LA MONNAIE SAUVAGE
Mediterranean coast, France
DESCRIPTION
LA MONNAIE SAUVAGE
Sauvage Méditerranée is a unique association in France, created in 2019 and specialising in the recycling of waste collected on the beaches of the Mediterranean coastline, such as plastics, polished glass, fishing nets, boat sails etc. It collaborates with a network of some 30 partner associations specialised in beach clean-ups between Nice and Montpellier. Profits from the sale of Sauvage products (jewelry, trophies and paintings) are then donated to these associations.
To take its approach a step further, Sauvage has chosen to encourage not only its partner associations but also the general public to carry out spontaneous waste collection during their walks in nature and along the Mediterranean coast. Since 2020, the association has been offering the general public in the Marseille region the opportunity to pay for all or part of creations made from waste collected directly from nature.
Given the success of the operation, and noting that some people would be interested in obtaining benefits on other types of products (food, zero waste or handicrafts, for example), the idea emerged of creating La Monnaie Sauvage (The Wild Currency). Since September 2023, this waste can be exchanged at partner associations for Monnaie Sauvage (recycled plastic coins), which can then be used in local shops in Marseille that support sustainable practices (including zero-waste, local and artisanal businesses). The ultimate aim is for this currency to be used in towns where Sauvage Méditerranée’s partner associations are based, that is, along the entire Mediterranean coast.
The Comgest Foundation supports Sauvage Méditerrannée to expand the initiative in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region.
IMPACT / MAIN INDICATORS
• 1 600 Monnaie Sauvage coins distributed in exchange for waste collected by the general public
• 33 partner shops from Marseille to Toulon
LOCAL
PARTNER
Selection
Duration
Project selected in September 2024
Duration : 1 year
Financed
by
The Comgest Foundation
COMMENT FROM THE AMBASSADOR
Matthieu Poulet
I am pleased to introduce you to the Sauvage Méditerranée Association. Of course, this region is far from Normandy, where I’m from, but it sadly faces similar environmental concerns, particularly the increase in waste found in the sea and on beaches.
Sauvage Méditerranée is a passionately managed project, successfully led by Emmanuel Laurin, among others. I find it remarkable how they manage to simultaneously raise public awareness about ecology and personal responsibility whilst also encouraging concrete action in waste collection. This is done through a virtuous cycle created by an alternative currency that promotes thoughtful consumption – a true feat.
The Comgest Foundation’s participation in this project will help finance the equipment and personnel needed to strengthen the initiative in the Mediterranean region and, looking ahead, expand it to other French or international coastlines… perhaps even Normandy!