EVERYONE deserves to raise their families in communities free from litter, free from environmental hazards, and resilient to the growing threats of climate change, says Local Government Minister Maciu Nalumisa.
Speaking during the launch of the Return and Earn initiative with Mission Pacific and municipal councils last week, he said this program was one of the key initiatives that turned this belief into reality.
“Every year, tonnes of PET bottles and aluminium cans end up in our streets, drains, foreshore areas, mangrove belts, markets, schools, and dump sites,” Mr Nalumisa said.
“Every PET bottle and aluminium can have value. We are turning waste into income,” he said.
“We are transforming communities from consumers to recyclers.
“We are empowering households to take responsibility for their environment and be rewarded for it.”
He said through Mission Pacific as well as Return and Earn Fiji’s partnership with the council, youths have been engaged through incentives for collecting bottles and cans.
“As a result youth vandalism rates dropped, youths became more involved in community clean-ups; and they earned pocket money while contributing to the environment.
“We all know the cost of flooding to households and businesses.
“By preventing plastics from clogging the drainage systems, we reduce preventable flooding and protect public infrastructure.”
He said plastic waste also contributed to greenhouse gas emissions during decomposition and burning.
“By diverting plastics from dump sites, we reduce emissions and enhance Fiji’s commitment to global environmental standards, and the ministry remains committed to supporting innovative, practical, and inclusive solutions that uplift our people and protect our environment.”
Mr Nalumisa urged all residents, youths, mothers, school children, community groups, retirees, businesses, and visitors to take advantage of the Return and Earn Fiji initiative.
“Earn your five (5) cents per beverage container.”
