Youthful Hands, Sustainable Future: Intern Tackles Fiji’s Waste Crisis

A Japanese intern, Kokone Sugiyama, is making strides in tackling the waste management issues at Lautoka’s Vunato landfill. Working with Social Innovation Fiji, Sugiyama organizes educational tours for university students to the landfill, aiming to raise awareness about the pressing garbage problem in Fiji.

Sugiyama articulated her initial idea of creating tourist tours at the landfill but pivoted towards educating local youths who are largely unaware of the situation at the site. Her decision to engage university students allows them to gain first-hand experience of the landfill’s challenges and encourages them to think about future solutions.

To enhance the educational experience, Sugiyama has involved waste pickers at the landfill as tour guides, providing valuable insights into the operational dynamics of waste disposal. So far, she has conducted tours for students from the University of the South Pacific and the University of Fiji, with plans for more sustainable study tours in September.

She highlighted the stark reality that, of the plastics coming into the Vunato landfill, only ten percent of bottles from brands like Fiji Water and Coca-Cola are recyclable, leaving a staggering ninety percent of plastic waste to linger in the landfill.

This initiative aligns with other efforts in Fiji aimed at nurturing a culture of waste management and recycling. Similar to the community projects undertaken by volunteers like Raima Ohashi, which encourages separation of plastic waste, and educational programs supported by organizations like FASANOC, there is a growing movement toward environmental sustainability through innovative and educational initiatives.

The focus on youth involvement and education in waste management reflects a broader understanding that engaging the next generation is crucial for fostering responsible environmental stewardship. With increasing awareness and collaborative efforts, there is a hopeful prospect for positive change in Fiji’s waste management landscape, paving the way for a cleaner and more sustainable environment for years to come.