Plastic pollution has emerged as a severe challenge in Bangladesh, threatening both the environment and public health. The widespread use and improper disposal of plastics have contaminated water, soil, and air, while clogged drainage systems worsen urban flooding during monsoons. Rural and urban communities alike face risks, as marine ecosystems suffer from plastic waste endangering aquatic life. Toxic substances leaching from plastics add to health hazards, making plastic pollution both an ecological and human crisis that requires urgent action.
In response, Amal Foundation, in collaboration with the University of Portsmouth, launched the project “Sustainable Transition to End Plastic Pollution – STEPP.” The initiative aimed to assess current disposal practices in the slum areas of Sylhet City and design art-based awareness campaigns to educate communities about plastic use, waste management, and environmental solutions.
The project was carried out in two phases:
- Surveying communities to understand their knowledge and practices.
- Creating awareness to encourage behavioral change.
In the first phase, surveys were conducted with 100 slum residents, revealing that 90.3% were aware of plastic pollution and deeply concerned about its visible impacts on their environment.
The second phase focused on community engagement and awareness building. Amal Foundation distributed posters and leaflets to 600 direct respondents, explaining the causes and consequences of plastic pollution. Additionally, a street drama performance was organized, portraying the harmful effects of plastic and practical solutions for reducing its use. The drama, performed by local residents with support from a drama club and students of Shahjalal University, proved highly effective in sparking dialogue and arousing social consciousness.
Through STEPP, Amal Foundation fostered greater awareness and collective responsibility in Sylhet’s slum communities, highlighting the power of education and cultural engagement in tackling Bangladesh’s plastic pollution crisis.
