In 2018, 17 coastal West African countries generated 6.9
million tons of plastic waste, with Nigeria alone accounting for 4.7 million
tons per year. Of this, 20% was produced within 30 km of the coast, with most
of it ending up in the ocean
Lagos,
the vibrant and bustling megacity of Nigeria, is no stranger to the convenience
of single-use plastics. From plastic bags and straws to food packaging and
sachet water, these disposable items have become an integral part of our daily
lives. The growing demand for convenience has led to a significant increase in
the consumption of Single-Use Plastics SUPs) in Lagos, exacerbating an already
dire situation. But with convenience comes consequences, and the menace of
single-use plastics is taking a toll on Lagos' environment and public health.
Plastic pollution has become a pervasive problem, clogging our waterways,
polluting our landfills, and endangering our wildlife.
Single-use plastics (SUPs), often also referred to as disposable plastics, are commonly used for plastic packaging and include items intended to be used only once before they are thrown away or recycled. They include everyday items such as grocery bags, food packaging, drink bottles, straws, containers, cups, plates and cutlery that are usually disposed of after one use. The polymers mainly used in the production of SUPs include polyethylene terephthalate (PET), polypropylene, low-density polyethylene (LDPE), high-density polyethylene (HDPE), polystyrene and expanded polystyrene. The widespread use of SUP occurs mainly because of its versatility as a material and its low price point. In Lagos, it is estimated that over 1,500 water-sachet factories with about 60 million sachets being consumed daily.
Specific data on the
share of SUP in the overall plastic waste stream have been hard to come by.
Nevertheless, it is estimated that plastic constitutes about 20 per cent of the
solid waste stream in Nigeria. Plastic
waste finds its way into Lagos' water bodies, contributing to the pollution of
rivers, lakes, and the ocean. These plastics persist for hundreds of years,
breaking down into smaller microplastics that contaminate the water and harm
marine life. Photographic evidence clearly shows that Lagos' landfills are
overwhelmed with plastic waste, causing landfill overflow and contaminating
surrounding ecosystems. The inefficient disposal and lack of proper waste
management infrastructure lead to plastic waste seeping into the soil,
releasing harmful toxins and posing a threat to plants, animals, and
ultimately, human health.
Aside from this, the adverse health effects of single-use plastic waste cannot be ignored. Chemicals present in plastics, such as phthalates and bisphenol A (BPA), can leach into food and beverages, potentially disrupting the endocrine system and causing hormonal imbalances. Additionally, the ingestion of microplastics through food and water has raised concerns about their long-term health implications, including inflammation, immune system disruptions, and even carcinogenic effects.
Lagos faces significant challenges in managing the mounting plastic waste. While efforts have been made to establish waste management infrastructure, including recycling plants and waste collection centers, the existing systems are often inadequate to handle the sheer volume of plastic waste generated by the city. Collecting plastic waste is no easy task in a city as sprawling and densely populated as Lagos. Insufficient waste collection and recycling facilities, coupled with a lack of public participation, hinder effective plastic waste management. The overall lack of awareness about the importance of recycling and the absence of incentives for waste segregation further compound the challenge. Although there are some regulation in place to tackle plastic pollution, the enforcement of these rules remains a challenge. Limited awareness and education regarding the environmental impact of plastic waste, coupled with lax enforcement, allows the proliferation of single-use plastics to persist unchecked.
However, one of the key steps in addressing the
menace of single-use plastics is promoting a shift towards reusable
alternatives. Encouraging the use of reusable bags, bottles, and food
containers can significantly reduce the consumption of single-use plastics,
mitigating their environmental impact and fostering a more sustainable
lifestyle. Also, compostable and biodegradable alternatives provide additional
sustainable options. These materials break down naturally, reducing their
environmental impact compared to traditional plastic. Encouraging the adoption
of compostable and biodegradable products can help combat plastic pollution and
minimize the long-term consequences on Lagos' environment.
According to Jamie Hailstone in Forbes and i
quote “Do
you remember a time when you could buy fizzy drinks in large glass bottles, and
then, when they were empty, you would take them back to the corner shop and get
a shiny coin for your troubles?
Of course, most of those coins were promptly spent on more fizzy drinks and/or
sweets, but that’s another story for another day. The point is that deposit
return schemes are not a new idea. They have been around for decades. In many
countries, they have been hailed for both improving the quality of recycling
materials and reducing litter rates at the same time, but not every nation or
municipality operates one. Nobody is pretending that such schemes are a “silver
bullet” and will solve the plastic waste crisis on their own, but they do have
a role to play in a large and complicated issue. And as pressure grows for the
world to move to a more circular economy, surely deposit return schemes are a
no-brainer?”
(https://www.forbes.com/sites/jamiehailstone/2022/05/16/deposit-return-schemes-are-a-win-win-for-the-environment-so-why-isnt-everyone-doing-them/?sh=2990e7ed6c4a)
To tackle the plastic waste crisis, Lagos should
embrace innovative approach such as Deposit Scheme. Deposit schemes provide a
small refund to consumers when a plastic item is returned to an authorized
collection point. Deposit schemes are systems where consumers pay a small
amount of money upfront, to be reimbursed to them when they bring the container
to a collection point once they have finished using it. The container can then
be recycled and transformed into secondary raw materials. The deposit refund
scheme system is an application of the polluter-pays principle, where people
are economically incentivized to recycle rather than to waste. Lagos may be grappling with the menace of single-use
plastic, but we are not powerless. By implementing stronger policies, engaging
the community, and learning from successful case studies, we can create a
future where plastic pollution is a thing of the past. It won't be easy, but as
Lagosian, we're no strangers to overcoming challenges. Together, let's create
a cleaner, greener, and plastic-free Lagos for generations to come.
In
conclusion, tackling the menace of single-use plastic in Lagos requires a
comprehensive and collaborative approach. By implementing sustainable
alternatives, strengthening waste management policies, engaging communities,
and learning from successful case studies, we can pave the way towards a
plastic-free future for Lagos. It is crucial for individuals, businesses, and
the government to join forces in reducing plastic consumption, promoting
recycling, and embracing a circular economy. With concerted efforts and
collective responsibility, we can protect our environment, preserve the health
of our communities, and ensure a sustainable and prosperous Lagos for
generations to come. Let us take action today for a cleaner, healthier, and
plastic-free Lagos tomorrow.
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