A recent article highlights the significant efforts of Kokone Sugiyama, a Japanese intern working at the Vunato landfill in Lautoka, Fiji. Passionate about her role, Sugiyama focuses on categorizing waste at the landfill to help tackle the growing problem of garbage in Fiji. She is affiliated with Social Innovation Fiji, an organization that frequently collaborates with Japanese interns to address waste management challenges while proposing viable solutions.
Sugiyama is not only committed to her research but also motivates local university students to engage with the landfill. She encourages them to visit the site, learn about the waste issues, and consider meaningful solutions for the future. “So, maybe everyone in the city is responsible for the landfill problem but they don’t really know about it,” she emphasizes, showcasing the need for awareness and education as part of her mission.
A concerning finding from her research reveals that only 10 percent of plastic bottles at the Vunato landfill are recyclable, leaving the overwhelming majority—90 percent—unable to be reused. Despite these challenges, Sugiyama remains optimistic and believes that initiating change begins with one conversation and one visit at a time. This approach aligns with the broader movement in Fiji focusing on environmental sustainability and community involvement, mirroring efforts by other activists and organizations dedicated to waste reduction and recycling.
Sugiyama’s work is a beacon of hope in addressing Fiji’s waste management challenges. By engaging youth in education and awareness, she exemplifies how passion and commitment can pave the way for transformative change, contributing to a cleaner and more sustainable environment for Fiji’s future.
The ongoing dialogue around waste management signifies a rising consciousness about environmental issues in the region. With initiatives such as Sugiyama’s, there is a promising outlook for future generations to inherit a healthier planet.
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