The Lagos State University of Science and Technology, located in Ikorodu, has taken a firm stand against the pressing issue of plastic pollution, emphasizing the urgent need for action.
During the 2023 World Environment Day celebration held at the university, organized by the College of Environmental Design and Technology, it was emphasized that the efforts to protect the environment and address existing challenges have been insufficient.
World Environment Day serves as a global platform to raise awareness and inspire action for the preservation of our deteriorating environment.
This year, with the theme ‘Beat Plastic Pollution,’ as endorsed by the United Nations Environment Programme, LASUSTECH took center stage in championing innovative approaches to tackle the problem.
In his keynote address on ‘Taking Action: Harnessing Innovation to Beat Plastic Pollution,’ Professor Kolawole Raheem revealed that Nigeria consumes a staggering 1,250,000 tonnes of plastic annually. He further highlighted that out of the 27.6 million kilotons of municipal waste generated in Nigeria, only 14 percent is collected for recycling, with plastic constituting 13 percent of the waste.
Professor Raheem proposed ingenious solutions to address plastic waste, stating, “We need to adopt the circular economy concept and leverage indigenous knowledge. Implementing vegetable leaves as an alternative to synthetic packaging on a larger industrial scale could significantly reduce carbon emissions. This calls for engagement with various stakeholders, including churches, mosques, community leaders, traditional and cultural festivals, as well as market leaders.”
He also highlighted actions taken in other countries, such as banning single-use plastics, promoting biodegradable alternatives, and imposing taxes on landfills and incineration to encourage recycling rather than dumping.
Professor Raheem emphasized the importance of supporting higher education institutions in conducting research and developing remedies for the plastic pollution crisis.
Dr. John Adenle from the Creative Arts Department at the University of Lagos suggested harnessing solid waste, including domestic, automobile, and industrial waste, as part of the solution.
Mr. Tosa Ogbomo, the founder of Green Environmental Services, stressed the need for increased education, awareness, investments in collection infrastructure, and technological advancements. He advocated for Integrated Solid Waste Management, which takes a holistic approach to waste streams, maximizing synergistic benefits in collection, recycling, treatment, and disposal.
As LASUSTECH spearheads the fight against plastic pollution, its commitment to innovative solutions serves as an inspiration to address this global environmental challenge.
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