4-H Trinidad and Tobago Inspires Environmental Action Through the Eco Heroes Recycling Project
by Natasha Lee
The spirit of environmental stewardship and youth leadership was on full display as members of The Greenzees 4-H Club of Exchange R.C., Earth Savers 4-H Club of Carapichaima A.C., Green Thumb Growers of Carapichaima A.S.J.A and Palmiste Government 4-H Club participated in the exciting Eco Heroes Recycling Project, an initiative designed to educate young people about sustainable living through the 5Rs of Recycling – Refuse, Reduce, Repair, Reuse, and Recycle.
The project was inspired by the work of We Stand for Green 4-H Club (WES-4G), the 4-H Club at Five Rivers Secondary, a team dedicated to environmental awareness, mentorship, and community development. Building on the success of the Eco-Hero Team, which earned Tunapuna Presbyterian, First Place in the Primary Category of the Young Scientist Regional Competition 2025–2026 for its campaign encouraging students to reduce single-use plastics, the outreach programme sought to inspire positive environmental action among school-aged children. This project was spearheaded by Mrs. Antoinette Browne-Kissoon, AAIII Ag. at the Minsitry of Agriculture and Fisheries and Ms. Jeanette Browne, 4-H Voluntary Leader, We Stand for Green 4-H Club (WES-4G), Five Rivers Secondary.
At the heart of the initiative were three young environmental superheroes: Eco Girl, Eco Boy, and Captain Recycle. These colourful characters brought the message of environmental responsibility to life, encouraging children to become everyday heroes by making simple choices that help protect the planet. They are supported by their teacher Mrs. Allison Ramasar, Tunapuna Presbyterian. Dressed in their superhero costumes, Eco Girl, Eco Boy, and Captain Recycle taught students about reducing waste, avoiding single-use plastics, and adopting environmentally friendly habits. Their interactive presentations transformed important environmental lessons into memorable experiences for children of all ages.
The project aligns closely with the 4-H mission of developing responsible citizens and empowering young people to make meaningful contributions to their communities. Through engaging activities, environmental education, and creative outreach, participants demonstrated that young people can be powerful advocates for positive change. Throughout the project, participants learned the importance of the 5Rs:
• Refuse – Say no to unnecessary waste and single-use plastics.
• Reduce – Use fewer resources and minimise waste.
• Repair – Fix damaged items instead of discarding them.
• Reuse – Find new purposes for items before throwing them away.
• Recycle – Properly sort and recycle materials to conserve resources.
Students also promoted the use of bamboo spoons and reusable packaging as practical alternatives to disposable plastic utensils, demonstrating that small changes can have a significant environmental impact. Students also made their own reusable shopping bags from old t-shirts. 4-Hers shared on this activity: “The future of our environment depends on the choices we make today,” said Kayla John. “As 4-H members, we want to encourage other young people to become Eco Heroes and help keep Trinidad and Tobago clean and green.” Myles Augustus shared, “I learned that recycling is important, but refusing and reducing waste are just as important. We can all make a difference by changing our daily habits.” Club leaders praised the enthusiasm and commitment shown by the young people involved in the project. “The Eco Heroes Recycling Project demonstrates the very best of what 4-H stands for,” remarked Mrs. Natasha Lee, President 4-HTT and Voluntary Leader of The Greenzees 4-H Club. “Our members are learning by doing, developing leadership skills, and serving their communities while helping to protect the environment.”
For 4-H members, environmental stewardship is more than a project—it is a commitment to putting the 4-H pledge into action. Through initiatives such as the Eco Heroes Recycling Project, young people are using their heads to think critically about environmental challenges, their hearts to care for their communities, their hands to serve others, and their health to build a better future.
As Eco Girl, Eco Boy, and Captain Recycle continue their mission across schools and communities, they remind us that everyone has the power to be an Eco Hero. By practicing the 5Rs every day, young people can help create cleaner communities, healthier environments, and a more sustainable future for generations to come. After all, every hero starts with one simple action—and every recycled item is a step toward a greener tomorrow.