The global predicament of excessive plastic waste and its environmental repercussions raises a crucial question: who bears the responsibility for this crisis – the producers or consumers? The answer is neither producers nor users of plastic materials. While plastic is essential for human survival, it is the same qualities that make it relevant-alongside improper management make it environmentally unfriendly.
Improper handling of plastic waste has transformed it into a worldwide ecological menace, posing risks to both human and animal well-being. The United Nations reports that a staggering seven billion tonnes of plastic are produced globally, with less than 10 percent being recycled. Certainly, the dilemma is real especially when you know that the tiniest plastic particles are suspended in the air as pollutants. These pollutants contaminate our potable water bodies increasing the cost of water treatment. With view of all these dangers, the discussion cannot be based on plastic extinction but proper management.
According to the United Nations, “seven billion tonnes of plastic is produced globally. Of this, less than 10 percent has been recycled”.
It is also estimated by the same report that “19-23 million tonnes of these un-recycled plastic materials end up in lakes, rivers and seas annually”. This is undeniably a cause for concern. These lakes, rivers and seas become choked leading to floods, at least the downpour. The repercussions of these floods are dire in Ghana, especially in the two most populous regions; Accra and Kumasi.
Just to cite a few, on the 18th and 28th of June 2018, Ghana experienced a heavy rainfall and thunderstorm which led to floods in Accra and Kumasi. This resulted in the death of 14 people, displacement of 34,076 others, and damage of several properties estimated at $168,289 according to the National Disaster Management Organization (NADMO). Yet another indelible calamity, stemming from congested drainage systems, was the June 3 catastrophe, which has left an enduring mark on people’s memories. Concerning the rise in plastic manufacturing, there is a growing need to retrospectively examine how its waste is being handled to forestall future devastation.
A 2019 report by the U.S Embassy Ghana revealed that over 3,000 tonnes of plastic wastes are generated daily in Ghana- less than two percent is recycled. The same report revealed that more than 250,000 tonnes of plastic wastes generated yearly in Ghana are expected to flow into the Atlantic Ocean and that by 2050, there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean by weight.
The United Nations environment programme also warned that “unless we change how we produce, use and dispose plastic, the number of plastic wastes entering our oceans could triple from 9-14 million tonnes per year in 2016 to 23-37 million tonnes per year in 2040”.
Meanwhile, a glimmer of hope can emerge through the transformative power of recycling. The concept of turning trash into treasure should be given much priority now than ever before as it can ignite both local and global movement towards sustainability and responsible waste management.
Should we re-embrace the art of recycling, remarkable transformation can occur, as discarded materials will find new life through innovative creations, breathing fresh air into our planet’s fragile ecosystem.
Beyond environmental benefits, re-embracing recycling can play a crucial role in empowering communities through the provision of income opportunities for underprivileged individuals through waste collection, sorting, and upcycling. Furthermore, community-led recycling programs may foster a sense of ownership and environmental stewardship, instilling pride in keeping their neighbourhoods clean and green.
“From Trash to Treasure” embodies the spirit of transformation and ingenuity that defines the human spirit.
Let us re-embrace the art of recycling, remembering that each small act of recycling has the potential to weave a tapestry of positive change, ultimately shaping a cleaner, greener, and more beautiful world for generations to come.