Youth use "artivism" to educate and engage others to end plastic pollution and encourage sustainability

By Taylen Reddy

The massive impact of plastic pollution on our planet is deeply concerning, especially its disproportionate effects on vulnerable communities in the Global South. 

Growing up in Durban, South Africa, I witnessed firsthand how single-use plastics flood our ecosystems, clogging waterways and harming environmental and human health. I believe that tackling plastic pollution is not just about cleaning up the environment — it’s about addressing the systemic injustices tied to waste colonialism and amplifying voices from the Global South in global discussions.

As the founder of Zero Waste Durban, our work aims to empower youth to drive local and global action against the plastics crisis. Our campaigns focus on advocating for systemic change, from pushing for ambitious outcomes in the Global Plastics Treaty to working with communities on practical, decentralised solutions like organic waste separation and enhanced recycling programs that integrate local waste pickers. 

We also emphasise education, engaging young people through workshops and creative "artivism" that ties culture to sustainability.

Children and youth hold immense power in the fight against plastic pollution. Their creativity, passion, and ability to hold governments and corporations accountable are unmatched.

I’ve seen this power come to life through my work with the Break Free From Plastic movement, where young people across Africa, and the Global South are taking the lead to spark conversations about corporate accountability and policy change.

Despite the scale of the crisis, I am hopeful.

By harnessing youth voices and bringing meaningful representation in decision-making spaces like the fifth session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee (INC), we can secure a future where plastic production is drastically reduced to ensure that environmental justice becomes a reality for all.