WED: Trashusers Partners NSBP, JCI Atlantic, On Waste Management Sensitization, Beach Clean Up

Trashusers Recycling company, in collaboration with the Nigerian Sustainability Banking Principle (NSBP) and Junior Chambers International Atlantic (JCI Atlantic), has organized a waste management sensitization and beach clean-up event in commemoration of World Environment Day.

The event took place at Lafiaji Beach community in Lagos, on Saturday, where residents were sensitized on the importance of safeguarding the environment for the good of all.

The environmentalists urged the people of the Lafiaji community to take care of the environment by practicing proper waste management to protect the ocean within the community.

The group explained that the exercise was in commemoration of World Environment Day and the celebration of the 10th anniversary of the NSBP.

Trashuser Communications Officer, Amah-Mercy Samuel, emphasized the significance of proper waste management practices for the well-being of the beach ecosystem, marine life, and human health.

“Our environment and beautiful beach, with its pristine shores and crystal-clear waters, are a fragile ecosystem that needs our care and attention. Together, we can make a significant difference in preserving its natural splendor for generations to come,” she said.

She explained that waste management is not a solitary task but a collective responsibility that requires everyone to play a part.

“Improper waste disposal poses a severe threat to our environment, marine life, and even our own well-being. The litter we leave behind on the beach can find its way into the ocean, endangering the very creatures that call it home. Plastic waste, in particular, takes centuries to decompose and can wreak havoc on our marine ecosystems. We must realize that our actions have consequences, and it is up to us to make a change,” she said.

She emphasized that everyone must embrace waste reduction and recycling to address the waste menace.

“By reducing our waste at the source and recycling materials, we can minimize the burden on our landfills and reduce the need for resource extraction. Small changes, such as using reusable bags, bottles, and utensils, can have a significant impact on reducing the amount of waste that ends up on our beaches.

“Proper waste segregation is another crucial aspect of waste management. By separating our waste into recyclables, organic waste, and general waste, we ensure that each type is disposed of correctly. Let us familiarize ourselves with the different waste bins and take the extra step to sort our waste accordingly. It may seem like a small action, but it can make a world of difference in keeping our beach clean and safe,” Samuel said.

After the clean-up exercise, a representative of the NSBP, Mr. Omoniyi Iyanda, representing the FCMB, thanked the participants and volunteers for joining the team to celebrate the 10th anniversary of the NSBP initiative through community service. He gave insights into the NSBP initiative.

“The NSBP is the platform that brings all sustainability champions of all Nigerian banks together to drive a common goal of a sustainable economy, sustainable business, and a sustainable world. We strongly believe that if we keep and preserve our environment, we would do better business, and we will get a bigger and better environment where we can foster our business.

“So, we partner with Trashusers to help us implement the World Environment Day celebration this year, which is providing sustainable solutions to beating plastic pollution. That’s our common goal,” he explained.

He further explained that activities to mark the 10th anniversary of the NSBP platform are a month-long event.

“Last week, we had a press conference; this week, we have the beach cleanup to keep our environment clean and free from plastic pollution. Next Saturday will be the ‘walk for nature’ to create awareness about preserving our environment. Another weekend, we will engage in practicing recycling together. We’re also planning a nationwide tree-planting project. We’re using the tree-planting initiative to foster our carbon offset agenda.” Iyanda said.

The president of JCI Atlantic, Ms. Chiamaka Obiodunukwe, also highlighted the mission of the JCI as it relates to the commemoration of World Environment Day.

“Our mission is to provide leadership development opportunities that empower young people to create positive change. We do this under four areas of opportunities: individual development, business and entrepreneurship, international cooperation, and community impact,” she said.

“The community impact is what we’re doing here today. We do all our projects in line with the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), and one of the goals we at JCI Atlantic are passionate about is SDG 14, which focuses on life underwater. So today, we’re here in the Lafiaji community to create awareness of the need to keep the oceans clean by taking good care of their waste.

“We are here to urge everyone to keep the oceans clean, to refrain from throwing waste into the ocean, and to take care of the ocean. We hope that by the end of today, with the cleanup we have done, the community will continue to maintain a daily practice of keeping the environment clean.” She added.

The CEO of Trashusers recycling company, Mr. Bode Seun, thanked the participants and volunteers for being active agents in caring for and nurturing the environment. He emphasized that the cleanup should be a continuous exercise.

“We were able to record over 80 volunteers, and we see this as a movement that should continue regularly. The small steps we have taken today will create an impact, and it should be continuous. We will also continue the sensitization online through our social media pages to emphasize the importance of the ocean.

“We encourage everyone, both the volunteers and partners, to go back home and extend this message that it is an ongoing exercise, not just a one-time event,” he said.