Rio de Janeiro, Athens, October 30th – Upstream, a global leader in mobile marketing and technology solutions, operating across more than 30 countries in Latin America, Africa, the Middle East, and Southeast Asia, recently expanded its corporate social responsibility (CSR) efforts with a beach clean-up initiative in Brazil. This marks the first environmental volunteer action by “Updreamers”, a new team of employee volunteers dedicated to making a positive social impact through community-focused projects.
Through its volunteer program, Upstream aims to strengthen communities and promote social sustainability in the countries where it operates. To achieve this, the company partners with non-profit organizations, both locally and globally, to support social initiatives.
As part of its commitment to promoting sustainable practices and protecting the environment, Upstream held its first environmental volunteer initiative in Rio de Janeiro, Brazil, on Friday, September 20.
Beach pollution is a critical global issue, with over 8 million tons of plastic entering our oceans each year, much of which accumulates along shorelines. Brazil faces a severe pollution challenge, with approximately 80% of coastal waste consisting of plastic, posing a threat to biodiversity and impacting coastal communities.
The country ranks 4th globally in plastic waste production, while its plastic recycling rate is only 1.3%, significantly below the global average of 9%.
Alice Sundin, General Manager of Upstream - Latam, stated: "Participating in the Pepe Beach clean-up was truly inspiring. Knowing that we’re part of a global effort to protect the environment gives a real sense of purpose. Small actions like these can make a big difference. At Upstream, we believe in the power of collective action, and this initiative highlights how businesses and individuals alike can contribute to a more sustainable future.”
Following similar social initiatives in Greece and South Africa, Brazil became the third region where the Updreamers carried out voluntary actions. Upstream encourages its teams to take on initiatives that promote sustainability and social responsibility, aiming to improve the quality of life in the communities where it operates while helping to safeguard the planet.