By Lipah S. M –
EVERY day, millions and millions of plastic products are used in Zambia, but is this ideal for our environment?
Many Zambians do not give it a thought, however, whether we give it a thought or not we are inevitably asphyxiating our environment and all the good things we get from it will gradually diminish and this will pose a great threat to our future generations.
This article seeks to enlighten and sensitise my fellow Zambians on the effects excessive plastic use has on our beautiful environment, it tries to analyse the effects of excessive plastic use, the benefits of reusing, recycling and reducing, it also tries to outline the positive impacts these benefits have not only to us but also to generations which come after us.
Reducing the amount of waste we produce is the best way to help the environment, reusing the products which we already have ensures low energy required in production annually, recycling makes sure that we have a clean environment as all what we may deem as waste can be given a second chance to work for this human race and safeguard the future for those that come after us.
Plastics have effects on the environment due to its features and chemical properties, degrade slowly due to its durability and when burnt, it produces harmful fumes.It also requires large amounts of chemicals during creation which is costly to the environment, and when dumped in the water sources they can harm aquatic wildlife.
Plastic Degeneration and Durability
According to Dr Katsuhiko Saidos’ research it has been proved that “Plastics in daily use are generally assumed to be quite stable”.
“We found that plastic in water bodies actually decomposes as it is exposed to the rain and sun and other environmental conditions, giving rise to yet another source of global contamination that will continue into the future.” polystyrene begins to decompose within one year, releasing components that are detectable in the parts-per-million range.
Those chemicals also decompose in the open water and inside marine life. When plastic decomposes, it releases potentially toxic bisphenol A (BPA) and PS oligomer into the water, causing additional pollution.
Plastics usually do not break down in an animal’s body after being eaten.
However, the substances released from decomposing plastic are absorbed and could have adverse effects.
BPA and PS oligomer are sources of concern because they can disrupt the functioning of hormones in animals and can seriously affect reproductive systems this can lead to extinction of many animal species.
The Power of the Three R’s
Reduce
• ? Buy products that don’t have a lot of packaging. Some products are wrapped in many layers of plastic and paperboard even though they don’t need to be. You can also look for things that are packed in materials that don’t require a lot of energy or resources to produce. Some products will put that information right on their labels.
• Instead of buying something you’re not going to use very often, see if you can borrow it from someone you know.
• Start a compost bin. Some people set aside a place in their yard where they can dispose of certain food and plant materials. Over time, the materials will break down through a natural process called decomposition. The compost is good for the soil in your yard and means that less garbage will go to the landfill.
• Save energy by turning off lights that you are not using.
• Save water by turning off the faucet while you brush your teeth.
Re-use
Instead of throwing things away, try to find ways to use them again! For example:
• Bring a shopping basket to the store with you instead of taking home new paper or plastic bags. You can use the basket again and again. You’ll be saving some trees!
• Plastic containers and reusable lunch bags are great ways to take your lunch to school without creating waste.
• Coffee cans, shoe boxes, margarine containers, and other types of containers people throw away can be used to store things or can become fun arts and crafts projects. Use your imagination!
• Don’t throw out clothes, toys, furniture, and other things that you don’t want anymore. Somebody else can probably use them. You can bring them to a center that collects donations, give them to friends, or even have a yard sale.
• Use all writing paper on both sides.
• Use paper grocery bags to make book covers rather than buying new ones.
• Use silverware and dishes instead of disposable plastic utensils and plates.
• Store food in reusable plastic containers.
Recycle
Many of the things we use every day, like paper bags, soda cans, and milk cartons, are made out of materials that can be recycled. Recycled items are put through a process that makes it possible to create new products out of the materials from the old ones.
You and I can make change by considering the reduce and the reuse concepts and please let us join hands and minds and come up with ways we can use to pursue the government to come up with stringent measures that will reinforce the recycle concept
Benefits of Reducing and Reusing
• Prevents pollution caused by reducing the need to harvest new raw materials;
• Saves energy;
• Reduces greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to global climate change;
• Helps sustain the environment for future generations;
• Saves money;
• Reduces the amount of waste that will need to be recycled or sent to landfills and incinerators;
• Allows products to be used to their fullest extent.
An African country which has inspired me most is Rwanda, the government of the Republic of Rwanda with a vision to maintain a clean, healthy and wealthy environment has by law banned the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags. The strong political will coupled with community participation in environmental management has put Rwanda on a steady path to sustainable development. This good habit can extend even to Zambia and also globally .The environment bears no boundaries! The future is in our hands, if we are to make a difference, let it be now!
Share with us your experiences, comments and recommendations. Send emails to wildlifemgtsociety@gmail.com or lipahms@yahoo.com
