During Refuse Single-use Week, the Environment and Social Development Organization – ESDO on 9 and 10 January 2024, in partnership with GAIA organized a transformative event called “Youth Empowerment Camp for Sustainable Future” to educate and empower sixty selected students in Dhaka and sixty selected students in Rangpur.

Participants at this intensive camp took part in a range of informative presentations and practical exercises designed to increase awareness of the adverse effects that single-use plastic pollution causes on the environment and human health.
Refuse Single-Use Week is observed to bring attention to the harm that throwaway products cause to the environment. It promotes a decrease in plastic waste by encouraging people to choose sustainable alternatives over single-use items. The purpose of the week is to encourage a shared commitment to protecting the environment and encouraging sensible consumption practices.

The camp included interactive workshops where participants actively engaged in practical activities to refuse single-use plastic to enhance the learning experience. To foster environmental sustainability and a sense of responsibility, these practical activities included community clean-up efforts and involvement in refuse programs.