Africa-Press – Eswatini. Earth Day is an annual celebration held on April 22 and it honours the achievements of the environmental movement.
It is not just a global celebration; it is a poignant reminder of our responsibility to protect our planet, especially in regions like Africa, where environmental challenges are pronounced, for future generations. From the vast savannahs to the lush rainforests, Africa’s natural beauty is unmatched. However, this beauty is under threat, and one of the most pressing issues it faces is plastic pollution.
Urbanisation
Eswatini, just like many other African countries, is experiencing growing urbanisation and economic growth, which often comes hand in hand with increased consumption and waste generation. Plastic pollution has become a significant environmental and health concern across the country. Rivers and dams are choking with plastic debris, endangering life in water and ecosystems upon which emaSwati depend for their livelihoods. According to a 2016 survey by the Eswatini Environment Authority (EEA), three out of five major retail shops distributed about 1.9 million single use plastic bags per month. Approximately 60 per cent of these plastic bags are taken to landfills, while the rest either pollute the aquatic ecosystem or the aesthetics of the natural environment. This statistic only included plastic bag waste, yet many more other types of plastic waste in the country are causing havoc to our ecosystems and health.
One of the primary reasons Earth Day holds immense significance for the world is its role in raising awareness about environmental issues and this year the focus was on the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the planet. Plastic waste not only degrades the beautiful appeal of natural landscapes but also poses a severe threat to wildlife such as our domestic animals that have also been placed at risk as they tend to ingest single use plastic bags while trying to forage on the discarded food they contain. We then in turn ingest these animals that have the plastic waste in them, and since plastic is not biodegradable, it stays in our health systems for years causing health complications that are often irreversible. Furthermore, plastic pollution contaminates soil and water sources, jeopardising our agricultural productivity.
Recycling
Moreover, Earth Day serves as a platform to advocate for sustainable waste management practices and policies. Eswatini lacks adequate infrastructure for waste collection, recycling and disposal, exacerbating the problem of plastic pollution. We only have 10 legal dumping sites, yet we have more than 20 towns/cities. Also, about 70 per cent of our waste disposal facilities are located close to running water streams at least by less than 200 metres. Illegal dumping is also increasing and this is very dangerous to the environment and our health. By emphasising the importance of investing in these essential services, Earth Day initiatives can spur governments and stakeholders to take decisive action in addressing the issue. Furthermore, plastic pollution disproportionately affects vulnerable communities in Eswatini. In many urban areas, informal settlements lack proper waste management systems, leading to the accumulation of plastic waste in streets, rivers and open spaces. This not only perpetuates environmental degradation but also exacerbates social inequalities, as marginalised populations bear the brunt of pollution-related health risks.
Actions to take
To address these multifaceted challenges, combined efforts are needed to curb plastic pollution in Eswatini. Earth Day serves as a rallying cry for individuals, communities, businesses and governments to adopt sustainable practices that reduce plastic consumption and promote recycling and reuse. Education and awareness campaigns play a crucial role in changing attitudes and behaviours towards plastic use and disposal, fostering a culture of environmental stewardship. Additionally, innovative solutions are emerging to tackle plastic pollution in Eswatini. From grassroots initiatives that promote community clean-ups to technological innovations that facilitate plastic recycling, there is a growing momentum towards finding sustainable solutions to this pressing problem.
Projects by PT Experto, which is a youth enterprise that recycles plastic waste to make construction materials such as pavers, bricks and tiles, is helping solve the country’s plastic waste problem. By harnessing the creativity and ingenuity of its youth, Eswatini can lead the way in developing scalable and replicable approaches to address plastic pollution. In conclusion, Earth Day holds immense significance for the world as it shines a spotlight on the urgent need for climate action and with this year’s focus on curbing plastic pollution for the well-being of the planet and its inhabitants, we all need to work together to come up with solutions. By raising awareness, advocating for policy change and promoting sustainable practices, Earth Day empowers individuals and communities across the globe to take action in protecting the environment for future generations. Together, we can turn the tide on plastic pollution and create a more sustainable and resilient nation.
Source: times
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