Myanmar President Calls Trash Hero “Fantastic”

Last week for World Environment Day the Trash Hero Myanmar team with Myanmar President Win Myint during a nationwide event called “Beat Plastic Pollution,” a much-needed push by the government to seek unified support from citizens, volunteer groups, and government bodies to tackle the mounting problem of waste in the country.

In the capital of Nay Pyi Taw, heroes from Mandalay, Yangon, Lashio, and Ngapali chapters presented on their ongoing projects and efforts to an incredibly supportive response from government leaders. The President himself described their work as “fantastic,” highlighting the need for such young, active, energetic heroes committed to fighting the imminent threat plastic pollution poses to our environment.

Myanmar’s National TV – MRTV – showcased Trash Hero Myanmar’s activities along with the efforts of other local groups urging the government to follow through on its consideration of legislation to reduce waste and improve waste management systems.

Kyaw Zin John Myo, a Hero from the Mandalay chapter, said that to date the chapter has attracted more than 1,000 volunteers and 150 kids who have collected 6,650 kilograms of trash over 28 cleanups, with more and more people showing interest each cleanup. This year, he said, the group aims to focus even more on education, having already held training sessions on “how to live a Trash Hero life” in Ostello Bello Hostel in Mandalay as well as a local Monastic school.

“This year we will focus on both ‘We Clean’ and ‘We Educate,’” he said. “We are actively working with young people, university students, and also the government.”