Fixing the broken window: Harnessing the power of community engagement to build a future free of plastic pollution

One country's experience offers a valuable model: in Rwanda, the government has mandated a monthly clean-up day, known as Umuganda - meaning "coming together for a common purpose". On the last Saturday of each month, communities gather to clean their shared spaces. Combined with strict regulations on plastic use, Rwanda has become one of the cleanest countries in Africa, with significant improvements in various development indicators.

From community action to policy impact

Community clean-ups play a crucial role in managing plastic waste, especially in areas lacking formal waste management infrastructure. By mobilizing local labour and volunteers, these efforts help address legacy plastic waste, instil community pride, and build momentum for environmental stewardship. In countries where youth unemployment ratio is high, small investments to empower the youth to take part in the community clean-up can also help youth engagement and build a sense of responsibility.

To enhance the impact of community clean-ups, it is essential to involve government officials directly in these initiatives. Their presence not only demonstrates policy commitment but also enables regular "check-ups" on policy effectiveness in real-world settings. In many cases, policies are not fully implemented because government officials are disconnected from local activities, limiting both accountability and effectiveness at the grassroots level.

Community actions serve as powerful catalysts for policy impact by demonstrating the practical need for and benefits of environmental initiatives at the local level. When communities actively participate in clean-up efforts, they bring visibility to the issues of plastic pollution, highlighting gaps in waste management and building public support for change. These grassroots movements can inspire decision-makers to prioritize and allocate resources for more sustainable practices. Regular involvement of government officials in community initiatives helps bridge the gap between policy and practice, providing officials with firsthand insight into the community's needs and the effectiveness of current policies.

As community actions gain momentum, they create a foundation of public accountability and grassroots advocacy, which can influence policy agendas, encourage stricter enforcement, and lead to the development of supportive infrastructure. By aligning community actions with awareness-raising and data collection, these efforts can generate the evidence and support needed to shape policies that address both immediate waste concerns and long-term sustainability goals.

The "Green Heroes, Clean Tech" campaign in Viet Nam

In partnership with The Ocean Cleanup and the Government of Viet Nam, UNDP worked with Can Tho City to launch the "Green Heroes, Clean Tech" week - a campaign focused on mobilizing the whole of society clean-up activities and policy dialogues aimed at ending plastic pollution in watercourse. This initiative brought together over 140 volunteers, including local community members, government officials, local authorities, and other dedicated stakeholders in the City, showcasing both manual and automated cleanup methods to maintain clean rivers and canals. The campaign underscored the importance of coordination and leadership from local authorities, especially in aligning automated waste collection systems with the city's waste management infrastructure and ensuring sustainable financial options.

Raising awareness and sharing knowledge are key to fostering behavioural change and influencing relevant policies. The week's social media campaign successfully reached a broad audience, inspiring residents to take action against plastic pollution in the rivers and canals of their childhood. The campaign has generated wider impact and interest, with other locations now exploring the use of interceptors to tackle foam buoys and floating plastic waste-a significant concern following Typhoon Yagi. This opens the door to expanding effective waste cleanup technologies in other areas.

Additionally, analysis of river waste characteristics and cleanup demands highlights the need for upstream solutions, such as alternatives to plastic products, single-use plastic replacements, and changes in consumer behaviour. These issues were explored by over 100 participants-including businesses, innovators, and development investors-alongside policymakers and city authorities in Ho Chi Minh City. Improving the effectiveness of river cleanup solutions and preventing waste entry into waterways will require sustainable financing mechanisms and supportive policy frameworks at the city level. Government engagement at all levels is vital to fostering behavioural shifts and scaling impactful innovations in the fight against plastic pollution.

Making a lasting impact

Behavioural and policy changes are essential to combat plastic pollution. By repairing "broken windows" in our communities through collective clean-ups, we foster pride and responsibility in shared spaces, reducing plastic waste and promoting sustainable habits. Whole-of-society clean-ups are not merely about tidying up; they lay the foundation for a culture shift toward environmental care. Through coordinated community action, supportive policies, and government involvement, we can build a future free of plastic pollution in our oceans and cities.