Today, the problem of plastic waste remains a major environmental issue, and the world has yet to find a long-term solution to permanently address this challenge. Over time, significant efforts have been made by the government, private sector, non-governmental organizations (NGOs), and concerned individuals to champion various projects aimed at reducing the production of plastic waste, encouraging the use of alternative packaging materials, and strengthening the various innovations around plastic waste recycling. Ecocykle Limited is a social enterprise that is dedicated to addressing Nigeria’s plastic waste problem.
Ecocykle Limited organized a plastic waste recycling training for youths in Nasarawa State as part of its effort to address the problem of plastic waste and strengthen environmental sustainability towards an improved functionality of the ecosystem. This training was held in commemoration of the 2022 Global Recycling Day, an iconic day set aside annually to recognize and celebrate actors who are making significant efforts to advance waste recycling globally.
During the training, about 10 youths, including 5 females and 5 males, were given hands-on training on the conversion of discarded plastic waste into durable interlocking bricks.
The introductory session was led by Lauritta Boniface, a principal member of Ecocykle Limited, who educated participants on the 17 sustainable goals, various types of plastics, the effects of plastic pollution on the environment, and the various processes involved in combating plastic pollution through waste recycling.
Following the theoretical session, an interactive session was held, in which participants were able to make contributions, ask pertinent questions, and the facilitator laid more emphasis on area of concerns.
The practical session of the training was facilitated by Aliyu Sadiq, CEO of Ecocykle Limited. During this session, Aliyu and his team members took participants through the various processes involved in transforming plastic waste to paving bricks. At the end of the practical’s, approximately 2kg of LDPE plastic waste was combined with sand at a fixed ratio to produce four durable interlocking bricks. During the training, Aliyu, the facilitator, emphasized keenly on the importance of adhering strictly to necessary safety measures and precautions.
Participants were enthralled by the process and the end products derived from plastic waste, which would otherwise be littered on the streets and causing environmental problems. They were inspired to take climate action and contribute to addressing the plastic waste problem in their respective communities by learning more about waste recycling.
Concerns about the available market for recycled products, as well as the level of government support for these initiatives, were raised during the meeting.
The training concluded with video interviews and group photos of participants holding samples of newly manufactured bricks made from discarded plastic waste.
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By
BAWA ARAB
