The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) is prepared to tackle the problem of plastic pollution by offering practical solutions through eco-friendly strategies that are simple and adaptable.
Mr. Oladapo Soneye, the Communication Manager of NCF, made this announcement in a statement released, weekend, in Lagos, in Liu of the celebration of World Environment Day (WED).
The theme for the 2023 WED is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution,” and through this theme, the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) is calling for collective efforts from individuals and governments worldwide to combat plastic pollution.
Soneye highlighted some alarming statistics, revealing that globally, one million plastic bottles are purchased every minute, and up to five trillion plastic bags are used each year.
Shockingly, half of the plastic produced is intended for single-use purposes, adding to the magnitude of the problem.
NCF, as a leading conservation NGO, is joining forces with the rest of the world to observe the 2023 WED by organizing a series of activities aimed at educating people and proposing practical solutions to plastic pollution.
The planned activities include the School Recycling Initiative, Beach/Community Clean-up, and upcycling. The objective is to protect the environment by reducing the volume of plastic waste in landfills and promoting environmental education among young Nigerians.
Initially, the School Recycling Initiative will be implemented in selected schools in Lagos State. Schools play a crucial role in promoting environmental sustainability within their communities, inspiring children and reinforcing the message of conservation. Engaging students in hands-on activities like recycling significantly reduces plastic waste in their communities while fostering a generation that is environmentally conscious.
NCF will provide large sorting bins for collecting plastic waste from schools and neighborhoods. Regular pick-up of recyclables will be conducted, and an equivalent amount of the collected materials will be donated to the schools for the purchase of school supplies.
Soneye emphasized that the school recycling program will instill a sense of responsibility for the planet among students. As they participate in recycling activities and understand the benefits and opportunities it offers, they are more likely to carry this habit into adulthood.
Moreover, schools will be motivated to participate because the program provides incentives in the form of school supplies.
Additionally, NCF plans to teach the adopted schools how to upcycle plastic waste into useful items. Upcycling involves transforming waste materials into valuable products.
This initiative serves as an empowerment program for schoolchildren, teachers, and volunteers, as the items they create can be sold, providing an additional source of income.
Citing a UNEP report, Soneye highlighted that Nigeria generates approximately 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste each year, with plastic accounting for 15% of the total waste generated in Lagos State alone. This situation is expected to worsen as Nigeria’s population continues to grow, projected to reach over 400 million by the end of 2050.