Sustainability is one of the pillars of the 24th World Scout Jamboree and one of the top priority challenges of world Scouting as well as the world in general. During these two weeks, there will be more than 35,000 Scouts at the jamboree site; imagine the huge impact we can have if each of us does something to help reduce our collective footprint.
Get ready to learn more about sustainable practices and to bring them back home!
Sustainability Pledge
We invite each participant, IST, unit leader, and CMT member to be as sustainable as possible while at the jamboree, starting by making this pledge:
I will take individual responsibility to limit my impact on the environment at the Summit Bechtel Reserve during the 24th World Scout Jamboree:
- Before the jamboree, I will learn about “Leave No Trace” and sustainability principles and how to practice them at the jamboree. I will not bring materials that would be discarded at the campsite.
- I will always keep in mind the principles of “reduce, reuse, and recycle.” I will reduce the waste I produce and recycle as much as I can, according to the local regulations.
- I will participate in the Sustainability Award and learn what I can do to reduce my impact while at the jamboree. I will explore the different program activities related to this topic.
- I will pick up the trash I see at the jamboree, and encourage others and set an example for others.
- I understand that being “green” takes my personal effort and is sometimes inconvenient.
- I will take back home what I learn here and use it wherever I can.
Recycling Plan
A Scout always plans ahead! And with so much to do, we will need to follow our sustainability plan carefully. Please help us to make sure we recycle as much as possible and throw away as little as possible.
When You Arrive
When unpacking your provided unit equipment (a large box), separate the shrink-wrap and take it to your base camp Recycling Center that is near your Jamboree Unit Food Market. Dispose of it in the single container there designated for shrink-wrap. Do not place any other items in this particular container. Expect to be informed by your subcamp Recycle Ranger (an IST member of the Green Team) when and where training for recycling and trash management within the campsite will take place.
IMPORTANT: Select an adult leader and Scout from your unit to attend this training. They will be responsible for instilling the Green Team Recycling Plan in the unit and will provide oversight for its continuous implementation while at the jamboree.
During the Jamboree
First, remember to reduce your waste as much as possible. Then try to reuse or repurpose it. Last but not least, recycle!
Do not forget to bring a reusable cup and water bottle. These small items will reduce a significant amount of trash and the need for single-use plastics. Let us be a role model for a sustainable society.
Waste Separation and Recycling
There are three categories into which we need to separate our waste:
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- Mixed recyclables (recyclable) — transparent bag
- Trash/food waste (non-recyclable) — black bag
- Cardboard (recyclable) — goes back to the Jamboree Unit Food Market
Base Camp Recycling Centers
Each unit will need to set up its own unit recycling center in its campsite for waste categories 1 and 2. After each meal (or whenever else these containers are full), your designated Green Team Scouts and adult leader will inspect the containers before bringing them to the base camp Recycling Center near the Jamboree Unit Food Market. The wagon is the best way to transport these containers.
IMPORTANT: All waste must be removed from the campsite after meals to prevent animals from going through your waste. The subcamp Recycle Ranger at the base camp Recycling Center will inspect your unit’s containers and give you permission to unload the contents into the large collection containers. If your wagon does not follow the official separation requirements, you will not pass the inspection and you may need to return to your campsite. Recycle Rangers are there to help you learn the process and teach you why these separation rules are so important.
IMPORTANT: Recyclables must go in their designated containers and cannot be left on the ground. Remember that cardboard does not go to the Recycling Center. If you have any questions, please ask a member of the Green Team. You can find them at the Recycling Centers and they will visit your campsites on your first day. Remember that a Scout leaves every place better than how they found it!
When Not in Your Campsite
Around Centro Mondial there will be plenty of trash and mixed recyclables containers clearly labeled. Please use them, sorting your waste correctly. Remember, we must do this correctly if we do not want all of our waste to go to the landfill.
Waste containers are not provided in program areas and on trails. Everyone is expected to take responsibility for their own waste. This means collecting all of it in your backpack and taking it to a recycling center or back to your campsite at the end of the day. Please pick up any waste you see out of place.
Before Leaving the Jamboree
Scouts always leave their campsite better than as they found it. Please review the departure instructions for what you need to do before leaving your campsite.
The Jamboree Sustainability Award
If you are wondering what else you can do apart from recycling within your unit, the Sustainability Award will challenge you to be as sustainable as possible in order to become a green hero! Discover what you can do to be more environmentally friendly, learn about global issues related to sustainability, and find out what you can do when you go back home.
The Sustainability Award will be obtained through Novus: The Jamboree Wide Game. This is done by completing a series of challenges related to topics such as biodiversity conservation, waste management, water, plastics usage, food, and energy.
Explore how easy it is to have a huge collective positive effect if each one of us takes individual responsibility for reducing our impact while at the Jamboree. If you want to learn more about this special award, visit the Sustainability Treehouse.