UNICEF launches “Let’s Go Green” initiative
The United Nations in Turkmenistan launches UNICEF championed “Let’s Go Green” initiative.
The United Nations in Turkmenistan has marked the International Earth Day by launching the first Green initiative, led by UNICEF’s green team and UNICEF Staff Association.
The first step was taken by UNICEF to support Greening the Blue initiative and ensuring an environment-conscious behaviour is practised across the office.
The UN family in Turkmenistan believes that these first steps will help to reduce the environmental impact and underscore their commitment to sustainable development.
An impetus to the initiative was receipt of the UNICEF Greening and Accessibility Fund (GrAF) which allowed to replace fluorescent lamps to LED and install occupancy sensors in the UN building. These measures would save up to 20% on electricity costs and reduce GHG emissions and environmental foot print of UN Building in Ashgabat.
As a follow up to UNICEF’s Greening and Accessibility project implementation, it was agreed to extend the Greening initiative to a larger format and engage all staff members of UN Turkmenistan in attaining even more environmentally friendly and efficient operations and to introduce Reduce-Reuse-Recycle efficient practices.
The Town Hall Meeting on April 18 led to discussions on importance of protection of nature and environmentally friendly behavior. The UN Country Team supported the Reduce-Reuse-Recycle philosophy and as a result, Donation Drive was installed to collect reusable clothes, books and toys, and other household items which will be sent to vulnerable families through local NGOs. A practice on waste paper collecting and recycling in the UN building has been established in cooperation with a local private company as a measure towards reducing and saving resources in the building.
On April 22 UN staff engaged in cleaning up of surroundings and plantation while staff’s children were engaged in craft session using recyclable materials.
These events inspired staff to go as green as possible by raising knowledge and awareness among children about the importance of respect for environment.
Media contacts
About UNICEF
UNICEF promotes the rights and wellbeing of every child, in everything we do. Together with our partners, we work in 190 countries and territories to translate that commitment into practical action, focusing special effort on reaching the most vulnerable and excluded children, to the benefit of all children, everywhere.
For more information about UNICEF and its work for children, visit www.unicef.org.
