Local fishermen are pictured at la Barra beach in Bahia Malaga, near Buenaventura, department of Valle del Cauca, Colombia, on July 23, 2024. In the Colombian Pacific, recycled plastic from the beaches is now currency: an economy to help children and at the same time mitigate the pollution that afflicts a paradisiacal but poor destination in the country. In exchange for the plastic caps they have collected in this touristy but garbage-filled territory, the kids receive fictitious plastic coins, also valid to "buy" clothes, school supplies, toys, books, or popcorn to eat while watching movies. (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO / AFP) (Photo by JOAQUIN SARMIENTO/AFP via Getty Images)