Pago Pago, AMERICAN SAMOA — The Fesili Mai Project in American Samoa is a conservation-focused education program involving youth in environmental stewardship and a mental health study. "Fesili Mai" translates to "Ask Me”.

Fesili Mai saw students from various high schools complete projects such as writing letters, essays and poems, as well as drawing & painting works highlighting environmental concerns.

In a letter, titled, “The Reality of Trash in Our Community“, to leaders of American Samoa, a Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School student wrote the following:

Dear Honorable Leaders,

I am Amos Luafa, an eleventh grade student at the Nu’uuli Vocational Technical High School. I am writing to our leaders to respectfully share my concerns regarding the growing issue of trash and waste management, and its significant impact on individuals, communities, and the environment. This issue is not only a local concern but also a global crisis that demands immediate and sustained attention.

First, the presence of unmanaged waste directly affects people’s health and well-being. Studies show that poor waste management can lead to serious health risks, including respiratory illnesses, infections, and long-term diseases due to exposure to toxic chemicals released from decomposing trash. Additionally, plastic waste releases harmful substances such as heavy metals and endocrine-disrupting chemicals, which are linked to cancer and other health complications. These findings highlight how trash is not just an environmental issue, but also a public health concern that can affect every resident.

Secondly, trash negatively impacts communities by lowering the quality of life and increasing economic burdens. Littered neighborhoods can discourage tourism, reduce property values, and strain local resources needed for cleanup and waste management. Research indicates that waste pollution costs society billions of dollars annually when considering health, environmental, and economic damages. For communities such as those in American Samoa, where natural beauty and cultural heritage are vital, unmanaged waste can threaten both livelihoods and community pride.

Finally, the environmental consequences of trash are severe and long-lasting. Globally, over two billion tons of waste are generated each year, much of which ends up polluting land, oceans, and ecosystems. Plastic pollution alone affects thousands of species, with millions of tons entering aquatic environments annually and harming marine life that often mistake it for food.

Furthermore, landfills release methane, a powerful greenhouse gas that significantly contributes to climate change. These environmental impacts are especially concerning for island regions like American Samoa, where ecosystems are closely tied to the health of the ocean. In light of these issues, I respectfully encourage the government to strengthen waste management systems, promote recycling and waste reduction programs, and invest in public education initiatives.

Encouraging community participation and implementing sustainable practices can significantly reduce the harmful effects of trash.

In conclusion, addressing the issue of waste is essential for protecting public health, preserving community well-being, and safeguarding the environment for future generations. I hope that my concerns contribute to ongoing discussions and inspire meaningful action toward a cleaner and healthier American Samoa. I am also willing to work alongside you to create realistic and innovative solutions to this problem and promote effective ways to reduce the impact of trash in our communities and homes. Please contact me at your earliest convenience, and I’ll happily excuse myself from my studies to meet with you and discuss ways for me and my classmates to contribute to the solution of reducing the impact of trash in our island home!

Thank you for your time and consideration, and I truly look forward to hearing from you. Have a wonderful day and God bless!

(See more about Fesili Mai projects elsewhere in today’s issue.)