In Teyateyaneng, a small town in Berea, a group of resourceful youths has turned an environmental problem into an agricultural solution. Under the banner of “Bach ba Apollo,” these innovative young people are recycling plastic bottles to create greenhouses, aiming to combat the challenges of waste management and climate change.
Mr. Kamohelo Thokoane, one of the pioneers of the Bach ba Apollo greenhouse project, spoke to the Agency about the group’s passion for agriculture. He explained that for a long time, climate change has hindered their agricultural efforts, making crop production a difficult task. Despite these challenges, the youths were determined to find a way to continue their agricultural pursuits.
The idea came to them when they noticed the overwhelming amount of single-use plastic bottles littering their community. These bottles not only contributed to environmental pollution but also represented a waste of resources. Recognizing this, the group decided to unite and tackle two problems at once: waste disposal and agricultural sustainability. They began collecting the plastic bottles with the intention of reusing them to build a greenhouse.
Mr. Thokoane emphasized that this initiative not only reduces plastic waste but also offers a solution to the unpredictable climate conditions that have been affecting local farmers. By using recycled bottles to construct the greenhouse, the group has been able to create a controlled environment that supports crop production, offering a potential solution for both food security and environmental conservation.
This creative approach demonstrates how innovation and environmental responsibility can go hand in hand. The Bach ba Apollo youth group is proving that with determination and resourcefulness, even waste can be transformed into a valuable asset for the community. Their project is a shining example of how young people in Lesotho are contributing to solving some of the country’s pressing environmental and agricultural challenges.
