ZeroPlastic Movement

𝗖𝗮𝗻 𝗮𝗻𝘆𝗼𝗻𝗲 𝗳𝗶𝗻𝗱 𝗮 𝘄𝗮𝘁𝗲𝗿 𝗱𝗶𝘀𝗽𝗲𝗻𝘀𝗲𝗿 𝗶𝗻 𝗮 𝗳𝗮𝘀𝘁-𝗳𝗼𝗼𝗱 𝗰𝗵𝗮𝗶𝗻? 𝗪𝗵𝘆?
Access to drinking water should be as easy as access to soft drinks.

Across many fast-food restaurants, sugary beverages are prominently displayed, heavily promoted, and conveniently available through self-service dispensers. Yet is often unavailable through the same systems, requiring customers to make a separate request or purchase a bottled product ( ).

This is not simply a consumer choice issue. It is a design issue.

The way options are presented influences behaviour. When one beverage is made highly visible and convenient while another is less accessible, consumers are naturally guided toward the easier option.

ZeroPlastic Movement believes that customers should have convenient access to drinking water wherever self-service beverage dispensers are provided.

Introducing water dispensers or refill stations alongside existing beverage dispensers would:

• Reduce reliance on single-use plastic bottles
• Encourage healthier hydration choices
• Improve consumer access to drinking water
• Support sustainability and public health goals

Creating a healthier and more sustainable food environment does not always require complex solutions. Sometimes it begins with making the better choice the easier choice.

If soft drinks are available at the push of a button, drinking water should be too.

The Edith Cowan University Lanka Club recently introduced its new batch of students to the ZeroPlastic mindset through an orientation session focused on sustainability and responsible living.

At ZeroPlastic Movement, we believe that creating lasting change starts with building the right habits and values.

That is why our clubs across the country work to make sustainability part of everyday life and organizational culture.

During the session, students learned about the harmful effects of single use plastics and how simple daily choices can reduce their environmental impact.

Beyond awareness, being part of a ZeroPlastic club gives students the opportunity to lead projects, learn from peers, build leadership skills, and connect with an islandwide network of changemakers from universities across Sri Lanka.

We are excited to see this new generation take the lead and create positive change within their campuses and communities.

𝗙𝗼𝗿 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘆 𝗳𝗶𝗿𝘀𝘁 𝘁𝗶𝗺𝗲 𝗶𝗻 𝗦𝗿𝗶 𝗟𝗮𝗻𝗸𝗮, university students have come together entirely on their own initiative to pull off a massive national-level Sustainable Fashion Design Competition.

This entire project was done by none other than the ZeroPlastic University of Peradeniya, with the financial backing of MAS Holdings .

From day one, these brilliant young minds handled everything.

They managed the operations, took care of all communications, and independently invited top industry judges.

Seeing their vision, Kandy City Centre ( ) generously gave their premises completely free of charge to host this grand event.

The level of talent we saw is just amazing. Student teams from all over the island collaborated to design and produce beautiful fashion concepts. Every single design on the runway was 100% eco-friendly—made out of reusable materials, natural dyes, and sustainable concepts.
The best part about this whole achievement? This massive national event was executed from start to finish without any of our central leadership team being involved or micromanaging anything. The youth took full ownership, showed their pure capability, and proved what they can do.

Sustainability is not just a trend anymore—it is the future, and our students are leading the way. Let’s all support them and be a part of this movement.

Big congratulations to the University of Peradeniya Club, their partners, and all the talented designers who took part!

Something worth reflecting on this week. The Impact Center By ZeroPlastic has been featured in The , a global climate platform.

And what that feature really says is bigger than one center. The world is searching for solutions to the , and the world is searching for a better way to do tourism. Sigiriya is now part of that conversation.

This is the model the world is asking for. Visitors come and learn to make plastic free alternatives like coconut shell bowls and eco friendly jewelry. Every experience puts income straight into the hands of local artisans. Awareness and livelihoods, in the same visit.

Sigiriya is on the map for the right reasons, and this is only the beginning.

Read the full feature 👇

https://thecarboncurrent.com/take-home-better-souvenirs-how-sri-lankas-new-impact-center-is-challenging-plastic-tourism/

We . It . And now the world is . 🇱🇰
When we said government institutions should go plastic-free, plenty of people called it impossible.

We didn't accept that. We pushed, we advocated, we refused to stay quiet about the millions of PET bottles flowing through state offices, meetings and events every year.

On 31 May, it became reality — single-use plastic water bottles are now BANNED across all government institutions in Sri Lanka.

This is what people-powered change looks like. Not a favour handed down from the top, but a shift demanded from the ground up.

And the story didn't stop at our shores — Eco-Business, Asia Pacific's largest media platform for sustainable development, has now carried Sri Lanka's plastic fight to readers across the region, with our founder Nishshanka De Silva speaking for the movement.

"Every time we refuse a plastic bag, bottle, straw, or wrapper, we send a signal to the market that sustainable alternatives matter. Lasting change happens when consumers make conscious choices."

This is one win. There are many more to fight for. Government offices today — the whole nation tomorrow. 💪

Are you with us?

📖 Read the feature 👉 https://www.eco-business.com/news/sri-lanka-moves-to-curb-plastic-waste-with-bottle-ban-and-bag-fees/

Eco Vision by Zero Plastic Club, Rajarata University of Sri Lanka

Building a solution to the global crisis starts with educating and empowering young minds. Through Eco Vision, the Zero Plastic Club of Rajarata University inspired students to become environmental stewards by raising awareness about plastic pollution, responsible waste management, and sustainable living practices. The initiative highlighted how small actions taken today can create a lasting impact on the future of our planet.

Students participated in an engaging environmental awareness session where they learned about the harmful effects of plastic waste on ecosystems, wildlife, and human health, while exploring practical ways to embrace habits in their daily lives.

To turn awareness into action, plant saplings were distributed among participants, encouraging them to contribute directly to environmental conservation through and long-term care for nature.

By combining environmental education with practical action, the project strengthened a culture of and inspired the next generation to take meaningful steps towards a cleaner, healthier, and more .

Smart - Clear, The Green Wave Initiative by ZeroPlastic NISD

The fight against the global crisis begins with education, action, and empowered young leaders. Through Smart - Clear, a flagship initiative under The Green Wave, students of Ampara D.S. Senanayake National School were encouraged to become changemakers who can lead their communities towards a cleaner and more sustainable future.

The programme focused on transforming environmental awareness into practical action by helping students understand their role in addressing one of the world's most pressing environmental challenges.

Through expert-led sessions, hands-on activities, waste management demonstrations, and community engagement, participants explored the principles of the —Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle. The initiative also established a student-led ZeroPlastic School Club, creating a long-term platform for and sustainability-driven projects within the school.

Together, through , responsible waste management, and youth empowerment, this initiative continues building momentum towards a cleaner, greener, and more .

Clean School - Clean Mind by ZeroPlastic NISD

Addressing the global crisis begins with educating and empowering the next generation. The Green Wave School Awareness and School Club Installation Program at Am/Gamini Maha Vidyalaya brought together students, educators, and volunteers in a shared mission to build a greener, more environmentally responsible future.

Through awareness, leadership, and action, students were inspired to become active advocates for sustainability within their school and community.

The programme combined environmental education with the installation of a student-led club, creating a platform for long-term and youth engagement. Through interactive learning experiences, students gained a deeper understanding of plastic pollution, sustainable living, and the importance of taking responsibility for protecting the environment. Their enthusiasm and active participation reflected a growing commitment to creating positive change.

These highlights capture more than just moments, they capture the beginning of a movement. Every smile, discussion, and activity showcased the power of and collective action in building a cleaner world. Together, we continue creating waves of change and moving closer to a greener, more .

GREENOVATION '26 by ZeroPlastic Colombo Community

Creating solutions for the global crisis requires passionate volunteers, strong leadership, and a shared commitment to sustainability. GREENOVATION '26, the Annual Installation and Award Ceremony of the ZeroPlastic Colombo Community, celebrated the individuals and initiatives driving environmental change while welcoming a new generation of leaders ready to continue the mission towards a plastic-free future.

The event recognized outstanding contributions in areas such as project coordination, content creation, design, leadership, and community engagement, highlighting the power of and collective action in addressing environmental challenges.

The ceremony also marked the official installation of the new executive board, reinforcing the importance of in building innovative solutions and sustaining long-term environmental impact. Through reflection, recognition, and inspiration, participants celebrated the achievements that have strengthened the ZeroPlastic movement throughout the year.

More than an awards ceremony, GREENOVATION '26 showcased how dedicated young people can transform awareness into meaningful action.