Plastic & Nature
It might come as a surprise, but plastic is a big problem for the environment even before it pollutes our rivers and ocean. Plastic sticks around in the environment for ages, threatening wildlife and spreading toxins.
Tanzania has one of the most beautiful natural environments in the world the plains of Serengeti,the crater of Ngorongoro,flamingo shoes of Lake Manyara Nation Park, the elephant savannah of Tarangire, exotic beaches of zanzibar island and many more natural enviroments. These beautiful environments support food and water for millions of wild animals in it.
Despite of having the laws and policy of littering for the tourist and visitors but plastics always find its way in and pollute these areas.
On June 1, 2019, the Government of Tanzania imposed a ban on the import, export, sale, storage, supply and use of all plastic bags in the the country. But Medical, industrial products, construction, agricultural sector, food sanitation and waste management are excluded.
This is a groundbreaking development, but most villages do not currently have facilities to process and recycle plastic waste, and empty plastic bottles are scattered around.
Few garbage disposal facilities in urban areas burn all their garbage several times a year without sorting it.
There is very little education and awareness about waste management and disposal in Tanzania.
It is common practice to litter trash on the spot, and no one will warn you about it.
The garbage that continues to increase year by year accumulates without any place to go, as it gets smaller, it is moved by the wind and water and is scattered everywhere.
Land Animals die as a result of eating food mixed with microplastics, Marine wildlife such as seabirds, whales, fish and turtles mistake plastic waste for prey; most then die of starvation as their stomachs become filled with plastic.
What we do
From time to time we organize community clean up campaigns and collect plastic waste on the residential areas and village lands which are adjacent to National parks. In some areas we collected plastic waste in the presence of wildebeests, antelopes ,zebras and water birds.
Our Next Move
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To raise awareness about plastic pollution and convey how it affect the existence of animals and humans.
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To advice the government and their responsible bodies on how best we can tackle plastic pollution.
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We want to set up garbage cans on areas where plastic pollution is critical.
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Through our volunteering program, we would like to invite people with experience, know how and knowledge in waste management disposal to work with us and share their experience with the community on how best to manage plastic waste and recycling techniques.
