In 1950, the World’s population of 2.5 billion produced 1.5 million tonnes of plastic. In 2016, a global population of more than 7 billion people produced over 320 million tonnes of plastic. This is set to double in 2034. Every single day, approximately 8 million pieces of plastic pollution finds their way into the oceans.
Plastic pollution is even much worse in developing Countries like Uganda which has lacks an effective legislation that regulates the use of plastics. In effect, plastic is recklessly disposed off on the streets not only compromising the aesthetics of the environment, but also creating a health hazard for urbanities.
If we are to solve the plastic crisis, every country needs to inculcate Recycling Education into its School Curriculum not only to teach children about sustainable solution, but to also use schools as important stakeholders in the fight against Climate Change.
It ought to be noted, that schools generate large tonnes of plastic annually through drinks and snacks packaged in plastics which are sold from the respective School Canteens. It is therefore prudent that schools be used s centres of recycling rather than it being a task of the underfunded Municipal Authorities. Each school should therefore be empowered to manage its own plastic waste as a way of promoting environmental sustainability.
The Schools Tree Project empowers schools through its Seeds for the Future Campaign where School Children are taught how to set up Fruit Tree Nurseries using plastic bottles and Polythene bags got off their compounds and neighbouring streets. In effect, schools conduct their own reforestation programs using plastics got from the streets.
The beauty of this program is that, plastic bottles act as Seed pots for the tree seedlings, are got free of charge from the school compounds and neighbouring streets – which makes reforestation affordable and sustainable.
In conclusion, handling plastic pollution requires us to think out of the Pandora Box by taking Recycling Education right to schools and involve these Institutions as important stakeholders in resolving this crisis, more than perceiving them as mere centres of learning. This will create future responsible citizens who are problem solvers and will in a way help in reducing the rate of Plastic Pollution worldwide.
By, Doreen Babirye KayembaCEO – Garden Foods Foundation and Future Surgeon