Let's Beat Plastic Pollution

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Hello, Bavijas Reader

Today, June 5, doesn't only represent the birthday of one of my beloved aunts—Mrs Mayen Oboho –but is also celebrated globally as World Environment Day (WED).

This year's anniversary marks the 50th commemoration since the year 1973 when it was first celebrated. Cote d'Ivoire and the Netherlands are the host countries of this year's event.

And the year's theme is #BeatPlasticPollution.

The proliferation of plastics is a serious global concern, especially single-use plastics.

50% of the 400 million tons of plastics produced annually are single-use plastics.

Only about 10 or so per cent of it is being recycled while the rest ends up in the environment.

A report shows that 19-23 million tons of these plastics end up in lakes, rivers, and seas. If you've ever been to a beach or a fishing settlement then, you know I'm not exaggerating. 

Having a lot of plastics around without an effective recycling system constitutes an environmental nuisance. 

The thing is, plastic is not biodegradable and often takes years to decompose. This is because plastics (regardless of type) take at least 50 years to decompose.

Can you imagine that? 

Nigeria's plastic waste generation has jumped by 116.26% within the last 15 years to 1.3 million tons (2022) per year, per UN Industrial Development Organisation (UNIDO). 

This is worrisome for a densely populated country whose plastic consumption rate is high with no modalities for recycling.

Sadly, as a country, we can't boast or count up to 4 plastic recyclers, as of now. Though last month the outgone administration agreed with local fabricators to help build recycling machines, we can only hope that idea would continue with this new government.

We mustn't joke with plastics. Let's join the global campaign to #BeatPlasticPollution now. We don't want to be left behind.

Let's do this for a sustainable future and the future of our children and children's children.

Happy World Environment Day!

~ Bavijas

Comments

Blessing Adolphus said…
Well done Victor Bassey. This is commendable. There's a popular quote that says " We have not inherited this earth from our forefathers, we have borrowed it from our children". The issue of keeping our environment friendly, cannot be overemphasized in terms of beating plastic pollution. However, a healthy nation reflects in her healthy and clean environment.
Mon Jun 05, 01:26:00 PM
Anonymous said…
Thank you. Of course, we owe our children a safe environment. It's the best gift we can leave behind for them.
Mon Jun 05, 04:16:00 PM
Anonymous said…
I hope the government look into how this can be taken care. It’s good to have created this awareness on plastic waste
Tue Jun 06, 06:12:00 PM
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