- Wealth from Waste: APWEN wants to turn plastic trash into treasure.
- Collection Boost: They’re calling for more refuse centers to combat plastic pollution.
- STEM Education: APWEN plans to teach kids about recycling and STEM.
- National Push: Advocating for women engineers’ inclusion in environmental action plans.
Turning Trash to Treasure: APWEN’s Bold Plan
The Association of Professional Women Engineers of Nigeria (APWEN) is not playing around. They’re challenging environmental agencies to start seeing plastic waste not as a problem, but as a goldmine. Engineer Deborah Danladi, the Gombe State Chairman of APWEN, made this clear during a World Environment Day event. According to her, it’s time to promote the use of plastic waste for wealth creation.
More Refuse Centers Needed Urgently
One of the key strategies is to increase the number of refuse collection centers. APWEN believes that more centers will significantly help reduce plastic pollution. These centers will serve as crucial points for collecting and sorting plastic waste, making it easier to recycle and reuse.
STEM Education for the Next Generation
APWEN isn’t just talking to the government; they’re also focusing on the youth. They plan to educate school children on how to recycle plastic waste into useful items. Imagine turning plastic bottles into household items, cool robots, or even toys! This hands-on approach aims to instill a sense of responsibility and creativity in the younger generation.
The Bigger Picture: A National Strategy
Dr. Adebisi Osim, the national president of APWEN, speaking virtually, emphasized the scale of the plastic waste problem. The world produces over 430 million tons of plastic every year, and less than 10% gets recycled. Lagos alone generates 13,000 metric tons of waste daily, with 15% being plastic, according to World Bank estimates. APWEN is advocating for women engineers to be included in the national environmental action plan.
STEM for All: Raising Awareness
This year’s Environmental Day theme is “End Plastic Pollution,” and APWEN is promoting “Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics (STEM) for all.” The goal is to raise awareness about the importance of STEM in conserving the environment and tapping into the potential of plastic waste.
What’s Next? Audits, Alternatives, and Robotics
APWEN has some exciting plans in the pipeline. They will be working with environmental agencies to conduct STEM-based plastic audits in schools and markets. They also plan to partner with young people to design plastic alternatives using local materials and build waste-sorting systems using simple robotics. Talk about innovation!
The Expert’s Take: Reduce Single-Use Plastics
Dr. Rebecca Stephen Sati from Gombe State University stressed the need to cut down on single-use plastics. Items like straws, bags, and water bottles are major culprits in environmental pollution. She suggests using eco-friendly alternatives like reusable bags, water bottles, and containers.
Nigeria’s Plastic Problem: Key Facts
- Nigeria generates an estimated 2.5 million tonnes of plastic waste annually.
- A significant percentage of this waste ends up in landfills, waterways, and drainage systems.
- Poor waste management practices contribute to flooding and environmental degradation.
- Recycling rates are still low, but initiatives like APWEN’s are driving change.
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