Open to ages 8–17 in Antigua & Barbuda
📅 Deadline: March 11th, 2026
In celebration of Global Recycling Day on 18th March 2026, the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation invites young writers to explore creative solutions to plastic waste and environmental sustainability. This competition gives youth a platform to research, reflect, and propose ideas that can make a real difference locally.
Plastic waste is a global problem with local impact. Students are invited to think critically about how waste can become an opportunity for innovation and change. We are looking for innovative solutions for NO Plastic NO Waste and how Antigua & Barbuda can learn from the rest of the world.
Research one country anywhere in the world that has an effective recycling or waste-reduction initiative.
Explain how this initiative works and how a similar approach could be applied in Antigua & Barbuda to reduce plastic waste. Remember to think outside the box!
Your submission MUST be your original work
Please do not put your name in the body of your essay
Submissions must be made in English
Typed and submitted as PDF or Word document
Word count:
8–12: 300–500 words
13–17: 500–700 words
One entry per participant
We are excited to announce the winners of its Global Recycling Day Essay Writing Competition 2026, held under the theme “Don’t Think Waste. Think Opportunity!”
8-12 Category
1st Prize goes to Kaelem Gardner (Christian Union Pre & Junior Academy), Top Left
Special Recognition goes to Logan Henry (Five Islands Primary School)
13-17 Category
Most Structured Essay goes to Zende Hazelwood (St. Anthony’s Secondary School), Top Right
Most Creative Essay goes to Sanaa Simon (Christ the King High School), Bottom Left
Special Recognition goes to India Walker-Jacobs (Christ the King High School, Bottom Right
Prizes were generously sponsored by Scooteroo, South Coast Horizon, Tropical Adventures, Adventure Antigua, SWASH Waterpark, and The Gifted Ribbon, including eco-tours, school packages, waterpark passes, and custom tumblers.
Each winning essay will receive:
One published blog post featured on the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation website
Excerpts of the winning essay shared on our social media platforms
An award certificate
WINNER of the 8-12 Category: Class prize of Electric Scooter Fun for the entire class. Includes 6 Electric Scooters compliments of ScooterRoo & & Eco Adventure day with South Coast Horizon SPECIAL RECOGNITION WINNER of the 8-12 Category: 2 free children passes to Swash Waterpark
WINNER of the 13-17 Category: Gift certificate for 2 to Adventure Antigua’s Eco Tour, Gift certificate for 2 to the Excellence Circumnavigation Cruise. SPECIAL RECOGNITION WINNER of the 13-17 Category: A custom Tumbler compliments of the Gifted Ribbon.
Winners will be announced on March 18th 2026.
Our Prize Sponsors
Complete the submission form below and upload your essay before the deadline. A confirmation email will be sent once your entry has been successfully received.
By submitting an entry, participants and parents/guardians confirm that:
The essay is original work
Permission is granted for winning entries or excerpts to be published on the West Indies Sail Heritage Foundation website and social media platforms for educational and promotional purpose
