"Nicole Graaf and Emre Caylak for their project: Paths of Plastic In this story, the team researched the exports of plastic waste from Europe to Turkey and this business's environmental and social consequences. The exported plastic waste is largely handled in unsustainable ways, and the not-recyclable leftovers from imports are dumped in nature. Some factory owners admitted that their foreign business partners send unrecyclable material on purpose to get rid of it. Even worse, it was found out that the recycling companies in Adana often employ illegal refugees who are made to do the dirtiest of jobs, including dumping the residue. They work under very harsh conditions and low pay.
Nicole Graaf is a freelance foreign reporter and journalism trainer from Germany. She focuses on narrative-style stories on social and environmental topics and works mainly in Turkey and various Asian countries.
Emre Çaylak is a Turkish photographer focusing on human rights and environmental issues. Since January 2022, he has been covering the war in Ukraine and the cost of the conflict on civilian populations.
The Otto Sprenger Stiftung donates €6000 in prize money. The foundation honors the work of German journalist Otto Sprenger, a former unionist, and employee of the German public service broadcaster NDR, who was committed to supporting young journalists, collaboration, and social engagement.
For more information on the upcoming Hostwriter Prize 2023, stay tuned on our social media platforms and the Hostwriter newsletter.
About Hostwriter
Hostwriter is an open network that helps journalists easily collaborate across borders. We connect more than 6600 journalists from 158 countries to seek and offer help, whether in the form of local advice, story collaboration, or accommodation. We see cross-border journalism as a tool to overcome national bias and prejudice, ultimately contributing towards better informed, more accountable, and democratic societies."