On June 5th, which has been designated by the United Nations as World Environment Day, individuals and communities worldwide come together to observe a day dedicated to environmental stewardship. The theme for 2025, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” underscores a collective call to action to address one of the most urgent ecological crises of our era, the relentless proliferation of plastic waste and its detrimental impact on our planet’s health. This day serves as a powerful reminder of our responsibility to forge sustainable practices and innovative solutions to combat plastic pollution and safeguard the environment for future generations.

This year, FADE Africa is celebrating in partnership with the Nelson Mandela Garden, the Airport Authority, and the Nigerian Police Air Force Unit at the airport. The campaign began with an address by Dr. Newton Jibunoh, founder of FADE Africa, who spoke about the harmful impact of plastic on our environment.

Plastic pollution has become one of the most pressing environmental issues of our time. From sprawling landfills to vast floating gyres in the oceans, plastic waste threatens ecosystems, wildlife, and human health. Addressing this global crisis requires concerted efforts across individuals, communities, industries, and governments.

Every year, approximately 300 million tons of plastic are produced worldwide, with a significant portion ending up in the environment. Oceans alone are estimated to contain over 5 trillion pieces of plastic, impacting marine life and habitats. Marine creatures such as turtles, seabirds, fish, and whales often confuse plastic debris for food. For example, sea turtles may mistake floating plastic bags for jellyfish. Once ingested, plastic can cause blockages in their digestive systems, internal injuries, malnutrition, and sometimes death (NOAA, 2021). Animals also suffer from entanglement in larger plastic items like fishing nets and six-pack rings, leading to restricted movement, drowning, or fatal injuries.

This disruption extends beyond individual animals. Plastic pollution threatens the balance of entire marine ecosystems. Coral reefs, which support a vast diversity of ocean life, can be smothered by plastic debris, while toxic chemicals from plastics contaminate the water and sediments (UN Environment Programme, 2018). Over time, larger plastic debris breaks down into tiny particles known as microplastics; smaller than 5 millimeters. These microplastics are found everywhere: from surface waters to the deep ocean floor, and even in Arctic ice (GESAMP, 2015). Due to their size, they are easily ingested by plankton and small fish, which are the base of the marine food chain.

As microplastics move up the food chain, they accumulate in larger marine animals, including the seafood humans consume. This bioaccumulation means that humans are now inadvertently ingesting microplastics daily through fish, shellfish, and even drinking water (Smith et al., 2018).

The presence of microplastics in the human body is raising alarms among scientists and health experts. Plastics contain additives such as Bisphenol A (BPA), phthalates, and flame retardants; chemicals known to disrupt hormones and cause toxic effects. Some of the potential health risks linked to microplastic exposure include:

• Endocrine Disruption: Chemicals in plastics can interfere with hormone function, affecting growth, reproduction, and metabolism (Rochman et , 2013).
• Immune System Effects: Microplastics may trigger inflammatory responses or weaken the immune system (Prata, 2018).
• Reproductive Issues: Exposure to plastic-related toxins has been linked to fertility problems and developmental issues in children (Caserta et al., 2013).
• Cancer Risk: Some plastic additives are carcinogenic or may increase cancer risk over time (WHO, 2019).
• Respiratory Problems: Inhalation of airborne microplastics can cause lung irritation and other respiratory conditions (Prata et al., 2020).

Beyond its environmental and health impacts, plastic pollution plays a direct and dangerous role in urban flooding; a growing problem for many cities, especially during the rainy season.

“Plastic waste is literally choking our cities. It’s not just a sanitation issue anymore; it’s a threat to public safety.”- Dr. Newton Jibunoh, Environmentalist and Founder of FADE Africa.

In Nigeria, plastic waste has become a key factor in the worsening of seasonal floods that damage infrastructure, displace communities, and disrupt daily life. One of the primary ways plastic contributes to flooding is by clogging drainage systems. Discarded plastic bags, bottles, food wrappers, and other debris often end up in gutters, roadside drains, and canals. These items do not degrade and can easily form large blockages that prevent rainwater from flowing freely. When storm water has nowhere to go, it overflows onto roads, into homes, and across neighborhoods causing flash floods that can be devastating within minutes.

Many cities especially fast-growing ones lack efficient waste collection and recycling systems. In the absence of proper disposal, people often dump plastics into open drains, rivers, or vacant land. Over time, this waste builds up, turning once- functional drainage systems into plastic-choked channels.

In addition to drainage blockages, plastic pollution on the ground surface such as wrappers and film plastics can also prevent rainwater from being absorbed into the soil. This increases surface runoff, which contributes to higher water accumulation in flood-prone areas. Low-income and informal communities are often built in flood- prone areas and depend heavily on poor infrastructure. These areas tend to suffer the worst consequences when drainage is blocked by plastic waste. Flooding here can lead to loss of shelter, contamination of water supplies, and increased vulnerability to diseases such as cholera and malaria.

“If we don’t control our plastic waste, nature will keep reminding us through floods, disease, and destruction.”— Dr. Newton Jibunoh

Despite growing awareness of its environmental dangers, plastic consumption continues to rise globally. From food packaging to household items, clothing, and electronics, plastic has become almost unavoidable. Understanding the reasons behind this widespread use is key to finding lasting solutions to plastic pollution. One of the main reasons plastic is used so extensively is that it is cheap to produce. Compared to alternative materials like glass, paper, or metal, plastic is significantly less expensive to manufacture and mold into various shapes and sizes.

Can we realistically live without plastic in our daily lives?

Yes, it is possible to live without plastic especially single-use plastics by adopting practical alternatives and making conscious lifestyle changes. Reasons;

• Availability of Eco-Friendly Alternatives:

Many sustainable materials like paper, glass, metal, bamboo, and cloth can replace plastic in packaging, storage, and shopping.

• Traditional Practices Worked Without Plastic:

Before plastic became widespread, people used reusable containers, baskets, banana leaves, and calabashes all of which were effective and environmentally safe.

• Technology and Innovation:

Today, many companies are creating biodegradable plastics, plant-based packaging, and refillable systems that reduce or eliminate plastic use.

• Reusable Options Are Increasing:

From water bottles to food containers and cloth bags, consumers now have access to durable, reusable alternatives that can replace plastic items.

• Successful Examples Exist:

Countries like Rwanda and cities like San Francisco have significantly reduced or banned single-use plastics, showing that large-scale change is possible.

• Environmental and Health Benefits:

Reducing plastic use lowers the risk of pollution, flooding, and health issues linked to microplastics and toxic chemical exposure.

Living without plastic requires effort and intentionality, but with growing awareness, better policies, and accessible alternatives, it’s entirely achievable and necessary for a healthier planet.