Sustainable Suriname: Ideas for Young People and Parents to Transform Their Homes and Communities

We’ve talked about the challenges of climate justice and the impact of waste in Suriname. It’s easy to feel overwhelmed by the magnitude of these problems, but today, we want to shift the focus. We want to talk about solutions, about hope, and about how every home, every family in Suriname, can be an agent of positive change. A sustainable Suriname isn’t a distant dream; it’s a goal we can start building together, right now, from Meerzorg all the way to Nickerie.

Beyond the Problem: The Vision of a Cleaner, More Just Suriname

Imagine a Suriname where our rivers are so clear you can see the bottom, where our beaches are free of plastics, and where the air is always fresh and pure. Imagine communities where waste becomes a resource, not a problem, and where our daily actions reflect a deep respect for the nature that surrounds us.

This vision isn’t a fantasy. It’s a possible future if each of us embraces our role. We firmly believe that the true power of transformation lies in collective action that begins at home and expands into the community.

Concrete Actions for Young People: Your Energy is the Change!

Young people of Suriname, your energy, creativity, and passion are fundamental to building a more sustainable future. Don’t underestimate the impact you can have:

Lead school recycling or composting projects: Why not propose a plastic bottle recycling program at your school or a small school garden where you compost snack scraps? You can educate your peers and teachers, showing them how it’s done.
Be the “plastic detectives” at home and at school: Challenge your family and friends to reduce their use of single-use plastics. Carry your own reusable water bottles, say “no” to straws, and choose snacks with less packaging. Every “no” to plastic counts!
Become “River Guardians” or “Beach Cleaners”: Organize with friends or your youth group to clean a small section of a nearby river or beach. You’ll not only pick up trash, but you’ll also raise awareness and demonstrate your commitment to protecting our valuable aquatic ecosystems.
Open the conversation: Talk to your friends, parents, aunts, uncles, and grandparents about what you’re learning and how you feel. Share ideas, propose solutions, and encourage them to join in. The best way to create awareness is through honest dialogue.

Concrete Actions for Parents: Leading by Example

Parents, you are the most important role models for your children. Your habits and decisions echo within the home and the community.

Make more conscious purchases and reduce consumption: Before buying something, ask yourselves: “Do we really need this? Is there an option with less packaging or that’s more durable?” Prioritize local products that support Suriname’s economy and reduce the carbon footprint of transportation.
Establish a recycling and composting system at home: It doesn’t have to be complicated. Start by separating plastics and cardboard. If you have a garden, try a small composter for food scraps. You’ll see how the amount of trash you throw away drastically reduces.
Support sustainable local businesses: Seek out and support entrepreneurs in Suriname who offer eco-friendly products, recycled goods, or practice a circular economy. Your money can drive positive change in the market.
Actively participate in your community: Attend neighborhood meetings where waste management or environmental policies are discussed. Your voice as an informed and concerned citizen is vital to influencing local decisions that affect everyone.
Educate by example: Show your children how you live more sustainably. Actions speak louder than words. If children see their parents recycling, reducing, and reusing, they’ll learn to do it naturally.

The Power of the United Family: Small Changes, Big Impact

Our opinion is that the true potential for transformation in Suriname lies in the strength of our united families. Imagine this: if thousands of families in Suriname adopted these small actions, the impact would be monumental. It’s not about isolated individual efforts; it’s about a cascade of positive changes that multiply.

Every reusable bag used, every plastic bottle recycled, every conversation held about sustainability is a step towards a more resilient, just, and prosperous Suriname. We are building a legacy for future generations—a legacy of respect for our land and our resources.

We believe that our opinion matters, and more importantly, our action matters.

What sustainable initiative, no matter how small, would you like to implement or see in your community in Suriname? Share your idea in the comments and let’s inspire more change together!