NGO Picks Holes In Plastic Recycling

A research-driven non-governmental organisation (NGO), Centre for Earth Works (CFEW) has kicked against recycling of plastic to address plastic crisis in Nigeria.

The centre, which also works to empower communities on sustainable strategies for solving environmental problems, said because of the addition of toxic plastic chemicals, both the processed chemicals and the variety of processed contaminants, recycling plastics now means recycling of toxic chemicals.”

 It stressed that the process therefore constitutes a false solution.

The youth co-chair and research associate of CFEW, Mr Stanley Okwara, at a news conference in Jos the Plateau State capital, called for reduction in the production of plastic in Nigeria.

According to him, three things are urgently needed to protect the human rights to a clean, healthy and sustainable environment, which includes, the intentional use of toxic chemicals in plastic needs to be prevented, the unintentional presence of toxic chemicals in plastics needs to be prevented.

He said the mandatory requirements for information about chemical contents of plastic and their hazards are publicly available and accessible.

“In addition, mandatory requirements should be put in place to ensure that hazards and other health related information is communicated to consumers, workers and the general public,” he said.

He argued that the global trade in chemicals, plastic and plastic wastes necessitated international regulations, including leveraging existing agreements like Stockholm and Basel conventions along with international labour and health resolutions.

Okwara said the NGO is dedicated to building capacities and providing solutions to pressing environmental issues through youth and women empowerment and public education adding that their work is guided by these core values, cohesiveness, innovation, sustainability, integrity and accountability.