LA MONNAIE SAUVAGE
Mediterranean coast, France
DESCRIPTION
LA MONNAIE SAUVAGE
Sauvage Méditerranée is a unique association in France, created in 2019 and specializing 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 specialized 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 chance to pay for all or part of their creations made from waste collected directly in 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 will itself be spent in stores at committed local businesses in Marseille (zero-waste, local and artisanal stores). The ultimate aim is for this currency to be used in towns where Sauvage Méditerranée’s partner associations are based, i.e. all along the Mediterranean coast.
The Comgest Foundation supports Sauvage Méditerrannée to expand the initiative in the Provence Alpes Côte d’Azur (PACA) region.
IMPACT / MAIN INDICATORS
An impact assessment is not yet possible. Main indicators:
• Quantity of waste collected by the general public and exchanged for Monnaie Sauvage coins
• Number of Monnaie Sauvage coins used in the local business partners
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 from 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 driven project, successfully led by Emmanuel Laurin, among others. I find it remarkable how they manage to simultaneously raise public awareness on ecology and personal responsibility, while 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 both strengthen the project in the Mediterranean region and, looking to the future, expand this initiative to other French or international coastlines… and maybe even Normandy!