At FUNDEMI Talita Kumi, We Say No to Disposables 

In line with its commitment to environmental sustainability, FUNDEMI Talita Kumi has taken another step toward caring for the planet by progressively eliminating the use of disposable cups and plates during student snack times. These have been replaced with reusable utensils as part of a strategy led by the students themselves to significantly reduce waste generation within the educational center located in San Pedro Carchá, Alta Verapaz, Guatemala. 

This action addresses a growing concern, as disposable products not only generate large volumes of waste but also release toxic substances that contaminate soil and water sources, severely affecting wildlife, oceans, and human health. Many of these items also contain harmful chemicals that can be absorbed by the body with each use. 

With this initiative, Talita Kumi not only promotes a cleaner and healthier environment but also fosters environmental awareness among its students, most of whom are young Q’eqchi’ from rural communities. By adopting these practices in their daily lives, they also become agents of change in their communities, where the overuse of disposables has become an alarming trend. 

Small actions—such as using reusable utensils—can have a significant impact. At Talita Kumi, the daily choices of its students reflect a genuine commitment to building a more sustainable future.