Voices of Youth: Zero Plastic Era by Steven Fanuel Otieno

Voices of Youth is a segment amplifying the lived experiences of young people with climate-related events. It is a vital space for youth to share their firsthand observations of environmental changes, the impact on their communities, and their aspirations for sustainable solutions. Their narrations highlight the urgency for decisive action from authorities, advocating for policies and initiatives that address the climate crisis and safeguard their future.

My name is Steven Fanuel Otieno, aka Mr. Zero Plastics and I am the Manager and Coordinator at Baha Madzo Gadze for Charity. I focus on organizing environmental campaigns, particularly aimed at reducing plastic waste and educating communities about sustainability. This work is more than just a job to me—it’s a mission to confront the very real and escalating threats to our environment and our future.

I’ve had the privilege of successfully leading multiple Zero Plastic Era Campaign events and engaging in significant community cleanups. But as proud as I am of these accomplishments, I can’t ignore the unsettling reality that they only scratch the surface of what needs to be done. Despite our best efforts, plastic waste continues to choke our ecosystems, and many communities remain unaware of the simple actions they could take to help mitigate this crisis.

I’ve personally felt the harsh impacts of climate-related crises, like floods and droughts, which have become more frequent and severe in recent years. These experiences are not just statistics or news headlines—they are a stark reminder of the fragility of our environment. Each time I witness the destruction left in the wake of a flood or the desperation brought on by a drought, I am reminded of how urgent it is to act. It’s this urgency that drives my sense of responsibility and commitment to leading environmental initiatives. 

There is hope, yes—but that hope is fragile and contingent on our collective action. The gaps we face—insufficient community awareness, a lack of resources for sustainable practices, and inadequate policy enforcement—are daunting. These are not abstract challenges; they are the very real barriers standing between us and a sustainable future. If we don’t address them now, the consequences will be severe, and the window for meaningful change will continue to close.

As a young person, I feel an acute sense of concern for what lies ahead. Our generation stands at a crossroads. We can either take up the mantle of leadership in the greening process or risk inheriting an increasingly uninhabitable planet. The potential for youth to gain from the greening process is immense, but it requires us to be proactive. We need to engage in green businesses, promote eco-friendly products, participate in clean energy projects, and innovate solutions to the environmental challenges we face. 

This is not just about securing economic opportunities—it’s about securing our future. Every day that passes without action is a day that we move closer to irreversible environmental damage. We can’t afford to wait any longer. The time to act is now.