Amid the economic turmoil that gripped Sri Lanka in 2022, a beacon of hope emerged from the nation’s young populace. Nishanka De Silva, a spirited young Sri Lankan, founded the ZeroPlastic Movement with a mission to combat the pervasive plastic pollution threatening the country’s stunning beaches and waterways.
At a time when Sri Lankans were grappling with severe power cuts and long queues for fuel, many questioned the feasibility of launching an environmental initiative. \"I told him he must be crazy. Sri Lankans were at the time suffering from power cuts and many were spending hours, even days, lining up for fuel. Many demonstrated demanding for the president to go. Young Sri Lankans have more urgent issues, I remember I told him,\" recalls an early skeptic of the movement.
Undeterred by the challenges, Nishanka pressed forward. In just two years, the ZeroPlastic Movement has blossomed into one of Sri Lanka's most significant green initiatives. University campuses across the country now host ZeroPlastic clubs, engaging tens of thousands of Sri Lankans in beach and river clean-up efforts. The movement's momentum is palpable, with participants expressing unprecedented enthusiasm and commitment to creating lasting solutions to the plastic crisis.
The success of ZeroPlastic in Sri Lanka is a testament to the global determination to address environmental issues. As the United Nations Environment Assembly convenes in Nairobi, Kenya, from February 26, there is a strong anticipation that a global treaty to fight plastic pollution will be agreed upon. This pivotal moment marks a collaborative effort to ensure that plastics find no place in nature or our bodies, underscoring the importance of grassroots movements like ZeroPlastic in driving meaningful change.
Having served as the Executive Director of the UN Environment Assembly seven years ago, the author expresses pride in witnessing the evolution of ZeroPlastic. The movement exemplifies how young people worldwide are mobilizing to tackle pressing environmental challenges, fostering a cleaner and more sustainable future for all.
Reference(s):
cgtn.com
