By Chidinma Ewunonu-Aluko
In the bid to contribute toward ending plastic pollution, an Environmentalist, Prof. Funmilola Ajani has called on communities to ensure proper disposal of plastics.
Ajani, the initiator and Coordinator of Initiative for Biodiversity Conservation In Sub-Saharan Africa (IBCSSA) made the call on Thursday at an event to mark World Environment Day in Ibadan.
The Professor of Environmental Conservation delivered a keynote lecture on the topic “Beat Plastic Pollution”.
She remarked that plastics should be taken to the recyclers, instead of discarding them anyhow, thereby littering the environment.
“Individuals and Nigerians should embrace the ‘5Rs’ of sustainability. These are Refuse, Reduce, Reuse, Repurpose , and Recycle.
“Refusing the use of single – use plastics offers significant environmental and social benefits like reducing plastic wastes, minimizing pollution, and prompting sustainable alternatives.
“Reusing and repurposing plastics have equal advantages. Plastics can be given a “second life”, for example, a keg of engine oil can be repurposed to house flowers or some ornamental decorations,” she said.
Ajani urged more NGOs’ to launch and implement behavior change programmes such as environmental enlightenment campaigns to ensure that all stakeholders are educated and mobilised to support policies.
She also urged the government to support the NGO’s in carrying out their tasks.
The environmentalist advocated policies such as banning of single use of plastics.
According to her, the tiny particles are in the blood, lungs, and even in faeces while millions of animals are killed by plastics every year, from birds to fish and other marine organisms.
“Plastic pollution can cause liver and cell damage, and even, disruptions to reproductive systems,” she said.
She further enlightened the students on how each action they take counts, linking individual habits to global impact.
The highlight of the event was an educational video screened to show the students the dangers of plastic waste and the importance of sustainable practices.
Students from Urban Day Grammar School, Onireke presented their upcycling projects—a pen holder, a small car and a lamp, which were all made from plastic and some other items.
The event continued with presentations by the students. The junior schools had five-minute presentation on “Alternatives to Single-Use Plastics” , while the senior schools had a debate on “ Plastic Should Be Banned Completely”.
Prizes and certificates were distributed to outstanding participants from both Urban Day and Onireke Secondary Schools that were present at the event.
Awards, medals and consolation prizes were also given to the winners.(NAN)
