Unilever Bangladesh Limited (UBL), in collaboration with Young Power in Social Action (YPSA) and Sunsilk, launched the AwareWave campaign to tackle the environmental crisis.

This initiative, part of their Proyash employee volunteering platform, coincides with World Environment Day 2024. From June 2 to 6, the campaign will educate 1,000 students from 10 schools across Chattogram and Dhaka on plastic pollution, according to a press release.

UBL employees, including Chairman and MD Zaved Akhtar and Finance Director Zinnia Huq, kicked off the campaign at Sher-E-Bangla Nagar Government Girls High School. Zaved Akhtar shared his marine diving experience, highlighting the urgent need to address plastic pollution, resonating with the students, it said.

The campaign featured sessions on the non-degradability of plastic, waste management, and the 3Rs—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle. Employees discussed practical ways for students and teachers to manage plastic waste effectively. Interactive quizzes engaged students, with correct answers earning plants, symbolizing a commitment to a greener future.

A key highlight was a demonstration of a refill machine, showcasing Unilever’s innovative approach to reducing new plastic packaging. Zaved Akhtar emphasized, "Plastic packaging mismanagement is a major environmental challenge. As a consumer goods manufacturer, we have made plastic a priority in our Growth Action Plan, focusing on reduction, circulation, and collaboration to end plastic pollution."

The AwareWave campaign underscores the power of education in driving environmental change. By involving youth, the initiative fosters responsibility and empowerment. Unilever Bangladesh, through Proyash, encourages employees to make a positive impact, promoting a culture of purposeful careers and community engagement. This campaign reaffirms Unilever’s commitment to sustainability, steering towards a more sustainable future.