Managing Plastic Waste: Small Ways that Count

One of the outcomes of the 2019 Climate Chance Summit held in Accra, from October 16-18, was that the concept of climate change needs to be mainstreamed, and that there is a crucial need for better local collaboration for enhanced climate mitigation and adaptation efforts. Additionally, there are inherent sustainable benefits in climate change activities, the most pertinent for Ghana is job creation. Climate change activities constitute a pillar of circular economies which generate jobs through the entire value chain of any production/sector.

When one casts one’s eyes across the country, the heaps of waste that greet one sometimes create the impression that nothing is being done about the waste that has engulfed the communities. However, there are several concurrent efforts across the communities that offer hope for a cleaner Ghana in the times ahead. What is needed is consistency and better sensitization toward safe waste management among the populace.

Indeed, the waste situation of the country calls for a holistic, concerted effort in order to mitigate the past neglect. The Akan proverb, nsa baako nkura adesoa, which literally translates, a hand is never enough to carry a load, pinpoints the need for all residents to join hands in tackling the waste situation, which efforts would also be protecting the environment. A pragmatic approach is to begin in small ways: Research waste pollution, climate change, safe waste management, practise what ones learns, share acquired knowledge with others.

Nea onnim no sua, ᴐhu is another Akan proverb which literally translates, the one who does not know can learn, which also underscores the importance of knowledge acquisition. The only effective way to mainstream climate change in Ghana is that residents acquire and share accurate knowledge. Lagos Town basic school in Takoradi has demonstrated that sensitization efforts pays

The school is participating in Merlba-Achie Research Consultancy’s waste minimization project. The core principle is waste segregation for easy waste utilization. An aspect is separating empty water sachet for a local factory. The entire teaching staff is supportive of the concept, so pupils are motivated to separate. The most important thing is that a start has been made, where previously, no action was being taken. And the stakeholders are co-operating. The teachers are happy about a cleaner compound. Small beginnings can culminate in a clean environment. It’s up to each and everyone of us to brighten our respective corners in homes, schools, hotels, offices, stalls, markets.The good news is that other high schools and basic schools are also involved; the project covers organic and biodegradable waste as well. Proactive teachers are a gem to such waste projects, because learners are motivated when they observe teachers’ active engagement in safe waste management activities. The formidable challenge lies in getting majority of the learners to patronize the project. One can only hope that consistent sensitization would eventually persuade majority of the young to awaken to a changed attitude in safe waste management. Eventually, all the small activities across communities will culminate in a broad clean space within Ghana. We just need to keep faith and keep acting.

                      

JSS collection point                                                     Primary school collection point