By Aminata Abu Bakarr Kamara

Plastic waste has become a big problem around the world, and Freetown is facing this issue too. As our city grows, so does the amount of plastic waste from homes, businesses, and shops. Without action, our streets, neighbourhoods, and beaches will continue to fill up with plastic that harms our health, wildlife, and environment. We need to come together to create a cleaner, healthier city for everyone.

Plastic is especially hard to deal with because it takes hundreds of years to break down. Over time, it breaks into tiny pieces called microplastics, which pollute the soil, rivers, and even the air. Microplastics can cause health problems for people, such as breathing issues and diseases. In Freetown, where waste collection is already challenging, plastic waste often piles up in drains, causing flooding when it rains.

Plastic waste is also dangerous for animals on land and in the sea. Many animals get tangled in plastic or mistake it for food, which can hurt or kill them. Sierra Leone’s coast is home to many types of fish and sea creatures, but pollution from plastic is putting them at risk. Tourism, which is important for our economy, could also suffer if our beaches and water are filled with plastic trash.

Fighting plastic waste in Freetown requires everyone’s help. Every person, whether young or old contributes to the waste we see around us. To keep our city clean, we should all try to reduce, reuse, and recycle plastic whenever possible. Businesses can help by using less plastic packaging and offering alternatives like paper or cloth bags. Customers can support this by bringing their own bags or containers.

The government also has a big role in solving this problem. By making rules to limit single-use plastics, encouraging businesses to be more eco-friendly, and improving waste collection services, the government can make a big difference. It’s also important to educate people about the dangers of plastic waste and to encourage them to use alternatives.

Building stronger waste collection systems will help reduce the amount of plastic that ends up in the streets. If Freetown invests in more regular trash pickup, recycling centers, and proper waste disposal, we can cut down on plastic pollution. The government could also consider banning single-use plastics like bags and bottles, or adding extra fees to discourage their use. Cities like Kigali in Rwanda have done this successfully.

There are simple, everyday things we can do to fight plastic waste. Market sellers and shops can start using eco-friendly packaging, such as bags made from plant materials. Businesses can encourage customers to use reusable items instead of plastic. Community clean-ups can also make a big difference by gathering people to pick up trash and keep our neighbourhoods clean. Schools and local groups can teach people, especially young ones, about the need to protect the environment.

The government could even reward businesses that find ways to reduce plastic use and protect the environment, like giving them tax breaks or public recognition.

Making Freetown cleaner starts with each of us. We all need to take responsibility for our actions and care for our city. Every small effort to reduce plastic waste helps, and together, we can create a positive change for our families, communities, and future generations.

Let’s act now to reduce plastic waste in Freetown. If we work together, we can protect our beautiful city, keep our water clean, and improve our quality of life. It’s time to take a stand for Freetown, our health, and our future.