Plastic Revolution: Youth-led Waste Management and Awareness Initiative

Zero Waste Senegal Association

Think Human Fund

Mission & History

Association Zéro Déchet Sénégal was formally established in March 2018, with its first branch opening in Dakar, the capital city of Senegal. The organization’s primary mission is to tackle waste and wastefulness by addressing the root causes of waste production and enhancing the reuse of produced materials. Their goal is to reduce waste generation and promote sustainable practices through education and community engagement.

Country Information

In Senegal, single-use plastic packaging is a significant contributor to plastic waste, with approximately 5 million plastic bags used daily and 7,000 tons of water bags produced annually. This results in Senegal being the 21st most plastic-polluting country globally. Much of the waste ends up in unauthorized dumpsites, where it is either incinerated, blown into the sea, or left in landfills. Despite government efforts, such as the zero waste program and a 2020 ban on certain single-use plastics, the production of plastic waste continues to rise. The lack of alternatives and inadequate enforcement further exacerbates the problem. Association Zéro Déchet Sénégal is committed to addressing this issue by promoting waste prevention and reducing the reliance on disposable products to minimize the carbon footprint.

The Need

The urgent need is to combat the rising plastic waste in Senegal, particularly in Dakar and Saint-Louis. The goal is to empower youth associations to play a crucial role in climate change mitigation and the promotion of eco-friendly practices. With over 200 young people to be mobilized across selected associations, there is a pressing need for training to influence both individual and collective behaviors. Additionally, forming strategic partnerships with local authorities is crucial to enhancing the impact of these initiatives.

The Project We Fund

The project, titled “Eco-Fusion: Youth, Neighborhoods, and Sustainable Change,” addresses the critical issue of plastic waste in Senegal. Key elements include:
– Capacity Building: Training youth associations to improve plastic waste management and compliance with environmental laws.
– Awareness Raising: Conducting workshops and advocacy to increase knowledge about plastic waste and alternatives.
– Community Engagement: Supporting communities with practical solutions and alternatives for managing plastic waste.
– Expansion Goals: The project aims to extend its impact to 20 youth associations in the Dakar region, fostering significant change through youth involvement and creative advocacy.

The Result

Impact will be monitored and evaluated through:
– Ongoing Training: Assessing the effectiveness of workshops and ensuring continued access to AZDS training materials.
– Permanent Local Impact: Evaluating the long-term effects of initiatives like Hackathon solutions and advocacy messages.
– Local Involvement: Ensuring that youth associations work closely with local authorities and civil society for sustainable outcomes.
– Sustainable Extension: Tracking the expansion of Zéro Déchet’s actions into new areas and potential future collaborations.

Monitoring will include monthly budget reviews, detailed reports on consultation hours, marketing expenses, material purchases, and training plans. These measures will help assess the project’s effectiveness, make necessary adjustments, and produce a final evaluation based on reliable data.

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