World Environment Day: NGOs Can Help Reduce Plastic Pollution With Palliative, Empowerment Interventions – AWOHF

Active World Health Foundation (AWOHF) marks World Environment Day with a Call to Action to Reduce Plastic Pollution.

World Environment Day is a worldwide celebration to raise awareness about environmental challenges. The subject matter for this year is “Solutions to Plastic Pollution.”

ABN TV reports that the AWOHF Chairman/BoT member, Brig. Gen. Enang Essien (Rtd) on Monday in Abuja, called on individuals, businesses, and governments to take action to reduce plastic pollution.

Plastic pollution is a global problem that is harming our planet. Every year, millions of tons of plastic end up in our oceans, where it can take hundreds of years to break down. Plastic pollution is harming marine life, and it is also a threat to human health.

He stated, “By providing palliative and empowering measures, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a critical role in minimizing plastic pollution.”

“Palliative can aid in the reduction of plastic pollution by providing individuals with the resources they require to live better lives without relying on single-use plastics. Non-governmental organizations, for example, can supply people with reusable water bottles, bags, and utensils. They can also teach people about the hazards of plastic pollution and how to limit their own plastic impact.”

“By providing people with the skills and information they need to start their own enterprises and create jobs, empowerment initiatives can assist to reduce plastic pollution. NGOs, for example, can provide training in recycling, composting, and other environmentally friendly practices. They can also assist people in starting their own enterprises aimed at minimizing plastic pollution.”

He concluded by saying, “Non-governmental organizations (NGOs) can play a critical role in minimizing plastic pollution. They can help to provide people with the resources and skills they need to live healthier lives and create a more sustainable future by adopting palliative and empowerment treatments.”

How Active World Health Foundation Has Already Walked The Talk

The President of AWOHF Dr. Juliet Enang Essien reiterated the need to back this call to action with practical action and recalled how AWOHF has already walked the talk in the past.

A few years ago, Achina Community, a rural community in Anambra State, Nigeria, received a much-needed boost from the AWOHF /GreenAid outreach team. The team, which consisted of medical professionals, volunteers, and business leaders, brought with them a variety of services to help the community, including free medical care, palliatives, and skills training.

Over 400 community members received free consultations and treatment from the medical team, which focused on chronic ailments such as hypertension, diabetes, and malaria. In addition, the crew provided free drugs and supplies to individuals in need.

Besides medical care, the outreach team gave food and other palliatives to 1,000 people in the community. Rice, wrappers, salt, seasoning, and other necessities were among the palliatives.

The outreach team also provided skill training to 30 people in the community. The training centered on stitching, grinding, and manufacturing popcorn. The training will assist these persons in starting their own enterprises and improving their living conditions.

The community appreciated the AWOHF/GreenAid outreach team’s efforts. One recipient, Madam Chioma Onyekachi, stated, “This is one of the best of its kind, and we are truly grateful to God for bringing the help to us.”

Dr. Juliet Enang Essien also recalled that as part of her partnership initiative campaign, AWOHF, in collaboration with GreenAid Empowerment Foundation Nigeria, took part in another outreach program titled Operation Feed the Nation on December 19, 2020, within Lokogoma/AMAC.

The program, which drew over 2,000 participants, most of whom were women and children, was intended for villages under the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC). Over 15 villages were represented, with most beneficiaries being the less fortunate and disadvantaged.

All beneficiaries received over 1500 wrappers, 1500 (5kg) bags of rice, medical kits, food, and drinks. A total of 30 people benefited from the skills acquisition palliatives, which included the distribution of 10 sewing machines, 10 grinding machines, and 10 popcorn machines throughout the event.

The activities of the outreach team are an excellent illustration of how communities may work together to confront the difficulties of plastic pollution.

The team is helping to enhance the health and livelihoods of community members by offering free medical treatment, palliative care, and skill training. In addition, the team is working to raise awareness about the dangers of plastic pollution and how to reduce it.

The World Environment Day theme for 2023 is “Solutions to plastic pollution.” The AWOHF /GreenAid outreach team is a great example of how communities can come together to find solutions to this global problem.

How Active World Health Foundation Wants To Walk The Talk More Miles

AWOHF is dedicated to eradicating plastic pollution. We believe there are several steps we can take to prevent plastic pollution, including:

Reduce the use of single-use plastics – The most common type of plastic pollution is single-use plastics. Plastic bags, straws, and utensils are among them. By using reusable alternatives we can limit the usage of single-use plastics.

Recycle your plastic – Plastic may be recycled and reused to create new goods. Plastic recycling contributes to a reduction in the amount of plastic that ends up in our environment.

Properly dispose of plastic – When we dispose of plastic, we should do so in a way that reduces the likelihood that it will wind up in our environment. When possible, we should recycle plastic, and we should never litter.

AWOHF will work to raise awareness about the hazards of plastic pollution and advocate remedies. We think that by collaborating, we can make a difference.

AWOHF will also provide a variety of resources to assist people in reducing their plastic footprint. Among these resources are:

A guide to decreasing the use of single-use plastics.

A list of recycling locations near you 

Tips for safely disposing of plastic.