An environmental expert, Ms Oritsema Gemide, has called for the adoption of biodegradable materials and non-plastic alternatives to curb growing plastic pollution in the country.
Gemide, a consultant at Bonnie Bio, a company specialised in the manufacturing of biodegradable materials, made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Lagos.
The expert noted that the adoption of non-plastic alternatives was not only possible but would help quell plastic pollution problems in the country.
She further called for the manufacturing of more biodegradable materials, rather than importation, to encourage its adoption in Nigeria.
“It is very possible to practice sustainability in Nigeria through the adoption of biodegradable materials as against dependence on plastic materials.
“The only challenge we will face in the adoption of biodegradable materials in Nigeria is because most of them are not produced in Nigeria.
“There will be a smooth transition from plastic use to the adoption of non-plastic alternatives if we can tackle the issue of manufacturing biodegradable materials within our shores,” the expert told NAN.
According to Gemide, the country has loads of biodegradable materials as alternatives to plastics.
She said that for example, so many bamboo trees in the country to produce cups in place of plastic cups.
“Biodegradable plastic-like bags are currently being produced from corn starch, and the good news is that it is decomposable, unlike its plastic counterpart.
“Bags, trash bags, coffee cups, gloves, spoons, knives, barbers’ aprons, and a whole lot of materials are being produced from corn starch and other biodegradable materials.
“Importation of biodegradable materials into the country is what makes the price high and unaffordable to Nigerians.
“If we can manufacture biodegradable materials in the country, we will be able to cut costs and encourage more Nigerians in the use of cheaper non-plastic alternatives.
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“With the affordability of non-plastic materials, we will be able to encourage Nigerians to stop single-use plastics,” Gemide said.
She said that the production of biodegradable materials to curb plastic pollution did not necessarily need to be government-funded.
“When people believe in its possibility, then they will invest in the sector,” Gemide said.
According to her, the production and manufacturing of non-plastics will provide jobs for Nigerians while solving the problem of plastic pollution in the country.
“Production of biodegradable materials can also create jobs for folks who feel they will lose their source of livelihood if the plastic ban is enforced. What we need is a change of orientation to single-use plastic.
“When people see that there are alternatives to plastics, they will become innovative in the production of more biodegradable materials that will not pollute the environment.
“Nigerians are beginning to get receptive to the use of biodegradable materials, the only hindrance is the price, but once we start manufacturing in the country, that will no longer pose a problem.
“In five to 10 years, I believe we will have more manufacturers of biodegradable materials in the country as we push out the problem of plastic pollution,” she said. (NAN)
