Global Recycling Day to be Marked on Denarau on March 17-18

‘We hope these initiatives will empower Fijians to make a difference and join the recycling movement’.

More than 200 people are expected to participate in this year’s Global Recycling Day (GRD) celebrations on Denarau Island in Nadi on March 17 and 18.

Tourism Fiji and the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) have joined hands to raise awareness on the importance of recycling for sustainable tourism.

PRF, Tourism Fiji, Swire Shipping, Pacific Energy and the Fiji National University (FNU), have launched two national initiatives.

This is to encourage Fijians to join the recycling movement and take a stand against plastic waste.

PRF’s founder and chief executive officer of Waste Recyclers Fiji Limited Amitesh Deo stressed the need to act against plastic waste, highlighting the harmful effects of plastic on the environment.

“We hope these initiatives will empower Fijians to make a difference and join the recycling movement,” Mr Deo said.

“Together, we can make a positive impact on our environment and show a commitment to our future generations.”

The first initiative, ‘Wear a Pin - Support Recycling Movement,’ calls on all Fijians to wear a lapel pin to show solidarity and a commitment to supporting PRF’s recycling programmes.

The second campaign, ‘Declaration of March 18 as the official National Plastic Free Day,’ calls on Fijians to refrain from using plastic and create awareness of its harmful effects on the environment.

Mr Deo said the proceeds from the lapel pin campaign would go towards expanding PRF’s outreach programmes to outer islands and areas that were most susceptible to the harmful effects of waste, especially plastic.

The lapel pins can be bought from any Pacific Energy service station, R.C. Manubhai outlet, Ajax Spurway Fasteners, and Malhana Cloud Kitchen Restaurant at Koronivia Road near Nausori Town. On March 18, Prime Minister and Minister for Environment, Sitiveni Rabuka, will officially declare the day as National Plastic Free Day during the GRD celebrations.

Tourism Fiji chief executive officer Brent Hill had announced that Tourism Fiji had adopted the use of electric vehicles to support the cause of sustainability.