Everyday tons of Plastic and Polythene products manufactured & imported to Sri Lanka and popularly consumed by the people to fulfill their various domestic & commercial purposes owing to the easiness, cheapness and convenience in using plastic products. However, people often neglect the hazardousness and negative impact in using these products, hence, failing to openly discuss and take appropriate action against the grievous matter up until recent past. Sri Lanka now thrives towards achieving Global Sustainable Development Goals, by aligning National Development process with Global Development Agenda. Sri Lanka is now marching forward in eradicating all possible uses of plastic and polythene products, hence promoting and ensuring Environmental Protection and Sustainability. However, it is long journey on a rough path with many obstacles to overcome in achieving a cleaner and greener tomorrow.
Younger generations are considered as the voice of the future leaders of the nation. It is in the hand of inhabitants of every nation to contribute to a cleaner and greener environment. It is the youth consumer who is the most responsible in initiating this task to minimize the use of polythene and plastic as the most influential component in modern society. Youth possess the ability and the capacity in disseminating the importance of green environment and ways to keep the environment healthy and green through cleaning campaigns, workshops, and seminars in eradicating polythene and plastic use among the society as a whole, through their powerful voice.
Communities are exploring possible solutions in the process of cleaning up the environment and minimizing a negative impact on natural ecosystems. Some countries are banning plastic bag usage at retailers, ensuring Environmental Sustainability and Protection. Young Consumers are the key in making a positive contribution to the environment by making personal decisions to limit or avoid using plastic bags. In this age of environmental concern individuals, majority being the younger generation are outwardly interested in the healthy state of their surroundings. It is the desire for a clean environment represents a powerful sense of destiny and hope for the future. Inspiring on the importance in preserving the environment, young leaders of Rotaract Sri Lanka & Maldives are among the best communicators on the issue of plastic pollution and its impacts.
Rotaract Club of Centennial United embarking on an initiative, “Pavithra” Striving for a Cleaner Sri Lanka, in spreading the awareness among the younger generation on plastic pollution and the toxic impacts to the wildlife, environment and humans, thus minimize the plastic use in Sri Lanka. Club’s mission is to empower people to live healthier lives in a healthier environment, with breakthrough research and education on minimizing plastic use which would change consumer choice and civic action. Along with different communities, educational institutions and other service organizations, RACCU set to begin the process of educating, engineering solutions, and legislating to control plastic pollution, hence increase the usage of reusable items and enabling local communities to engage in sustainable industries to produce reusable materials and enhance their quality of living.
