The Sissala East Municipal Office of the National Commission for Civic Education (NCCE), in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA), commemorated the 2026 World Environment Day with a radio discussion aimed at raising public awareness about the growing challenge of plastic waste pollution in the municipality.
The discussion featured Mr. Anzunna Cajetan, Civic Education Officer of the NCCE, and Mr. Crispin Animbire, Assistant Programme Officer of the EPA, who educated listeners on the concept of waste management, the various types of waste, and the environmental and health implications of improper waste disposal.
The discussants highlighted plastic waste as one of the most pressing environmental concerns in the municipality. Particular attention was drawn to the indiscriminate disposal of empty pesticide and weedicide containers on farmlands after use, a practice that poses significant risks to human health, livestock, and the environment.
According to the speakers, the increasing reliance on agrochemicals by farmers has contributed to the accumulation of plastic waste on farms. They also noted that sachet water wrappers, food packaging materials, and other plastic products are frequently discarded on farmlands and in public spaces, further exacerbating environmental degradation.
The discussion further revealed that plastic waste management challenges are equally prevalent in residential communities, where indiscriminate littering and inadequate disposal practices continue to threaten sanitation and public health.
To address the menace, the speakers advocated the adoption of the 3Rs principle, Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle, as a sustainable approach to managing plastic waste. They encouraged residents to minimise plastic consumption, repurpose reusable materials, and support recycling initiatives to help protect the environment.
The programme also featured an interactive phone-in segment during which listeners shared concerns and recommendations. Some callers urged the EPA to collaborate with transport operators to discourage passengers from throwing plastic waste from moving vehicles, a practice that contributes significantly to littering along roadsides and public spaces.
The engagement forms part of NCCE's efforts to promote environmental responsibility and encourage citizens to contribute to the creation of cleaner, healthier, and more sustainable communities.
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