Kenya – Environmental experts in Kilifi are issuing a caution to the public regarding the usage of recycled plastic products, emphasizing their higher levels of toxic chemicals, posing potential harm to the human body.
While recycling has long been promoted to reduce plastic waste, recent studies suggest that the process might inadvertently contribute to increased toxicity.
Professor Okeyo Benards, Associate Professor in the Department of Environmental Sciences at Pwani University, explained that, during recycling, certain chemicals in plastics can transform into even more toxic compounds than in their original form.
Consequently, recycled plastics could be more hazardous to human health than their predecessors. Professor Benards advised against burning plastic waste in residential areas, highlighting the release of harmful fumes into the air.
He advocated for responsible waste management, recommending that plastic waste be collected by county workers with designated incineration facilities.
Ashley Kazungu, a Master’s student in Environmental Science at Pwani University, emphasized the importance of reducing plastic usage to safeguard against adverse health effects.
Kazungu called for collective action to combat Kenya’s plastic crisis for the well-being of current and future generations.
Recycling initiative in Mombasa
Last October, a consortium comprising three community organizations united to address plastic waste recycling in the informal settlement of Bangladesh in Mombasa.
The Pwani Youth Network (PYN), a non-governmental organization operating in Mombasa, Kilifi, and Kwale counties, joined forces with Voluntary Service Overseas (VSO) and Women Reducing Adolescent Pregnancy (WRAP) for a comprehensive cleanup campaign. PYN, advocating for Kenyan youth progress, focuses on inspiring positive change.
During a community cleanup and public awareness event in Bangladesh, PYN’s Chief Executive, Alferd Sigo, emphasized their goal of engaging and educating the community on plastic waste management to drive community action and influence consumer choices.
Sigo, the founder of PYN, outlined the partnership’s objective to transform discarded plastic waste into a valuable commodity, promoting a circular plastic economy.
The collaboration between environmental groups aims to enhance the livelihoods of workers in the plastic recycling sector while contributing to environmental improvement.
Sigo highlighted the potential of the plastic recycling value chain to address environmental pollution and create employment within the community.
PYN has also involved People Living with Disabilities (PLWDs) in the environmental awareness campaign and cleanup efforts.
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