INTRODUCTION
Every second, 15,000 plastic bottles are sold
worldwide. That is 1,000,000 per minute and 480 billion a
year. Only 7% of these single-use
plastic bottles are recycled, despite the fact that the material used,
Polyethylene terephthalate (PET) plastic is one of the easier to recycle. In
addition, PET sinks but bottle caps do not. They are made from a different type
of plastic, High-Density Polyethylene (HDPE) and are lighter than water. As a
result, more caps wash up on beaches than bottles.
In Lagos, like
most cities in developing countries, residents use an average of 591 sachets per year. Many things are
sold in sachets: coffee, shampoos, chocolates, noodles, etc. In Nigeria it is
estimated that over 10,000,000 sachets are sold every day, amounting to almost
billion a year. It is evident in the market dynamics in most parts of the world
that economic activities in the 21st century are faced with an enormous
challenge of resource management. A greater percentage of the climatic
conditions in the cities is caused by pollutants produced from materials that
are used mostly for a few minutes and remain in the environment for hundreds of
years, with plastic being the major contributor.
The use of single-use plastics has
come under scrutiny in recent years, as the world grapples with the rising
issue of plastic pollution. In a largely capitalized world that drives economic
growth through capitalism and an extensive private sector, the risks associated
with plastics in some areas of life have gone unaddressed for several decades.
The problem of plastic pollution has attracted the immediate attention of not
only the scientific community but also consumers, industry, and policymakers. What
is Single-Use Plastics?
A straw with our iced coffee, a plastic bag to carry our takeout, a wrapper
on a candy bar: Taken individually, each seems harmless however these modern
conveniences hardly register in our minds, but they come with a steep
environmental price.
Single-use plastic, often also referred to as disposable plastic, are
plastic items that are discarded after being used only once or for a short
period of time. These include but not limited to: plastic bags, straws, and
cutlery provided by restaurants and retailers, take-out food containers and
disposable coffee cups, plastic bottles, wrappers and packaging around food
items and consumers’ goods. Others plastic products meant to be used briefly
and then thrown away, like razors and hotel toiletries are also considered as
Single-use Plastics.
Single-use plastics come in
diverse forms and are used for multiple purposes like packaging and food
packaging, and they are an integral part of daily living necessities, providing
for the sanitation, hygiene, and other consumption needs of people all over the
world. Single-use plastics
are like one-hit wonders of the material world, designed to be used once and
then to bid us a swift adieu. These disposable plastics come in various forms
like straws, bags, bottles, and packaging that promise convenience but leave a
lasting mark on the environment. Single-use plastics are the divas of convenience,
meant for a brief shining moment in our lives before being tossed away
unceremoniously. Single-use plastics are like the clingy exes of modern life –
they seem to be everywhere you turn.
The plastic pollution crisis is
becoming more than an environmental crisis but also an economic and social crisis.
Now we cannot overlooked the situation. As it stands, every year, approximately
eighty million tons of plastic packaging are produced globally. This feat
entails an estimated average of twelve per cent of the original oil consumed to
create the polymers in plastic applications. Similarly, approximately eight
million tons of plastic end up in the world’s oceans each year, while the
annually recycled plastics data currently stands at only nine per cent. By the
year 2050, there will be more plastic in the world’s oceans than fish.
The problems of single-use plastic
are diverse. From environmental to health, economic and social many single-use
plastic products are made from low-density polyethylene (LDPE) or polyethylene
terephthalate (PET) which are lightweight, cheap to produce, and durable.
However, these properties also make disposable plastic persist in the environment
and cause extensive pollution. Their
environmental impact has been
exacerbated by a “throwaway” culture that has normalized excessive plastic
waste. Single-use plastic poses a major environmental threat for several
reasons:
·
They are rarely recycled- only about 14% of plastic packaging is
collected for recycling globally. The rest often ends up in landfills or the natural
environment.
·
They are not biodegradable - most disposable plastics can last for
hundreds of years in the environment without breaking down.
·
They damage ecosystems - plastic waste harms wildlife on land and
in oceans. Microplastic also enters food chains.
·
They exacerbate climate change: the production and incineration of
plastic produces greenhouse gases like carbon dioxide.
·
Up to 13 million metric tons of plastic enter our oceans each
year. Plastic makes up to 80% of marine debris.
·
Plastic debris is found on ocean surfaces, seabed, and along
coastlines worldwide. Even the Arctic sea ice contains microplastic.
In addition to environmental
impacts, single-use plastics can also negatively affect human health:
·
Microplastic (plastic particles under 5mm) have been detected in
many human organs and tissues. Impacts on human health are still being
researched.
·
Microplastics found in the placentas of pregnant women can cross
into the fetal circulation.
·
Humans ingest thousands of microplastic particles through food,
water and air pollution every year.
·
Harmful chemicals like bisphenol A (BPA) and polystyrene can leach
from plastic into food and drinks.
·
Phthalate added to some plastic is linked to allergies, asthma and
breast cancer risks.
·
Plastic waste can serve as a vector for pathogens like E. coli and
Salmonella to spread and persist in the environment.
The decision and process taken by the Lagos State government on
single-use plastic as a policy initiative were aimed at reducing the amount of
plastic that ends up in the landfills, because when people litter, the
environment is the ultimate host. People do so without thinking about the
long-term benefits of the environment as an asset, so eliminating single-use
plastics becomes an added policy incentive as there have been previous efforts
to reduce the amount of waste generated per person. It will become an
incremental approach to various other strategies being applied to reduce
plastic pollution. The implementation of a
ban on single-use plastics in Lagos State marks a significant milestone in the
global effort to combat plastic pollution and promote environmental
sustainability.
As one of the most populous and economically vibrant
states in Nigeria, Lagos faces immense challenges posed by the excessive use
and disposal of single-use plastics. Why the
ban, you ask? Well, besides the obvious eyesore plastic waste creates, it also
wreaks havoc on the environment, harming wildlife, contaminating water sources,
and contributing to climate change. By banning single-use plastics, Lagos State
aims to reduce pollution, protect ecosystems, and promote sustainable living.
It’s a win for everyone and Mother Nature!
To ensure the success of the single-use
plastic ban, the Lagos State Government through the Ministry of the Environment
and Water Resources has been engaging with various stakeholders in the plastic
value chain in the past months. Lagos State has put in place strict laws and
regulations. Implementing a ban on single-use plastics requires a collective
effort to this end, Lagos State has partnered with businesses, NGOs, and
community groups to spread awareness, provide resources for sustainable
practices, and foster a culture of environmental responsibility. Also, various
buyback mechanisms for some selected single-use plastic will be rolled out to
help businesses and producers in the plastic value chain cope with the ban.
Through collaboration, the ban becomes more than just a rule-it becomes a
movement for positive change.
For
the faceless environmental champions who ask what are the alternatives for the ban?
A Yoruba adage says: Ohun Kan ladie Nje
Kagbdo to de (A statement that one does not depend on somebody since one
survived before the arrival of the person). We survived before the introduction
of plastics so we will surely survive after the ban on plastic or total
elimination of plastic. Let’s explore some of the alternatives we have:
Biodegradable and
Compostable Alternatives: Out with
the old, in with the eco-friendly! Businesses in Lagos State should start to exploring
biodegradable and compostable alternatives to single-use plastics. From
utensils made of cornstarch to packaging derived from plant-based materials,
these alternatives offer a sustainable solution without compromising
convenience.
Promoting Reusable Products and
Packaging: Reduce,
reuse, recycle – a mantra for a reason! By promoting reusable products and
packaging, both businesses and consumers can significantly cut down on single-use
plastic waste. Tote bags, stainless steel straws, and refillable containers are
just a few examples of sustainable alternatives that help minimize our
environmental footprint. Remember, every small change counts towards a
plastic-free future!
Transitioning to a plastic-free
environment presents both challenges and opportunities for businesses and
industries in Lagos State. While there may be initial economic implications for
businesses accustomed to using single-use plastics, there is also potential for
innovation and investment in sustainable solutions. Since the implementation of the ban on Styrofoam in Lagos
State, there have been notable successes in reducing waste and pollution levels,
the ban has led to cleaner streets, reduced environmental degradation, and
heightened public awareness about the impact of Styrofoam on the ecosystem.
To ensure the success of the ban on single-use
plastic initiatives, it is essential to ensure that all stakeholders embrace alternatives,
raise awareness, and overcome challenges. Lagos is setting a positive example
for other States to follow in the global fight against plastic pollution.
Through continued collaboration and commitment, we can strive towards a
cleaner, healthier planet where the detrimental impacts of single-use plastics
are significantly reduced. Let Lagos State's journey towards a plastic-free
environment inspire us all to take meaningful actions in preserving our natural
surroundings for the benefit of all.
#AGreaterLagosRising
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