The importance of creating plastic waste pollution awareness

Since the invention of plastic, it has become a major part of everyone’s daily life. From personal to business, we can observe the demand of plastic products everywhere. As we moved forward with plastic usage in our daily lives, soon we turned our convenience into an issue by not disposing plastic waste properly. Now, plastic waste pollution is a global issue faced by all. Governments, local authorities, regulatory bodies, businesses and corporations are all actively coming up with ways to tackle the problem. In fact, the theme for this year’s World Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution” which highlights how much attention is being given to this matter. It is only through collective action that the problem can be effectively addressed. Creating awareness about such an environmental issue is one such way to go about. It is important for people of all ages. However, engaging and educating youth is a crucial role in addressing these issues as they are the future leaders and decision-makers. By inspiring and empowering young people to take action, they can drive positive change and create a more sustainable future.

According to a report published by the World Bank in December 2021, Bangladesh was in one of the top positions as a country which was facing plastic pollution due to inadequate plastic waste management. Another report by LightCastle partners, disclosed that Bangladesh ranks in 10th position in mismanagement of plastic waste. From 2005 to 2020, the daily plastic wastage hiked up to 178 tons to a bouncing 646 tons. And among these 646 tons, unfortunately only 37.2% is recycled. Government bodies of Bangladesh are involved in multiple initiatives to reduce the plastic waste mismanagement. The solution to this problem lies in the three R’s: Reduce, Reuse and Recycle. Before establishing the three Rs, we need to lay down the foundation for these three pillars. Which is why, the young people need to come more into the picture. The thriving and energetic young people can prove to be better learners and also later, educators when it comes to teaching proper waste management. With profound knowledge they can provide more creative and sustainable ways on how we can reduce the consumption of plastic and reduce plastic pollution all around the globe. Creating awareness, changing collective behaviors and taking charge for the societal good, the youth can prove to be the long-sought providers of root level solutions to plastic pollution. Many organizations are currently engaging with the young minds to teach them about these pillars and encouraging them to take up the mantle for a better and cleaner future.

To help the governing bodies of the country to establish effective waste management The Coca-Cola Foundation supported Cordaid in project RESILIENT- ‘Recycling for the Environment by Strengthening Income and Livelihoods of Entrepreneurs. This project falls well in alignment with the government’s Solid Waste Management Rules 2021, where the rules are based on the 3Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. As part of the project Cordaid conducted a wide awareness campaign in four schools of Dhaka and Narayanganj. Through this campaign the young minds learnt about effective waste management and recycling. Even the teachers received session on the same topics so that they can impart the knowledge to the future generation. The campaign reached almost 933 youths directly and effected another 8124 people in other ways from 4 different schools. During our engagement, we were told by the school authorities that such programs are beneficial to all, especially for the youth as it helps them develop a habit to be more conscious about polluting the environment.

Apart from engaging with the youth, the project fostered economic and social well-being of waste workers for safe and dignified collection of plastic waste for recycling. It provided support to improve knowledge and capacities of the informal waste collectors and associations on creating entrepreneurship and job opportunities for sustainable livelihood through the removal of plastic waste from the ecosystem. During the project period, the program positively impacted 420 beneficiaries. Among them, 400 are waste collectors and 20 are waste aggregators from both Dhaka North City Corporation and Narayanganj City Corporation. The project recycled 50 tons of plastic waste every month through 6 factories in both City Corporations.

Through this project The Coca-Cola Foundation is supporting Bangladesh in achieving SDG 8 (Promote sustained, inclusive and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment and decent work for all), SDG 12(Ensure sustainable consumption and production patterns), SDG 13 (Take urgent action to combat climate change and its impacts), SDG 17 (Strengthen the means of implementation and revitalize the global partnership for sustainable development).

The youth of today will be future leaders and custodians of the planet. To battle plastic pollution, that has been becoming atrocious day by day, it is important to understand the problem and find its loopholes. Youths with their learning and understanding capabilities, can develop sustainable tactics to fight plastic pollution and reform a much healthier world in the coming days.

The writer is Head of Programmess, Bangladesh Country Office, Asia Cluster, Cordaid. He can be contacted at [email protected]