Achieving Zero Plastic Waste in the Education Sector in Pakistan (Virtual Event on World Environment Day 2025)
I. Rationale & Background
The rising concerns over plastic pollution have prompted governments and communities to seek sustainable solutions. In Pakistan, the education sector plays a critical role in shaping future generations’ values and behaviors. By transforming schools into models of sustainable waste management, we can instill environmental stewardship from an early age. Aligning with the Government of Pakistan’s priorities on environmental protection and green education, this event leverages World Environment Day 2025 as a global platform to address plastic waste. Targeted at teachers and principals in major cities, the event aims to promote zero-plastic practices and share innovative, scalable strategies that can be adopted sector-wide. This initiative supports National Climate Change Policy objectives, reinforces Pakistan’s commitment to sustainable development, and inspires a culture of environmental responsibility in educational institutions.
Key Statistics
· Annual Plastic Waste: Pakistan currently generates approximately 3.9 million tons of plastic waste each year, yet shockingly, only about 6% is recycled, while the vast majority ends up in landfills or water bodies[1]
· Plastic Bag Usage: It is estimated that around 55 billion plastic bags are consumed annually in Pakistan, with an expected growth rate of 15% per year[2]
· Urban Waste Generation: In major urban centers like Lahore, daily waste generation can reach up to 6,000 tons, a significant portion of which is plastic waste clogging drainage systems and polluting the environment 1
· Coastal Pollution: Approximately 65% of waste on Pakistan’s beaches consists of plastics, severely impacting marine ecosystems and local livelihoods 2
Climate Alliance Pakistan, in partnership with GLAD International, Pak Mission Society, Farmers Development Organisation, Pakistan Business Council, and other key allies, is proud to present a groundbreaking session dedicated to eliminating plastic waste from Pakistan’s education value chain. This event will gather forward-thinking educationists, leading environmental experts, school principals, and administrators, alongside influential civil society representatives from the print and electronic media, as well as private sector innovators in education. Together, they will drive a transformative dialogue to elevate awareness, forge actionable commitments, and inspire sustainable practices that will reshape the future of education in Pakistan.
III. Expected Outcomes
Enhanced Awareness: Participants, including teachers and principals, gain practical insights into reducing plastic waste, aligning classroom practices with the Sustainable Development Goals.
Actionable Strategies: Development of clear, region-specific action plans that can be implemented across educational institutions to achieve zero plastic waste.
Commitment to Change: Formalized pledges from participants to adopt sustainable practices, with consolidated recommendations to be forwarded to government agencies.
Network Building: Establishment of a robust network of educational leaders and environmental advocates to support ongoing initiatives and policy reforms.
Please contact the Climate Alliance Pakistan team at contact@cap.ngo in case of any details required
[1] Plastic Pollution in Pakistan: An Urgent Environmental Crisis | My Blog