AKINWALE ABOLUWADE
A Not-for-profit organization, TURN Plastic Foundation, has trained students of Bloombreed High School, Elelenwo, Port Harcourt, River State, on how to turn waste to wealth through recycling of plastic bottles.
The NGO engaged the SS1 students of Bloombreed High School on how to transform waste into valuable resources by recycling plastic bottles.
On the occasion, the Project Manager, United Nations Institute for Training and Research, Mrs. Ihuoma Njemanze, highlighted the significance of environmental sustainability.
The initiative, she said, was part of activities set aside by the NGO to mark this year’s World Environment Day with the theme ‘Solutions to Plastic Pollution,’ under the campaign #Beat Plastic Pollution.
The Foundation in collaboration with its supporters showcased video presentations that shed light on the origins and environmental impact of plastics, aligning with their mission to promote sustainable waste management, segregation, sorting and recycling from an early age.
Njemanze disclosed that during the exercise, the Foundation launched an ‘Environmental Protection Club,’ an initiative designed to stimulate enthusiasm for recycling among students in the school.
She explained that the Foundation would support the students’ club with learning resources, art materials and excursions.
The Project Manager said, “Commissioned in February last year, TURN Plastic Foundation boasts of a 1000 tonnes capacity plant capable of saving over 750 tonnes of CO2 emissions per year, equivalent to planting about 4,500 trees annually.
“As part of its environmental awareness campaign, focusing on behavioural change, TURN Plastic Foundation has set up an innovative initiative termed: Train Up a Child. This is part of the Foundation’s dedication to promoting a circular economy and engaging young individuals in interactive recycling activities demonstrating their commitment to combating plastic pollution and building a greener, more sustainable future.
“The ultimate goal is to raise environmental awareness among young Nigerians and instill a sense of responsibility for future generations.”
Participating students engaged in various interactive sessions, including art and craft on creative ways to re-use plastics. They also took part in a quiz session that tested their knowledge of plastics and plastic waste.
Njemanze said that “To add to the excitement, the students were treated to an informative visit to the TURN Plastics Recycling Plant in Elelenwo.”
She indicated the Foundation’s commitment to reaching out to more than 23 schools in Port Harcourt and establishing recycling hubs to sustain the momentum.
It was also learnt that the Foundation aimed at empowering young individuals by offering them opportunities to earn income through cash rewards for depositing their plastic waste in designated recycling bins.
TURN Plastic Foundation aims to educate both young people and consumers on the importance of plastics recycling, while encouraging the purchase of products made with post-consumer recycled resins.
Njemanze extended appreciation to the collaborators and partners, Mr. Leo Nwofa and Mrs. Uloma Airhienbuwa, for what she described as their invaluable contributions to the success of the event.
“TURN Plastic Foundation firmly believes that individuals play a crucial role in achieving sustainability and encourages the public to actively participate in environmental preservation. The Foundation welcomes partnerships and collaborations from the bodies and members of the public,” she said.
