On Sunday, January 21, 2024 word came out that Lagos State, the economic capital of Nigeria has banned styrofoam and single use platic materials.
Tokunbo Wahab, the state’s commissioner for environment and water resources recounted the menace caused by single use plastics in the state. Because they were non-biodegradable, the plastics clogged sewage channels and waterways, causing flash flood when it rained and costing billions of naira in cleaning up and damages.
There have been outcries from food vendors and others about the issues that will come from the ban, but the upside is still more attractive than the downside.
Banning single-use plastics and styrofoam containers offers multitudes of advantages, spanning environmental, health, and economic benefits. Here are some of the key highlights:
Environmental Advantages:
Reduced Waste: Single-use plastics and styrofoam contribute significantly to global plastic pollution. Banning them drastically curbs the amount of waste accumulating in landfills, oceans, and ecosystems, protecting wildlife and natural habitats.
Minimized Microplastics: These tiny plastic fragments, often resulting from breakdown or improper disposal, pose a major threat to marine life and potentially human health. Bans help prevent their formation and entry into the food chain.
Reduced Carbon Footprint: Plastic production and disposal involves high energy consumption and greenhouse gas emissions. Banning these materials translates to decreased reliance on fossil fuels and a smaller carbon footprint.
Enhanced Recycling: By eliminating single-use options, focus shifts towards reusable and recyclable materials, leading to more efficient waste management and resource utilization.
Health Advantages:
Improved Public Health: Styrofoam can leach harmful chemicals like styrene and benzene when heated or exposed to certain foods. Banning its use reduces risks of these chemicals migrating into food and potentially impacting human health.
Protected Marine Life: Sea turtles, birds, and other marine animals often mistake plastic debris for food, leading to choking, intestinal blockages, and even death. Reducing plastic pollution saves wildlife from these detrimental effects.
Cleaner Water Sources: Microplastics and plastic pollution contaminate our water sources, posing potential health risks to humans and ecosystems. Banning single-use plastics helps mitigate this contamination and safeguard water quality.
Economic Advantages:
Job Creation: Transitioning to reusable and compostable alternatives can create new jobs in manufacturing, distribution, and repair of sustainable products. This fosters economic diversification and green business opportunities.
Reduced Cleanup Costs: Plastic pollution cleanup presents enormous financial burdens to governments and communities. Banning single-use plastics minimizes these costs and redirects resources towards more productive endeavors.
Tourism Revenue: Pristine beaches and healthy ecosystems attract tourists, boosting local economies reliant on tourism. Banning plastic pollution enhances environmental appeal and potentially increases tourism revenue.
Banning single-use plastics and styrofoam containers is not without its challenges, but the numerous advantages in terms of environmental, health, and economic benefits make it a compelling long-term strategy for building a more sustainable and healthy future.