Plastic-Free Schools
Nepal | Plastic-Free Schools – Kayapalat | 2024
Namaste!
We are Kayapalat (KAP), a youth-led movement dedicated to environmental protection and youth empowerment. In 2024, we launched a campaign to reduce single-use plastic in schools and communities across Mahottari and Sarlahi. Our mission? To build a future where young people lead climate action and create plastic-free schools.
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18 to 25 years old
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The Right-Sized Problem
Plastic pollution is a growing crisis in Pipra Rural Municipality (Mahottari) and Balara Municipality (Sarlahi). Schools and communities generate large amounts of single-use plastic waste, which harms the environment and public health. Without youth-led advocacy and systemic change, the plastic crisis will continue to escalate.
What did we do?
Through workshops, advocacy events, and creative campaigns, we mobilized students, local leaders, and businesses to take action. We even co-published our Breathless Future report to reveal the impact of air pollution on women and children.
Offline Impact
⚖️ "Taraju" Demonstration – A beam balance scale display, symbolizing how plastic waste outweighs nature, sparking discussions on climate justice.
🏫 School-to-School Campaigns – Educated 360 students on the dangers of plastic pollution and sustainable alternatives.
🗣️ Kachari (Community Dialogue) – Engaged 56 community members and leaders, holding stakeholders accountable for reducing plastic waste.
💡 SHIFTeen Workshop – Trained youth activists in eco-clubs, equipping them with tools to lead sustainability efforts in their schools.
Online & Media Impact
📱 Social Media Advocacy – Reached 50,000+ people, amplifying the message of plastic-free schools.
🎥 Impact Stories & Digital Engagement – Shared real-life stories of youth changemakers taking action.
📢 Check out our campaign highlights:
🔗Facebook Post 1
🔗Facebook Post 2
Impact in Numbers
360 students engaged in sustainability education.
25 youth leaders mobilized to demand climate justice.
8 new youth volunteers joined the movement.
Stakeholders (including the Mayor & Chairperson) committed to funding plastic-free schools.
A defining moment came when children and adolescents took the lead, campaigning shop-to-shop and urging vendors to switch from plastic bags to eco-friendly alternatives. Their passion and determination sparked conversations across communities, showing that real change starts with youth action.
What’s Next?
This movement is just beginning! We are committed to:
📌 Scaling up school-based sustainability projects.
📌 Ensuring government commitments lead to real action.
📌 Expanding our network of youth climate leaders.
Follow our journey:
📍 Facebook: Kayapalat
