“Young female environmentalists from Konjic say: ‘Our mission is to preserve the future through the proper disposal of e-waste.’”

“Prva osnovna škola Konjic has actively joined the project of proper e-waste disposal, raising the question: Why is it crucial that old appliances and batteries do not end up in our rivers, and what role do the youngest have in environmental protection? About the motives for joining the e-waste disposal project, as well as the biological dangers hidden in old devices, we spoke with biology teacher Edna Delalić and members of the environmental section.”

“In response to the question of what motivated the school to take this step, teacher Delalić emphasizes that the safety of the local community is always a priority.”

“Our school is always actively involved in environmental projects. Our main goal is the safety and health of our fellow citizens, and above all, our children. It is very important to provide the public with information about what e-waste actually is, because many people do not know where and how it is disposed of, nor that this waste can be reused through recycling,” Delalić emphasizes.

“Biological hazard: What happens when e-waste ends up in nature?”

“As a biology expert, Delalić warns that electronic devices are not ordinary waste. In nature, they become a ‘ticking time bomb’ for our respiratory system.”

“What many people do not know is that this waste releases many harmful substances that are dangerous once they enter nature. They reduce the amount of oxygen, and inhaling these substances can lead to serious respiratory problems. This is where allergies, bronchitis, and asthma occur. A single small battery that we throw away can cause permanent damage to our bodies,” the teacher warns.

“Students as agents of change”

“A special emphasis in the project is placed on younger generations, who, according to the teacher, often know more about environmental protection than adults.”

“We should have the greatest influence on younger populations, which is why students are the carriers of these projects. They are the ones who spread good habits until they become natural and part of everyday life. We constantly talk about this in class, and they have no doubts—they know exactly what e-waste is and directly ask questions,” she said.

“Instructions for fellow citizens: Do not dispose of devices on your own!”

“The teacher took the opportunity to issue an important appeal to all residents of Konjic who are planning a spring cleaning of their homes:”

“Save e-waste: Do not throw old appliances into attics, basements, or, worst of all, into nature.”

“Organized collection: In cooperation with the public utility company ‘Standard’, collection will be organized to a specific location at a designated time.”

“Small and large waste: Small e-waste can be brought to the school, while large waste (such as household appliances) will be collected by a ‘Standard’ truck and taken directly to the company ZEOS for recycling.”

“Voice of young environmentalists”

“Students of Prva osnovna škola Konjic, members of the environmental section under the mentorship of teacher Edna Delalić, have become true ambassadors of environmental protection. Ajša Halilović emphasizes that the key to success lies in informing the population, which is why the students also created a special survey.”

“We want to find out how familiar our fellow citizens actually are with the concept of e-waste and its harmful effects. I learned that improper disposal directly damages our respiratory system and organs. It is important that this topic is promoted everywhere—from kindergartens to schools—so that the importance of nature conservation is instilled in children from an early age. After the project, we will repeat the survey to see how successful we have been in encouraging citizens,” says Ajša.

“For Alma Nožić, this project is a way to preserve the beauty of Konjic for generations to come:”

“It is important that e-waste is disposed of properly in order to protect our future. We want to remind people of the beauty that surrounds us and that we should not destroy it, but rather restore it. We invite all parents and citizens to bring small e-waste to our school, and soon we will also announce the schedules for collecting large waste in cooperation with ‘Standard’,” she said.

“Anisa Kadić and Elhana Šljivo emphasize the importance of activism and the visibility of the campaign itself in the city.”

“Our wish is for students to be the main carriers of this initiative. With the help of our teachers, we want to encourage the entire community to get involved and collect as much e-waste as possible,” says Anisa Kadić.

“Elhana Šljivo adds: We have also prepared special signs and flyers with information about what e-waste actually is. They will be placed throughout the city so that all passers-by can learn more and join our campaign.”

“With the opening of an info desk yesterday in the school lobby, Prva osnovna škola Konjic once again demonstrated the power of collective action. While small waste is already being collected, a special pickup for larger items is being prepared in cooperation with the public utility company ‘Standard’—the exact time and location of the collection, as stated by members of the environmental section, will be announced next week.”

Source of text and photos: Radio Konjic – https://radiokonjic.ba/mlade-ekologinje-iz-konjica-porucuju-nasa-misija-je-ocuvanje-buducnosti-kroz-pravilno-odlaganje-e-otpada/