Faith Nyasuguta
Plastic pollution poses a grave threat to the environment, especially in low-income countries, where its impact is particularly severe, as highlighted in a recent report by the World Wide Fund for Nature (WWF).
Annually, more than 430 million tonnes of plastic are produced worldwide, with a significant portion ending up in the ocean after being discarded. However, a local initiative in Mombasa, Kenya, is tackling this issue head-on by transforming plastic waste into valuable resources.
Twende Green Ecocycle, a social enterprise founded in January 2023 by Churchill Muriuki, Lawrence Kosgei, Zainab Mahmoud, and Faraj Ramadhan, is spearheading this innovative approach.
Recognizing the pressing need to address plastic pollution along the coastline of Mombasa, the team embarked on a mission to collect plastic waste, particularly from beaches, and recycle it into sustainable school furniture.
In Mombasa alone, approximately 80 tonnes of waste are generated daily, with 20% of it comprising plastic, yet only 5% is recycled, leaving the remaining 95% to contaminate the ocean and endanger marine life. To combat this environmental crisis, Twende Green Ecocycle employs a comprehensive process.
First, the collected plastic is meticulously shredded and cleaned before being blended with tetra pack waste. Subsequently, the mixture undergoes compression at high temperatures to form durable boards, which serve as the foundation for crafting school desks and chairs.
The significance of this initiative extends beyond environmental conservation; it addresses a crucial need in the community for sustainable education infrastructure.
Kosgei, drawing from his childhood experience of sitting at a broken desk in primary school, emphasizes the importance of repurposing plastic waste into functional school furniture. By doing so, the initiative not only mitigates environmental degradation but also promotes educational equity and comfort for students.
At Mvita Primary School in Mombasa, the impact of eco-desks and chairs is palpable. Unlike traditional wooden desks, which often require students to share cramped spaces, the eco-friendly alternatives provide individual comfort and space, enhancing the learning environment.
Moreover, marine plastics pose a multifaceted threat, endangering marine species, coastal tourism, and contributing to climate change. By diverting plastic waste from oceans and repurposing it into useful assets, initiatives like Twende Green Ecocycle play a pivotal role in safeguarding marine ecosystems and fostering sustainable communities.
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