Reclaiming Tradition, Reimagining Sustainability: Addis Abeba Welcomes A Plastic-Free Guide

On July 7, 2025, the heart of Addis Ababa beat with renewed purpose as Yezembil-melse , in collaboration with Eco-Justice Ethiopia, unveiled the much-anticipated Plastic-Free Guide to Addis Abeba. The launch gathering welcomed over 100 guests, including youth leaders, climate activists, artisans, policymakers and Addis residents from all walks of life; all unified by a single vision: to chart a path toward a plastic-free future by reclaiming Ethiopia’s sustainable heritage.

Rooted in the belief that solutions don’t have to be imported, the guide developed by Lem Ketema uplifts locally made, time-honored alternatives to plastic. These are celebrated not as nostalgic artifacts but as modern, practical solutions to a global environmental crisis.

The event opened with remarks from H.E. Engineer Lelise Neme, Director General of the Environmental Protection Authority, FDRE Environmental Protection Authority, who emphasized how plastic reduction is deeply tied to public health, environmental resilience, and national productivity.

A brief panel discussion followed, featuring voices from the frontlines of Ethiopia’s sustainability movement: Seble Samuel, Eskedar Awgichew E., Mahlet Teklemariam, and Dr. Roba Mideksa, MD, MPH Candidate. Their conversation tackled the environmental and health impacts of plastic and microplastic pollution while showcasing innovative, homegrown solutions that blend tradition, entrepreneurship, and policy advocacy. Eskedar Awgichew E., Executive Director of Eco-Justice Ethiopia, highlighted that real, lasting change in plastic use starts with changing our everyday habits.

At its core, the Plastic-Free Guide is more than a directory; it’s a rallying cry for action. It invites individuals, businesses, and institutions to rethink their relationship with plastic and embrace the tools and knowledge already embedded in Ethiopian culture.

As the event concluded, one message rang clear: Ethiopia doesn’t need to look far for solutions- it simply needs to remember, revive, and reimagine. The future of sustainable living is already here.

📘 You can access the digital copy of the guide here: https://lnkd.in/e9cemYJN

This guide is intended to be a living document. Its inaugural edition, endorsed by over 28 organizations, marks only the beginning. We warmly invite feedback, suggested additions, and new contributions for future iterations. Please share your input with Lem Ketema or Eco-Justice Ethiopia as we continue to evolve this resource together.
As this movement grows, so must our global ambition. We also continue to call on negotiators in the INC process to deliver a robust plastics treaty—one that uplifts local innovation, protects frontline communities, and accelerates real change.