Miss Earth Zimbabwe Takes to the Streets

Dimitra (DM) spoke with ZDDT’s field Correspondent, NtandoSibanda (NS) and explained her recent involvement, with likeminded organisations, in street clean up campaigns.

NS: Tell us about the Bin It CBD clean-up and how you were involved.

DM: Bin It Zimbabwe is a project which is conducted by a proudly Zimbabwean foundation  under the name of Bin-It Zimbabwe Campaign. Our aim is to restore the environmental beauty  of Zimbabwe by providing sustainable, lasting waste management solutions across the country.

In our last Big CBD Clean ups in Bulawayo and Gweru, we initiated the collection of waste  through the use ofcolour coded bin liners to enable us to further process the waste collected  into recyclable collection points and at the clean ups. We handed out 'vehicle litter bags' to  deter motorists from throwing litter out of car windows. I was elected to be the spokesperson  for Bin-It Bulawayo.

NS: I understand that that you have carried out an awareness campaign. Can you tell us more?

DM: I was elected as spokesperson for Bin-It Bulawayo, prior to the Big City Clean up on the 1st  of June 2013. I visited various private and government High Schools around Bulawayo creating  awareness on water conservation and waste management, as well as inviting these pupils to  attend the clean-up.  Most recently I was invited by Miracle Missions to host a talk on Water Conservation at Presbyterian Church in Harare, as well as addressing high school students from  various schools around Harare, at Arundel High School.

NS: I believe that Bin It had bags printed especially to support your work. Can you give us some  background?

DM: I have handed out vehicle litter bags to the motorists of private and public vehicles. I have  also handed out material bags to the general public. To encourage them to re-use this bag for  shopping purposes and to reduce the usage of plastic shopping bags.

NS: The last time we spoke, you had just been crowned Miss Earth Zimbabwe. What have you been doing since your visit to the Philippines?

DM: It was such a great honour that, last year November, I travelled to the Philippines to  represent our beautiful country in the third largest beauty pageant in the world. During the duration of the pageant, I competed against 84 delegates from around the world, and received three awards, Miss Compassion, Miss Sociable, and the title holder of a five star hotel ' Miss Lake Tagaytay'. On my return to Zimbabwe, I have continued my 6 years of Environmental work.

NS: How has your involvement with community oriented initiatives such asZDDT and Bin It enhances your portfolio as Miss Earth Zimbabwe 2012?

DM: Bin-It Zimbabwe has supported my objectives in creating awareness with the public  concerning waste management and water conservation country wide.

NS: What are the challenges and success in your involvement with these initiatives?

DM: It has given me that greater platform to implement my various projects country wide and  draw greater attention to conserving energy and 'Going Green'.  The greatest challenge has  been in obtaining sponsorship.

NS: Do you think we are winning in raising awareness about the importance of a clean  environment?

DM: Yes. The greatest awareness has been with the pupils at various schools, and these  same pupils are encouraging their families to participate in the green life cycle. I believe that  it doesn't matter who you are or where you come from, you still have the power to make a  difference and an impact.

ZDDT’s volunteer Community Action Teams also participated in the Big CBD cleanup in  Bulawayo as it navigates with the perimeters of our core values compass.

The Trust’s objectives entail the mitigation of a clean, and therefore, healthy environment, which can only be attained through concerted efforts that are a result of total community buyinand participation encouraged by strong leadership.