EFFECTIVE WASTE MANAGEMENT BY
CITIZENS
Waste products are unwanted and unusable material. waste is any
substance discarded after primary use or is worthless, defective and of no
use. waste can be in form of domestic waste, garbage, pestiside, sewage,
waste water, asbesos, human waste, etc. With examples like faeces, plastics,
polythene, broken bottles, etc. But generally degradable and biodegradable
waste. We should all agree that carelessly dumped waste makes a place look
untidy and unkept. Citizens have a very vital role to play in waste
management this is because cleaniness is next to Godliness and the state of
the environment determines the health of the individuals living in it.
Effective waste management has to do with a good and positive
approach towards waste related matters in the society.Waste management is
important for promoting sustainability and reducing the negative
environmental and health impct of waste It is advisable that all citizens
contirbute positively to effective waste management in to avoid all possible
forms or pollution which can include land, water, and air pollutions which are
the major forms of pollution. And can lead to diseases and other issues which
can be detrimental to the health.
However there are certain roles citizens have to carry out for the
better of the society. First citizens can try to reduce the amount of waste
generated by using less of material, avoiding single use product, and making
sustainable choices this simply means that whatever is it that we use that
contribute to much waste we should try and reduce the way we use it.
Second, reusing the materials which simply implies finding new uses of
waste materials such as repairing, refurbishing or repurposing items for
example an ice cream container shoulld not be thrown away instead it should
be used to possibly store other food items in the freezer or used as a food
flask.
However, Recycling is one of the best options for handling waste.
Third, individuals should understand that waste materials can be recycled
into a more reasonable item almost 90% of plastic products used now are as
a result of recycled items just like the way plastics from maybe broken chair,
bottle etc can be used to make a bucket or and other useful object, even
sewage waste can be used as manure for plants. Fouth, citizens are expected
to recover waste product like metal scraps, leftover construction materials,
plastic bottles etc for resale to those who need it example of such people are
the hausa/ fulani scrap carriers popularly known as "iron condems" they use
this work as a means of livelyhood.
The fifth role a citizen should play in effective management is to
participate in community waste management initiative such as sanitaitions
which holds every last saturday of the month should not be taken for granted
in as much as cleaniness is next to Godliness. Citizens are expected to use
that time and clean both their internal and external environment. Sixth,
citizens play a vital role in effective waste management by educating each
other and creating public awareness on the importance of effective waste
management and how it can affect or lives positively.
Another role of citizen in managment of waste is leading by example.
citizens lead by example in other to inspire others to do same especially the
younger ones. Eighth citizens should try as much as they can to support
businesses that promote waste reduction and recycling such as companies
that offer recycling services, and sell recycled products or perform duties like
the AKWA IBOM STATE ENVIRONMENTAL PROTECTION AND WASTE
MANGEMENT AGENCY (AKSEPWMA). The ninth role of citizens is to
ensure proper waste disposal, they shuld ensure that their waste is properly
disposed using designated bins and recycling facilities like the incinerators.
When citizens are having trouble with waste management example
overflowing trash cans, litters or illegal dumping, it is advisable that they
report to relevant and appropriate authorities. During waste management it
is advisable that individuals segregate waste into different categories such
as organic, inorganic, and hazardous waste, to facilitate effective waste
management. It is the role of the citizen to adhere to the rules and
regulations given to them by the government for example if te governmant
says do not urinate here we are to obey, if government says do not dump
refuse the river we are to obey because to is our duty to obey rules and
regulations given to us by higher authority to avoid penalisation. And lastly
individuals are to voluntarily carry out community services for free.
In conclusion, as citizens we should try as possible to work hand in
hand to achieve a common goal which is to ensure environmental cleaniness
through effective waste management and to support the sanitation agencies
in Nigeria.
WISHING GOV.UMO ENO AND THE AKPESWMA
TEAM A HAPPY CHRISMAS AND A HAPPY NEW
YEAR...
