In a significant environmental breakthrough, Wesley College in Belize City has successfully slashed its single-use plastic waste by an impressive 85% within just one year. This remarkable achievement follows the implementation of a comprehensive refillable water station system across the campus, effectively eliminating the previously ubiquitous plastic water pouches that dominated student consumption habits.
The transformative initiative has been spearheaded by Sea of Life, an environmental organization operating through its Plastic Solution Academy program. With strategic backing from the Belize Fund, the academy focuses on developing and implementing practical waste reduction strategies within educational institutions and local communities throughout Belize.
Beyond the water refill infrastructure, Sea of Life’s program encompasses rigorous testing of alternative sustainable materials. Notably, researchers are investigating the potential of sargassum—a abundant seaweed type in the region—as a viable replacement for conventional plastic products. This innovative approach addresses both waste reduction and creative resource utilization.
Buoyed by the demonstrable success at Wesley College, Sea of Life has announced plans to expand this plastic reduction model to additional schools nationwide. The program serves as a replicable blueprint for educational institutions seeking to minimize their environmental footprint while fostering sustainable practices among younger generations.