Zero Waste Project teaches school children in Türkiye about recycling
Tetra Pak is a proud member of the Zero Waste Project, an esteemed educational initiative in Turkey focused on imparting knowledge to school children about the significance of protecting nature with a strong emphasis on recycling, renewability, and waste reduction.
Background and initiative – collaborating to educate and encourage
The main objectives of the Zero Waste Project are raising awareness among school children about environmental conservation, encouraging responsible consumption, and promoting sustainable waste management practices.
Implemented in collaboration with the Turkish Foundation for Combating Soil Erosion (TEMA), an NGO focussing on reforestation and the protection of natural habitats, the Zero Waste Project organises educational activities, awareness events, and campaigns. By offering school children invaluable knowledge and practical guidance, the Zero Waste Project empowers them to actively contribute to environmental preservation. By reaching out to school children, the initiative aims to nurture a generation of environmentally conscious citizens committed to protecting nature and minimising waste.
Image: A Zero Waste Project school visit (source: TEMA)
Results – connecting with children
For its cooperation with TEMA in the Zero Waste Project, Tetra Pak received the prestigious B2NGO Cooperation Award at the Sustainable Business Awards Turkey in 2019. In 2020, the Zero Waste Education Project was awarded in the Environmental Social Responsibility category at the ÇEVKO Green Dot Industry Awards.
With the support of Tetra Pak Turkey, representatives and volunteers from TEMA have visited over 100 elementary schools in more than 20 cities in Türkiye, disseminating crucial messages about reducing consumption, promoting recovery, reusing materials, and encouraging recycling.
The Zero Waste project has interacted with over 280,000 children in person and engaged with even more through digital channels. During the first half of 2022, the project reached approximately 402,000 children and 100,000 teachers through its Zero Waste Education Portal.
Looking forward – engaging beyond schools
As the Zero Waste Project continues its mission, it will collaborate with esteemed partners such as Türkiye's Ministry of Environment & Urbanisation and Climate Change and the Ministry of National Education. The initiative's commitment to expanding its reach and impact is evident through ongoing promotional activities, supported by press releases, social media campaigns, and the active involvement of Instagram influencers who share the project's vision with the hashtag #planetpositive.
