More than 25 bags of garbage have been collected from Wailoaloa Beach by around 50 people, including students from Swami Vivekananda College, and a call is being made to encourage responsible waste disposal.
Miss Earth Fiji, Ashlin Alveena Prasad, who organised the cleanup campaign, says participants collected various types of litter, including beer bottles, cans, diapers, and plastic waste.
She says the initiative aims to raise awareness about the importance of maintaining a clean environment,
Prasad says that through this hands-on experience, young people are encouraged to adopt sustainable habits in their daily lives.
She adds that the main purpose of the campaign is to educate and encourage youth to keep their surroundings and beaches clean, fostering a sense of responsibility and prompting them to share this knowledge with their peers.
The 18-year-old says it was disheartening to see that despite the campaign’s efforts, some individuals continued to litter, while others simply watched without offering assistance.
Prasad says this behaviour highlights the ongoing challenge of fostering a culture of environmental responsibility.
She further says schools should promote the establishment of environmental clubs that undertake initiatives like this on a monthly basis.
Miss Earth Fiji says these clubs could engage students in activities focused on sustainability and cleanliness, helping to instil a sense of responsibility and community involvement in caring for the environment.
Prasad also says that she had advocated for mental health, sustainability, and cultural heritage during the campaign.
She adds that the initiative fostered a sense of community and responsibility, empowering the younger generation to appreciate and preserve their natural and cultural heritage for future generations.
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