President Muhammadu Buhari’s COP26 commitment to net-zero emissions (NZE) by 2060 has stirred up various responses and reactions. Largely, pro-status-quo opinions ridiculed the commitment, and others thought it was outrightly misguided, emphasising the overall perception that “Nigeria – and Africa by extension – deserves all the freedom to contribute to global emissions first before committing to reducing it” In other words, use fossil fuels to industrialise like the perceived to be “developed world.” This piece will not only highlight why this belief is fundamentally flawed but also present the arguments that suggest PMB’s commitment could be the best thing to happen to Nigeria in recent times. 

The feeling that Nigeria’s commitment to NZE is ill-advised stems from the assessment of the current socio-economic challenges the country is facing. In short, it is a poverty argument – Nigeria is too poor to begin the process of transitioning since it has not set up a paradigm for transition. Further arguments present the feeling that if Nigeria commits to the energy transition, it may lose out on international financing facilities that it needs to industrialise along the fossil fuel lines. More people believe that Nigeria does not have the luxury to prioritise climate-friendly development in its current circumstances.  Other arguments continue to iterate that Nigeria’s dependence on crude oil makes it economically vulnerable if it should embark on energy transition processes. A more interesting one is Nigeria lacks the technical ability to industrialise along with the global plans to curb the effects of climate change. 

Nigeria first discovered Crude Oil in 1956 in Bayelsa State. Before independence, Nigeria was economically driven by non-oil revenues and continued to develop crude oil exploration activities with its pre-oil economy. Since the exports of crude oil began, Nigeria faced a turbulent economic growth that has been described as a curse to the Nation. Nigeria had gotten intoxicated by the dark elixir and neglected key sectors of its economy that had been hitherto largely promising. Nigeria is known globally for repugnant insecurity and notorious poverty. These identities have been cultivated in tandem with the oil national reliance. The evidence is too obvious and overwhelming to cite. With its return to promising democracy in 1999, Nigeria had not been able to effectively industrialise. The dependence on crude oil evolved Nigeria into a “beast consumer” that can neither feed itself nor refine the very crude it depends on. Even when Nigeria was earning its highest possible income from crude oil, it failed to deliver its most elementary of infrastructural needs. 

According to OPEC World Oil Outlook 2021, crude oil demands are likely to plummet over the next two decades. As the world continues to transition to cleaner energies with exponential growth in innovative technologies, the demand for crude will continue to diminish. With Europe and India gradually looking elsewhere, Nigeria’s stable revenue source will keep aging to its death regardless of local influence. Unless Nigeria finds alternative markets for its crude in Africa, it must begin to imagine an economy away from oil. 

The COVID-19 pandemic has set in a new era in global economics and international business. The crude oil markets reemphasized their dependency on human activities and global environmental change. This became a revelation to economies that were hitherto unprepared to re-evaluate their economic dependencies. The relief felt by the world with the recent relative stabilisation of the oil market has been misrepresented by many parties as a return to normalcy. The reality is the pandemic has only been a prelude to more serious global challenges that should shake countries like Nigeria and other emerging economies into serious re-strategizing and planning. The fact is the next global pressure may be more serious in its effect than the pandemic which is mostly survived by victims. In the words of Bill Gates, “The world needs to rise to avert a climate crisis.”

There is still a major misconception in the net-zero emissions debate. As such, it is paramount to clarify this. In simple terms, net-zero emission means taking actions that remove the same amount of harmful emission that is injected into the micro-climates by a system. In the context of developing countries, it means implementing the directives set up by environmental regulatory bodies through environmental protection recommendations. In Nigeria, it does not mean we have to stop crude oil production. It means we should prevent carbon-positive flaring, enforce oil spill mitigation, and responsible remediation to balance the adverse effects of crude-oil pollution.

Nigeria is blessed with climate change deniers in every quarter. Those at the heart of oil production are particularly more motivated to discover the non-existent loopholes in the climate sciences. As such, there remains a collective reluctance to enforce environmental regulations and implement climate-friendly projects. A prime example is in the afforestation efforts that have been recycled in national budgets with near-zero implementation. Any attempt to undermine Nigeria’s NZE targets only enables the climate deniers to delay climate action. 

According to Gadzama and Ayuba (2016), “the agents of desertification in Nigeria are climate change (especially changes in rainfall patterns), increased variability of droughts, inappropriate use of technologies in agriculture and land management, and land demand by the large population of the country. Northern Nigeria has one of the highest rates of deforestation in the world at about 3.5% (UNEP, 1993), which is driven by widespread land degradation, increasing agricultural intensity, over-grazing of livestock, and demand for fuel wood (Musa and Shaib, 2010). Assessments of desertification, its causes, and impacts have been found by several researchers for specific locations in Northern Nigeria (e.g., Ogunwale, 2015; Adakayi and Ishaya, 2016; Sulaiman et al., 2017; Oloukoi et al., 2018). However, little or no effort has been directed at its monitoring across the entire northern region bordering the Sahel”. 

According to recent figures, floods make up the most frequent disaster type (UNISDR, 2018). Between 1998 and 2017, floods formed 43.4% of all recorded events and affected 45% of all individuals affected by weather-related disasters. Flood events are also projected to increase everywhere under all considered Representative Concentration Pathway (RCP) warming scenarios (Alfieri et al., 2017). In terms of social outcome, the literature suggests that following extreme weather events, the type of conflicts that are more likely to occur include communal violence and land-use disputes rather than large-scale civil conflicts (Buhaug & Seter, 2014; Eck, 2014; Fjelde & von Uexkull, 2012). 

According to Nigeria’s National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), 30 out of the 36 states were affected by the floods. The floods were termed the worst in Nigeria’s history in 40 years and affected an estimated total of seven million people (Nkwunonwo  2016). The estimated damages and losses caused by the floods were worth 2.6 trillion naira (Cirella and Iyalomhe 2018). 

Based on assumptions of access to technology, Nigeria’s NZE target may appear ambitious. This is due to an established understanding of the cycle of technological development and adoption. While the scope of NZE is not limited to the development of energy systems alone, several assessments have focused on the impacts of NZE on Nigeria’s race to energy sufficiency. In fact, the NZE encompasses strategic measures that include mitigation and adaptation across entire ecosystems. 

A lot of what was previously seen as ambitious goals has been found achievable under certain conditions. An example is the transition to remote work under the global threat of COVID-19. The previously predicted collapse of global systems was proven incorrect, and more corporate bodies have adapted to a new paradigm. Drawing from that, whether technologies would be accessible or affordable for energy transition is a function of collective will and competent strategy. The global consensus on climate action is the main driver of those conditions. The mass conviction of trendsetters in the developed world that feeds emerging economies with technology and behavioural incentives cannot be neglected.

The current state of waste management in Nigeria is a major concern due to the high rate of waste generation and poor management practices, coupled with the high rate of population increase. Nigeria produces an estimated 32 million tons of solid waste per year, with only about 20-30 percent of it being collected and managed correctly. The remainder of the waste is either dumped in unauthorised places or burned, contributing to pollution and health risks. 

Nigeria is the largest producer of solid waste in Africa, with approximately 70 percent of it being plastic waste that ends up in landfills, water bodies, or sewers. According to the World Bank, Nigeria ranks as the tenth-largest producer of unmanaged plastic waste globally, accounting for 2.7 percent of the total. Moreover, the World Bank projects that Nigeria will become the largest generator of unmanaged plastic waste in Africa by 2050. 

The consequences of improper waste management are dire, ranging from air and water pollution to soil contamination and the depletion of natural resources. 

The limited number of recycling facilities further compounds the problem. While recycling is recognised as a crucial component of sustainable waste management, many states and cities lack sufficient infrastructure to effectively sort, process, and recycle waste. As a result, a significant portion of recyclable materials ends up in landfills or incinerators, exacerbating environmental degradation and wasting valuable resources that could be reused. 

Moreover, the solid waste crisis in these cities is fueled by insufficient public awareness campaigns. Many residents are unaware of the detrimental effects of improper waste disposal on their health and the environment. The absence of comprehensive education and outreach programs limits public participation in waste management efforts. As a result, individuals may not prioritise waste reduction, separation, and recycling, leading to increased waste generation and further strain on the already overburdened waste management system. 

The consequences of neglecting the solid waste crisis are severe and wide-ranging. Air pollution is a significant concern, as uncontrolled waste burning releases harmful pollutants into the atmosphere, compromising air quality and contributing to respiratory illnesses. Water pollution is another critical issue, as leachate from poorly managed landfills can contaminate groundwater sources, posing risks to both human health and ecosystems. Soil contamination can occur when hazardous waste is not properly disposed of, leading to long-term ecological damage and potential health hazards for agricultural activities. 

In the face of the mounting solid waste problem in these cities, it is crucial to explore innovative approaches that go beyond traditional solutions. One such approach is the implementation of a market-based mechanism, similar to

emission trading, which has the potential to revolutionise waste management practices and drive a sustainable transformation in these cities. 

The concept of a market-based mechanism for waste management is inspired by the success of “Cap and Trade” emission trading schemes, such as the European Union Emission Trading Scheme (EU-ETS), which have been effective in reducing greenhouse gas emissions. By applying a similar framework to solid waste, state or municipal governments can create a marketplace for waste credits, introducing economic incentives to encourage waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal practices. 

The first step in implementing this mechanism would involve the establishment of a regulatory body responsible for determining the maximum allowable waste production levels for businesses, communities, and households in these cities, known as capping. These limits or caps would be translated into waste credits, which would then be allocated to entities based on their waste production history and other relevant factors. This allocation process ensures fairness and provides a baseline for entities to work towards reducing their waste. 

Crucially, these waste credits would be tradable among entities and communities within these cities. This means that entities or communities that successfully reduce their waste below their allocated credits can sell their surplus credits to other entities struggling to meet their waste targets. This creates a market where the economic value of waste reduction is recognised and rewarded. Entities or communities that exceed their allocated credits would face financial penalties, further incentivising them to adopt more sustainable waste management practices. 

To ensure the integrity of the waste credit market, a robust monitoring and verification system would be established. This system would include periodic waste audits, supported by advanced technologies and thorough inspections, to track waste generation, disposal practices, and recycling efforts. Compliance with waste reduction targets and transparent reporting would be essential to maintain trust and credibility within the market. 

Implementing a market-based mechanism for waste management offers several significant benefits. Firstly, it incentivises waste reduction by assigning a financial value to neighbourhoods that actively work to reduce their waste. Businesses and households would be motivated to adopt sustainable waste management practices to gain valuable waste credits, leading to a substantial reduction in overall waste generation across the state. 

Furthermore, this approach encourages innovation and investment in waste management technologies and infrastructure. The prospect of trading waste credits creates a market opportunity for businesses and entrepreneurs to develop and implement new recycling methods, waste-to-energy solutions, and other sustainable practices. This surge in innovation attracts investment, fosters economic growth, and generates job opportunities in the waste management sector. 

A market-based mechanism also amplifies public participation and awareness in waste management. Individuals and communities would actively seek ways to reduce waste to gain waste credits, fostering a culture of waste reduction and resource conservation. This collective effort from citizens contributes to a cleaner environment and enhances the overall quality of life in the cities.

Market-based waste management system 

Importantly, the implementation of a market-based approach would significantly improve environmental and public health outcomes. By effectively managing waste through waste reduction, recycling, and responsible disposal practices, the state can mitigate air and water pollution, reduce soil contamination, and minimise the depletion of natural resources. This, in turn, promotes a healthier environment for residents and safeguards public health. 

In conclusion, a market-based mechanism holds great potential in tackling the solid waste crisis in Nigeria’s urban centres. By creating a marketplace for waste credits, state governments can incentivise waste reduction, encourage innovation, foster public participation, and improve environmental and public health outcomes. As the relevant authorities consider this novel approach, it has the opportunity to become a trailblazer in effective waste management, setting an example for other regions to follow. Through this transformation, states can forge a path towards a cleaner, more sustainable future. 

Finally, while market-based solutions offer innovative ways to address solid waste challenges, they are not without limitations, especially when it comes to practical implementation. Hence, effective implementation requires careful consideration of the local context, equity, regulatory frameworks, and the specific waste management context of the areas where they are implemented.

While change begins with one person, a human cannot change the world alone. It takes more than just one pair of hands and a single brain to make a significant difference. The world population has compounded over the years, meaning that resources are getting stretched with every additional person. 

The climate is also taking a hit, with issues like global warming and the depletion of the ozone layer emerging. To mitigate this hurdle, sustainable communities have emerged where humans pool together their human and intellectual resources to enhance their well-being and the environment for the present and future generations.

How Exactly Do Sustainable Communities Work?

Besides environmental conservation, a sustainable community seeks to achieve harmony between economic and social factors. The concept revolves around the idea of providing a warm, safe, and welcoming seat at the table for people from different backgrounds and varying perspectives. Everybody is entitled to a say in the governance and decision-making process.

The goal is to manage human, natural, and financial capital to meet current needs while ensuring there are enough resources left to adequately sustain future generations. These needs are essentially universal, meaning that they are needs that every human desires. The most basic of them include a proper house, nourishing food, access to clean water, fresh air, a sense of belonging, a safe and healthy environment to bring up children, a voice on decisions that affect their lives, and lifelong learning. One way to adequately provide and sustain these needs is through ecovillages.

What are Ecovillages?

Ecovillages are arguably the SI unit of sustainable communities – it is where it all starts. They are intentional communities built to realise the goals of a sustainable community through environmental conservation, participatory governance, a sense of belonging, cultural diversity, and social equity. 

Figure 1: Conceptual Design of an Ecovillage.

       3. Sieben Linden Ecovillage

Sitting on 222 acres of land, Sieben Linden is a thriving ecovillage in the Saxony-Anhalt area of Germany. Its inhabitants came together in 1997 to form a community that is committed to ecological design, community living, and sustainability. 

       4. Bafut Ecovillage

Bafut is a Cameroonian ecovillage founded in 2013. Its primary goals are connecting younger members to their roots, reviving traditional farming techniques, and promoting sustainable lifestyles. The ecovillage’s operating principles are transparency and openness, with the aim of creating and sustaining a peace village. It also applies Permaculture networks to promote peer-to-peer learning.

       5. Khonoma, India

The Khonoma ecovillage in Nagaland, India, is home to a 700-year-old settlement of the Angami people. It prides itself on being the first green village in India and is thus known for its stunning and serene landscape. More than providing a community for the people, the village is big on environmental conservation and practises water management techniques and eco-tourism, where hunting wildlife is highly forbidden. The people also practise a form of shifting cultivation called jhum, which protects the soil from within.

 

Figure 3: Khonoma Green Village, Nagaland.

It is worth noting that most of these ecovillages operate on a somewhat communist ideology where there is collective ownership of some assets. For instance, residents of the Dancing Rabbit Ecovillage in Missouri have a shared private car service from which any member can access a car to get around. At the Ecovillage at Ithaca (New York), residents enjoy weekly community dinners, and they all contribute to maintenance work on their shared spaces.

 

Emerging Trends in Sustainable Communities

In the modern world, things tend to evolve quickly. Climate changes, technological advancement, economic changes, wars, and world epidemics call for proactive energy in all communities. The following are emerging trends in sustainable communities designed to keep up with current matters.

       1. Smart Cities

Essentially, smart cities leverage technology to improve members’ quality of life. The major aspect of a smart city is robust digital infrastructure such as fast internet connectivity, communication systems, and sensor networks. Smart cities also prioritise sustainable transportation systems such as electric vehicles, bike-sharing programs and efficient public transportation to alleviate congestion and reduce emissions. What’s more, they promote environmental sustainability through initiatives like green building and urban green spaces.

 

Figure 4: Smart City Technology Isometric.

      2. Circular Economies

These are economies that are designed to minimise waste by applying the principle of reusing and recycling waste. Contrary to the traditional take-make-dispose model, a circular economy creates a sustainable approach to production and consumption. It promotes a closed-loop system where materials are circulated within the economy instead of being discarded. For this reason, products are designed with durability and longevity in mind.

      3. Regenerative Development

Regenerative development focuses on restoring and renewing ecosystems by applying design principles that mimic natural systems to create built environments. Restoring natural ecosystems involves practices such as soil regeneration and reforestation. This trend preserves cultural heritage by recognising the importance of cultural identity, traditional practices, and indigenous knowledge.

    Final Thoughts

With the current state of the climate, it is imperative for humans to be at the forefront of taking sustainable steps to enhance quality of life. Sustainable communities achieve this quest by creating harmony between social, economic, and environmental factors. Governments and social groups around the world should pick up and encourage this practice in their communities. There will be less carbon footprint in the atmosphere, more resilience to climate change, better use of resources, and enhanced community cohesion.

 

Picture credits: Image by flocking via Pixabay.

Drowning in Plastic: How Plastic Pollution is Destroying Nigeria

Background:

Historically, plastic was introduced to improve performance, reduce cost, and make our lives easy, but under the prevailing circumstances, plastic has become a global nuisance. Though plastic pollution is a global menace, its worst impact and big scale can be seen in Nigeria. If you take a walk through the streets of major Nigerian cities or take a look at the country’s sewers, rivers, lakes, and oceans, you will see discarded plastic waste everywhere.

Understanding Plastic Pollution

Land- and marine-based plastic pollution can be understood as an accumulation of plastic objects and particles in the environment that harms humans, wildlife, habitats, and biodiversity in general if not managed properly. It is important to understand that plastic pollution can negatively impact land, waterways, and oceans. A majority of the plastic that leads to pollution originates from packaging material and single-use plastic used for food and water consumption or sanitary use.

Now, why do we say that Nigeria is drowning in plastic? 

What is the magnitude of plastic pollution in Nigeria? Nigeria, with a land area of 923,768 km2 and an estimated population of 211.4 million, generates an estimated 2.5 million tons of plastic waste annually, with less than 12% being recycled. According to reports, in 2018, 20% of the plastic waste generated in Nigeria was produced within 30 km of the coast, with a significant part of it ending up in the ocean. On a global scale, Nigeria ranks as the 9th highest contributor to plastic pollution. However, with the rapidly increasing population, the situation is likely to get worse.

Major factors contributing to increased plastic waste in Nigeria are:

The use of water sachets, bottled water/ drinks, food takeaway packs, straws, spoons, etc. Research suggests that around 60 million plastic water sachet/bags are disposed of daily in Nigeria.

Indiscriminate waste disposal, poor waste management habits and lack of knowledge about proper disposal methods.

Lack of knowledge about recycling and availability of recycling facilities. 

Lack of awareness of the potential environmental and health risks associated with plastic pollution.

Implications of plastic pollution on Nigeria and its residents:

Plastic pollution is currently causing detrimental effects on Nigeria’s health, environment, and economy. These impacts manifest in various ways:

Economic Implications: The sheer scale of discarded plastic scattered across roads, beaches, and coasts deters tourists and has a significant impact on income from the tourism sector.

When plastic flows into the oceans and is consumed by fish and other marine organisms, they die due to choking and poor-quality water. This is a huge blow to the fishing sector. Another economic consequence of plastic pollution is the significant financial burden of managing the huge plastic waste. There is a huge amount of resources and effort required to address the plastic cleanup.

Social Implications: Unsightly heaps of discarded plastic waste overwhelm major cities across Nigeria, with some obstructing major roads and waterways. However, beyond the aesthetic considerations, the scale of plastic waste highlights a significant deeper societal issue: its negative impact on public health and well-being.

Environmental Implications: Plastic pollution poses a significant threat to Nigeria’s environment, including soil, water, and air. The burning of plastic waste releases harmful toxins into the atmosphere but also degrades the soil quality. The accumulation of plastic waste blocks drainage systems, aggravating flood risks and disrupting natural water channels.

Most discarded plastics persist in the environment due to their low degradability, polluting surface water and tap water, and are ingested by aquatic and terrestrial animals when macroplastics are broken into microplastics by the action of the sun, water, and other processes. What adds to the problem is the property of microplastics to act as vectors for toxic chemical substances that they adsorb and consequently leach into biological systems. 

When humans or such fishes and organisms consume this water, they enter our system and could potentially be associated with adverse health conditions.

Health Implications: The World Health Organization (WHO) has identified that chemicals released during plastic burning can be a serious health hazard. Dioxin, the chemical so released, can be potentially linked to health issues affecting cells, the immune system, hormones, and reproductive health. 

Image by TheDigitalArtist via Pixabay.

Who will clean this plastic up?

The major question now arises as to who should be responsible for cleaning up plastic waste in Nigerian soil, water, and air. Policymakers? Producers/manufacturers? Multinational companies? Citizens? The right answer would be all of them.

1. Government and policymakers: A part of the onus to clean this plastic up lies on the government by making and implementing policies and regulations regarding the production, usage, and disposal of plastic, including the extended producer responsibility policy, the plastic waste management policy, etc. This would also include incentives to encourage people to recycle plastic and dispose of it in more responsible and environment-friendly ways. Responsible members of the government should also be looking at other countries’ policies on plastic waste management.
2. Citizens: Residents could contribute to cleaning up the plastic that they discard and take responsibility in the spirit of environmental citizenship. Citizens must use plastic responsibly and dispose of and recycle them appropriately. Citizens could also organise and participate in city, beach, mangroves, and ocean cleanup drives to check the spread of plastic pollution. Citizens should actively work along with recyclers in their cities and encourage others to participate in cleaning discarded plastic.
3. Producers and manufacturers: Producers and manufacturers should, in the first place, reduce plastic waste in their manufacturing processes and must take some responsibility in cleaning the plastic they produce, which ends up as waste. producers can reduce plastic waste in Nigeria if they include it in all the elements of corporate social responsibility. Doing so will promote sustainable development in the country. In Nigeria, most companies focus on fulfilling the philanthropic dimension of corporate social responsibility by organising voluntary cleanup campaigns, labelling products appropriately to indicate recyclability, advocating for proper disposal of waste, etc. However, if they incorporate: 

• Economic (assigning an economic value to waste and not focusing solely on profits and competition), 
• Ethical (prevent and clean up waste following societal expectations), and 
• Legal dimensions (comply with government laws and regulations for the environment) 

By embracing corporate social responsibility, many companies will have the ability to make significant and enduring contributions toward reducing plastic waste.

Watching the scale of plastic pollution in Nigeria, every individual must work together to combat it and follow an interdisciplinary approach along with private-public partnerships, from creating awareness (mandatorily in primary, secondary schools, and tertiary institutions) about the hazards of plastic pollution to promoting proper recycling and disposal practices.

In fact, in September 2021, the Government of Nigeria joined the efforts to fight plastic pollution with the World Economic Forum’s Global Plastic Action Partnership. The initiative aims to bring together policy-makers, business leaders, and civil society organisations to combat plastic pollution in Nigeria.

 Simran Randhawa.

Despite denial and weak action in some quarters, the impacts of climate change keep increasing, threatening livelihoods and communities across the globe. The impacts of climate change are felt most around the global hotspots, which include Sub-Saharan Africa. 

With very limited information about climate change and resilience strategy, it feels like we could be more successful in the face of these adversities. However, through sustainable living (even as individuals), we can play our part in making the earth more liveable for us and future generations.

What is sustainable living?

The meaning is in the name, and it is the lifestyle and philosophy that focuses on the choices and behaviours of living within our means to encourage human and environmental health.  

“If it can’t be reduced, reused, repaired, rebuilt, refurbished, refinished, resold, recycled, or composted, then it should be restricted, designed, or removed from production.”

~ Pete Seeger

There are no complex rules to living sustainably as there are different ways to look at it and live sustainably. Here are some easy yet impactful ideas on living sustainably:

• Grow Your Garden

 This might seem like it is hard and impossible. Still, you do not need much to grow a garden, just a little space and the will is enough, and you do not have to grow everything you eat; you can just pick a vegetable out of your diet and grow it yourself, and by doing this, you are not only growing your food (which is excellent), but you are also offsetting the carbon emission so you can not go wrong with having a little tomato or watermelon garden. 

• Practice Minimalism

 Many people are against this because they believe it makes them look cheap, but that is not the case; being a minimalist means you are putting your resources to their optimum use, and the ones you are not currently using are appropriately kept. Minimalist practice is easy. It just means you recycle more and use less. This means that you do not need to put on your light bulb during the day when the sun is shining into your room, you do not leave the tap running while you are not using it, and putting your leftover foods in the fridge for future use e.t.c the list is endless.

• Reduce, Reuse, and Recycle

Reduce your need to buy new products all the time and learn to reuse the ones you already have. If there is less waste, then there is less to recycle. You can repurpose used materials for new things, e.g., reuse plastic bottles for storing food grains and growing flowers. Additionally, you can declutter for every new item bought by giving out an old item.

• Unplug Unused Devices

To save energy, always unplug your devices when not in use because most of them still draw up even when not, so the best option is to unplug them when not used. You do not need to leave the fan or AC working when no one is in the room or keep the lights on when you are not using them.

• Choose renewable energy

Choosing renewable energy over fossil fuels is another excellent way to reduce one’s carbon footprint and help stop climate change as individuals. Renewable energy sources are naturally replenished, so instead of depending on fuels to power our homes, offices, and workplaces, we can shift to other forms of energy like solar, wind, biomass, or any other form of renewable energy that is sustainable.

• Shop with your bags.

Another way to help the climate by living sustainably is by carrying your shopping bags whenever you go to the mall or market to buy your daily house needs. It is known that shopping malls and stalls provide customers with plastic bags to carry their purchased goods. Still, these plastic bags are not easily disposable, so instead of piling up the plastic bags in our house, we can use reusable bags for our shopping. 

Conclusion

There are a thousand and one ways to live sustainably, and where it seems like we can not do it all, the goal is to live sustainably as much as possible to contribute to a more liveable world for us all. Besides helping the climate, sustainable living is also healthy for human health and is becoming a trend. Here are some eco-friendly business ideas that can also make you some money.

Two GHI staff, members of Dangoma Junior Secondary School Environmental Club, WASHCOM members, Patron and Coordinators of the club during the establishment of the club in Kalgo LGA, Kebbi State 01-02-2023

Children have a right to education, which includes access to safe Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene (WASH) services. Every child needs a healthy environment to learn, grow, thrive, and achieve their full potential. Even though many schools have WASH infrastructure, there is a low emphasis on hygiene education. There is mounting evidence of school WASH’s health, psychosocial, and by extension, educational benefits. 

Over time, WASH in Schools conversation has changed from what works at the school level to how to reach sustainability at scale. We now understand that sustainability is beyond the building of infrastructure but rather about systemic change at the local level. 

A management structure that engages the school children is needed to achieve this systemic change. This entails the formation of clubs or leveraging existing clubs in the schools to integrate WASH activities to improve hygiene promotion activities within the school and through the schools to the host communities. The clubs are responsible for taking ownership and sustainability of the school WASH projects (hardware facilities and hygiene promotion activities).

Based on this, the Green Habitat Initiative (GHI) established Environmental Health Clubs (EHCs) across the five I-WASH beneficiary schools; Dangoma Junior Secondary School, Sauwa Model Primary School, Tungar Zazzagawa Model Primary School, Dalijan Model Primary School, and Government day Secondary School Kambazza, all in Kebbi State. 

Stakeholders in the Environmental Health Clubs

Various stakeholders were involved in establishing the EHCs, including the Water, Sanitation, and Hygiene Committee in the host community, the School-Based Management Committee, and LGA WASH Unit.

Nomination of Officials and Club EXCO

The students nominated officials, including the Coordinator (Health Education Teacher) and Patron (School Principal), to guide the club’s operations. Elections were conducted for the club Executives, and the following positions were contested and won. They include the President, Secretary, and Treasurer.

             

                              Election of club executives at Sauwa Model Primary School, Argungu LGA. 31-01-2023

Left-Right: The Secretary (Mabaruka Usman), Treasurer (Ahmad Malami) President (Abubakar Alhaji Tukur) of Government Day Secondary School Environmental Health Club took the oath of office facilitated by the GHI WCS. 02-02-2023

Activities

Members of the newly established EHC Clubs discussed activities to be carried out, which include assembly sensitization, Environmental sensitization, Hygiene promotion campaigns (rallies), Hygiene inspection, Class visitation, Entertainment education, and outreach (community walks).

 

The community leader of Sauwa giving a charge to the members of the Sauwa Model Primary School Environmental Health Club 31-01-2023