Lagos ban on Styrofoam

…Health experts stress urgency of implementation, sustainable alternatives

Like many nations facing the plastic menace, Nigeria has taken crucial steps to address the issue.

The implementation of a ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics, especially those considered non-biodegradable, in Lagos State, is a noteworthy move aimed at curbing plastic pollution.

Read also: Lagos bans styrofoam ‘take away plates’, other single use platic

However, as the state takes this bold step, concerns loom large among experts regarding the potential health and environmental impacts of such measures.

The UN Environment Programme (UNEP) has highlighted the distasteful certainty of plastic pollution, emphasising that an overwhelming equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks loaded with plastic is dumped into the world’s oceans, rivers, and lakes each day.

Read also: Styrofoam ‘takeaway’: Food sellers, others get three weeks grace

The global size of this crisis is further stressed by an annual leakage of 19-23 million tonnes of plastic waste into the aquatic ecosystems.

As concerns escalate, experts are increasingly alarmed and say that it is essential to recognise the interconnectedness of social justice, public health, and environmental well-being.

However, advocating for sustainable alternatives to styrofoam is not only a step towards improving public health but also an investment in the long-term health of the environment

Doyin Odubanjo, a public health expert based in Lagos, stressed that prohibiting take-away packs originates from the Lagos State government’s choices. The legality of the matter is crucial, signifying that it has undergone thorough discussion and approval.

“Laws were enacted in Nigeria years ago that specifically banned single-use plastics. Lagos State, being a coastal city, is particularly worried about potentially being the first to experience the direct or indirect consequences of these damages. Therefore, there is concern among people, and as Nigerians, we are troubled about the impact on convenience.

“Many people opt for single-use items, and the concern lies in the direct and, mostly, indirect consequences of this choice. The worry is that when disposed of, these items end up scattered indiscriminately. People tend to discard them anywhere after completing their tasks, leading to accumulation in religious spaces and along roadsides, where water collects, creating breeding grounds for mosquitoes,” he said.

According to the public health expert, this accumulation can lead to flooding, causing direct harm to people, including the risk of drowning. Additionally, the polluted water resulting from floods can spread waterborne diseases such as cholera and typhoid fever.

“The ultimate goal is to shift towards a society where reusable items are the norm. Carrying reusable items, like food flasks, can significantly reduce the generation of plastic waste and its associated implications.

“The broader idea is to minimise the use of plastics altogether, even those labelled as reusable. Some studies suggest that reducing plastic use, if not avoiding it entirely, is crucial. This includes using refillable water bottles instead of buying single-use bottled water.

“In essence, the battle against single-use plastics is not against the people; it’s a positive initiative for the people. However, acknowledging that change can be challenging, especially when breaking habits,” said Odubanjo.

In the same vein, Ferhat Khan, president Academy of Public Health, said Styrofoam contains the neurotoxins styrene and benzene, which are widely accepted to be carcinogens, adding that the chemical styrene has been linked to diseases like cancer, liver and kidney damage. It has been banned in some countries because it has been implicated in some health issues.

According to her, beyond the environmental aspect, the disposal of take-away packs has dire implications for public health. Improper waste management practices contribute to the breeding of disease vectors and contamination of water sources, leading to the spread of infectious diseases.

“In a country where access to clean water and sanitation services remains a challenge in many areas, the war against take-away packs becomes a critical aspect of safeguarding the well-being of Nigerians.

“Another alternative for Styrofoam is packages made from Mushroom materials, mineral polypropylene, ecocontainer, earth shelf paper, Lollwane edible, corrugated cardboard etc very eco-friendly. Unfortunately, not sustainable in Nigeria as they are expensive,” she said.

Nigeria grapples with climate-related challenges, particularly in densely populated areas facing the threat of flooding. Other African nations, such as Kenya and Uganda have also implemented bans on plastic bags.

Advocating for the ban, Adenike Oladosu, founder, of I Lead Climate Action Initiative, a climate justice advocate stressed that Styrofoam is called ‘single used’ because it cannot be reused and has been constituting a nuisance to our society.

According to her, Nigerians’ lives matter, it is the right step in the right direction, and I commend the Lagos State government. Other states should follow suit. Already, our water bodies are filled, and drainages are blocked by Styrofoam and single-use plastic.

“If it is not banned, it will continue to become a single threat to our environment and humans. If we don’t curb this single-use plastic menace, it will lead us to a plastic age; these single-used plastics might outgrow the number of people itself.

“There is a need for readily available alternatives. Our society can function without relying on single-use plastic. Before the prevalence of Styrofoam and single-use plastic, locally made items were used, contributing to environmental conservation. Now is the time to champion art and culture in the environment, emphasizing the need to boost locally made materials that are environmentally friendly,” she said.

Highlighting the lack of public preparation for the ban and citing disruptions in supply and value chains, Greg Odogwu, an environmental writer and climate activist observations on the issue of single-use plastics and Styrofoam, expressed the view that the government did not adequately prepare the public for such a ban.

Drawing a parallel with President Buhari’s clean tax on single-use plastics, which aimed to limit their use. According to Odogwu, the current government in Nigeria suspended this tax, and the sudden ban by the Lagos State government caught people off guard.

“That the lack of preparation has disrupted the supply and value chains, potentially impacting activities and packages. With awareness and preparation, Nigerians could transition to alternative materials like wood, clothing, paper, glass, and others. This shift would align with the reuse and recycle mantra, promoting a cleaner lifestyle.

Odogwu envisions that adopting alternatives could lead to the development of new resources, like raffia in Russia, for packaging, creating a sustainable and environmentally friendly solution because Nigerian’s lives matter in environmental concerns

Amid the complexity of the issue, community-driven initiatives have emerged to address the negative impacts of takeaway packs. These efforts promote sustainable alternatives, including reusable containers, and advocate for responsible waste disposal practices. Grassroots movements, social media campaigns, and educational programs aim to raise awareness about the repercussions of single-use packaging on both the environment and public health.