Foundation urges varsities to tackle plastic pollution

A non-governmental organisation, Community Development Advocacy Foundation (CODAF), has tasked the country’s tertiary institutions to tackle the pressing challenges of plastic pollution, particularly the scourge of single- use plastics.

Executive Director of the foundation, Richard Benin, who made the appeal at the launch of its ‘zero waste campus project,’ at the Federal University of Petroleum Resources, Effurun (FUPRE), said there is need for tertiary institutions to create an ecosystem where responsible consumption, waste reduction and recycling are given top priority.

“We are starting a journey that will change the world and lead to sustainability, that empowers our university community to take meaningful action against the pressing challenges of plastic pollution, particularly the scourge of single- use plastics.

“It is our duty as community of thinkers and researchers to set an example by demonstrating values and principles of sustainability and responsibility.”

He explained that the initiative is a comprehensive strategy to promote a sustainable culture on campuses by not only reducing plastic waste, but also establishing an ecosystem where responsible consumption, waste reduction and recycling are given top priority.

The Vice Chancellor, Prof Akpofure Rim-Rukeh, said the collaboration was part of efforts to covert waste to wealth for the betterment of the society.