In Africa, a greater focus should be placed on employment creation, climate change, pollution reduction, and making the best use of limited resources. However, there are fewer decent employments now, as well as excessive pollution and uncontrolled resource consumption. The main question is where do all of the old items and waste we create end up. Due to Africa’s persistent linear economic model, where everything from package boxes to old garments, electronic waste, used plastic waste, medical waste, worn-out car parts, food waste, and so on ends up at one of the dumpsites. Unfortunately, the existing practice of “buy, take, use, and dispose of” results in many of these used items ending up at dump sites and landfills throughout the continent. The United Nations (UN) has been promoting the Sustainable Development Goals for a long time, and the goal twelve (12) requires sustainable consumption and production. But our practice and economy in Africa have remained ‘linear’ with uncontrolled consumption and production. Linear practice indicates that raw materials are employed to manufacture products, and after their useful lives, they become waste and are discarded.
It can be said that over 70% of waste is linearly handled annually in Africa and currently only 4% of its waste are recycled, empirical evidence supports this assertion, that most of the waste is indiscriminately dumped or burnt. Additionally, waste is largely considered to have no significant economic value, and this is the reason for the dumping and burning – which eventually pollutes, like the burning of heavy metals and toxic chemicals which affect the quality of air, water, and soil. From context observation, a waste problem exists on the continent and it is prevalent, and this could fuel health risks, climate change, and a further increase in the poor quality of the air and pollution. This is a disturbing trend, and this instigated this piece for Africa’s awareness. Since the linear economy principle is still dominant in the production and consumption model across the continent, there is a need for advocacy to effect a change in the orientation. Because, it is only reasonable to imbibe proper management and control of wastes- organic, e-waste, health, industrial, agricultural and food, and vehicle parts among others on the continent. This should be seen as a priority and an avenue to create wealth, economic development, and an improved environment.
On a positive note, the purpose of the circular practice is to prevent waste and it also encourages the reuse of materials and reduces pressure on the resources. Waste products can, in turn, create economic value through reuse and recycling. For example, waste glass can be used to make new glass, and waste paper can be used to make new paper. This can ensure enough future raw materials for food, shelter, heating, and other necessities; therefore, our economy must become circular. That means waste will be prevented by making and reusing products and materials more efficiently. Simply put, a circular practice is the opposite of a linear economy and a major concept that is relevant to economic sustainability. The circular practice can help achieve and promote environmental awareness, and reduce the indiscriminate dumping of refuse, which usually results in an outbreak of diseases. Waste management in developing countries is usually not operated in accordance with international standards. Therefore, this gap can create economic benefits, aimed to ensure healthy, safe living, revenue generation, and cause less harm to the environment. Substantially, many developed countries like Finland had built tremendous capacity and business experience in managing high-yield circular practices. Consequently, to ensure there are enough raw materials and prosperity as a continent, we need to switch from a linear to a circular economy and stimulate economic growth.
A circular economy can present innovative ways to recycle products and materials for the future. This can help to conserve the environment and climate change. A circular economy can offer a waste-to-wealth path for our economic growth and a sustainable way to tackle the health, safety, and environmental landscape. Many initiatives can be introduced aimed to promote a circular practice on the continent. For instance, the switch to e-waste management, organic agriculture, and eco-industrial parks can be explored to protect resources. The governments can have legal and policy foundations required to encourage circular practices geared towards innovative and regenerative resources and consumptions. The circular practice offers better prospects for solid waste management, a steady supply of resources, for both present and future generations, a reduction of government expenditure on waste management, and environmental protection. It will also offer opportunities for economic and industrial development (job creation and GDP growth).The circular practice is more profitable and harmless to the environment and its main goal is to promote sustainable development activities. It is important to note that recycling is an essential means of keeping resources in circulation too, but it is just one part of the circular practice. The circular practice can revolutionize the economy of Africa if well harnessed, it can become a guiding force in livelihood, job creation, businesses, and government revenue drive. This can further stimulate economic development, technology adoption, improve private sector participation, and open business opportunities for entrepreneurs. The socio-economic disadvantages, insufficient expert knowledge, and a lack of information have hindered its appropriateness and implementation in Africa. Therefore African governments and stakeholders need to be aware of these and ideas can be taken from developed climes with an established process of circular practices.
In conclusion, promoting circular practices and transition on the continent there is a need for joint efforts by government, entrepreneurs, researchers, industries, users, lawmakers, and international agencies but most of all, it needs innovative mindsets from Africans to tap into the gold mine. Good luck!
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