In many parts of the world, plastic waste has been a major source of concern for environmentalists. In Nigeria, waterways and drainages sport floating plastic bottles and nylons, leading to flooding, threats to aquatic life, and the ecosystem, in general.
From extensive research, the waste generation rate in Nigeria is estimated to be 0.65-0.95 kg/capita/day, which gives an average of 42 million tonnes of wastes generated annually.
This number is more than half of 62 million tonnes of waste generated in sub-Saharan Africa annually. Most of these wastes generated end up in landfills, dumpsites, drainages and where they are not supposed to.
It is on the back of this development that Coca-Cola has partnered with the Stephanie Linus-owned Extended Hands Foundation, to sensitise and increase awareness with regards to proper waste management practices in Nigeria.
This is in line with Coca-Cola’s plan to ensure a World Without Waste – an ambitious environmental commitment envisioned by the company in 2018 to help to collect and recycle a bottle or can for every one it sells by 2030.
As part of its sub-goals, the 12-year plan includes making its packaging 100% recyclable by 2025 and using 50% recycled material in its bottles and cans by 2030.
In 2020, the company signalled its commitment to this bold and ambitious goal by transitioning its iconic Sprite green plastic packaging to clear plastic packaging, increasing the value of the post-consumer PET bottle, reducing the complexity of the recycling process, as well as improving recycling rates.
Additionally, through the World Without Waste campaign, Coca-Cola in partnership with its philanthropic arm The Coca-Cola Foundation has awarded grants worth over $4m to local NGOs, recyclers, and private-public organisations to proffer solutions to vulnerable communities to reduce the effects of poor waste disposal.
The company has also used activities undertaken by these organisations to empower vulnerable women and community youths through job creation.
Stephanie Linus-Okereke is an A-list actor who has shown keen interest in promoting environmental sustainability through her NGO, Extended Hands Foundation, creating awareness through its “Hygiene First, My New Habit” campaign The campaign is also geared towards creating awareness on personal hygiene and prompting a favourable behavioural change towards building a better planet.
It is no secret that the world has a packaging waste problem. With initiatives and collaborations like this, significant strides are being made to combat this issue before it spirals into a major health and environmental crisis.
