Title: “The fight against plastic waste: local NGOs in Cameroon transform pollution into ecological paving stones”
Introduction :
In the north of Cameroon, in the town of Kousséri, there is a growing problem: the proliferation of plastic waste. With the lack of an effective garbage collection system, plastic is found everywhere, polluting the environment. Faced with this scourge, a group of local NGOs decided to take matters into their own hands and transform this waste into ecological paving stones. In this article, we will introduce you to the work of these NGOs who fight against plastic pollution while contributing to the creation of sustainable infrastructure.
The threat of plastic waste:
Global plastic production has more than doubled in the space of 20 years, reaching a height of 460 million tonnes each year. Cameroon, and in particular the city of Kousséri, is not immune to this problem. Plastic waste is found in nature, in the ground and even in gutters. Their presence has harmful consequences on the environment and the health of residents.
A local initiative for a sustainable solution:
To fight against this plastic pollution, a collective of three NGOs took the lead in Kousséri. Their objective is to raise awareness among the population of the importance of collecting plastic waste and transforming it into ecological paving stones. Every day, members of these NGOs go to the streets of the city looking for soft drink bottles and plastic packaging to bring back to their manufacturing unit.
The transformation of waste into ecological paving stones:
Once the waste has been collected, a team is responsible for sorting and weighing the plastic. To manufacture two ecological paving stones, two kilograms of plastic are required. This process allows for efficient use of plastic waste while creating sustainable infrastructure for the city. These ecological pavers can then be used for the construction of sidewalks, paths or other types of urban development.
A positive impact for the environment and the community:
The fight against the proliferation of plastic waste in Kousséri has a positive impact on several levels. On the one hand, it contributes to the preservation of the environment by reducing plastic pollution. On the other hand, it offers economic and social opportunities by creating local jobs and promoting the development of the ecological paving stone industry. In addition, these sustainable infrastructures improve the quality of life of residents by creating clean and secure spaces.
Conclusion :
The fight against plastic pollution is a major challenge on a global scale, and local initiatives like that of the Kousséri NGOs provide concrete and sustainable solutions.. By transforming plastic waste into ecological paving stones, they contribute to the preservation of the environment while providing economic opportunities to local communities. It is essential to support and promote such initiatives to build a cleaner and more environmentally friendly future.