Eco-Clubs

The Eco-Club Model was developed under the Integrated Approach Towards Sustainable Plastic Use and Marine Litter Prevention in Bangladesh project to empower young people as agents of change in addressing plastic pollution and promoting sustainable consumption practices.

Recognizing the important role of youth in shaping future behaviours and influencing communities, the model combines environmental education, leadership development and community action through a structured three-step approach.

 
Youth Leadership Development

Students receive training on plastic pollution, marine litter, waste segregation and sustainable consumption practices. The programme encourages critical thinking, environmental responsibility and leadership skills, enabling students to become advocates for change within their schools and communities.

 
Eco-Club Formation

Eco-Clubs are established within participating schools to create a dedicated platform for environmental action. These clubs bring together motivated students and teachers who lead awareness campaigns, organize activities and promote responsible waste management practices among their peers.

 

Youth-Led Community Action

Eco-Club members put knowledge into practice by organizing school and community clean-up campaigns, awareness events and plastic recovery initiatives. These activities help reduce plastic waste while encouraging wider community participation in environmental stewardship.

 
Impact till Date

The Eco-Club initiative has demonstrated how youth engagement can generate measurable environmental impact:
•    9,275 students and 253 teachers actively participated in 8 school clean-up programmes.
•    Participation has remained inclusive, with approximately 45% female and 55% male participants.
•    The initiative included a special needs school, promoting inclusive environmental action.
•    150 active Eco-Club members were recognized for their contribution to legacy waste recovery and management.
•    More than 527 kg of plastic waste has been collected through school-led activities.

 

Building a Circular Value Chain

The Eco-Club Model goes beyond awareness and clean-up activities.

Collected plastic waste is transferred to recycling companies, which provide financial incentives to participating schools. These proceeds help support Eco-Club activities and encourage continued environmental action. At the same time, schools and Eco-Clubs conduct regular awareness sessions within surrounding communities, promoting responsible waste disposal practices and reducing reliance on single-use plastics.

This creates a sustainable cycle of awareness, action, recovery and reinvestment, ensuring that environmental stewardship continues long after individual campaigns have ended.

 

Join the Eco-Club Network

Is your school interested in becoming an Eco-Club?

Join a growing network of schools, teachers and students working together to reduce plastic pollution, recover valuable resources and build cleaner communities across Bangladesh.

Complete the registration form to express your interest and begin your Eco-Club journey.

[Become an Eco-Club →]