Plastic. It’s the poster child for waste these days, and for good reason. We see it everywhere, from overflowing bins to heartbreaking images of ocean pollution.
In 2018, it was estimated that each Kenyan generates 11 kg of waste every year, and this number is on an increasing trend.
But what if I told you plastic waste constitutes less than 12% of our total waste?
It shifts the perspective, doesn’t it? At Terra Safi, we believe the problem with waste goes deeper than just plastic.
SOURCE:(https://www.africancleancities.org/sites/default/files/2023-06/facsheet-nairobi.pdf)
This highlights the urgency of addressing waste management comprehensively. While reducing plastic use is crucial, it’s just one part of the puzzle. Our belief in a circular approach to waste management drives us to develop solutions that go beyond eliminating single-use plastics.
The real issue lies in how we treat all our waste, regardless of material. We’re stuck in a “create-buy-dispose” cycle, with little thought for what happens to things after we’re done with them.
These colour-coded bins represent a system we often assume leads to effortless recycling. Unfortunately, only about 8% of Kenyan waste gets recycled or reused. This “out of sight, out of mind” mentality just doesn’t work.
Plastic itself isn’t all bad. It’s lightweight, often sterile, and incredibly versatile. Imagine how vital sterile plastic packaging is in hospitals! The key is managing plastic, and all waste in general, responsibly throughout its lifespan.
Terra Safi champions a responsible waste management approach built on the “Reduce, Reuse, Recycle” principle:
REDUCE: This is the golden rule. Can we avoid generating waste altogether? Do we need that single-use plastic bag, or can we bring our reusable one? By consuming less and choosing durable, repairable products, we lighten the load on our waste system.
REUSE: Let’s breathe new life into old things! Turn sturdy plastic containers into storage solutions or transform old clothes into cleaning cloths. Extending the lifespan of what we already have minimizes overall waste creation.
RECYCLE: When recycling works well, it captures valuable resources from used materials. But it’s not a magic bullet. We need proper infrastructure to handle different waste streams and innovation to create more recyclable materials.
By adopting a more responsible waste management approach, we can create a future where all materials, including plastic, are valued resources, not destined for dumpsites, landfills, or oceans. Together, let’s focus on building a circular economy where waste becomes a source of new beginnings.
