Girl Scouts and Girl Guides are leading the fight against plastic pollution!

The World Association of Girl Scouts and Girl Guides (WAGGGS) and the United Nations Environment Program (UNEP) have teamed up to create a new badge -Tide Turners Plastic Challenge – a new movement for action in the battle against plastic pollution.

New Plastic Challenge Badge is on its way!

More young people around the world will be able to join the fight against plastic pollution with the announcement of the Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge, creating the next generation of international leaders to protect our ocean.

The badge not only encourages young people to take action to reduce plastic waste in their own lives, but also helps them become leaders in their communities to make sure that as many people as possible join the global fight to tackle the scourge of single-use plastics that is damaging our ocean. It gives young people the chance to take action on issues they care about.

Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge

After successfully engaging more than 30,000 Girl Guides and Scouts in west Africa, the program is being extended into more countries including the UK. Overseen by UNEP, the badge was developed with the support of Food and Agriculture Organization (FAO) and partners at the World Organization of the Scout Movement, the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

“The UK is already committed to leaving the environment in a better state for the next generation, which is why it’s so important that we inspire a new generation of leaders to change behavior towards single-use plastics” said International Marine Minister Zac Goldsmith.  “The extension of the Tide Turners Challenge Badge will help nurture these leaders in more countries around the world as we all work to turn the tide on single-use plastic in our ocean.”

WAGGGS / YUNGA Challenge Badges

This badge is being implemented through the Youth and United Nations Global Alliance (YUNGA) partners. YUNGA was created to generate collaborative initiatives between United Nations agencies and other organizations and civil society organizations working with children and young people. YUNGA is a gateway to assist the engagement of youth in activities of key environmental and social concern at the national and international level.

YUNGA Challenge Badges aim to raise awareness, educate and motivate young people to change their behavior and become active agents of change in their local communities. The series can be used by teachers, youth leaders, and especially Scout groups. Other YUNGA Challenge badges include the Climate Change, Water, Ocean, Forest, Biodiversity, and the Nutrition Challenge Badges.

The Tide Turners Plastic Challenge badge toolkit is available as a free download.  The badge is not currently available for purchase in the WAGGGS shop, but we will update this information when Tide Turners Plastic Challenge Badge becomes available.

Making the World a Better Place

“Harnessing the energy and brilliance of youth is one of the best solutions we have in the fight against the super-sized plastic pollution crisis that we face. We are delighted to have the support of the UK and the Scouts, Guides and Junior Achievement to scale-up the Plastic Tide Turners Badge” said Susan Gardner, Director of the Ecosystems Division from the United Nations Environment Program.

Hany Abdulmonem, Global Director of Scouting Development, said, “The Challenge Badge is a strong contribution to Scouting’s environmental programming and our ongoing youth-led effort to engage young people in making our communities and planet more sustainable.”

“Girl Guides and Girl Scouts all over the world are calling for action to protect their planet and shape a sustainable future. The extension of the Tide Turner Challenge Badge will give even more girls the platform to lead, speak out and take action in the fight against plastic pollution” said Sarah Nancollas, Chief Executive of the World Association of Girl Guides and Girl Scouts.

Today’s announcement is the latest step in the UK Government’s ongoing fight against plastic both at home and abroad.
The UK has already introduced a world-leading ban on microbeads that harm marine life and a plastic bag charge that has taken more than 15 billion plastic bags out of circulation. It is also banning the supply of plastic straws stirrers and cotton swabs.

On the international stage, the UK is urging countries around the world to join a call to protect 30% of the world’s ocean by 2030, and has brought Commonwealth nations together through the Commonwealth Clean Ocean Alliance to pledge further action to eliminate avoidable plastic waste.

Do you know someone who is volunteering to help make the world a better place?  A top youth volunteer? Encourage them to apply for the Prudential Spirit of Community Award.

SOURCE: UK Government Press Release