Carla Bacus:
Empowering Communities for a Cleaner, Greener Future

As part of our "Voices of Circular Economy" series, Eco Kolek is thrilled to introduce Carla Bacus, our dedicated Community Organizer, a board passer on Licensure Examination for Teachers with a major in Social Studies. Carla brings a wealth of passion and experience to Eco Kolek, where she will work closely with impact communities to drive essential waste segregation efforts and educate residents on the importance of reducing plastic waste.

"True change starts at the grassroots level by organizing and mobilizing the people who are most affected by the waste crisis," Carla explains. "My role is to empower our local collectors to unite as a strong, organized force that can demand better opportunities and a cleaner environment."

Empowering Local Collectors and Communities

Carla's core mission is to empower local waste collectors by helping them organize and lead their communities in tackling the growing waste crisis. Through her work, she will facilitate initiatives aimed at waste segregation, plastic reduction, and community education, providing residents with the knowledge and tools they need to improve waste management practices.

At Eco Kolek, we understand that grassroots involvement is key to building sustainable solutions. As a Community Organizer, Carla’s role focuses on mobilizing individuals and groups most directly impacted by waste and pollution. By working directly with these communities, Carla will help them recognize their potential as agents of change, equipping them to take ownership of waste management efforts and demand better opportunities for their families and neighborhoods.

Her work will not only address immediate waste segregation needs but will also help create long-term change by instilling the values of sustainability and environmental stewardship at the local level. Carla’s hands-on approach will allow Eco Kolek to build a strong foundation of community-driven environmental advocacy that can spread across the region.

Building a Strong, Organized Force for Change

Carla is passionate about the power of community unity. She believes that when individuals come together with a common purpose, they can achieve transformative results. Her work will center on building unity among local waste collectors, helping them form strong networks that can advocate for better working conditions, more opportunities, and a cleaner environment. This unity, Carla believes, is essential to the success of sustainable waste management and the broader goals of the circular economy.

"By organizing local collectors and fostering a sense of collective responsibility, we can create an environment where they feel empowered to take action and demand change," Carla says. "When these communities come together, they can start to see themselves as key players in solving the waste crisis, not just passive recipients of services."

Through her work, Carla will help these communities navigate the complexities of waste management, offering them practical guidance on how to separate and manage waste effectively. She will also advocate for the better treatment and recognition of waste collectors, ensuring they have access to fair wages, social protection, and the support they need to thrive.

Driving Education and Awareness

Another vital aspect of Carla’s role is educating communities about the harmful effects of plastic pollution and the importance of waste segregation. Education, Carla believes, is the first step in creating a circular economy where waste is seen as a resource rather than a problem. By increasing awareness and providing practical solutions for everyday waste management, Carla aims to inspire lasting changes in behavior at the community level.

Carla’s work will also help integrate plastic waste reduction into community efforts, encouraging residents to make small but meaningful changes in their daily lives. From reducing single-use plastics to adopting better waste disposal methods, these collective actions can lead to a cleaner, greener environment for all.

Looking Ahead

With Carla joining Eco Kolek, we are excited about the potential for community-driven change. Her passion for empowering local communities, her dedication to waste management education, and her focus on creating lasting solutions will play a critical role in our ongoing mission to foster a sustainable circular economy.

As Eco Kolek continues to expand its reach, Carla’s work will be vital in strengthening the foundation of local leadership in environmental advocacy. Through strong, organized communities, we can build a future where waste is managed responsibly, and the environment is preserved for generations to come.