On September 20, 2024, Blantyre, Malawi, joined the global effort in celebrating World Cleanup Day—an event aimed at tackling solid waste and promoting environmental stewardship. Organized by ISRA AID, this year’s cleanup focused on Mbayani Market, bringing together various community members, volunteers, and organizations in a collective effort to restore cleanliness and improve waste management.
As a Gender and Social Inclusion Officer at Bigpot Consulting, I was honored to participate in this impactful event. World Cleanup Day aligns perfectly with our mission to support sustainable development and environmental resilience, in line with Malawi 2063 and the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs). The campaign emphasized vital goals such as SDG 11: Sustainable Cities and Communities, SDG 12: Responsible Consumption and Production, and SDG 13: Climate Action.
Restoring the Market: Collective Effort for a Cleaner Environment
The primary objective of the Mbayani Market cleanup was to create a healthier environment by clearing waste, raising awareness, and fostering community engagement. ISRA AID led the event, with support from groups like the Green Girls Platform and the Mother Care Group and local volunteers, market vendors, and well-wishers. Together, we collected waste, swept the market, and facilitated workshops to educate the community about sustainable waste management practices.
Key activities included:
- Litter Collection: Volunteers collected plastic waste, food scraps, and other rubbish from around the market.
- Sweeping and Cleaning: The market was thoroughly swept, dust was removed, and a cleaner space was created for vendors and customers.
- Awareness Sessions: Educational workshops taught participants about proper waste disposal, recycling, and the environmental impacts of littering.
Waste Disposal: Collected waste was adequately sorted and disposed of, with biodegradable waste safely burned and non-biodegradable materials sent to designated disposal sites.
ISRA AID also donated cleaning tools such as shovels, rakes, and wheelbarrows to the local community, ensuring that market vendors can maintain their environment’s cleanliness long after the event.
Overcoming Challenges and Achieving Impact
Although some market vendors were initially hesitant to allow the cleanup due to a lack of prior communication, they quickly embraced the initiative once the purpose was explained. This campaign transformed Mbayani Market into a cleaner space and empowered the local community to take ownership of their surroundings, fostering a sense of responsibility and pride.
By the end of the day, the market had undergone a significant transformation, with reduced waste, improved hygiene, and greater awareness of sustainable practices. The event’s impact will extend beyond just one day, as the tools and knowledge gained by the community are expected to promote long-term environmental sustainability.
Bigpot Consulting’s Commitment to Sustainability
Bigpot Consulting’s participation in this event is a testament to our unwavering commitment to environmental sustainability and climate action. Our involvement aligns with SDG 13: Climate Action and Malawi 2063, reinforcing our dedication to fostering cleaner, safer, and more resilient communities. By working alongside local stakeholders, we demonstrate our belief in the power of collective action to create a lasting positive impact.
World Cleanup Day at Mbayani Market was a resounding success. It served as a potent reminder that significant change can occur when communities unite for a common cause. Together, we have taken an essential step toward a cleaner, more sustainable future for Malawi.