Build a plastic-free world for the future generation.

The project aims to reduce single-use plastic usage while promoting recycling practices and waste management habits among slum dwellers. Recognizing the prevalent lack of awareness regarding plastic pollution, which contributes to climate change, the initiative sought to educate the community about the environmental impacts of their actions. The project’s outcomes have been promising; participants have agreed to use cloth bags instead of plastic and have committed to disposing of plastic waste properly. To facilitate this awareness, the team organized various initiatives, including workshops, photo exhibitions, and informational posters throughout the slum area. However, challenges arose due to the limited infrastructure in the slum, which hindered effective communication and engagement, as many residents initially showed indifference toward the project.

The project’s impact is multifunctional, significantly improving recycling habits and reducing single-use plastic usage by 58% and 54%, respectively. Participants were educated about the detrimental effects of climate change and plastic pollution, leading to a change in waste disposal behaviors. Previously, the lack of waste bins resulted in indiscriminate dumping; however, after the installation of wooden waste bins, individuals now properly dispose of plastic items, helping to prevent waterlogging during the rainy season. Additionally, household waste, which was once discarded haphazardly, is now collected by city corporation waste collectors at an affordable rate. The cloth bags produced for this initiative are sourced from local vendors, transforming unused fabric into functional items and promoting environmental sustainability. A social media campaign was launched to showcase these efforts, inspiring others to adopt eco-friendly practices, while a short film on plastic awareness reached diverse audiences, effectively raising awareness across the country.

TEAM MEMBERS:

• Kashfi Chowdhury Oishi
• Md. Akil Khan
• Khadijatul Kubra
• Mohammad Ullah Reza