By Abbas Nazil
A recent poll by NatureNews Africa has shown that majority of Africans favor banning single-use plastics as the most effective solution to the continent’s plastic waste challenge.
The poll, conducted across NatureNews Africa’s social media platforms including Facebook, Instagram, X (formerly Twitter), and LinkedIn, sought public opinion on how African countries should tackle plastic pollution.
According to the results, 42 percent of respondents voted for banning single-use plastics such as straws, sachets, and plastic bags, indicating a strong preference for direct and decisive environmental action.
Meanwhile, 36 percent of participants said promoting recycling industries should be prioritized, suggesting a desire for sustainable economic opportunities through waste recovery and processing.
Another 22 percent of respondents supported encouraging a circular economy model that emphasizes reuse, repair, and regeneration of materials to minimize waste.
Interestingly, none of the participants favored discouraging the linear economy, which follows the traditional “take, make, and dispose” pattern blamed for much of the global waste crisis.
The poll results reflect growing environmental awareness among Africans and a rising demand for urgent policy reforms to curb plastic pollution that threatens ecosystems, marine life, and public health.
Environmental experts who reacted to the poll noted that the overwhelming support for a plastic ban highlights public frustration over the inefficiency of recycling systems and weak waste management policies in many African countries.
They argued that while banning single-use plastics is a bold move, governments must also invest in affordable eco-friendly alternatives and strengthen recycling infrastructure to ensure lasting impact.
NatureNews Africa stated that the outcome of the poll reinforces its editorial stance that African governments must take firm, science-driven decisions to end plastic pollution and transition toward sustainable production and consumption models.
The media organization stressed that the debate over plastics is not just about waste but about building a cleaner, circular, and climate-resilient future for the continent.
