By: Maria Victória Pessoa, Brazil
Every great environmental change begins with a simple decision. For me, that decision was to replace disposable plastic cups with reusable ones and invite my community to do the same.
Plastic pollution is one of the greatest threats facing marine ecosystems. Although many people associate it to beaches, the reality is that much of the plastic found in the sea begins its journey far from the coast. For instance, a disposable cup dropped on the street can be carried through storm drains into rivers and eventually make its way to the ocean.
Understanding this became the foundation of my campaign.
Rather than focusing only on cleaning up waste, I wanted to prevent it from the source by encouraging people to replace disposable cups with reusable ones.
As an Ambassador for Brazilian Scouts and the Planeteer Alliance, I have always believed that young people have the power to create real change. This belief inspired me to develop Changing the Tide, a four-month community campaign supported by the Planeteer Alliance Season of Solutions.
The project was implemented in Fortaleza, Ceará, Brazil, with students, Scouts, educators, and community members.
The campaign combined environmental education with practical solutions. From educational talks, interactive activities, awareness campaigns to discussions about the importance of protecting marine ecosystems and achieving Sustainable Development Goal 14 – Life Below Water.
At the same time, reusable cups were distributed so that participants could immediately adopt a more sustainable habit.
Throughout the campaign, baseline, mid-project, and final surveys were conducted to assess behavioral changes and measure the project’s impact. This approach ensured that the project was based not only on good intentions, but also on measurable evidence.
One participant shared:
“I never imagined that such a small change could make such a big difference in protecting the environment.”
Another participant commented:
“Now I always carry my reusable cup with me. It has become part of my daily routine.”
These reflections showed that environmental education becomes much more powerful when people have the opportunity to immediately put their new knowledge into practice.
The Power of Youth Leadership
One of the most inspiring aspects of this experience was seeing young people become leaders within their own communities.
Students encouraged their peers, Scouts inspired other Scouts, and families began discussing sustainable habits at home. The project created a ripple effect in which each participant became an ambassador for positive environmental change.
As young people, we are often told that we are the future. During this campaign, I realized that we are also the present. We already have the ability to influence our communities through creativity, collaboration, and action.
Planeteer Alliance Season of Solutions
Lessons learned
Leading this project taught me that successful environmental campaigns require much more than good ideas.
Planning, communication, teamwork, adaptability, and listening to community feedback were essential throughout the entire process. Every challenge became an opportunity to improve the project and strengthen my leadership skills.
Perhaps the greatest lesson was understanding that lasting change begins with everyday habits. A reusable cup may seem like a small object, but it represents a much greater commitment to protecting our planet.
Connecting Local Action to Global Change
Being part of the Planeteer Alliance reminded me that local actions contribute to global solutions.
Although my project took place in a Brazilian community, its purpose is directly connected to global efforts to reduce plastic pollution, protect marine biodiversity, and empower young climate leaders.
Climate action is not limited to major international agreements. It also happens in classrooms, Scout meetings, community projects, and the everyday decisions we make.
Looking Ahead
Changing the Tide is only the start of a bigger journey.
The campaign demonstrated that combining education with practical alternatives can inspire long-term behavioral change. More importantly, it showed that young people are capable of designing, implementing, and evaluating impactful environmental solutions.
I hope this project encourages other Planeteers to look at the challenges within their own communities and remember that meaningful change often begins with a simple action.
Whether it is carrying a reusable cup, organizing an educational event, or inspiring a friend to adopt a more sustainable habit, every action matters.
Together, we can truly change the tide for our oceans.
“Changing the Tide begins with small everyday choices.” — Changing the Tide Campaign – Maria Victoria