Kids Against Plastic (KAP) is a UK-based, youth-led charity dedicated to educating and empowering children and young people to take action against environmental issues, particularly plastic pollution.
I. Founding and Core Mission
Kids Against Plastic (KAP) was co-founded by sisters Amy and Ella when they were just 12 and 10 years old, respectively, in 2016. Their activism began out of a shared concern about the volume of single-use plastic being used and littered, and its devastating impact on the environment and wildlife.
The Aims of KAP:
- Education: Helping young people (and adults) learn about critical environmental issues, such as plastic pollution and the Climate Crisis.
- Empowerment: Using free resources, initiatives, and their dedicated club to inspire and empower others to take direct action.
- Action: Promoting the belief that the biggest barrier to overcoming the issues especially plastic pollution is the assumption that someone else will take the necessary action.
KAP is officially recognized as a Registered Charity (1179917), solidifying its commitment to its youth-led, non-profit mission.
II. Key Initiatives and Campaigns
KAP’s work is highly action-oriented, providing structured programs for young individuals and entire educational institutions.
A. Programs for Kids and Young People
These initiatives are designed to turn environmental awareness into tangible action:
- The KAP Club: A central hub for young "changemakers and advocates for our environment." Membership requires a safe and secure two-step registration process, including parental consent, to ensure it is a safe community for children and young people.
- KAP Connect: Weekly Zoom meetings for members to connect, share ideas, and motivate each other.
- Badges & Rewards: A system to recognize and encourage participation and achievement in environmental challenges.
- Ali's 1 Million Litter Pick Campaign: An ongoing effort encouraging members to contribute to a collective goal of picking up one million pieces of litter. The campaign uses a Litter Logging App and an online map to track progress and share results.
- KAPtat Campaign: This initiative focuses on the issue of Action Against Biodiversity Loss through a dedicated campaign, encouraging community involvement in local environmental action.
- Action Academy: An online youth empowerment course designed to teach young people the skills needed to organize and execute their own environmental projects.
- Action Against Plastic Gum: A specific campaign aimed at tackling the pervasive issue of littered chewing gum.
6 Reasons Not to Drink Bottled Water
B. Resources for Schools and Educators
A core part of KAP’s strategy involves providing fully resourced and free initiatives that schools can implement to reduce their environmental footprint and educate their students:
- Plastic Clever Schools: This program is for schools dedicated to reducing their use of "avoidable plastics" in four key areas: straws, single-use bottles, plastic packaging, and single-use coffee cups.
- Nature Clever Schools: Designed to help schools measure and reduce their overall environmental impact, aligning school operations with environmental responsibility.
- Environmental Action Teams: A ready-made resource packed with a year's worth of ideas and resources for a weekly lunchtime or after-school club, saving busy Eco Leaders significant planning time.
- Letter Writing Scheme of Work: An educational resource that teaches students how to use their voices effectively by writing to businesses and governments to demand change.
- Environmental Action Awards: A scheme recognizing schools and students for their proactive efforts in tackling environmental issues.
III. Engagement and Advocacy
KAP is more than a resource provider; it is an active voice in the fight against pollution. The founders, Amy and Ella, have presented their work at major platforms like TEDx and frequently engage with media, demonstrating that age is no barrier to advocacy.
The organization's advocacy focuses on practical, common-sense solutions, encouraging a shift away from the reliance on single-use plastics and promoting sustainable consumption habits for both individuals and large companies. They understand that young people must not wait for adults to solve the issues but must take ownership of Earth's future today.
They have also published a book called:
"Be Plastic Clever"
In summary, Kids Against Plastic (KAP) is a unique and impactful organization, built by young people for young people, providing the education, inspiration, and structured opportunities needed to empower a generation of environmental activists. Their work is a compelling example of youth leadership in tackling worldwide challenges.
