Practical Action Launches Plastic Waste Awareness in Narayanganj

Practical Action has been working for almost three decades to ensure proper waste management to increase the resilience of the general public in combating various impacts arising from climate change, natural degradation, and pollution, and to protect the environmental balance.

Polythene and plastic-type products are severely damaging our environment. Single-use polythene and plastic, after one use, start spreading microplastics. Therefore, plastic thrown into water is found in the stomach of fish, in the mother's womb, and even in the brain.

To prevent microplastic pollution, Practical Action is creating pyrolysis oil and various plastic products to ensure plastic recycling and reuse.

In continuation of this, under the project People’s Adaptation Plans for Inclusive, Climate-Resilient Urban Service Delivery in Narayanganj City Corporation, in collaboration with Narayanganj City Corporation, the environmental organization Practical Action has undertaken a special program on 11 and 12 March to increase awareness on plastic waste use.

On the first day of the program, an awareness discussion meeting was held with the cleanliness workers of Narayanganj City Corporation. As part of the program, essay, drawing, and photography competitions were organized at Narayanganj City Park to increase students' awareness in waste management. On that day, 4 waste bins were provided at Narayanganj City Park.

On the second day, 12 March, prizes were distributed to the students. The event was held in the conference room of Narayanganj Nagar Bhaban.

Under the chairmanship of the Chief Executive Officer of Narayanganj City Corporation, Md. Nur Kutubul Alam, the chief guest at the prize distribution ceremony was the Administrator of Narayanganj City Corporation, Mohammad Sakhawat Hossain Khan. The special guest was the Country Director of Practical Action, Ishrat Shabnam.

The program was conducted by the Urban Planner of Narayanganj City Corporation, Moinul Islam.

Nasik Administrator Sakhawat Hossain said, "30-35 years ago we used to compare the water of the Shitalakhya River with coconut water. And many in Narayanganj used to drink the water of Shitalakhya. Today, to cross the Shitalakhya River, one has to cross holding the nose. Because the water has become so foul-smelling. Shitalakhya was full of fish resources. But today there is no fish. Even 10-15 years ago, fishermen used to hunt fish. We have to bring back that situation. This program is to bring back that situation."

He said, "Plastic has entered into our society's daily activities. Now if we say, we cannot remove it from society. However, we all have to work together on how to reduce its adverse effects or completely eliminate them."

The administrator said, "One day the next generation will come. Now the generation is cursing us. The next generation will curse even more if we cannot protect this city, the residents of Narayanganj from plastic. Therefore, I think such awareness programs can be taken in various places in Narayanganj. To remove plastic waste from our Narayanganj, all of us have to be aware."

Practical Action Country Director Israt Shabnam said, "In Narayanganj's climate-changing situation, the risks we see, there the role of waste management is in making our lives unbearable. We cannot save our rivers. We have pulled plastic so close in our lifestyle that nature has moved away. Microplastics are so much that they are found in human fetuses, in the brain. Therefore, we have to be aware in using plastic. However, plastic should be seen not only as waste but also as a resource."

The organizers informed, "Practical Action is committed to ensuring the proper use of plastic and proper waste management. Keeping this continuity intact, the organization will continue to work nationwide."