Eco Star – Exchanges trees and plants for waste in Kuwait
By Marisela Valero @lavalero
Our EcoGenius today is Fatemah Alzelzela. @eco.star.kw
Fatemah Alzelzela started Eco Star, a non-profit recycling initiative that exchanges trees and plants for waste from homes, schools and businesses in Kuwait. Photo: UNEP
She is the founder of the Eco Star project. She is 24 years old and specializes in electrical engineering and is passionate about spreading environmental awareness about waste as a resource, waste as wealth. She lives and belongs to the State of Kuwait, one of the richest countries in the world.
She commented: «After launching Eco Star in my final year of studies, I initially faced many challenges in persuading a society that views environmental work with contempt, but after persevering, I continue to increase awareness and interactions with this issue within Kuwait and internationally».
Although very wealthy, Kuwait does not have many sustainable solutions in the field of recycling: 90 percent of the waste goes directly to Kuwait’s 18 growing landfills. There is also a lack of waste-oriented data despite high consumption patterns. In addition to waste-related challenges, Kuwait also lacks functioning green areas and has air pollution problems.
Her organization, Eco Star, comprises a small team focused on the efficient collection of recyclable materials (paper, plastic and metal) working hand in hand with recycling factories. In exchange for waste, they work hand-in-hand with major agricultural companies to deliver plants and trees to individuals and organizations, fostering increased green coverage in Kuwait.
EcoStar
The company has since formed partnerships with schools, teaching children about recycling, threats to the environment and how young people can act for nature.
For several years, they have also been working on data capture, the first recent study in the field of waste collection and treatment for Kuwait.
Photo EcoStar
Fatemah continues to explain: «To date we have saved tons of materials from the landfill and have covered more than 2,000 waste reception operations (between homes, schools, businesses and restaurants)».
Fatemah Alzelzela has been honoured as a United Nations Young Champion of the Earth 2020 by UNEP
She was awarded first place in the We Unite project and innovation contest in 2018 and was the youngest sustainability leader on the SEEDS Platform. Alzelzela was recently named a Young Champion of the Earth by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP). She is one of seven prize winners who will receive funding and mentorship to support their environmental initiatives.
Source https://www.unep.org/news-and-stories/story/bringing-recycling-kuwait
Leave a Comment