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Investments in new technologies, education and awareness campaigns are required to address plastic pollution and encourage reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste harming the environment.
Recycling presents a valuable opportunity for job creation and revenue generation, according to the Policy Monitoring and Research Centre (PMRC) Executive Director, Sydney Mwamba.
Mwamba indicated that by investing in recycling infrastructure and promoting recycling initiatives, Zambia could create new employment opportunities in waste management and recycling industries.
He said this in a message to commemorate World Environment Day on June 5, 2023 under the theme “Solutions to Plastic Pollution.”
“Furthermore, recycling contributes to climate-friendly and sustainable solutions by reducing the extraction of raw materials, conserving energy, and minimising greenhouse gas emissions.
“PMRC recognises the critical need for collective effort and shared responsibility in addressing this challenge which poses significant risks to the environment and human health worldwide,” he said.
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According to Mwamba, this year’s theme further highlighted the urgent need for all stakeholders to act towards reducing, reusing, and recycling plastic waste.
He said governments, businesses, and individuals worldwide must work together to find innovative solutions to this pressing issue.
“This will require investments in new technologies, education and awareness campaigns, and a firm commitment to reducing our dependence on single-use plastics,” Mwamba said.
He pointed out that emphasising the use of glass as an alternative to plastic containers could be a significant step towards achieving these goals.
Glass, he explained, was a reusable and recyclable material that had a smaller environmental footprint compared to plastic.
“By opting for glass containers, both businesses and individuals have the opportunity to actively participate in the reduction of plastic waste and the advancement of a more sustainable future,” Mwamba said.
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