S.R.W.M.A. receives $100,000 from Coca-Cola Foundation

The Samoa Recycling and Waste Management Association (S.R.W.M.A.) has received $100,000 grant from the Coca-Cola Foundation and will a recycling awareness programme.

According to a statement issued by S.R.W.M.A. on Wednesday, they will begin a plastic bottle and can recycling awareness raising and education programme as a result of the programme.

S.R.W.M.A. President Marina Keil said in the statement that awareness about the importance and availability of recycling is increasing but there is still a lot of work to do.

“We are delighted The Coca-Cola Foundation is supporting us for a second year. The grant will allow us to have a presence at all major sports events in Samoa and use these events to promote recycling in a fun and engaging way, in addition to having our recycling cages available for everyone to use," Ms. Keil said in the statement.

“Our young people are key to driving recycling behaviour. The grant will also enable us to implement an education programme with 11 secondary schools. This will involve field trips to the S.R.W.M.A. facility and to the landfill where students will learn about recycling of PET bottles and aluminum cans. This will give them an understanding of how to properly recycle them and encourage family and friends to do the same.

The Coca-Cola Foundation President, Saadia Madsbjerg said in the statement that they believe they can help solve the global packaging waste crisis and are providing support to organisations who are working to achieve this.

"We are delighted to support S.R.W.M.A. for a second year as we believe education and awareness of recycling is as important as providing the infrastructure allowing people to recycle," she said.

Mrs. Keil said that a total of 500 students are expected to join the educational programme and each will receive a recycling kit to get them started on the road to sustainable living.

Mrs. Keil also stated that S.R.W.M.A. will target national and international calendar days including Global Recycling Day, Earth Day and National Environment Day, running a partnership with selected schools.