The ZeroPlastic Trail Clean Up Walk’ 24 concluded recently has proven to be a transformative movement across Sri Lanka, mobilising over 11,000 volunteers in more than 130 cleanup walks partnered and initiated nationwide. Over 25,000 kgs of plastic and polythene removed from surroundings.
With a call to action for sustainable change, ZeroPlastic urged the Government, President, and the Ministry of Environment to make Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) mandatory for plastic producers. This initiative was made possible by its core partners, SLASSCOM, Star Garments Group, and Intrepid Travel Foundation, for their steadfast support and dedication to environmental preservation and sustainability, with Mark and Comm as its strategic communications partner.
This year, students from various universities and institutes came together to call for mandatory Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR), including those from NDT, NIBM, SIBA Campus, Ocean University, Wayamba University, University of Peradeniya, Rajarata University, University of Kelaniya, University of Colombo, University of Ruhuna, Sabaragamuwa University, University of Vavuniya, and CINEC Campus.
By planning cleanup events in their localities and vigorously promoting accountability in the handling of plastic garbage, these organisations showed an incredible level of dedication. This annual initiative shines a light on the urgent need to tackle plastic pollution, which poses a significant threat to the environment, tourism industry, and wildlife.
Every stroll and cleaning echoed the urgent and unmistakable message that producers need to accept accountability for the waste they make. In order to engage local communities and raise awareness of the negative effects of plastic waste, each university organised its student body, calling for systematic changes in the way trash is managed.
Midas Safety also donated more than 8,000 gloves, and their assistance ensured that volunteers could carry out the crucial task of eliminating plastic trash without running the risk of getting hurt.
ZeroPlastic Movement said that by working together, we pave the way for Sri Lanka to be free of plastic pollution. The ZeroPlastic Movement is a call to action for each person to help create a cleaner, greener planet; it is more than just an initiative.
