Mazingira Plus: Zero-waste School for Future Zero Carbon Emissions Program in Tanzania

The scale of the problem:

• Globally, landfills overflowing with organic waste are a major source of methane emissions, contributing significantly (5–10%) to global warming. Plastic production and incineration further worsen the problem. In African contexts, despite the deficiency of data, the scale of the problem may reflect on the waste mismanagement in public schools in megacities that contribute to carbon and methane emissions and the climate crisis.
• In Tanzania, public schools lack proper waste management systems, which accelerate climate change, while no future champions are equipped to fight against zero carbon emissions.
  • Mismanaged waste from schools near water bodies pollutes ecosystems and harms biodiversity.
  • Burning or burying organic waste releases greenhouse gases like methane and CO2, accelerating climate change and causing extreme weather events.
  • Over 17.5 million Tanzanian students lack access to proper waste management education and resources.
  • Existing environmental initiatives in schools are unsustainable.

Scale:

• Millions of tons of waste pollute ecosystems globally each year. and badly contribute to climate change globally.
• in Tanzania:
  • Dar es Salaam, as a megacity alone, generates over 8,000 tons of waste daily, contributing to national methane and carbon emissions.
  • Over 17.5 million Tanzanian students lack proper waste management literacy, whereby there are no proper zero-waste models in place to learn more about climate change, waste mismanagement, and carbon emissions.

Our Solution:

• The "Zero-Waste Schools for a Zero-Carbon Tanzania Project" program directly addresses these issues by establishing a zero-waste recovery facility, Greentoolkit, where proper mechanisms are in place for students to learn how they can separate waste in schools and learn waste management best practices, the circular economy, and zero waste models that reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions.

Therefore, this project aims to address this gap and equip students with zero waste skills through source separation, diversion, avoidance, and transformations toward zero emissions in Tanzania. 

This project will be a crucial national roadmap tool for developing organic waste recovery policies in schools to reduce methane and CO2 emissions in Tanzania.

Our Solution:

• The "Zero-Waste Schools for a Zero-Carbon Tanzania Project" program directly addresses these issues by establishing a zero-waste recovery facility, Greentoolkit, where proper mechanisms are in place for students to learn how they can separate waste in schools and learn waste management best practices, the circular economy, and zero-waste models that reduce methane and carbon dioxide emissions. 

Therefore, this project aims to address this gap and equip students with zero waste skills through source separation, diversion, avoidance, and transformations toward zero emissions in Tanzania. 

This project will be a crucial national roadmap tool for developing organic waste recovery policies in schools to reduce methane and CO2 emissions in Tanzania.

This model fosters a win-win situation for all stakeholders: our solution tries to save the environment by impacting students, teachers, and the local community, towards fighting against environmental pollution (waste pollution), climate change, especially carbon & methane emissions, and ultimately, saving the whole ecosystem where students and living organisms co-exist. Schools become environmentally responsible, students gain valuable knowledge, waste pickers earn a livelihood, and waste collection companies improve efficiency. Ultimately, the project contributes to a cleaner environment and a more circular economy in Tanzania, mitigating carbon emissions for a sustainable future.

Since we living , and orginated from these local communities where we own alot of trust from these communities we live.  Despite the fact that we have been cooperating with these local schools's communities in developing this solutions since the prototype stage until this stage,. Therefore, as a team leader, I and my team are well positioned to deliver this solution. 

Why We Need to Scale Up the Zero Waste Schools for Future Zero Carbon Emission Program in Tanzania

This project, designed to replicate the successful pilot program at Kibasila Secondary School, holds immense potential to create a significant positive impact across Tanzania. The following are reasons why scaling it up is crucial regarding its impacts:

• Proven Success: The pilot at Kibasila Secondary School has demonstrably achieved its goals. We've established a replicable model for creating zero-waste schools, including waste segregation, conversion, and positive environmental impact.
• Widespread Impact: By scaling up, we can equip 138 Zero Waste School Ambassador students per school with these techniques. This translates to a much larger group of young people empowered to manage waste effectively and become environmental stewards.
• Network Effect: Kibasila Secondary School can serve as the first node in a network of zero-waste schools in Tanzania. These schools can learn from each other, share best practices, and amplify the program's reach. While we hope to create a zero-waste school for future zero-carbon emissions in Tanzania by enforcing the zero-waste recovery policy in Tanzania.
• Environmental Benefits: Scaling up will significantly reduce waste pollution across participating schools. The construction of additional waste segregation centres will further enhance waste management resource recovery, and sustainability in the future. So far, more than 6 tons of plastic waste and 4500 kg of organic waste are within a school’s canteen, which is equivalent to a certain amount of methane and CO2 avoided in a short time. This is after converting 4500 kg of organic waste into compost. Late this year, the compost obtained was used to re-nourish the soil in the school’s gardens, where 500 shade trees and fruit plants were planted.
• Sustainable Food Production: Expanding the program will lead to improved school gardens and enhanced food security for students through organic farming and greening initiatives. As of now, we have impacted more than 1684 students at Kibasila High School by providing supplemental vegetables to the school.
• Leadership Development: The program fosters the creation of 140 zero-waste school ambassadors/leaders per public school. These student leaders can inspire their peers and communities to adopt sustainable practices. So far, we have impacted 4 environmental teachers and one headmaster.

In conclusion, scaling up this project offers a powerful opportunity to create a generation of environmentally conscious young leaders in Tanzania. It will reduce waste, promote sustainable food production, and build a network of schools committed to a cleaner future. This investment will have a ripple effect, positively impacting both the environment and the well-being of students across Tanzania

Why We Are Applying to Solve: We are applying to Solve not just for funding but to leverage the program's comprehensive support system to overcome various barriers critical to scaling up our zero-waste school program in Tanzania. These included the following:

• Financial Barriers: Limited Funding: While funding is important, Solve can connect us with potential donors or partners who share our vision.
• Technical Barriers: Replication Expertise: Solve can connect us with mentors or partner organizations with experience scaling up similar educational programs.
• Market Barriers: Scaling Infrastructure: Solve can help us identify partners who can provide technical expertise or resources for constructing additional waste segregation centres.
• Replication Network: Solve can connect us with organizations or individuals who can help establish a network of zero-waste schools and facilitate knowledge exchange.

By providing access to a network of experts, potential donors, and relevant organizations, Solve can empower us to overcome these barriers and create a sustainable, large-scale program. 

Our Goal: Our primary goal is not just to secure funding, but to build a strong ecosystem around the zero-waste school program. Solve's holistic approach to supporting social enterprises aligns perfectly with our vision, and we believe this partnership will be instrumental in achieving large-scale environmental and educational impact in Tanzania.

Innovation in Zero-Waste Schools for a Zero-Carbon Tanzania

The "Zero Waste Schools for Future Zero Carbon Emission Program" in Tanzania tackles waste management and climate change through a unique and impactful approach. Here's what makes it innovative:

1. Holistic Integration: Our program goes beyond waste management. We combine waste segregation, conversion, and composting with organic farming and greening initiatives. This creates a closed-loop system where waste becomes a resource, promoting food security and a reduction in the school's carbon footprint.

2. Youth-Centric Design: We empower students (at least 100 per school) with the knowledge and skills to manage waste effectively. This youth-led approach fosters a sense of ownership and environmental responsibility. Students become ambassadors, inspiring their peers and communities to adopt sustainable practices.

3. Network Effect: Our vision extends beyond individual schools. We aim to create a network of zero-waste schools across Tanzania. Schools within the network will share best practices, fostering collaboration and accelerating the program's reach. This fosters knowledge exchange and continuous improvement within the network.

4. Replication Model: The successful pilot at Kibasila Secondary School serves as a replicable model. By leveraging Solve's support in scaling expertise, we can create a standardized approach for establishing zero-waste schools across diverse contexts within Tanzania.

5. Cultural Sensitivity: We recognize the importance of cultural sensitivity. Solve's network can connect us with local NGOs and experts to ensure the program aligns with community values and traditions, fostering greater program adoption.

This combination of factors makes our program significantly different from traditional waste management initiatives. Here's how it can catalyze broader positive impacts:

• Scaling Potential: The program's replicability allows for rapid expansion, creating a wave of environmentally conscious schools across Tanzania.
• Youth Leadership: By empowering young people, we cultivate a generation of environmental stewards who can influence their communities and future generations.
• Policy Advocacy: The success of the program can inform national waste management policies and inspire investment in similar initiatives across Tanzania.
• Knowledge Sharing: The network of zero-waste schools can serve as a knowledge hub for other schools and organizations seeking to implement sustainable practices.
• Market Transformation: The program can incentivize the development of a waste management infrastructure that supports recycling, composting, and resource recovery in Tanzania.

By demonstrating the positive environmental, educational, and economic benefits of zero-waste schools, this program can inspire a paradigm shift. It can move Tanzania towards a future with minimized waste, improved food security for students, and a significant reduction in greenhouse gas emissions, contributing to the national zero-carbon goal.

In conclusion, our program's innovative approach, coupled with its potential for large-scale replication and network effect, positions it as a powerful tool for achieving a zero-waste and zero-carbon future in Tanzania. This initiative has the potential to inspire and guide similar programs across Africa and the developing world.

Here are some suggestions for setting professional and measurable targets:

• Waste Reduction:
  • Baseline: Establish baseline waste generation data (e.g., weight of waste per student per day) in participating schools before program initiation.
  • Target: Aim for a specific percentage reduction (e.g., 25%, 50%) in waste generation within a defined timeframe (e.g., 1 year).
• Network Size:
  • Target: Set a goal for the number of schools joining the network within a specific period (e.g., reach 100 schools in 2 years).
  • Expansion Strategy: Outline a strategy for network growth (e.g., regional pilot followed by national rollout).
• Organic Farming:
  • Target: Define a target area for organic farming implementation within schools (e.g., establish vegetable gardens on 1 hectare of land in participating schools).
  • Production Goal: Set a goal for organic food production (e.g., produce enough vegetables to supplement school meals by 20%).

Phased Implementation:

Here's how you can outline a phased approach:

• Phase 1 (Pilot): Implement activities in a smaller group of schools (138 students) to test methods, build capacity, and refine the program.
• Phase 2 (Expansion): Based on the learnings from the pilot, we need to expand program implementation to a larger number of schools, 150–200 students.
• Phase 3 (Scaling Up): We have developed strategies for wider adoption, potentially including partnerships with government agencies or NGOs.

Monitoring and Evaluation:

Here's what to include in your monitoring and evaluation plan:

• Data Collection Methods: Define methods for collecting data on waste generation, network size, organic farming area, and student knowledge/attitudes (e.g., surveys, waste audits, student assessments).
• Indicators: Establish clear indicators to measure progress towards achieving both immediate outputs and long-term outcomes (e.g., % reduction in waste, number of schools in the network, student scores on environmental knowledge tests).
• Reporting Schedule: Determine a schedule for reporting on progress and program impact (e.g., quarterly reports, and annual evaluations).

Sustainability of the Program:

Here are strategies to ensure program sustainability:

• Partnerships: We will collaborate with government agencies, NGOs, or waste management companies to secure long-term funding and technical support.
• Curriculum Integration: We advocate for integrating waste management and environmental education into the national school curriculum.
• Capacity Building: Equip teachers and students with the skills to manage the program independently after initial support.

Policy Advocacy Plan:

Here's how the network can advocate for policy changes:

• Data-driven advocacy: use data collected through monitoring & evaluation to demonstrate the program's effectiveness and positive impact.
• Networking and Collaboration: Partner with environmental organizations or policymakers to advocate for policies supporting zero-waste schools.
• Student Leadership: Empower student ambassadors to share their experiences and advocate for policy changes at local and national levels.

By incorporating these suggestions, you can strengthen your Theory of Change with more concrete targets, a well-defined implementation plan, and strategies for program sustainability and broader impact.

Seven (7) people are working on my solution team:

1. The number of full-time staff is 4
2. The number of part-time staff is 3
3. The number of contractor is 1 

From the Concept Note to the Pilot Phase, the project is estimated to take 1-2 years. This stage includes initial research, developing the core concept, securing funding, and potentially building a basic prototype. In Tanzania, the process may be prolonged due to the need for permits and approvals. During this phase, the concept is tested in a smaller setting and refined based on the results. The goal is to adapt the solution for larger-scale implementation, which often requires additional funding, partnerships, and infrastructure development.

Fostering Diversity and Inclusion at Mazingira Plus (NGO) for Zero Waste Schools for Future Zero Carbon Emission (ZWSZC) Project

Mazingira Plus recognizes the critical role a diverse, equitable, and inclusive (DE&I) team plays in the success of the Zero Waste Schools project. We're actively working towards building a team that reflects the vibrant communities we serve.

Building a Representative Team:

While our current leadership includes Ramadhani Mwakae (Project Lead)-male, Fatuma Msemakweli (Chief Technical Lead)-female, Shaymah Rajab (Project Coordinator)-female, Suleiman Mangu'ro (Project Officer)-male, and Tryphone Richard (Planning & Community Officer)-male, we acknowledge the need for further diversification. We aim to recruit staff who mirror the social, cultural, and identity-based attributes present in Tanzania. This may involve partnering with local universities and NGOs catering to underrepresented populations.

Actionable Steps for DE&I:

• Unconscious Bias Training: We will implement unconscious bias training to raise awareness of implicit biases that can impact decision-making and hinder equal opportunities.
• Mentorship Program: We plan to develop a mentorship program where experienced staff guide and empower colleagues from underrepresented groups, fostering career growth and a sense of belonging.
• Inclusive Recruitment: We'll review and update our recruitment practices to ensure fairness and inclusivity. This might involve using blind resume reviews or partnering with diversity-focused agencies.
• Regular Feedback Mechanisms: We will conduct surveys or hold focus groups to collect staff feedback on their experiences and identify areas for improvement in fostering a welcoming and inclusive environment.
• Celebrating Diversity: We believe in celebrating diversity through team-building activities and cultural events, promoting mutual respect and a sense of belonging.

Expected Outcomes:

By implementing these strategies, we aim to build a team where everyone feels valued, respected, and empowered to contribute their unique talents and perspectives. A diverse and inclusive team will be better positioned to understand the needs of the communities we serve, develop culturally relevant solutions for Zero Waste Schools, and ultimately achieve the project's goals. Importantly, this project will also work closely with marginalized groups in Tanzania, including women and youth waste pickers and waste street vendors, who often face stigma.

Zero Waste Schools for Future Zero Carbon Emissions Project: A Circular Economy Model for a Sustainable Future

Mazingira Plus' Zero Waste Schools project utilizes a circular economy business model to achieve zero waste and zero carbon emissions in schools throughout Tanzania. This model benefits various stakeholders, including waste pickers, waste collection companies, students, and schools.

Value Proposition:

• Reduced Waste & Costs: Schools implement waste reduction strategies, minimizing waste generation and disposal costs.
• Educational Opportunities: Students learn about waste management, resource conservation, and entrepreneurship through hands-on experiences.
• Income Generation: Waste pickers receive fair compensation for collecting recyclables within the school system.
• Improved Efficiency: Waste collection companies benefit from a streamlined system with pre-sorted recyclables.
• Environmental Impact: Reduced waste diversion and carbon footprint contribute to a cleaner environment.

Key Partners:

• Schools: Our primary target group provides them with infrastructure, training, and support to implement zero-waste practices.
• Waste Pickers: Local waste picker associations are trained and empowered to collect sorted recyclables from schools.
• Waste Collection Companies: Partner companies purchase sorted recyclables from waste pickers, ensuring proper recycling.
• Government Agencies: Collaboration with environmental and educational authorities fosters project legitimacy and wider adoption.

Revenue Streams:

• Grants and Donations: We secure funding from NGOs, government grants, and international organizations to support project development and school infrastructure.
• Carbon Credits: Implementing zero-waste practices can potentially generate carbon credits, which can be traded for revenue. (Further research is needed to confirm the viability of carbon credits in this specific context.)
• Consulting Services: Expertise gained can be leveraged to offer paid consulting services to other institutions interested in adopting zero-waste practices.

Products and Services:

• Zero-Waste School Kits: We provide schools with composting bins, recycling bins, educational materials, and training workshops.
• Waste Management Training: We train school staff and students on waste segregation, composting, and responsible consumption.
• Waste Picker Engagement: We facilitate partnerships between schools and waste picker associations, ensuring proper waste collection.
• Advocacy & Awareness: We raise awareness of waste management and circular economy principles within communities.

Why They Want It:

• Schools: reduced waste disposal costs, improved hygiene, and a chance to contribute to environmental protection while providing practical education for students.
• Waste Pickers: A fair and stable source of income through reliable waste collection opportunities.
• Waste collection companies have access to a consistent stream of pre-sorted recyclables, improving efficiency and profitability.

Overall Impact:

This model fosters a win-win situation for all stakeholders. Schools become environmentally responsible, students gain valuable knowledge, waste pickers earn a livelihood, and waste collection companies improve efficiency. Ultimately, the project contributes to a cleaner environment and a more circular economy in Tanzania, mitigating carbon emissions for a sustainable future.

Mazingira Plus: A Multi-Faceted Approach to Financial Sustainability

Mazingira Plus is committed to achieving long-term financial sustainability for the Zero Waste Schools project. We're implementing a diversified funding strategy to ensure a stable financial future:

Funding Streams:
Grants and Donations: We actively seek grants from government agencies, environmental NGOs, and international organizations. We've already secured funding from NABU-INTERNATIONAL, which supported the initial pilot program at Kibasila High School, in Tanzania.
Carbon Credits (Future Potential): While the viability of carbon credits in this context requires further exploration, we're investigating their potential as a future revenue stream. Success stories include initiatives like the Zero Waste for Zero Waste Carbon Emission Project that will generate carbon credits through similar waste reduction efforts.
Consulting Services: As we gain expertise, we plan to offer paid consultancy services to other institutions seeking to implement zero-waste practices. This knowledge transfer can generate revenue while promoting wider adoption of the model.
Evidence of Success:
The initial grant from NABU - Foundation and NABU - International demonstrates the project's appeal to funders who recognize the value proposition of zero-waste schools.
Our pilot program successfully established partnerships with schools, waste pickers, and waste collection companies, validating the model's core functionalities.
Long-Term Vision:
Our long-term goal is for the revenue generated through consulting services and potentially carbon credits to cover the operational costs of the program.  Grant funding will continue to play a role in supporting project expansion and development.
Combination Approach:
We believe a combination of funding streams offers the most sustainable approach.  This allows us to adapt to changing circumstances and ensure the long-term viability of the Zero Waste Schools project.
By continuously demonstrating the project's impact and securing diverse funding sources, Mazingira Plus is confident in achieving financial sustainability and contributing to a cleaner, more sustainable future for Tanzania. But we attached a bank statement and financial evidence.