NCF advocates sustainable alternative to plastics consumption

The Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF) has charged stakeholders involved in the production and consumption of plastics, as well as policy makers to jointly explore sustainable alternatives.

The foundation stressed the need for the reduction of production and excessive use of single-use plastics polluting the oceans, damaging marine life and threatening human health.

This emerged during the 2018 World Environment Day (WED) celebration organized by the foundation.

The NCF marked the day with an inter-school arts exhibition and hosted key stakeholders in the plastic industries for a session of deliberation.

The activities, according to NCF’s Director General, Dr. Muhtari Aminu-Kano, were organized to enable students showcase their creative abilities in turning plastics waste into arts and crafts while learning about ways the government and other stakeholders are helping to reduce its production and adverse effect on the people.

The theme for this year’s WED was Beat Plastic Pollution, which harps on the need for individuals to adopt the habit of multiple usage of plastics.

 NCF has over the years used WED to grow environmental literacy among the youths and the students.

Chairman of the occasion, Chief Ede Dafinone said most plastic waste generated emanates from deliberate dumping of garbage into waterways.

“More than 50% of plastic waste generated comes from inadequate management due to lack or infrastructure associated with an ever-increasing population”, he said.

The Chief Host and Director General of NCF said, “30 million tonnes of plastics are produced annually all over the world, 8 million tonnes find their way into the ocean, while the rest litter our streets, clog our drainages and some flying in the air, causing health problems”.

Country Director, United Nations Information Centre, Lagos, Mr. Raymond Kayanja called on all parties including government, corporate organisations and individuals to come forth to stem the big challenge plastic is putting us through and which it may lead us into if not urgently checked.

11 secondary schools and seven primary schools (both public and private) across Lagos State participated in the art exhibition competition.

The winners in the secondary school category are Mayors Height School, Epe Girls Senior Secondary School and Genesis High School as first, second and third positions respectively. While Refiners School, Genesis Primary School and Learning Ladder Montessori School emerged winners in the primary category as first, second and third positions respectively.

The event, according to NCF, was sponsored by Exxon Mobil and supported by IHS Towers, First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Nigerian Bottling Company Plc and Nestle Water Nigeria.