Why Not be Inspired by a Trash Hero?

Saving the environment

Children have always been naturally curious about the environment, and what eightyear-old doesn’t want to be a superhero? The Trash Hero Kids programme shows primary school children that they have the power to save the world and, in the process, helps to create a new generation of environmental stewards.

The programme is based around an illustrated story and activity book featuring ‘Trash Hero’, a fictional character who needs help to clean and prevent waste ending up in the ocean. Following the story, a series of challenges encourage children to take repeated actions to help him and collect points for doing so. This builds environmentallyfriendly habits and eventually rewards children with a certificate and Trash Hero t-shirt, which they can wear proudly as a badge of honour for their efforts.

The challenges include participating in cleanups, using reusable alternatives to disposable plastic items, refusing plastic straws, reducing waste at home or school, recycling and upcycling. These activities can be undertaken independently, within classrooms, or as part of community groups.

The book has been translated into seven different languages to be used within the Trash Hero network in Europe and Southeast Asia. More than 23,000 copies have already been printed and all materials, including the t-shirt and rewards, are provided for free to schools, kids’ groups and clubs.

Community volunteers carry out regular cleanups and outreach work with adults and children and also support small-scale zero waste projects, including a free water refill network.

As of December 2023, Trash Hero volunteers have:

Organised 20,838 cleanups

If you are interested in finding out more about implementing the Trash Hero Kids programme, or would like to sponsor the materials we provide, please contact hello@trashhero.org.uk. Free PDF copies of the book are available from the same address.

The Trash Hero global network is a dynamic, grassroots movement working for a clean world, free from plastic pollution. Founded in 2013 in Thailand, it is now active in 100 locations across thirteen countries.

Collected 2,451,362 kg of rubbish

Engaged 515,643 participants, including 137,882 children

We believe everyone can be a Trash Hero. Start by reducing your single-use plastic consumption and embrace reusable and refillable alternatives.

Remember, every action, every day, makes a difference.

LYDIA PERKINS Communications Coordinator www.trashhero.org