PHNOM PENH: The U.S. government launched the 'Talk to Stop Littering' campaign in collaboration with conservation partners across Cambodia. Funded by the U.S. Agency for International Development (USAID), this campaign encourages Cambodians to stop littering, cease burning plastic waste, and reduce single use plastic.
The USAID Green Futures project spearheaded the 'Talk to Stop Littering' campaign to encourage Cambodians to change behaviors and actions towards the disposal of trash. The campaign will distribute content through online platforms and provide scientific information on the impacts of littering, as well as offer methods to manage waste and trash. The campaign will also work closely with young people as 'Green Champions' to model successful practices.
“Over the last 10 years, USAID has contributed US $100 million to preserve and protect Cambodia’s environment and natural resources. We are excited to expand our work to address littering," said USAID’s Acting Mission Director, Hanh Nguyen. "Littering is a problem everywhere, including in the United States where we spend about US $11.5 billion a year to clean up litter. In addition to the costs related to removal and clean up, littering is a threat to wildlife, property values, human health, and other economic activity."
"Individuals can play a large role in reducing the negative impacts of littering," added Nguyen. "I encourage all Cambodians to talk to your friends and family members and be role models in reducing the amount of litter we produce,"
“All Cambodians have a common duty to protect our environment for a clean living, clean home, clean city and for good health” said the Advisor to the Minister of Environment, Kith Chankrisna. “The Ministry of Environment calls on all people to stop littering. We urge all people across Cambodia to dispose of separate trash correctly in the trash bins, and to join the Cambodian Government’s efforts in implementing effective waste management measures toward achieving a waste-free Cambodia.”
“The launch organized by the USAID Cambodia Green Future and Green Group youths this evening with booth exhibitions, campaign videos and such performances as songs and Yike, etc. is the activity that links with increasing of knowledge for the public through promotion of environmental hygiene that is not only for entertainment purpose but also sends messages that mainstreams awareness on benefits of waste management and proper disposal of waste to the public at all races, and to young people and all the people about not dispose of solid waste openly, waste separation, plastic reduction, environmental protection and making cities green, beautiful, and comfortable for living," said the Director General of Phnom Penh Solid Waste Management Authority, Kim Seth.
Campaign partners include the Ministry of Environment, Phnom Penh Municipality, youth groups, conservation partners, and the private sector. Major industry leaders providing significant support include HEINEKEN Cambodia, Coca Cola Cambodia, Mekhala Radiant Communications, Unilever Cambodia, Nham24, and the European Chamber of Commerce in Cambodia.
