Jerusalem Center for Women

A community-driven environmental initiative in the villages of Dar Salah and Hindaza is making significant strides in reducing plastic waste by replacing plastic bags with paper alternatives in local bakeries. The project, aimed at promoting sustainability, combines awareness campaigns, waste reduction efforts, and policy discussions to create lasting change. It was implemented by EcoPalestine Charitable Environmental and Water Projects Society and funded by the UNDP through their Global Environment Facility (GEF) and Small Grants Programme (SGP).

To raise awareness about the environmental hazards of plastic waste and encourage sustainable practices, eleven awareness sessions were conducted, and 533 participants were engaged, including village council members, teachers, students, and community members. Eleven bakeries, six in Hindaza and five in Dar Salah, joined the initiative; over 286,000 paper bags were distributed in the two communities, significantly reducing plastic usage and encouraging eco-friendly habits among business owners and customers alike.

To assess the feasibility of this transition, two roundtable discussions were held, bringing together representatives from the Chamber of Commerce and Industry, the Ministry of Health, and the Palestinian Environment Quality Authority (EQA). Due to security concerns, some participants joined via Zoom. The roundtables led to the finalization of a policy paper outlining strategies to support bakeries in maintaining sustainable practices, proposing incentive mechanisms, and engaging consumers.

With strong commitments from key institutions, this initiative marks a crucial step toward environmental sustainability in the Bethlehem governorate. The success of this model could pave the way for similar interventions in other communities across the region. EcoPalestine is seeking funding for small-scale projects like these in marginalized communities.

For more info, please visit: www.ecopeaceme.orge ,, https://www.facebook.com/EcoPeaceMiddleEast.Arabic