In China, over 300 schools and almost 170,000 students in 72 cities, participated in the Litter Less Campaign throughout 2023. The students worked on topics such as reducing invisible pollutants, responsible consumption and production and reducing litter and waste.
The scope of participation in the community action day had expanded, and not only children in cities, but also many rural schools actively participated. Many schools had also compiled practical teaching materials for waste classification and waste reduction.
2023 saw a breakthrough in reaching younger children. More preschool children in kindergartens were involved with environmental issues under the Litter Less Campaign, and through the guidance of kindergarten teachers and parents, they were trained to make use of the earth's resources and reduce waste generation.
This year's Litter Less Campaign was combined with activities such as zero-waste campus development, Better Environment Programme and Climate Smart Schools Development Project to carry out publicity, exchange and training. The overall effect of "1+1>2" was achieved. Experts and teachers fully shared and exchanged experiences in the Litter Less Campaign, and the children's practical achievements were acknowledged and encouraged by more people.
Based on the YRE programme, YRE clubs were established in various places to actively publicise and promote the Litter Less Campaign. This year, the number of news entries on waste reduction collected for YRE competition increased which also showed that YRE clubs from various places played a positive role in the community action days, while changing the local environment and spreading low-carbon concepts.