Dar es Salaam. The National Environment Management Council (NEMC) has identified the community’s limited understanding of the environmental and health impacts of plastic packaging as a key factor contributing to the continued secret production and use of these materials.
This lack of awareness stems from a focus solely on the perceived benefits of plastic packaging, overlooking the significant harm it can cause.
Speaking in Dar es Salaam on August 14, 2024, during an environmental seminar for the “Wanawake na Samia” group from five districts in the Dar es Salaam region, Arnold Mapinduzi, NEMC’s Temeke Regional Manager, emphasized the need for sustained education efforts down to the grassroots level. This, he noted, would better equip the community to understand and support the fight against plastic pollution.
“In 2019, the government banned the use of plastic packaging, but it has been challenging to eradicate it entirely as people continue to use it. However, we believe that with a deeper understanding of its harmful effects, the community will find it easier to comply with the ban,” Mapinduzi stated.
He explained that the government’s decision to ban plastic packaging was driven by a desire to protect its citizens, recognizing that a healthy environment is crucial for life. Mapinduzi further highlighted that plastics contain chemicals that make the packaging impermeable to water and air, preserving the contents inside. However, these same chemicals pose significant health risks to humans.
“One of the major enemies of plastic is heat. When burned, plastics release toxic fumes that pose severe health risks. It is important for people to revert to traditional methods of carrying goods from the market, using alternative, safer packaging materials,” he added.
Mapinduzi expressed concern that the lack of education has led people to use plastic bags for food storage and even cooking, such as for rice and ugali, without realizing the potential dangers. This practice, he warned, is a major cause of various diseases, including cancer.
The seminar also stressed the importance of reporting cases of plastic use to the relevant municipal director. If no action is taken, Mapinduzi encouraged the community to escalate the matter to NEMC, which will ensure the necessary steps are taken.
Sofia Kinega, the Chairperson and leader of “Wanawake na Samia”, stated that after receiving education on the dangers of plastic packaging, the group is committed to becoming ambassadors in the fight against its use.
“Today, we have been reborn. We thought we knew, but we didn’t. We have been using plastics, even for starting fires to cook, because we were unaware of the dangers. The education we received today will be shared with our communities,” Sofia remarked.
Hanifa Mrisho, the group’s Environmental Secretary, emphasized the importance of NEMC collaborating with Local Government Authorities to reach more people, especially when launching campaigns.
“Involving all levels, including the grassroots, helps create a unified understanding within the community, making it easier to combat the issue as everyone will have the correct information and education,” Hanifa concluded.