Plants in exchange for waste

In Kuwait, one of the richest countries in the world, 90% of waste ends up directly in landfills. Since the turn of the century, a large increase in population and high consumption rates per capita have led to a two-fold increase in solid waste generation, from 5.8 million tons in 2001 to 11.3 million tons in 2013.

In addition to the problem of waste management, Kuwait also lacks functioning green areas that can make air quality more acceptable. Fatemah Alzelzela is one of the seven environmental entrepreneurs awarded in 2020 by the ON as“Young Champions of the Earth”, she is 24 years old and has a degree in electrical engineering. Her ambition is to spread environmental awareness through Eco Star, her organization which focuses on the collection of recyclable materials such as paper, plastic and metal, working hand in hand with the recycling industry. In exchange for waste, Eco Star gives plants and trees to individuals and organizations, encouraging the development of initiatives aimed at to circular economy in Kuwait. During the year 2020, tons of waste materials were saved from landfills and more than 2000 waste-receiving operations from homes, schools, companies and restaurants were counted.