The seas are the primary source of evidence that the influx of plastic into the environment has reached crisis proportions. Up to 12 million metric tons of plastic are thought to reach the ocean annually.
Plastic, on the other hand, is a climate, health, and social justice issue, in addition to an ocean and garbage one. Over 99 percent of plastic comes from fossil fuels such as fracked gas and oil, and it contributes to climate change throughout its life cycle.
According to Greenpeace USA’s Key Facts About Plastic Pollution, as global oil demand decreases, the fossil fuel sector is resorting to plastics to remain afloat. Big plastic-polluting corporations such as Coca-Cola, Nestlé, and PepsiCo are driving this growth, and their failure to end their reliance on single-use plastics and invest in reuse and refill is contributing to fossil fuel production expansion while also laying the groundwork for a devastating boom in single-use plastics. And if industry gets its way, plastic manufacturing might double or triple by 2030.
Furthermore, the fossil fuel industry’s rising reliance on plastics will be equally detrimental to humans and the environment. Beyond contributing to the climate crisis, petrochemical and plastic production has deadly health and environmental consequences, as well as a long history of environmental racism, ranging from the United States Gulf Coast’s “Cancer Alley” where the plastic industry poisons black, brown, and frontline communities, to China’s Cancer Village in the Global South.
These facts show that plastic trash has several harmful effects on the environment, animals, and human health, including contamination of water bodies, soil, and air, which causes environmental deterioration and harm to ecosystems. It also harms marine species, and birds frequently mistake plastic pieces for food, resulting in ingestion and entanglement, which can be fatal.
Besides, plastic trash poses a huge hazard to the environment, animals and human health. Addressing this issue necessitates a multifaceted strategy that involves lowering plastic usage, improving waste management techniques, and encouraging recycling and reuse.
Taking the negative impact of plastic trash into account, Ethiopia has implemented a variety of initiatives to reduce the usage of plastic items and safeguard the environment. Notably, the Sidama regional state has taken substantial steps to preserve the environment against plastic pollution. The area has officially formed a region-wide environmental protection movement platform and is focusing on plastic trash disposal under the motto “Enough of pollution, let’s awaken beauty”
The Sidama Regional State Forestry, Environmental Protection, and Climate Change Director Yosef Tibo stated that efforts are being made to reduce the impact of plastic items on environmental contamination in the region. Accordingly, associations have been established for the recycling of plastic products. This is imperative to prevent air pollution. Especially, the region has been working in coordination with these associations to prevent the impact of plastic products on environmental pollution.
According to him, the region also intends to launch an awareness creation campaign. This campaign will include a variety of events throughout the next six months. Aside from promoting awareness about environmental pollution, the region seeks to promote a clean and healthy environment through stakeholder involvement.
The country has recognized plastic, air, water, soil, and noise pollution as causes of pollution, and measures have been developed, planned, and implemented to mitigate their effects. Currently, the region is coordinating with organized associations to reduce the negative environmental consequences of plastic pollution. The associations are working to collect and recycle plastic waste in various cities, and awareness work has been done so that they can be part of the movement.
He mentioned that various studies indicate that plastic can remain in the soil for 500 to 1000 years. Hence, society should play a critical role in preventing the negative impact of plastic pollution on the environment. He also called upon the community to help the campaign to prevent environmental pollution by separating the plastic waste and giving it to organized associations in the city.
Hawassa Beauty and Solid Waste Disposal and Recycling Association founder and manager Henok Dongato stated that since 2018, the association has been collecting and using waste in an organized manner. The association has 86 permanent and more than 1,500 temporary workers and with the help of five vehicles, it collects waste from every house.
Taking garbage as a resource, the association is working in coordination with the Regional Forestry and Climate Authority to reduce the impact of plastic on the environment. Especially, in addition to preparing natural fertilizer compost from the waste they collect, the association has been working to recycle plastic products that have a positive impact on environmental pollution. Besides, by collecting randomly discarded plastic products, it is possible to earn money by recycling them to protect Lake Hawassa and its environment from pollution.
In addition to Hawassa, more than 2,400 kilograms of plastic waste is collected daily in 11 cities of the region, including Shashamene, Tikur Weha (Water), Kofele, and Halaba. With this, the association sells one kilo of plastic for 8 to 10 birr. Therefore, encouraging youths to group associations and work in the sector helps not only to prevent environmental pollution but also to turn waste into resources.
Cool Plastic Recycling Enterprise Association Chief Executive Officer Eyob Eyasu said that his association works to recycle plastics that contribute to environmental pollution. Besides, the association produces “poly bags” with plastic waste mainly for packaging and hands over the produced poly bags to associations engaged in green development.
In general, plastic waste poses a significant threat to the environment by contributing to pollution, habitat destruction, contamination, climate change, and other detrimental effects. Addressing this issue requires collective action to reduce plastic consumption, improve waste management practices, and promote sustainable alternatives.
Therefore, the efforts that have been made by Sidama States could be important steps to mitigate the negative impact of plastic waste. Because the efforts help to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic waste. Taking lessons, and experiences from the region, implementing solutions, and taking collective action at individual, community, and governmental levels is important not only to reduce the impacts of plastic waste on the environment and work towards a more sustainable future.
BY EPHREM ANDARGACHEW
THE ETHIOPIAN HERALD SUNDAY EDITION 5 MAY 2024
