GAYO starts an effort to stop open burning and the plastic epidemic in Africa

 As part of its efforts to fight the plastic menace in Ghana, the Green Africa Youth Organization (GAYO) has started a campaign to inform and raise awareness about the catastrophic effects of plastic pollution and open burning.

The "Anti-Incineration and Plastic Pollution Campaign (AIPPC)" sought to educate the public about the damaging effects of plastic pollution and all kinds of incineration on the environment and public health.

GAYO started the campaign in cooperation with the GAYO Eco-Club Campus Chapters (GECCC) as part of its efforts in the circular economy and climate change sectors, with financial assistance from the Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives (GAIA).

The GAYO Eco-Club Campus Chapters (GECCCs) are groups of students and volunteers established on college campuses to carry out community service and awareness-raising tasks in accordance with the campaign's goals.

On the grounds of the University for Development Studies (UDS), Nyankpala, the Simon Diedong Dombo University for Business and Integrated Development Studies (SDD UBIDS), Wa, and other institutions, GAYO has established GECCCs.

The main launch of the campaign on April 17, 2023, in Accra will be preceded by the GECCCs' community engagement initiatives, which are designed to raise awareness and have an immediate effect in the communities.

Public awareness campaigns using a variety of channels to raise awareness about the detrimental effects of incineration and plastic pollution are among the activities being carried out within communities to accomplish the campaign's objectives.

60 students from the UDS Nyankpala and UBIDS campuses collectively toured the Cheyohi and Tinana communities in the Kumbungu and Wa West Districts of Northern Ghana to inform the locals about the dangers of open burning in homes, communities, and farmlands.

The teams interacted with community leaders during their visits on February 23 and March 3, 2023, to advocate for local waste management alternatives that are environmentally friendly and sustainable while educating the public to take action against other incineration and plastic pollution activities.

The communities heard and valued the message on plastic pollution and open incineration, which resulted in pledges and commitments from individual community members to end the plastic menace.

Leaders of the community also made commitments to intensify community involvement in and actions against plastic pollution and waste incineration as well as to boost support for sustainable and ecologically friendly alternatives to these practices.

Representatives of the community and project managers comment

"I am very appreciative that GAYO chose my town, as plastic waste pollution has been a serious problem here. I can assure you that the information provided will be used wisely by my people. It will be wonderful to have such events frequently here to inform, increase knowledge of, and empower young people in their inclusiveness in supporting this campaign, says Cheyohi Wulana (Chief of Cheyohi Community).

Tanina community chief Naa Sadik Gbele showed interest in the campaign and encouraged his elders and community members to act as change agents to ensure a community free of plastic and open incinerators. He granted permission for the GAYO team to conduct a door-to-door awareness campaign on the issues of open burning and plastic pollution in order to educate the public about the many uses of plastics and the risks associated with plastic littering.

"I have to admit that the response from the community was tremendous. This activity is crucial for empowering people to take action in support of environmental conservation by promoting and raising consciousness among them. This campaign can encourage a culture of sustainable waste management practices and encourage group action to reduce waste and create a cleaner, healthier environment by teaching communities about the negative effects of incineration and plastic pollution, says Jane Akanzum (Northern Project Coordinator, GAYO).

We no longer burn the majority of our trash, and we now use recyclable and nonrecyclable materials in our daily lives. However, we were unaware that this was contributing to the evident changes in the environment and climate. This activity served as a forum for expanding information about the negative consequences of our behavior in relation to open burning and plastic pollution. I must state that there was a significant impact on many people's lives, and we were happy to be of assistance. To save our planet, we should always turn to eco-friendly practices, and these types of sensitization are the quickest methods to persuade others to do the same. Sonia Baidoo (President, GECCC - UDS Chapter).

The Anti-Incineration & Plastic Pollution Campaign (AIPPC) sends a message of optimism for the future of our planet, not just a call to action. Every person has the ability to influence events and bring about good change. We can safeguard our environment and ensure its preservation for future generations by reducing our dependence on incineration and plastic use. We can ensure that our world continues to be a stunning and thriving home for all living things by working together to build a more sustainable future. Let's move now to lessen plastic pollution and encourage a cleaner, healthier environment. The moment for action is now, and each of us must play a role in bringing about change. Dorcas D. Bissom (Vice President, GECCC – UBIDS Chapter).

Background

With negative effects on ecosystems, biodiversity, the climate, and human health, plastic pollution is a global catastrophe. Plastic production is expected to double in 20 years and plastic waste leakage into the ocean is anticipated to triple by 2040 if new and efficient control measures are not put in place. Future generations should not be burdened with the costs of plastic production, dumping, and the frequency with which businesses, groups, and people engage in "waste-to-energy" and open burning.

Since it doesn't handle the issue's primary cause, which is the excessive production and disposal of single-use plastic products, incineration is frequently regarded as a fallacious answer to plastic pollution in waste management.

Reducing the production of single-use plastics, encouraging the use of reusable items, enhancing recycling and composting systems, and involving communities in responsible waste management practices are all key components of waste management strategies that effectively combat plastic contamination.

Wide-ranging Goal

Overall, it is anticipated that the anti-incineration and plastic pollution campaign in Ghana will win local support for climate action by promoting alternative solutions, mobilizing communities, and raising consciousness. This campaign aims to improve the environment and general well-being.