Plastics block Nakivubo channel as Companies ignore to #EndPlasticPollution

Plastics block Nakivubo channel as Companies ignore to #EndPlasticPollution 

The truth about Plastics.

Plastics have for a longtime become useful, the material is of no doubt capable of making life easier to live, healthier and it’s enabling innovations that are improving our societies. As a product component, plastic has made it possible to downscale value of almost all consumers goods making them cheaper and affordable from top to the bottom of the pyramid / rich or poor.

It is a shame that the entire plastics industry has capitalized on this “truth about plastic” while ignoring the aspect of environmental harm associated with the production and use of plastics. Marketing and advertising strategies of products with a plastic component all are just focusing on being interesting and persuasive. This is aiming at creating a mental picture of only how “cool” plastic has become. 

In an article by Joe Brock, he notes recent research by PEW that made clear view of the plastic production trend. He mentions that the amount of plastic produced annually has been climbing fast since 1950 when global plastics production was at 2 million tonnes to 348 million tonnes in 2017 and is expected to double again in 2040. 

This shows that the entire industry including big plastic makers Exxon, Chevron PC and big plastic buyers Coca-Cola, PepsiCo, Nestle and Unilever have been selling us empty promises of a world waste. 

Plastic pollution in Uganda.

Indicators are no different, just like big oil globally wants to shift to plastics as fuel prices fluctuate, they are already getting a green light in Africa. Of recent, in his 14th Covid19 address of the nation, the president of Uganda promised plastics companies access to PVC and other petrochemicals made of Ugandan oil. The government of Uganda sees this as a move to help boost local plastics production so as to reduce the import burden. This decision is likely to be taken by other Sub-Saharan African countries with with new oil discoveries since it’s the same corporations in the deal. 

Unfortunately it’s the same companies we want to give this incentive that are continuing to make it difficult to manage plastic waste in Uganda. 

The Nakivubo Drainage Channel.

On August 16th I made a stop along Ggaba road with an interest of taking a look at the channel. The channel was constricted by the World Bank to help Kampala City alleviate floods in low lying areas. To my surprise the channel carries plastics as it makes it 9 kilometers stretch through the city, this is what has blocked it at the Ggaba point. Too bad that the city authority can only collect less than 30% the waste generated in the city, this makes the channel an option for dumping which has led to the situation now.

Who are the polluters?

The increasing plastic pollution problem in Uganda means a lot for Kampala City particularly the areas along and those linked to the Nakivubo channel drainage system. 

It is clear that in  poor countries and low budget municipal operations, community involvement and businesses corporation to help manage waste is very important. However there it is companies that always fail such collaboration to happen by putting profits over people and planet.

Through the #EndPlasticPollution Campaign this is the 17th brand exposure done at the Nakivubo Drainage Channel Ggaba road. 

1. Coca-Cola

2. PepsiCo

3. Yaket water

4. Fanta

5. Mountain dew

6. Jesa milk products

7. Mukwano industries and Bidco.

8. Mirinda

9. Shell, Total lubricants

10. Leading Distillers and Ambiance Waragi. 

What needs to be done.

The objects of the #EndPlasticPollution Campaign can help draw the 3 lessons to conclude this. 

1. We need me to develop a no-plastic attitude within businesses and a change in perspective on CSR. A no-plastic attitude will inspire innovations and changes in product designs. For many businesses this will mean changes in the nature of business and markets to serve. With this companies will be able to develop new approaches to CSR and turn responsibility into opportunity. This will not only help them deliver social environmental impact but also step them into spaces to develop explore new markets while solving problems and making a profit.

2. Awareness is still lacking, people need to understand that they have power to demand corporate action to #EndPlasticPollution. Individual action against plastic pollution must reach to a level of taking control of one’s consumer decisions in day to day life. It important that consumers remind their favorite brands of how best their products should be presented to them. This awareness must transcend to digital platforms for a reach the young consumers who makes significant percentage of buyers. Companies should tell the truth. 

3. So “today plastic affects everyone, it isn’t a your problem and not my problem. It’s not one country’s problem. It’s everyone’s problem” words of @Winnie_WYLau. Therefore lets embrace community collective action against plastic and ensure effective collaborations with polluters and authorities. You too can live a plastic free life and together we can achieve a world free from plastic.