World Environment Day : Challenges in the Plastic Age

Every year, on the 5th of June, the world celebrates World Environment Day and this year the UN has chosen the theme of plastic pollution to sensitize public opinion of the adverse effect of plastic pollution.

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Since some years now, I have been actively participating in cleanup campaigns in the south of the island. Very often as we go through these familiar pathways, it is sad to see lots of plastic debris that have been thrown in these areas which are supposed to be places of serenity, peace, and tranquility. It is heartbreaking to witness sights of discarded plastic items ruining the picturesque landscape, and this is a reminder of our collective negligence. 

I am sure that most of us have borne witness to such relentless invasion of plastic waste in public places with empty plastic bottles and other such items laying strewn across the grass. It is really painful to see how our garden’s beauty is tarnished, overshadowed by the stark reality of human actions. These sights are a clear reminder that even the most cherished spaces are not immune to our society’s waste disposable habits. Thus, plastic pollution has invaded the sanctuary, poisoning the very essence of its existence. The harmonious coexistence between nature and humankind has been disrupted and replaced by a sorrowful picture of our disregard for the environment.

Rahoof Saib, past president of Rotary club

Leaving the garden the other day with my heart heavy with grief, I have pledged to take action by reducing my own consumption of single-use plastics and committing to spread awareness about the devastating effects of plastic pollution in our community. This may urge others to embrace sustainable practices and protect the environment, especially from plastic waste. As an active supporter of the protection of environment and its biodiversity, I want a future where the public garden, and every green space, can flourish without the burden of plastic waste.

Given the actual situation in many public places, there is a need for all of us to fight against plastic pollution, beginning with our own locality. It is a battle that requires collective effort to restore the natural beauty that has been affected by our careless habits and preserve our shared spaces for generations to come.

The danger of single-use plastic

There is no doubt that plastic has become an integral part of our modern lives and it is indeed a very convenient product as packaging material or household items. However, the biggest problem of this useful product is the single-use plastic. These single-use plastics are generally intended for one-time use and are then thrown away. The proliferation of single-use plastic, particularly in the form of disposable bags, straws, bottles, and packaging, has given rise to a pressing environmental crisis. Thus, single-use plastic poses a significant threat to our ecosystems.

For me, plastic itself may not be the major problem, but its excessive misuse and irresponsible disposal that give rise to environmental crisis that demands our immediate attention. While plastic offers many practical conveniences in our daily life, its disposal leads to consequences that are severe and long-lasting. Unfortunately in Mauritius we often find items such as plastic bags, straws, bottles, and food containers discarded by the side of the road or in public places. 

As a Small Island Developing States (SIDS), Mauritius is faced with a more pressing issue associated with single-use plastic, that is, the impact of plastic pollution on our marine ecosystems. Research has shown that plastic pollution harms marine life in numerous ways. Fish and other aquatic life often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to ingestion and subsequently to death. Furthermore, marine animals can become entangled in plastic waste, causing serious harm. 

The effects of plastic pollution are not limited to our oceans alone; our rivers, which serve as lifelines for countless species and ecosystems, are increasingly suffering from the burden of plastic waste. Plastic pollution in rivers poses significant environmental challenges, which require urgent attention and collective efforts to mitigate its impact. When plastic items are improperly discarded in open space they may be carried by wind and rain into rivers, where they accumulate and contribute to the growing crisis of plastic pollution. The consequences of plastic pollution in rivers are serious and represent a significant threat to aquatic ecosystems and wildlife. 

The other problem is that household waste is not always segregated resulting in organic, plastic and even electronic waste being treated in the same way. Plastic waste ends up in landfills and this may lead to harmful chemicals from plastic that can leak into the surrounding environment, contaminating groundwater and affecting plant and animal life. Moreover, these plastic may take hundreds of years to decompose, occupying lots of space in the landfills in the absence of a more sustainable waste management practices.

Fortunately, Mauritius has stipulated strict regulations namely the Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations under the Environment Protection Act so that there is ban on non-biodegradable plastic bag as well as single-use plastic products such as spoons, forks, knives, chopsticks, plates, bowls, cups, trays, and other disposable containers. As an advocate of the protection of environment, I rejoice this critical step that aligns Mauritius with the global movement towards reducing plastic waste and embracing sustainable alternatives.

Rotarian in the role of Environmentalist

The protection of the environment, especially the combat against the danger of single-use plastic requires a multi-faceted approach and cannot be left solely to rest on government. Individuals can make significant contributions by reducing their consumption of single-use plastic items and opting for eco-friendly alternatives with the aim of reducing plastic waste. Awareness campaigns and environmental education programs can play a key role in changing consumer behavior and promoting responsible plastic use.

With growing concern, in recent years, about the environmental crisis and its adverse impact on the planet, and the people, Rotary International came out with a distinct Area of Focus to support the environment. The aim of Rotary International in establishing this distinct area of focus on the environment is to address the pressing environmental challenges our planet faces and to promote sustainable solutions on a global scale. By focusing on the environment as one of its key areas of concern, Rotary International wants to leverage its vast network, resources, and expertise to make a significant impact in protecting and preserving our natural world.

As Rotarians, we recognize plastic pollution as a serious humanitarian crisis which has a direct impact on the people we support. A few years ago, members from Rotary Club of Amsterdam and other Clubs came with EndPlasticSoup as a global environmental project for Rotary which is now already supported by thousands of Rotarians. This movement aims to eliminate, by 2050, plastic waste in oceans, rivers, parks and streets. Such initiative is a good example of how individuals and associations worldwide can work together to mitigate the plastic pollution problem.

Collection of empty plastic bottles for recycling, an example to follow! 

Last Saturday I met Mr Rahoof Saib, past president of Rotary Club of Rose Belle at his residence and had a very interesting chat on this pertinent issue of plastic pollution. Rahoof is a person dedicated to community service, his passion for making a difference had not faded despite his age. Determined to continue his noble efforts in the protection of the environment in his region, he and his team of Rose Belle Senior Citizens Association has embarked on a mission that would leave a lasting mark in his locality.

He has always been deeply concerned about the detrimental impact of plastic waste on the environment and has witnessed the consequences of improper disposal of plastic bottles. Determined to find a solution, he turned his attention to the collection of these empty bottles with the aim of recycling them as a means to preserve the natural beauty and at the same time fundraising for his Senior Citizens Association.

As a past president of a Rotary Club, he knows the power of collective action, and as such he has called upon his friends to join him in the campaign of collecting empty plastic bottles. He firmly believes that recycling is a simple yet effective way to reduce plastic pollution and conserve nature. Backed with determination and the support of his Association, he sets out on his mission.

Rahoof has organized several community campaigns, encouraging everyone to bring their empty plastic bottles to his yard designated as a collection point. I was pleased to see empty plastic bottles piled up in big bags ready to be sent to the recycling plant. According to him “my call was overwhelmingly received, as people recognized the importance of their individual actions in safeguarding the environment for future generations. I am pleased to see that households as well as local businesses from the region have come as a united front against plastic waste.

I hope that Rahoof’s passion and leadership in the protection of the environment may spark a light in the hearts of many individuals, awakening a sustainable initiative in other part of the country.

A Call for action!

At an individual level we sometime do not prioritize environmental problem as a pressing issue as we have other immediate needs and concerns to address. We also feel that our individual actions may not make a significant difference in the face of global environmental crisis. 

However, when we look at the seriousness of the problem, we have no other choice than to act and act now. As responsible citizens, we can pledge to reduce our own consumption of single-use plastics and to spread awareness about the devastating effects of plastic pollution. The weight of responsibility rests heavily upon our shoulders, reminding us that each individual’s choices, no matter how small, have the power to shape the fate of our world.

Plastic pollution is not a remote problem, it is a personal tragedy that may touch our soul and call upon us to be part of the solution. 

*Simi Khooblall is a graduate in biology and holds a Master degree in Environmental Science. She is the elected president of Rotary Club of Rose Belle for the year 2022/2023. She is passionate about the preservation of the green environment and its biodiversity, and has been very active in various environmental projects at community level.

 

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