Waste pollution is one of the greatest nightmares challenging the realization of a clean and healthy environment in every society.
The adverse consequences of waste pollution on our health, environment, and climate cannot be overemphasized.
This improper disposal of waste happens in such a way that it is reintroduced into the environment, poses dangers such as widespread diseases like malaria, cholera, etc, as well as environmental damages, debilitating health issues, the spread of carbon emissions into the air hereby affecting the climate and also causing imbalance to our ecosystem as well as sliming the survival of plants and animals.
According to the World Bank, Nigeria currently generates at least 32 million tons of solid waste annually which is projected to rise to 107 million tons by 2025.
However, amidst these challenges, there lies a growing momentum towards innovative solutions to combat waste pollution and pave the way for a cleaner, greener future.
One promising avenue in the fight against waste pollution is the rise of innovative recycling initiatives across Nigeria. From grassroots community projects to large-scale industrial endeavors, recycling efforts are gaining traction. In Lagos, for instance, initiatives like “RecyclePoints” incentivize citizens to recycle by rewarding them with points exchangeable for cash or household items. Similarly, organizations such as “Wecyclers” employ a fleet of cargo bikes to collect recyclable materials from households, reducing both waste and carbon emissions.
Being able to send used products for recycling would create more job opportunities, raise funds, and keep the environment safe as well. The use of reusable bags/ materials would also reduce the level of waste production as well.
Another innovative approach gaining prominence is the utilization of biogas technology to tackle organic waste. In our nation, where agricultural activities are prevalent, organic waste, such as crop residues and food scraps, often ends up in landfills, contributing to methane emissions and groundwater contamination. Biogas technology offers a sustainable alternative by converting organic waste into biogas, a renewable energy source, through anaerobic digestion
Another way to cut down on waste pollution would be to reduce packaging. Cutting down on the level of polyethylene bags, straws, Styrofoam and the rest will help to create less waste. Buying goods in bulk would help to reduce the packaging as they will be collected together unlike buying separately. Also, making use of recyclable packaging materials will help as well.
Making it a habit to dispose of waste properly will reduce the pollution crisis. This means having a dustbin or a basket to collect waste and not dumping or loitering about. This would drastically keep the environment healthy and safe. Waste disposal bins should be kept in strategized locations across cities for easy waste disposal. Disposing of waste, especially household waste in undesignated areas would also have to stop as well.
By promoting waste segregation at the source, waste pollution can be reduced as the waste can easily be sorted out. Thus, households and businesses should be encouraged to segregate their waste into recyclables, organic matter, and non-recyclables at the source.
Environmentalists reveal that the use of single-use plastics and Styrofoam hurts the environment. This is because when wrongly disposed of, the chemicals from them can be hazardous. Making use of reusable products in place of single-use plastics and Styrofoam would reduce pollution.
Furthermore, the use of eco-friendly products should be encouraged and boosted. Making use of eco-friendly and biodegradable products which are made using natural materials and ingredients is much better in comparison to those manufactured using plastics and synthetic materials or chemicals/ dangerous substances.
Greenhouse products are renewable and would help reduce waste because they release far less greenhouse gases than fossil fuels as well as free or low levels of air pollution. Products like hydropower, solar energy, wind energy, etc are climate-friendly and would help reduce the fast-growing level of waste pollution crisis in the country.
While grassroots initiatives play a crucial role, government policies and partnerships are essential for driving systemic change. The government can take further steps to address waste pollution by strengthening the implementation of policies as well as checkmating the effluents from establishments, especially in the manufacturing sector.
Enforcing existing waste management regulations and enacting new policies will help to deter illegal dumping and littering.
Robust monitoring and evaluation mechanisms can be established to track progress, measure impact, and identify areas for improvement in waste management strategies and interventions with regular review and update policies and action plans based on evidence-based feedback and lessons learned.
Also, more measures can be put in place to improve waste collection and transportation systems to ensure timely and efficient removal of waste from communities to disposal sites.
