TRASH HERO COMMUNITIES

Once they start organising regular cleanups, our volunteers often become very passionate about the waste situation in their area – and they are in a good position to do something about it, having built trust and credibility over time with the local community.

What’s the idea? We want to harness this potential for change, by providing the skills, knowledge and understanding needed to lay the ground for working zero waste projects. These projects might be related to improved waste separation and management; reducing plastic usage in commerce and institutions; or preventing waste at local festivals and events..

How does it work? Trash Hero World provides ongoing training for our volunteers to become zero waste ambassadors, who understand the concept and value of a circular economy and the best practices at the local level. Eventually they should be able to advocate for and help initiate zero waste projects where they live, as well as recognise and expose “false solutions” that go against zero waste principles..

We also create education materials to support this work and help to translate existing materials into local languages so it can be disseminated more widely.

What do you teach? We offer a combination of technical knowledge, advocacy and soft skills: waste management; data collection; waste prevention and zero waste principles; effective communication; critical thinking; and problem solving; as well as empathy, positivity, patience, and confidence – all essential for work of this kind.

Does it work? Several of our chapters in Southeast Asia have been able to create long-term zero waste projects such as community waste banks or composting schemes. Others advise municipalities or event organisers about waste prevention and reduction. All carry out advocacy work in their community and on social media, helping to normalise the concept of zero waste.

OTHER PROGRAMMES –> Weekly Cleanups
Water bottle refill network
Trash Hero Kids