NIGERIA – Statewide Waste and Environmental Education Foundation (SWEEP) with support from Coca-Cola has launched ‘Green Campus’ project in Nigeria’s universities.
The “Green Campus” initiative was officially launched on April 5, 2023, at the University of Ibadan in Oyo State, Nigeria.
The project aims to reduce plastic pollution on university campuses and encourage students to adopt the practice of a circular economy which has many benefits including environmental conservation.
These campuses are home to a significant portion of Nigeria’s population, which is also a stakeholder in plastic pollution.
Nigeria generates an average of 5.96 million tonnes of plastic waste per year according to the World Population Review.
In response to this pollution, the Nigerian Sweep Foundation will educate students and campus officials on the importance of preserving the environment and reducing the costs associated with waste management.
At least 250 students selected from campuses in Nigeria will then be trained in the collection and recycling of plastic waste.
“Knowledge that, when capitalized on, could help empower them financially, especially through the sale of plastic bottles and the management of campus-based waste drop-off centers,” said SWEEP in a statement.
Saadia Madsbjerg, president of TCCF added: “We are proud to support this initiative that will not only improve the campus waste value chain in Nigeria but also help inspire a generation of environmental advocates.”
Coca-Cola’s commitment to this project is part of its sustainability policy, which aims to recycle 100% of its plastic waste by 2030.
After the Ibadan campus, the Green Campus project will roll out to other universities, expanding what will not only be a revolutionary approach to community-based waste management but also a catalyst for socio-economic recovery throughout Nigeria.
Elsewhere, the state of Oyo has tightened the regulations on solid waste management. Starting April 17, 2023, industries, businesses and households without garbage bins will be subjected to a formal notice from the local authorities.
The measure announced on April 3, 2023, by the chairperson of the Oyo State Waste Management Task Force, Aderonke Adedayo, is part of the local government’s policy to ensure proper waste management and environmental health.
This decision follows the increase in the level of solid waste pollution in this state located in the southwest of Nigeria.
“Property owners are called upon to provide dustbins for their properties and ensure compliance with the laws on waste management in the state,” Aderonke Adedayo stresses.
In addition to reducing pollution by curbing littering, the local government’s approach is to support collection services in the Nigerian state.
Mottainai Recycling will recycle waste collected through mini recycling centers. On September 22, 2022, the waste management solutions provider partnered with the Oyo government and the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Agency (OYOWMA).
For all the latest packaging and printing industry news from Africa and the World, subscribe to our NEWSLETTER, follow us on Twitter and LinkedIn, like us on Facebook, and subscribe to our YouTube channel.
