PROJECT NAME: Regenerative recycling to enhance waste collection
PROJECT BACKGROUND
Like many other countries, Uganda faces an increasing plastic pollution crisis. Plastics and other non-biodegradable materials are often dumped into rivers, soil, or burned, leading to air, water, and land pollution. Inspired by Pope Francis’ Laudato Si and driven by the need to care for our common home, Laudato Youth at Holy Cross Lake View S.S.S have initiated this innovative recycling and agricultural project to combat pollution and foster sustainability.
PROBLEM STATEMENT
Non-biodegradable waste such as plastic bottles, polythene bags, and packaging materials significantly pollute the environment when discarded improperly. This pollution threatens biodiversity, clogs drainage systems, and contributes to climate change through toxic emissions.
This project seeks to:
- Eliminate plastic waste in our school and community
- Transform waste into value
- Promote environmental education and awareness
- Create food and income sources in limited spaces
PROJECT OBJECTIVES
- Reduce plastic pollution in schools and communities through creative recycling.
- Educate students about climate care, sustainable living, and circular economies.
- Repurpose plastic bottles into greenhouses to solve the challenge of limited agricultural land.
- Empower youth with skills to produce crafts and useful items from waste.
- Promote Laudato Si’s values of stewardship and ecological conversion.
- Amplify voices for Uganda’s call to action against pollution.
MATERIALS USED
- Plastic bottles & bottle tops
- Old boxes & waste papers
- Manilas and straws
- Wooden timber, nails, and glue
- Hinges, cutters, scissors, binding wires
- Old clothes and rubber for bag/hat making
- Soil, seeds, and compost for planting
HOW THE PROJECT WORKS
PHASE 1: CREATIVE RECYCLING
- Plastic bottles are turned into decorative items like flower vessels, pen holders, and lampshades.
- Bottle tops, old boxes, and papers are crafted into greeting cards, picture frames, key holders, etc.
- Workshops and debates are conducted in school and community to teach these skills and raise awareness on pollution.
PHASE 2: ECO-FASHION & INCOME CREATION
- Items such as handbags, hats, belts, and wallets are made from reused plastic straws and fabric.
- Bottle tops are used as decorative features for the bags and accessories.
- Products are sold to generate income for supporting school projects and buying seeds/tools.
IMPACT & BENEFITS
Environmental Impact
- Removal of hundreds of kilograms of plastic waste from the environment.
- Creation of green spaces in the community or schools in urban places seated in limited
- Improved waste management practices and reduced open burning.
Social Impact
- Students gain practical skills in crafts, farming, and entrepreneurship.
- Girls and boys are equally involved in innovation and environmental care.
- Promotes teamwork, leadership, and awareness of global ecological issues.
Economic Impact
- Revenue from eco-products supports school clubs and educational activities.
- Opportunity to scale and replicate in other schools and communities.
SUSTAINABILITY STRATEGY
- Incorporate project into other environmental clubs and science programs in all schools in Uganda
- Engage parents and community in providing recyclable materials and support.
- Open to partnering with local businesses, NGOs, and parishes for funding to move our project to the next level.
- Monitor and evaluate environmental, educational, and economic outcomes quarterly.
CONCLUSION
By merging waste recycling with urban farming, this project by Laudato Youth at Holy Cross Lake View not only cleans the environment but plants seeds of sustainability, creativity, and care for creation in the hearts of young people. This is a model of youth-led transformation, where trash becomes treasure, and small actions grow into a greener future by raising awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and encouraging responsible consumption habits in our school and communities.
INNOVATORS
- Kyoyagala Alison
- Leeanne Kimberly
- Birungi Sophie
- Nairuba Sharon
- Mugisha Calvin
Mentor Ms. Immaculate Kisembo
