Empowering Botswana’s Youth to Beat Plastic Pollution

The movement to protect Botswana's environment is gaining momentum, fueled by the creativity and passion of its youngest citizens. On June 5, 2025, SustainaBiz Consulting hosted a powerful World Environment Day commemoration at Sir Seretse Khama Memorial CJSS in Gaborone. The event sent a clear message: tackling the plastic waste crisis requires a "unified front" involving the government, private sector, and the nation’s youth.

Youthful Innovation in Action

At the heart of the celebration was an impactful essay competition that challenged Form 1, 2, and 3 students to envision "My School Without Plastic". The submissions offered a glimpse into a cleaner future, with students proposing brilliant, practical solutions:

• Gamifying Conservation: Turning community clean-up campaigns into "fun challenges" to increase engagement.

• Digital Advocacy: Using social media to amplify anti-plastic messages.

• Alternative Products: Fostering innovation in sustainable materials to replace single-use plastics.

• Daily Habits: Championing the widespread adoption of reusable water bottles and lunch containers.

The event also featured a vibrant exhibition of sustainable artwork made entirely from recycled materials, proving that waste can be transformed into something of value.

The Power of Collaboration

The commemoration highlighted that awareness alone isn't enough—tangible infrastructure is vital. Students specifically called for more dustbins in schools and communities to address current shortages. This call to action emphasizes how private sector support can provide the necessary tools for better waste management at a grassroots level.

"Engaging students meaningfully isn't just about awareness; it's about empowering them to become active co-creators of solutions."- Boitumelo Pauline, SustainaBiz Consulting 

A Roadmap for the Future

SustainaBiz Consulting is committed to turning these event highlights into a national standard. Moving forward, the goal is to:

• Embed sustainability programming systematically within schools across Botswana.

• Create mentorship opportunities for young environmental leaders.

• Foster multi-stakeholder partnerships between the government, NGOs, and the private sector to align resources and policies.

  
  

By providing our youth with the right tools and support, a plastic-free Botswana is not just a dream, but a reachable reality.