Inspired by Plastic Free Foundation’s global Plastic Free July campaign, IAMovement dedicated the entire month of July 2024 to raising awareness about the detrimental impacts of single use plastics and promoting sustainable alternatives, through a series of educational initiatives and practical advocacy efforts. Plastic Free July is a global movement that helps millions of people be part of the solution to plastic pollution, so society can have cleaner streets, oceans, and beautiful communities.

Over the month of July, IAMovement shared valuable insights on various social media platforms, on reducing single use plastics and making informed decisions when purchasing products. These efforts aimed to educate the public on their individual contributions to single use plastic waste and empower them with the knowledge needed to minimize their environmental footprint.

The highlight of IAMovement’s Plastic Free month campaign was the unveiling of a symbolic moko jumbie character, crafted from single use plastics. The costume, created by Jillian Fournillier of Moko Love TT, incorporated single use plastic bottles, bags, egg cartons, forks, hair curlers, and bottle caps from IAMovement’s single use plastic waste collection intended to be recycled, plastic chips from Flying Tree, and other miscellaneous plastic waste. Jillian helps bring together youth from in and around areas such as Laventille to practice and learn the art of being a moko jumbie. She currently does this without any type of funding and supports the boys as best as she can.

This emblematic artwork was unveiled on July 25th, 2024, and embarked on a journey through the Brian Lara Promenade in Port of Spain. Kareem Turner aka ‘LittleJabsTT’ brought the moko jumbie character to life, engaging bystanders with his theatrical dancing. Kareem is a moko from the Laventille area, who also helps train other youths interested in the art. Walking alongside the moko jumbie was a sign that read “It’s just one plastic bottle, said 1,500,00 people”.

The moko jumbie walk culminated in a memorable moment when the moko jumbie character was photographed alongside the Deputy Mayor of Port of Spain, Abena Hartley, symbolizing a shared effort to address the plastic pollution crisis. This visual representation is not just about creating awareness, it’s about inspiring action. By turning everyday waste into a thought-provoking piece of art, the campaign aimed to spark conversations and encourage sustainable habits that contribute to a cleaner, healthier environment for every living organism on earth.