THE Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) is calling on faith-based organisations across Fiji to play a more active role in promoting recycling and responsible waste management, highlighting the influential position religious institutions hold in shaping values and community behaviour.
PRF founder Amitesh Deo said faith-based organisations have a unique ability to guide attitudes and actions, making them ideal platforms for driving positive environmental change.
“Faith-based organisations occupy a powerful space in our society,” Mr Deo said.
“They shape values, guide behaviour and unite communities. When responsible waste management is practiced in these spaces, it becomes a moral and community-driven action rather than just a technical solution.”
Across Fiji, religious gatherings bring large numbers of people together and strengthen social cohesion. PRF believes these events — including communal meals, celebrations and major religious functions — present an opportunity to model responsible waste practices and environmental stewardship.
Mr Deo said waste management should no longer be treated as a secondary issue.
“Waste management is not only an environmental concern; it is a national development issue with serious economic consequences. If left unaddressed, it will continue to affect public health, tourism and climate resilience.
“Everyone has a role to play, including faith communities.”
He said the recent launch of Phase 2 of the Circular Pacific Plastics (CPP) Project at St Pius X Parish in Raiwaqa, Suva marked a significant milestone, demonstrating how faith-based spaces can support recycling education and structured plastic recovery.
“The launch at St Pius X Parish shows that religious institutions can lead by example and become platforms for advocacy, education and long-term behaviour change.”
Mr Deo said PRF has plans to engage more faith-based organisations and convene a VAKA Forum with religious leaders to encourage dialogue and practical action on recycling and environmental stewardship.
While the focus is on faith communities, PRF said the responsibility extends to all large gatherings, including sporting, cultural and community events, stressing that sustainable waste management must be a shared national effort.
