Mbom Blanche Vetchen’s Post

Concern over environmental pollution has grown significantly on a global scale, especially in light of the widespread use and improper handling of plastic. Plastic pollution has a significant negative impact on every ecosystem, from the highest mountains to the deepest ocean depths. In a groundbreaking move towards sustainable development, Kenya is witnessing a remarkable transformation through the Waste to Wealth initiative spearheaded by TakaBank and Mr. Green Trading Africa Kenya Ltd. These projects not only address the country’s waste management challenges but also unlock economic opportunities by converting waste into valuable resources that other African countries can emulate. Read more here https://lnkd.in/dfUyFttX #MrGrenAfrica #RecycleWithMGA #PlasticRecycling #EarnWithMGA

According to the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP), we produce 400 million tons per year, Africa alone produces (2015 data) 19 million tons of waste, almost all mismanaged (Moyen Massa and Archodoulaki, 2024) and it finds its way into the environment and in aquatic ecosystems (Akindele and Alimba, 2021). Plastic poses increased environmental risks, it exacerbates social inequalities, poses health risks and has a huge cost for society. According to WWF, and just for South Africa only, “the minimum life cycle cost that was imposed on South Africa by the plastic produced in 2019 is approximately $60,72 billion” (Sadan and De Kock, 2021) . However, the challenge presents as well opportunities for business to provide solutions. And one interesting business case study is in Kenya, where I met with Sonia Orwa the country CEO of Mr. Green Trading Africa Kenya Ltd., a company that has impact at the core since its foundation almost ten years ago. Sonia remarks, "Mr. Green was created to turn waste into value...the social and environmental impact is the core of our business”. Read more https://lnkd.in/gg5Nis7m illuminem Samuele Tini B Lab Africa #Recycling #PlasticRecycling #MrGreenAfrica #RecycleWithMGA #CircularEconomy

Spend #EarthDay2024 with Sustain267 Part 4 💡 AFRICA VS PLASTIC 💥 Rapid Growth: 🔴 Plastic use in Africa is rising rapidly, with estimates suggesting a growth of 4% annually . This surge is due to factors like increasing urbanization and consumerism. [Source: UN Environment Programme (UNEP)] Waste Management Woes: 🔴 Africa lacks proper waste management infrastructure, leading to plastic pollution. Only around 10% of plastic waste gets collected, with the rest ending up in landfills, oceans, or the environment [Source: World Bank]. Rivers to Oceans: 🔴 The Nile and Niger rivers are two of the top ten plastic polluters globally, carrying vast amounts of plastic waste to the oceans. [Source: Condor Ferries]. Predominance of Single-Use: 🔴 A large portion of plastic waste in Africa is single-use plastics like bags, bottles, and packaging, posing a significant environmental challenge due to their short lifespan and difficulty in recycling. [Source: UNEP]. Impact on Wildlife: 🔴 Plastic pollution harms African wildlife. Animals often mistake plastic for food, leading to entanglement, choking, and death. Marine animals are particularly vulnerable. [Source: Various sources]. #EarthDay2024 #EndPlastics #PlanetvsPlastics

Ocean pollution poses massive challenges on different fronts, and a number of countries in Southeast Asia suffer significantly. With kudos to the Government of Indonesia at the national level, 500 plus local governments and 16 implementing agencies in the country, our development partners, and ADB’s own team, our Board approved on 24 May 2024 a landmark program loan to strengthen efforts to reduce plastics marine debris. Thanks to a number of people at ADB, working across in our Southeast Asia regional operations; Climate Change and Sustainable Development; and the Sectors Group. Credits go to the following, but not limited to, Anna Fink, Jhelum Tini Thomas, Au Shion Yee, Ghislain de Valon, Jiro Tominaga, Qingfeng Zhang, Tom Panella, Winfried Wicklein, Scott Roberts. This is built on work done earlier through the ACGF - ASEAN Catalytic Green Finance Facility which supported the establishment of the Blue Ocean Finance Hub at our Indonesia Resident Mission (thanks to Anouj Mehta). A comprehensive TA project has been supporting ADB’s efforts in reducing marine pollution (thanks to James Baker), https://lnkd.in/grQRcPGQ. ADB’s private sector operations have also been very active in this area. A couple of recent transactions include the private sector loan to ALBA for reducing plastic pollution (also in Indonesia): https://lnkd.in/gbkqzGZu; and the $100 million to Indorama ventures to reduce plastic pollution at source in India, Indonesia, Philippines and Thailand: https://lnkd.in/gsXBBSyY. The problems are so challenging, and our support - working with other development partners and the private sector - is only the beginning. Lots more to be done, and the Asian Development Bank (ADB) is fully committed. https://lnkd.in/gDb87E56

To Recycle or Not to Recycle? Recycling plastics, like these crushed blue PET flakes, conserves natural resources, reduces landfill waste, and cuts down greenhouse gas emissions. It fuels the circular economy, creating jobs and opportunities for sustainable growth. However, skeptics argue that recycling is expensive, energy-intensive, and often contaminated, leading to inefficiencies. While the debate continues, the pressing question remains, Can we afford not to recycle, given the environmental and economic costs of plastic pollution? Share your thoughts in the comment sections—let's find innovative ways to make recycling more efficient and impactful. 💡♻️ #Sustainability #PlasticRecycling #CircularEconomy #PlasticWaste | Hand in Hand Eastern Africa | PCX | PREVENT Waste Alliance | International Alliance of Waste Pickers | African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) | Coca-Cola Beverages Africa | MTI Investment Hub | TechBridge Invest | Alliance to End Plastic Waste | Sustainable Inclusive Business Kenya | Deutsche Gesellschaft für Internationale Zusammenarbeit (GIZ) GmbH | GrowthAfrica | KEPSA KENYA | PAKPRO Kenya | Kenya Plastics Pact | Climate-KIC | Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC) |

We are making significant strides in reducing carbon emissions through our PET plastic recycling efforts! From January to May, we collected and recycled: 📊 January: 70,484 kgs 📊 February: 114,037 kgs 📊 March: 140,465 kgs 📊 April: 153,853 kgs 📊 May: 133,607 kgs This translates to a total of over 612,446 kgs of PET plastic waste collected in that period, preventing approximately 1,200 tons of CO₂ emissions from entering the atmosphere, this reduction show the positive impact that our company has on the environment. We are transparent in our activities as we aim to scale up our operations #Plasticrecycling #Sustainability #SDGs #GreenBusiness #CircularEconomy African Circular Economy Network (ACEN) | Hand in Hand Eastern Africa | Kenya Climate Innovation Center (KCIC)

Wonderful to have been part of the team that delivered on the landmark Indonesia Marine Debris program - the first of its kind for the Asian Development Bank (ADB). Tackling this large-scale problem requires a multi-dimensional approach for a comprehensive program that addresses, (i) government policy priorities, (ii) incentives for plastic producers through engagement of the private sector; and (iii) the need for strengthened and timely data on the waste sector for more informed policy making. The program also targets reforms at the subnational level in Indonesia to support widespread reforms. A very exciting milestone to meet the challenge of protecting global public goods and ocean health. #marineplastics #plasticpollution #indonesia #oceanhealth #decentralization #publicservicedelivery

🌍 Did you know that 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic have been produced to date, with 60% of it ending up in landfills or our natural environment? Shockingly, less than 10% of all plastic waste ever generated has been recycled. At TakaNiAjira Foundation, we’re turning the tide on plastic waste by empowering waste pickers with the resources they need to succeed. Through innovative digital tools like #ZaidiApp and the facilitation of the formation of waste picker Community Based Organizations (CBOs), we’re equipping them to lead the charge in sustainable waste management across Tanzania. Watch the video to see our impact in action! 🎥 #PlasticWaste #Sustainability #ZeroWaste #TakaNiAjira ISWA International Solid Waste Association Plastic Pollution Coalition Alliance to End Plastic Waste GAIA (Global Alliance for Incinerator Alternatives) International Alliance of Waste Pickers UNDP Tanzania UNDP Accelerator Labs Jakaya Mrisho Kikwete Foundation (JMKF) Eng. Allen M Kimambo Esther Chibueyin Fagbo TakaNiAjira Foundation Uganda Ntabazi Raymond James Africa Circular Economy Research and Policy Network (ACERPiN) Circular South Africa (CSA) Piotr BarczakJacob Duer Kari Herlevi Sonia Dias Kabir (Qabeer) Arora (Jalandhari) Fair Circularity Initiative WIEGO - Women in Informal Employment: Globalizing and Organizing Global Plastic Action Partnership Miranda Schnitger Erlend Arneson Haugen Dianna Cohen Erlend Draget

Despite ongoing efforts to address global plastic pollution, recent figures from the UNCTAD reveal an alarming trend. Global plastic trade surged to a record USD 1.2 trillion in 2022, indicating that the issue remains a significant global challenge. Within this context, Africa emerges as one of the most vulnerable regions, particularly concerning climate change and plastic pollution. As Africa stands out as one of the fastest-growing regions, rethinking the future of Single-Use Plastics (SUPs) becomes paramount for sustainable development. To combat plastic pollution effectively, there is a need for the adoption of actively sustainable solutions, such as embracing a circular economy. Beyond addressing environmental concerns, this approach has the potential to unlock economic opportunities and enhance community well-being. By leading the shift towards comprehensive strategies, fostering collaboration, and investing in sustainable practices, Africa can play a pivotal role in charting a more sustainable course for the future. Anjarwalla & Khanna | ALN Kenya Click the link below to read more: https://lnkd.in/dwQSP-Nq

It's an honor to join the UNOPS PLEASE Project as a Technical Expert – Environment for Pakistan. Funded by the World Bank, implemented by SACEP, and supported by the United Nations Office for Project Services (UNOPS), the PLEASE Project aims to tackle the pressing issue of plastic pollution in South Asian Seas. Did you know that South Asia is the second-largest contributor to global plastic waste, generating a staggering 334 million metric tons of solid waste annually? Shockingly, 70-80% of this waste ends up in our oceans, with 12% being plastic. Pakistan alone generates approximately 3.3 million tons of plastic waste yearly, equivalent to the height of two K-2 mountains. Sadly, much of this waste is improperly disposed of, further polluting our environment. UNOPS is working towards a Circular Plastic Economy and sustainable plastic waste management solutions in South Asia. Let's make a positive impact on our environment together! #PLEASE #PlasticFreeSeas #Sustainability #Recycling #Plasticpollution #circularplasticeconomy #CircularEconomy  #UNOPS #WorldBank #SACEP #Wastemanagement