“I was frequently amazed by the beauty of the natural world around me, but I was also concerned about the growing signs of environmental degradation,” shares Ruth Tanui as she reflects on the beginnings of her environmental advocacy journey. The 22 year old environmentalist from Kenya actively serves as the Co-founder of Mviringo Africa, is a leader within Captain Planet Foundation’s Planeteer Alliance, and is a member of the 2024 UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Policy Cohort.
Within the UNEP Tide Turners Plastic Policy Cohort, Tanui has been focused on addressing improper disposal of plastic food packaging at a university in Eastern Africa. Her team found that, although there is legislation in place which advises proper disposal of plastic waste, these policies are not being implemented effectively, resulting in drainage blockages which have caused considerable environmental damage and health dangers.
“This [cohort] has provided me with a greater understanding of the complexities of policy creation and implementation, as well as effective advocacy techniques and connections to a network of environmental experts and activists,” says Tanui.
Using what she learned from the cohort, Tanui is advocating for enforcement of the National Sustainable Waste Management Act (2021), the Nairobi City Council Plastic Control Act (2006) and the Plastic Waste Management Regulations. “Our approach includes working at all stages of the policy cycle, from problem characterization and agenda setting to policy preparation, adoption, implementation, and evaluation.”
Tanui strongly identifies her interests with the WIND element– which represents the potential circularity of resources and the economy. It was her interest in environmental circularity that led her to create Mviringo Africa– meaning “a circle” in Swahili– with fellow Planeteer, Natalie Bullut. Mviringo Africa seeks to create a future in which human activities align with natural cycles and contribute to a balanced and sustainable environment, resulting in resilient communities and ecosystems.
“Through Mviringo Africa, I advocated for and implemented circular economy solutions to rethink consumer habits, brought communities and businesses together to tackle plastic pollution, and empowered individuals through education and innovation to become environmental change-makers.”
In September, Tanui represented Captain Planet Foundation at Africa Climate Week in Nairobi, Kenya. She also helped host the Advanced Policy Training in November 2023, and most recently represented Captain Planet Foundation at the United Nations Civil Society Conference in May 2024.
“Through my experiences, accomplishments, and future goals, I intend to serve as a compelling example of how personal passion can be used to promote real change,” Tanui shares. She wants to remind young people everywhere that each of us has the ability to make a difference if we work together and commit to our passions.