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A cleaner future starts now. By reducing plastic waste, we can restore our oceans, protect aquatic life, and keep harmful toxins out of our food. Together, we can build a healthier planet ,one action at a time.
POLLUTION WAR TO SAVE AQUATIC AND FOOD FROM PLASTIC WASTE.
Discarded improperly, plastic waste pollutes and harms the environment, becoming a widespread driver of biodiversity loss and ecosystem degradation. It threatens human health, affects food and water safety, burdens economic activities, and contributes to climate change.
In 2019, macro-plastics (over 0.5 mm) accounted for 88% of the 20 million metric tons of global plastic pollution, affecting all ecosystems. Most pollution comes from single-use items like bottles, bags, and straws. The main sources are land-based, including urban runoff, littering, industry, and agriculture, while marine pollution also includes shipping paint and lost fishing gear.
The Kabarak University and Team Environment Kenya held a webinar on 27th May with motion to Pre World Environment Day, focusing on plastic pollution and its effects on food security. The meeting featured three speakers: Samuel Lopokoiyit the director of National Environment Management Authority Nairobi county, Alicia Moraa a plastic tide turner ambassador from the Kenya Girl Guides Association and Richard Kainika secretary general of The Kenya Association of Recyclers.
Alicia Moraa, shared how they integrate environmental education into activities for young girls. Their initiatives include storytelling, upcycling projects, and establishing environmental clubs in schools. These efforts have led to increased environmental awareness and even small-scale entrepreneurship among participants.
The speakers also addressed challenges in monitoring illegal plastic dumping, especially in informal settlements near water bodies. They discussed the difficulties in managing flimsy plastics and the need for better collaboration with local communities. The meeting highlighted the importance of youth involvement, data accessibility, and innovative approaches to combat plastic pollution and promote environmental sustainability in Kenya.
On the other hand, National Environment Management Authority NEMA targets importers, manufacturers, and distributors for plastic regulation enforcement. According to director Samuel Lopokoiyit, there's a 75% enforcement rate with 25% still being a challenge. In addition, Kenya has banned single-use plastics which has put the country in the spotlight. He also discussed enforcement measures against plastic pollution targeting importers, manufacturers, and distributors. He also mentioned plans for a new database to track plastic imports and usage in Kenya.
An upcoming extended producer responsibility (EPR) regulation will be a game-changer, creating a database of all imported and manufactured plastics. This new system will track plastics from import/manufacture through distribution and use, enabling better monitoring of recycling and disposal rates. NEMA’s effort to developing a public platform to share this information and improve transparency in plastic management is underway.
The Kenya Association of Recyclers highlighted emerging trends in plastic recycling and called for increased participation from youth and communities. Richard Kainika, outlined several key developments:
1. Growing youth and women-led enterprises in the recycling sector
2. Increase in tech-enabled startups using digital tools for waste tracking
3. Potential use of blockchain technology for tracing waste
4. Emergence of material recovery facilities (MRFs) in major urban counties.
He, however, emphasized on the untapped potential in recycling, stating, "Any plastic or waste that is hanging around in your home or schools can convert to a financial incentive."
The association urged unemployed youth to view waste as a resource and get involved in recycling initiatives. They encourage people to collect waste, document it, and connect with the association through their website for market opportunities. He also highlighted the need for more materials to support robust factories and a strong value chain in waste collection and processing. The call to action is clear: communities, especially young people, are encouraged to come together, clean their environment, and explore recycling as a potential source of income and environmental stewardship.
Despite positive efforts from countries to tackle plastic pollution, such as bans on certain forms of single-use plastics, a global plastics treaty is essential because plastic pollution is transboundary and a main driver of biodiversity loss.
Biodiversity has become increasingly important in international law, especially through multilateral environmental agreements. Addressing the links between plastic pollution, biodiversity loss, and ecosystem degradation across all levels is essential for meaningful progress. However, Future treaties must include legally binding measures that ensure the protection and restoration of biodiversity and nature.
Authored by,
Go Green TV.