Supporting AdolesceYP to make healthy life choices

Introduction

What would an ecosystem be without plastics in our environment? This question has been a significant concern for environmental enthusiasts. In pursuit of the Global Sustainable Development Goals, it is imperative for nations, governments, private entities, NGOs, schools, communities, and individuals to combat plastic pollution, a major factor contributing to recent climate change issues. Preventative measures against plastic waste not only help the environment but also create opportunities in the green economy sector. As some say, " there is wealth in waste." To capitalise on this, we must find effective, creative, and innovative solutions to minimise waste while maximising outcomes.

Earth Day Celebration

On April 22nd every year, the world celebrates International Earth Day, bringing together environmental advocates from various regions to educate the public on the importance of a sustainable, clean planet. This year's theme, " Planet Versus Plastic," emphasises the need to address plastic pollution, a global threat to both humans and marine life. Through various initiatives, we focus on plastic waste management and land restoration to contribute to the Global Sustainable Development Goals.

Bangladesh Youth Space Initiative

The Bangladesh Youth Space, leveraging sports, creative arts, and community engagement, raises public awareness and advocates for environmental conservation. Supported by the Pwani Youth Network, the youth space organised a community activity to mark Earth Day, aiming to meet its environmental goals and objectives.

Activities and Engagement

The day's activities included:
1. Community Plastic Collection and Cleanup: Led by the Bangla Talent Junior Team, this activity involved collecting and segregating plastic waste.
2. Ladies' Friendly Match: Celebrating Earth Day through sports to raise community awareness.
3. Creative Art Session: Designing eco-friendly products from collected plastic waste and creating educational materials.
4. Read Aloud Session: Featuring "Mama Miti," highlighting land preservation and restoration.

Impact and Community Involvement
Starting at 8:00 AM, around 100 adolescents participated in various sessions. Engaging the youth in behaviour change activities is crucial as they can become agents of change. The plastic collection activity was a success, with 10 kg of plastic waste collected. This demonstrated the importance of keeping the environment clean and showcased the potential of turning waste into income-generating products. Community support was evident, with parents and caregivers appreciating the children's efforts. The read-aloud session, based on Wangari Maathai’s book "Mama Miti," emphasised the importance of conserving natural resources. The session was inspirational, encouraging participants to take responsibility for their environment.