In a creative effort to combat plastic pollution and promote sustainability, the National Staff Union at the Office of the United Nations Special Coordinator for Lebanon (UNSCOL) transformed 89 kilograms of discarded security uniforms into 80 reusable tote bags.

The initiative, launched to celebrate World Environment Day, aligns with the global #BeatPlasticPollution campaign of the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), which advocates alternatives to single-use plastics.

Lebanon faces serious environmental challenges, ranking 124th out of 180 countries in the 2024 Environmental Performance Index. As plastic waste continues to burden the country, initiatives like this highlight the urgent need for sustainable solutions at both the national and institutional levels.

The tote bags were distributed to UNSCOL staff, encouraging them to replace plastic bags with durable, eco-friendly alternatives. The project reduced waste and raised awareness of the importance of upcycling to give discarded materials a second life.

Special Coordinator Jeanine Hennis-Plasschaert described the initiative as an “excellent example of staff-driven resourcefulness”. She expressed hope that it would be part of broader moves throughout Lebanon to curb plastic pollution.

Rony Maalouly, Head of UNSCOL’s National Staff Union, who spearheaded the initiative, expressed pride in the project's success.

“This initiative reflects our commitment to sustainability and environmental responsibility. Transforming old uniforms into functional tote bags is just the beginning. We are already planning more eco-friendly projects for next year, reinforcing our dedication to reducing waste and promoting a greener workplace. It is inspiring to see how small actions can lead to positive change, and we hope this project encourages others to adopt sustainable practices.”