stop plastic bags (Halte aux sacs plastiques)” operation on Ile de Ré

2007: Management of alternatives to pesticides in La Rochelle, Esnandes, Chatelaillon

2008: Collecting and recycling used sails

2009: “A basket for my planet (Un panier pour ma planète)” operation in the La Rochelle urban community

2010: Collecting and recycling oyster bags

2012: Collecting and recycling corks

2016: Collecting and recycling neoprene

Driving forces

The initiative began with a survey on waste management in the boating sector. This initiative has made it possible to identify possible actions that have been developed thanks to the financial support of ADEME.

The project was launched and works thanks to the various meetings with different contacts and partners looking to develop practical actions.

Obstacles

Certain people were reticent about the initiative or about implementing new actions

Areas of activity

• Agriculture
• Food
• Crafts
• Construction
• Energy
• Mobility
• Health
• Tourism
• Recycling
• Funding
• Information

Resources

• Materials
• Water
• Food
• Waste
• Sobriety
• Material efficiency
• Energy efficiency
• Use
• Plastic
• Textiles

Technical resources

• Storage container for different materials collected locally
• Room for collection, design and sale on the port, at 8 quai Georges Simenon

Human resources

• 2 employees
• 10 volunteer workers

Financers

• Name of financier : ADEME

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• Name of financier : Crédit Coopératif

“Agir” booklet and card

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• Name of financier : Partenaires de l'association

Funding

Annual budget for the structure

Web link(s)

 www.echo-mer.com
 http://boutique.echo-mer.com/