A sad reminder of disregard for environment. Photo: Margie Muller
Plastic pollution is a significant environmental challenge worldwide, and Fiji is no exception. The excessive use of single-use plastics – such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, wrappers and packaging- continues to pollute land, rivers and marine environments, threatening wildlife and natural resources.
Since the very first Season of Creation Competition, an initiative of the Missionaries Society of St. Columban through its JPIC coordinator, Xavier College students have been actively advocates for caring for creation and reducing single use plastic through awareness to school and community-based activities such as a river clean up, tree planting, recycling plastic bottles and raising awareness through our social media platforms.
In September 2025, with the assistance of Noa, the Pacific Recyclers Foundation conducted a workshop for 35 students and two teacher of our school’s Waste Management Team. Students learned that what we often label as ‘rubbish’ or ‘waste’ can be a source of income for recyclers. They are referred to as ‘Recyclables’ or ‘Non-recyclables’.
Following the workshop, our students were eager to practice what they had learned and promptly joined The Commonwealth Clean Oceans Plastic Campaign, which was organised by The Royal Commonwealth Society. On the morning of the Diwali public holiday, 2025, thirty students, two teachers and the school manageress arrived at Saweni Beach, to begin their clean-up campaign, equipped with personal protective gear, garbage bags and bulk bags from Pacific Recyclers Foundation. Everyone was very enthusiastic but concerned at the sight that greeted them. The beautiful beachfront was littered with all sorts of plastics and non-recyclables, and although there were groups of picnickers, no one seemed fazed by the sight.
From a 100 square meter area, the group collected and recorded the following waste: Diapers 110; plastic mineral water bottles (Aqua and Fiji Water) 86; Plastic wrappers 11; snacks packaging 25(Twisties 10); glass bottles (Fiji Bitter) 26; soft drink cans 8; plastic straws 51; plastic lids (McDonald’s drinking cups) 15; washing machine (body part) 1, iron clothes hangers 28; old toaster oven 1; small PC monitor 1; umbrella iron spokes 10.
Students collecting rubbish. Photo: Margie Muller
All the collected waste was brought to school and sorted into recyclables and non-recyclables. The non-recyclables were buried, while the recyclables were transported to the recycling company.
The Royal Commonwealth Society later acknowledged our school’s participation in the campaign and honoured us with the privilege of welcoming the Glasgow 2026 Commonwealth Games torch as the concluding highlight of our annual Athletics Interhouse Competition in February this year.
This year Plastic Free July, Xavier College has planned various activities to engage students and encourage practical action:
Education Workshops: students learn about the environmental impacts of plastic pollution and the benefits of reducing plastic use.
Plastic-Free Challenges: Challenge days where students commit to avoiding single-use plastics. (The students and staff will be requested to pack their roti parcels in lunch boxes on a particular day).
Recycling Drives: collecting plastic waste responsibly to encourage recycling and reuse.
Creative Projects: Art and Poster competitions highlighting the importance of plastic-free Xavier environment.
Community Outreach: encouraging families and the Ba community to join the initiative.
Our long-term goal this Plastic Free July at Xavier College is not just a one-month effort but the continuation of a long-term commitment effort for a lasting change. Xavier College strives to implement ongoing programs that reduce plastic waste and promote environmental care, supporting Fiji’s wider efforts to protect its unique natural heritage – beginning with our homes and our schools.
By Margie Muller (Xavier College, Ba, Fiji)
Commonwealth Games Torch. Photo: Margie Muller
