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
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
Additional prizes will be announced closer to the closing date. Winner will be announced by March 18th 2026.
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
