In commemoration of World Environment Day, we highlight the words of Betty Osei Bonsu, an activist on plastic waste, relating to this year's theme of #BEATPLASTICPOLLUTION. 

This week, we reflect on Bonsu's perspective on the power of stories in creating meaningful change: 

A Trailblazer in the Fight Against Plastic Pollution 

Betty Osei Bonsu is an environmentalist and country manager at the Green Africa Youth Organisation in Uganda, where she carries out key green community projects. Her work centres around developing community resources and skills to manage waste and the environment. She also focuses on producing sustainable jobs, inspiring stories, and mobilising younger activists. Bonsu also focuses on fighting plastic pollution, particularly in her community and among the youth. She supported the development of Zero Waste City Models which have become a blueprint helping waste management in other cities such as Uganda, Botswana, Mali and Kenya.  

Bonsu believes in the power of young people and their vital place in combatting plastic pollution: "Youth can play a significant role in ensuring a plastic-free environment by advocating for sustainable policies, developing skills in green industries, starting or joining green businesses, and actively participating in the implementation of strategies." 

Leadership Driven by Storytelling  

Bonsu believes that good communication is paramount for advocacy to succeed. However, young activists are often unaware of the huge power of online platforms. She has underlined the importance of leveraging social media's possibilities, especially when combined with storytelling and narrative. Social media allows stories to be elevated and to reach a wider audience, furthering impact. 

Bonsu's approach aligns with the Laidlaw value of being #Good and the Oxford Character Project Leadership Virtue of #Transcendence. Being good means acting and leading to create sustainable progress on a global scale. Transcendence means taking purposeful action and using creative methods to solve future-oriented matters. 

A Call to Reflect 

We invite you to reflect on Betty Osei Bonsu's powerful leadership insights. Share your thoughts in the comments: How can your voice, research, or leadership contribute to beating plastic pollution?

Discover How Laidlaw Scholars are Battling Plastic Pollution Through Research and Leadership in Action Projects 

⚡Nimna Wickramasingha – LiA with Love the Oceans 

⚡Eli King – Enzymatic Biodegradation of Waste Plastics: Degradation of Ethyl Benzoate from Lipase Pseudomonas Cepacia

⚡Chan Yik Hei (Marco) – Turning Trash into Treasure 

⚡Jiayi Guo – Make_sense Mexico City LiA