Empowering communities to lead the fight against plastic waste crisis

‘Turning the Tide Against Plastic Pollution’, a global initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Project Rise and Burhani Foundation, has created significant impact by engaging the community members to promote sustainable living.


Filed under
Plastic
 
January 20 2025
 
Share this story
 
 

Get the latest news and market insights delivered to your inbox.

 

Murtaza Sadriwala, Lead-PR & Sustainaility, Project Rise, speaks to Waste & Recycling magazine throwing light on the environmental initiatives of the Dawoodi Bohra community. 

Can you give us an overview of the Turning the Tide Against Plastic Pollution initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community.  What is its goal and what are the activities? 

‘Turning the Tide Against Plastic Pollution’ is a global initiative of the Dawoodi Bohra community’s Project Rise and Burhani Foundation. Launched in 2018, the initiative aims to raise awareness and inspire action against the growing menace of plastic pollution. Volunteers in different towns and cities engage in cleanups in neighbourhood, park, and water bodies while learning the importance of responsible waste management. 

Special assemblies and programmes are also conducted in community schools to involve students at the grassroots level and educate them on ways to reduce single-use plastic consumption. 

Could you share success stories or milestones achieved in the communities it serves?

This initiative has made significant strides in mobilising men, women, and children worldwide to participate in cleanup drives and promote sustainable living to combat plastic pollution. Here are some key milestones and success stories:

Cleanup Drives: The community has completed approximately 256 weeks of cleanup efforts, demonstrating our ongoing commitment to environmental sustainability.

Volunteer Mobilisation: Over 5000 Bohra volunteers from various parts of the world have joined this mission, reflecting strong community engagement and support.

Waste Reduction: We have successfully removed tonnes of plastic waste from rivers and oceans, contributing positively to our ecosystems.

Additionally, we strive to conduct Zero Waste Faith Events during major religious occasions like Ramadan, Ashara Mubaraka, and annual Educational Seminars. These events emphasise sustainable practices and include activities such as: Awareness seminars, one-on-one counseling and initiatives aimed at reducing waste and promoting recycling. 

‘Bring Your Own Bag/Bottle’ Initiative: Various Bohra community centres across the world have adopted the ‘Bring Your Own Bag/Bottle’ (BYOB) policy to reduce the usage of single-use plastics at community events.

Happy Nests: An upcycling initiative named ‘Happy Nests’ has been launched by Dawoodi Bohra women across the globe to upcycle and transform plastic waste into decorative items and artefacts.

How do you engage local communities and volunteers in these initiatives?

The community employs a holistic approach to its environmental efforts. We integrate religious teachings with practical actions, advocating for sustainable practices in every aspect of life, from personal habits to community-wide initiatives.

Engagement with our volunteers occurs at different levels and across various geographies. These include:

  1. Awareness: We focus on educating youngsters at the grassroots level and engaging them in meaningful dialogues about environmental issues and sustainable practices.
  2. Action: Our community undertakes both short-term and long-term impact projects and initiatives in partnership with local, national, and international organizations to counter environmental degradation.
  3. Community Development: We develop community-wide systems, best practices, and incentives to introduce sustainable lifestyles and move towards a circular economy. 

We have a dedicated zero waste volunteer group called ‘Nazafat Committee’ that looks after the cleanliness and waste management during community events and festivals. They guide community members at important touchpoints to refuse, reduce and when not possible, segregate waste for proper recycling. 

What challenges has the initiative faced in implementing its programmes, and how were they overcome?

Engaging communities and changing mindsets is one of the challenging aspects in managing waste. Addressing psychological resistance, lack of awareness, resource limitations, and sustaining engagement are all critical components that require thoughtful strategies and persistent efforts. By understanding and navigating these challenges, we're fostering a more engaged and proactive community in the fight against plastic waste pollution.