Climate YES Malawi, Clean Up and Waste Management Campaign.
Climate YES Malawi successfully held a clean-up and waste management awareness campaign in Lilongwe, Malawi on the 15th June 2024. The event began at Area 25 Health Centre, where 35 young Christian climate activists gathered to raise awareness about the urgency need for the community to adopt sustainable waste management practices as a proactive action to safeguard biodiversity from extinction. Using brooms and bags, we swept the area, collected plastic waste, and engaged in chants and songs to advocate for cleaner communities.
Holding placards we shared key environmental messages with the rest of the community towards Lilongwe Teachers Training College, where students took center stage to perform poems and songs highlighting environmental challenges and the urgency of taking action. The performances were followed by an interactive session led by Mr. Saiwale, who demonstrated how waste can be transformed into valuable products such as briquettes and glass tumblers, inspiring youth to view waste not as a problem, but as an opportunity for innovation.
Improper disposal of waste posses a number of challenges like; health hazards from water borne diseases or pests that breed from these places like mosquitoes,environmental damage through leach toxins into the soil that can affect plant growth,impact on wildlife both on land and in water as well as economic losses due to flooding of cities etc.
The event was a resounding success. Teachers who attended were equipped with practical knowledge on waste management, which they will pass on to their students, creating a ripple effect of environmental education and action.
Key thoughts
- Urgent need for better waste management practices and the power of youth involvement in climate advocacy.
- The event also showcased practical ways for communities to turn waste into wealth, empowering young people to create sustainable solutions
- Youth were encouraged to explore opportunities in green entrepreneurship, such as turning waste into profitable products like briquettes and glass tumblers.
Climate YES movement remains committed to rally young people through their respective churches to take good care of God’s creation and proactively take action against biodiversity loss . This way, we will sustain a safer environment not only for us but also future generations.
Genesis 2:15 The Lord God took the man and put him in the Garden of Eden to work it and take care of it. This scripture reminds us to be keen and make sure that every creature on land, in water or air is thriving because they all contribute to our well-being.