UE/R: EPA Leads Charge Against Plastic Pollution on World Environment Day

BY: ATUIMAH VALERIOUS

The Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) in Ghana’s Upper East Region marked World Environment Day today, launching a concerted effort to raise awareness and combat the escalating issue of plastic pollution. The initiative featured a comprehensive radio discussion on the URA Sunrise morning show hosted by Raymond Wegwi with EPA Assistant Program Officers Mr. Sumaila Adamu and Mr. Alfred A. Ayamgah.

During the broadcast, the EPA officials detailed why plastics have become so ubiquitous in modern life. They highlighted plastics’ synthetic nature, derived primarily from petroleum-based chemicals, and their appealing characteristics such as versatility, ease of molding, durability (resisting insects and termites), and low cost. This has led to their widespread adoption in diverse sectors including food packaging, construction, transportation, electronics, and even healthcare.

However, the discussion quickly shifted to the severe environmental and health consequences of plastic disposal. The EPA experts explained that improper disposal of plastics can clog drainage systems, leading to flooding and subsequently creating stagnant water bodies that breed diseases like cholera and malaria. Furthermore, plastics often find their way into rivers and seas, contaminating aquatic ecosystems and potentially reducing fish populations. A stark warning was issued, citing research that predicts oceans could contain more plastics than fish by 2050 if current trends persist.

The invisible threat of microplastics was also addressed. These tiny plastic particles, undetectable by the naked eye, can contaminate water supplies and enter the human bloodstream, with the potential for transfer from mother to child during pregnancy. On land, plastics pose a long-term problem as they are not degradable and can remain in farmlands for decades, impacting agricultural productivity. The burning of plastics, a common disposal method, releases hazardous greenhouse gases such as carbon monoxide and carbon dioxide, which contribute to ozone depletion and global warming. The officers also cautioned against heating food in plastic containers, as this can cause harmful petrochemicals to leach into the food, likening the consumption of porridge from such containers to smoking 66 packets of cigarettes daily.

Given that plastics account for roughly 60% of materials in use, the EPA stressed the critical need for effective waste management strategies. The agency promoted the three core principles of waste management: Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle.

• Reduce: This principle encourages decreasing plastic consumption through policy measures such as banning or limiting the production of single-use plastics. Individuals can contribute by choosing reusable alternatives like thermal flasks for food and drinks.
• Reuse: The EPA urged the public to extend the lifespan of plastic items, such as polythene bags, by reusing them for subsequent purchases rather than immediate disposal.
• Recycle: The importance of recycling was highlighted. These plastics are then reprocessed into chips and used to manufacture new products, like plastic chairs.

An additional principle, “Reject,” was introduced, emphasizing that choosing to reject plastic products directly supports the reduction of plastic use.

Practical measures advocated by the EPA include using personal reusable towels, reusing undamaged plastic bags, and participating in regular community clean-up exercises.  A key recommendation was waste segregation at home, separating organic waste (which can be composted or consumed by roaming animals) from plastics, thereby reducing the overall volume of waste requiring disposal. The EPA also called for government collaboration with the private sector to establish more recycling plants and encouraged the adoption of environmentally friendly alternatives such as paper bags and sanitary towels. The officers noted that recent policy changes are even leading to the development of plastics that degrade more quickly.

The Upper East Region EPA is celebrating World Environment Day through educational initiatives and collaborations with various organizations, including the Anglican Diocese, Youth Harvest, and the Forestry Commission. While the regional office is sponsoring local events, the national celebration in Accra includes tree planting ceremonies.

The overarching theme for this year’s World Environment Day is “Beat Plastic Pollution – Act Now.” The EPA reiterated that the message extends beyond a single day, urging everyone to continuously work towards a healthier future by combating plastic pollution.