Stafford International School partners the ‘Give Back Life’ program to recycle PET plastic

The Principal of Stafford International School, Ms. Gowrie Palipana making the first deposit to the “Give Back Life” PET collection bin while Mr. Lakshan Madurasinghe - Director – Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd and Ms. Janani – Head Prefect, of Stafford International School looks on.

Stafford International is the second International school to join Coca-Cola’s ‘Give Back Life’ campaign for PET plastic recovery and recycling in Sri Lanka . The students support the campaign by volunteering to bring all PET plastic packaging from their homes to school for recycling. The ‘Give Back Life’ initiative promotes the habit of recycling of PET plastic amongst all students, teachers and management of the school. PET plastic is any plastic with the number “1” inside the recycling logo which is generally used for water, soft drinks, cooking oil, beauty and personal care products, biscuit trays and also drinking yoghurt and juices. All collected PET plastic packaging is recycled into brooms, brushes, clothing and shoes by the recycling partner, Eco Spindles Pvt. Ltd.  
 
The students and faculty of Stafford International School were keen to partner due to the far-reaching impact they can make by their active participation in collecting all PET plastic packaging from their homes.  The students were conscious of the critical role they play as stewards of the environment. However, it was a new aspiration to realize the contribution they make towards supporting new technology, new growth pathways and thus, driving the recycling industry in Sri Lanka. The students will educate and encourage their families to ensure all PET plastic is separated and collected to facilitate their efforts at school. 
 
Commenting on the project Mr. Suvin Wettimuny - Director, Stafford International School, said, We appreciate the great work Coca-Cola is doing to prevent plastics pollution in Sri Lanka. The ‘Give Back Life’ initiative ensures that all PET plastic waste does not end up in landfills or litter Sri Lanka’s unique environment. Our students are really motivated to collect volumes of PET plastic bottles and see them ultimately end up as a new product, giving them a great sense of pride, to see their contribution in driving a circular economy.”

The students of Stafford International School listening at an assembly called to educate them about the Give Back Life” initiative.

“More than adults, we understand that real change can be achieved with youth as they are far more responsible. It is heartening to see the great responsibility and accountability with which the students of Stafford International School responded to the ‘Give Back Life’ campaign for PET plastic collection and recycling. We believe they will continue to champion the importance of recycling to their families, friends and all they meet. Without this change in our daily lives we will not be able to achieve the vision of a ‘World Without Waste’. Coca-Cola will continue to partner with all stakeholders to collect and recycle 100% equivalent of the volume of PET packaging it sells by 2030 in Sri Lanka,” said Lakshan Madurasinghe, Director - Public Affairs, Communications and Sustainability of Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd.

In recent months, Coca-Cola Beverages Sri Lanka Ltd. has been ramping up its ‘Give Back Life’ project to make a deeper and wider impact on society by joining hands with key partners to instil the habit of recovering and recycling PET plastic. Simultaneously, the project also drives home the fact that PET plastic is 100% recyclable a big driver for the circular economy and is used in many other products besides bottles, including brushes, textiles and carpets.