Exchange, Recycling, and Environmental Care: “Darmarka” Takes Place at Kozybayev University

An eco-fair titled “Darmarka” is being held at Kozybayev University, aimed at fostering a culture of conscious consumption and responsible attitudes toward the environment, in line with the core principles of the nationwide “Taza Qazaqstan” campaign.

The initiative is organized jointly with the Association of Environmental Organizations of Kazakhstan, with the support of the Bolashaq branch of the Amanat Party, within the framework of the social project StopMusor.

Darmarka is an environmentally friendly event where city residents can bring unwanted but good-quality items free of charge and take items left by others. It is a space for exchange that promotes reuse, waste reduction, and the conservation of natural resources. This approach helps develop social and environmental responsibility and encourages careful treatment of the environment.

Students, volunteers, faculty members, and university staff actively participated in the event, along with about 120 schoolchildren and teachers from six city schools, lyceums, and gymnasiums.

What can be brought to Darmarka?

- clean, wearable clothing;
- books (not torn);
- toys (clean and not broken), etc.

As part of the initiative, a collection of plastic bottles marked 1 and 2 (PET, HDPE) is also being organized.

“For the second year in a row, the Department of Geography and Ecology has been holding this initiative within our university. Items can be exchanged or simply left. On the final day, we collect everything that remains and donate it to organizations in need, such as the ‘Mother’s Home.’ The plastic is collected and sent to Raduga KDR for further recycling,” said Asel Bektemirova, Associate Professor of the Department of Geography and Ecology.

Darmarka is taking place from January 27 to 30, from 10:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m., in the educational and laboratory building. You still have time to take part!