Getting rid of plastic

It looks as though Senegal is projected to produce more than 700,000 metric tons of mismanaged plastic waste by 2025 if nothing is done. The U.S., with a population about 15 times that of Senegal, is projected to produce about 337,000 metric tons.

One man, Modou Fall, has taken this problem to heart. And dresses to show his goal. His entire clothing is 100% plastic. A multicolored cape made entirely of plastic bags sweeps the sandy ground. A hat constructed out of plastic sunglasses is perched on his head.

He can often be seen dancing through the streets dressed in this self-designed and ever-evolving costume made entirely of plastic, mostly bags collected from across the city. Pinned to his chest is a sign that reads NO PLASTIC BAGS.

He planted dozens of trees across the city and held community meetings to persuade people to stop buying throwaway plastic. He organized cleaning and tire recycling campaigns in Dakar’s lively neighborhoods, his waste pickers dodging taxi drivers and street vendors as they went.