Women With Impact #33 - Anna Gracia Herbst
Welcome back to Women With Impact, a newsletter all about the journeys of mission-driven women and how they have a positive impact in our world.
I’m Clara Richter and this is the 33rd edition of Women With Impact. If you enjoy this issue, please share it with a friend and like it above.
For this edition, I interviewed Anna Gracia Herbst, Co-Founder and Managing Director Communications & HR at Buy Food With Plastic. With her social enterprise headquartered in Zurich, Anna tackles hunger by up-cycling plastic across continents. More concretely, her organisation creates a self-functioning cycle where communities in Ghana, Nicaragua and India can pay for hot meals with plastic bottles. Simultaneously, these communities are made aware of environmental issues such as plastic pollution. For her impactful work reaching thousands, she was named Forbes 30 under 30 in 2022.
Wishing you a pleasant read!
Best,
Clara
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The Journey
Who are you and how do you spend your time?
I am Anna Gracia Herbst, and I dedicate most of my time to exploring ways in which we can directly and tangibly improve the lives and environment of people. Through Buy Food with Plastic, we enable individuals in Nicaragua, Ghana, and India facing extreme poverty to exchange twenty plastic bottles for a hot meal. Simultaneously, we transform the collected plastic waste into new products, contributing to the establishment of a circular economy. This project has been my absolute passion, and I have already devoted nearly six years of my whole heart and time to its realisation - and I know there’s so much more to unfold in the future.
What do you think is most important in creating positive change?
I believe that the key to creating positive change lies in exchange and communication. It’s about engaging with people who live very different lives from ours, discovering their genuine needs, and sharing their stories. This isn't just about eloquent words; it's a call to action. By forging these connections and telling these stories, we don't just build bridges—we create tangible links between people. And this is an invitation to step up, be inspired, and actively contribute to a shared journey of positive transformation.
What is a recent success you are proud of?
You know, each morning, my prayer is a simple yet profound one: that every individual across the globe can enjoy at least one nourishing meal, have access to clean drinking water, and that no plastic waste ends up in nature. The moments I cherish most are when I wake up in one of our target countries and realise that I'm not only wishing for it to happen but am actively contributing to it. This fills my life with a profound sense of purpose, and making me believe, that I am where I belong.
The Lessons
What has been the most rewarding experience on your journey?
It's truly rewarding to learn that our story and initiatives have inspired others to take action, and make a positive impact in their own ways. This feedback reinforces the belief that our efforts are contributing to a broader movement of positive change.
What’s a challenge you have encountered most often and how did you tackle it?
We face numerous challenges, including financial concerns or bureaucratic hurdles. There are also a lot of moments when I feel uncertain, as we navigate unfamiliar territory and encounter situations for the first time. But personally, my greatest challenge lies in maintaining a balance with my empathy, which is also my greatest strength. I tend to absorb feedback from others wholeheartedly, and while this can be positive, it is crucial to have a balance. We have a clear mission, and although it's tempting to address every input, I believe it's essential to stay true to ourselves. Determining when to listen to others’ feedback and when to trust my own instincts is a very challenging aspect of this journey.
What is the best advice you have been given recently?
It might sound cliché, but: “Be yourself! The questions you have and the perspectives you bring to the table are uniquely yours, and that's your superpower. This is how you can bring about change.”
The Inspiration
What resource do you think more people should make use of?
People should embrace and actively pursue their passions. The fact that you love something so much indicates a special connection, and it's important to follow that calling and share it with the world. Your passion has the potential to make a positive impact and bring joy to both yourself and others.
Who inspires you on your journey the most?
People who follow their heart.
Enjoyed this or have any feedback? Let me know in the comments!
If you know someone who fits my mission and should absolutely be featured on Women With Impact, please nominate them here.