RISC – GC: Pioneering Innovative Waste Management Solution to Combat Plastic Pollution in Honiara

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A group of young trailblazers known as the Resilience Innovation and Social Change Girls Club (RISC – GC) is pioneering an innovative waste management solution to combat plastic pollution in Honiara, Solomon Islands.

The RISC – GC is a community-led girls club comprised of young girls based at Tuvaruhu community in Honiara. The club is committed to environmental sustainability and social change.

As part of commemorating the 2023 International Youth Day in Honiara at the Honiara Youth Hub with a theme: “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”, Bobby Siarani, one of the founders and a youth advocator shared their extraordinary story – one that embodies the spirit of green entrepreneurship, innovative waste management, and a determination to shape a sustainable future.

In the midst of the turquoise ocean and lush landscapes of the Pacific, plastic pollution remains a daunting challenge. However, the RISC Girls Club has taken it upon themselves to tackle this issue head-on. Led by a passion for change and a strong sense of community, RISC – GC have pioneered an ingenious solution: turning plastic waste into building materials, specifically bricks.

For these young visionaries, sustainability is not just a slogan but a way of life. Their journey began with a simple idea: to find a way to reuse plastic waste that litters the beautiful shores of their homeland. Through months of research, trial, and error, they developed a process to transform discarded plastic into sturdy, eco-friendly bricks that can be used for construction.

“The idea came to us when we realized the amount of plastic pollution around us. We saw an opportunity to create something useful out of something harmful,” Bobby shared with the community youth leaders attended the early celebration of International Youth Day on 10th August.

Their story is an inspiring example of green entrepreneurship in action. Not only have they found a practical way to combat plastic pollution, but they have also turned it into a sustainable business venture. The RISC Girls Club collaborates with local communities, gathering plastic waste, cleaning and processing it, and then transforming it into bricks that are both durable and cost-effective.

“Our venture not only addresses the environmental problem but also contributes to the local economy and provides employment to our youths. People are seeing the value in what we’re doing. We just started, and it has been creating a ripple effect.”

The RISC Girls Club’s innovative waste management solution is the first of its kind in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region that turns plastic to sturdy bricks. This transformational project has not only reduced plastic pollution but also generated a sense of empowerment among young women who are breaking stereotypes and leading by example.

As the RISC Girls Club celebrates International Youth Day 2023, they stand proud of their journey. Their story underscores the power of young minds to effect real change and contribute to a sustainable economy. From discarded plastic to sturdy bricks, these young entrepreneurs have shown that innovation and resilience are the driving forces of progress, and that every small action can make a monumental impact on the journey towards a cleaner, greener future.

Investing in waste management projects such as the RISC Girls Club is essential to addressing plastic pollution in the Solomon Islands and the Pacific region. The Pacific Ocean, due to its vast expanse and unique currents, has become a hotspot for accumulating plastic debris. By investing in waste management projects that collect, sort, process, and dispose of plastic waste effectively, we can help to reduce the amount of plastic pollution entering the ocean and protect the marine environment.

The RISC Girls Club is a shining example of how young people can make a difference in the world. Their story is an inspiration to us all, and it shows that we can all play a role in creating a more sustainable future.

Follow them on their Facebook page: Resilience Innovation and Social Change Girls Club (RISC – GC) to learn more about their work to combat plastic pollution.

Beyond The Lens is a vibrant online media platform dedicated to advocating for youth issues. Our mission is to empower young people, amplify their voices, and drive positive change throughout the Solomon Islands using the power of online media.

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