From Plastic To Benches: John Haddock’s Mission
In a world overwhelmed by plastic waste, one local resident is proving that a bit of determination and a whole lot of heart can turn trash into lasting community tributes.
John Haddock of the Stanwood Lions Club has been quietly running an impressive environmental effort since October 2022. His mission? Collect 1,000 pounds of soft plastic a year and exchange it for a Trex bench.
Using Ecotact liner bags from Camano Island Coffee Roasters, along with plastic from the Stanwood Food Bank and Stanwood Ace Hardware, John participates in the Trex Recycling Challenge. For every 1,000 pounds collected, Trex donates a durable bench made entirely of the recycled plastic.
These benches don’t just reduce plastic waste. Each one is donated by the Stanwood Lions Club in memory or honor of a community member who made a difference. So far, John has donated to Childhood Cancer and the Stanwood Food Bank. The next will commemorate the Hamilton Family, to be placed near the historic Hamilton Smokestack.
How It Works:
John collects plastic from:
- Camano Island Coffee Roasters (Ecotact bags)
- Stanwood Food Bank
- Stanwood Ace Hardware
He sorts, weighs, logs, and photographs the plastic, then drops it off at Haggen in Stanwood. The plastic is then picked up by Trex, a decking company that recycles the material into outdoor furniture. The full process is managed through the Trex Recycling Challenge.
This grassroots recycling effort requires time, energy, and patience. Even after reaching his annual goal, John continues collecting for months without reward, all in the name of sustainability and community service.
“It’s not an easy project,” says John, “but it gives the Lions Club a chance to do something good for the environment, and we get to honor local heroes.”
Camano Island Coffee Roasters is proud to support John’s mission — showing that, in the right hands, even coffee packaging can make a difference.
To learn more or get involved visit nextrex.com/view/recyclingchallenge