Million Waves Project

Couple Uses Ocean Plastics to Make Prosthetic Limbs

For people with incomplete limbs or any body part, life is difficult. For the lucky ones, they learn to adjust and cope with their disability and live a normal life.

Good news for everyone with incomplete limbs, a couple started a charity that helps to make a prosthesis made from ocean plastics.

Founder of Million Waves Project, Chris and Laura Moriarity.

Meet Chris and Laura Moriarity.

Despite having zero expertise in ocean pollution or the creation of prosthetic limbs, Laura and Chris Moriarity passionately believed they could tackle both of these issues and make a difference.

Chris and Laura are the founders of the Million Waves Project, a charity that recycles ocean plastic into 3D-printed prosthetic limbs for people who needs it around the world.

Chris and Laura Moriarity showing shredded plastics.

Back in April, 38-year-old Chris was struck with inspiration. Then two weeks later, he and his wife had the project up and running.

“The Million Waves Project brings together two unacceptable global situations and offers a practical and sustainable solution,” says the nonprofit’s website.

Million Waves Project collects plastics in ocean.

How? The couple gathers and prepares the plastic by cutting it up by hand into small pieces and feeding it into a paper shredder, and then uses a 3D-printer. 

Once completed, they use an app to connect with people who need prosthetics so they can design the gadget specifically fit to their measurement.

Million Waves Project helps people around the world.

Due to the inexpensive materials, each prosthetic costs roughly $45, which the couple get fund through donations, sponsorships, and selling keychains on the charity’s website.

Since launching the initiative, they have donated 18 limbs to disabled individuals - wow!

One of their clients.

Chris and Laura are now working on obtaining a commercial-sized shredder so they can multiply their production ten-fold. 

Good job and more power to this couple's charity and praying that they can help more people around the world.

“There is nothing more beautiful than someone who goes out of their way to make life beautiful for others.”

- Mandy Hale