The Zero Plastic Run 2020, an initiative by the insight Consultancy Services (ICS) successfully concluded on Friday.

The first ever run for the cause to raise awareness on the negative impact plastics cause to the environment, was held during February 2019, where the First Couple, President Ibrahim Mohamed Solih and First Lady Fazna Ahmed were in participation.

A large crowd gathered at Hulhumalé Central Park to kick-start the five-kilometer run on Friday morning.

The First Lady participated this year as well, and participants highlighted the importance of such events to raise awareness of the risks posed by plastics among society.

The purpose of the event revolves around advocating for the ban of plastics or minimize its use every day, in light of the fact that everyday use of plastics harms the environment in more ways than one.

The event is scheduled to be held annually, revealed ICS, who aims to increase awareness on this serious issue in Maldives and internationally.

Minimizing the use of single-use plastics is one of President Solih’s first 100-day-pledges. Since the Solih administration came into power, several government institutions alongside restaurants and cafés have stopped using plastic.