KazNU Ecohab participates in Zero Waste Campus campaign

As part of the "Taza Kazakhstan" initiative, the KazNU Eco-Hub hosts a series of "Zero Waste Campus" eco-campaigns aimed at promoting the concept of waste-free campuses and creating an ecological culture among students.

During the event, the participants got acquainted in detail with the principles of Zero Waste, took an active part in a master class on separate waste collection. Students were shown plastic waste products as an example of conscious consumption and reuse of resources. They participated in sorting plastic bottle caps.

In a special workshop, the participants of the action were shown the process of crushing caps using a crushing machine and an oven in which crushed plastic turns into multicolored plates under the influence of high temperatures. Benches, tables, interior items and other products are later made from them.

As part of the "Campus without Waste" initiative, fandomats for separate garbage collection were installed on the territory of KazNU.

According to Khamza Safarov, Project Manager of ECO Network, the environmental hub is the result of the company's successful cooperation with KazNU. "Anyone can come, hand over the waste and make all kinds of products here – key chains, phone stands, various benches, chairs, etc. Workshops and interactive training on the green economy are also held here. We actively involve students, educate, educate and support them in their pursuit of conscious and useful activities", - Hamza explained.

Aigerim Kerimkulova, Senior lecturer at UNESCO's Department of Sustainable Development, is also an activist of the project and the coordinator. "In May of this year alone, about 200 interns passed through the Ecohab, and in June there were already 30 senior interns. Then hydrologists and geographers joined them. We conducted master classes for them, and eco-activists gave leadership lectures. And now ecohab is gaining momentum, attracting more and more caring students, activists and volunteers to its circle".

During the campaign, the students shared their impressions and mood.

Madina Estaeva, 1st year, Faculty of Journalism: "I perfectly understand how important ecology is at the moment. For me, ecohab is not just an action, I am aware of the seriousness and responsibility of this initiative. The ecohub recycles garbage, reducing the harmful effects of waste on the climate. It forms a culture of ecology. A conscious society begins with an eco-hub."

Ramina Ibragimova, 1st year student at the Faculty of Ecology: "I study at the Faculty of Ecology. Ordinary people often come to our hub and leave a lot of garbage bags. We are volunteers who distribute garbage into containers. This is an interesting experience for me, when I graduate, I will already have work experience in my specialty".

Thus, the KazNU Ecohab has become a platform for dialogue, exchange of experience and inspiration. The Zerj Waste Campus initiative is another important step towards a cleaner and more sustainable future, as well as a clear example of how young people can actively participate in the protection of nature.

Press-service of Al-Farabi Kazakh National University