Arooj Zulfiqar

Plastics have become an integral part of our daily lives, but their environmental impact has reached alarming levels. In countries like Pakistan, where population growth and urbanisation are on the rise, the challenge of plastic waste management has become even more pressing. “Plastic waste has become a significant environmental issue due to inadequate waste management systems,” said Abid Qayyum Sulehri, the Executive Director of Sustainable Development Policy Institute (SDPI), a think tank. Talking to WealthPK, he highlighted the multifaceted nature of plastic pollution and emphasised the need for intelligent solutions. He stressed that the environment is suffering from the detrimental effects of microplastics, which are “contaminating our water and food sources” while exacerbating global warming.

Abid Sulehri said SDPI was working to promote the principles of “reduce, reuse and recycle” in practical ways. “One of our primary goals is to phase out single-use plastics.” He said, “it is imperative to instigate changes in our daily lives by transforming our consumption behaviours.” “SDPI firmly believes that by adopting eco-friendly alternatives and reevaluating our consumption patterns, we can combat the adverse impacts of plastic pollution and contribute to a healthier environment,” he said. Abid Sulehri said: “SDPI has been actively involved in research, policy advocacy and public awareness campaigns to address the plastic pollution crisis in Pakistan.

Additionally, SDPI is working in collaboration with various stakeholders, including government bodies, industry experts, and local communities, to develop comprehensive strategies for sustainable waste management and promotion of renewable solutions.” He concluded by stating that tackling plastic pollution was a complex challenge that demanded a multifaceted approach. “It requires concerted efforts from all sectors of society to bring about real change.” Recently, SDPI also organised a conference on “reimagining plastics and renewable solutions to environmental degradation.” The moot was held in collaboration with Allama Iqbal Open University, National Disaster Risk Management Fund, Transforming Urban Development to Reduce Impact of Natural Disasters – University of Salford, UK – Parliamentary Taskforce on SDGs, Action for Climate Change, CoRe Alliance, UNEP, and the Ministry of Climate Change.

Speaking on the occasion, Federal Minister for Climate Change and Environmental Coordination Senator Sherry Rehman stressed the urgent need for Pakistan to collect, recycle, and reuse plastics to reduce their usage. She highlighted Pakistan’s low plastic recycling rate of 3-4% compared to the global average of 9%. The conference focused on promoting cost-effective recycling and reusing of plastics. The event was aimed to encourage collaboration among academia, civil society, and policymakers to achieve a healthier circular economy. The speakers highlighted the importance of research, behaviour change, and private sector involvement in reducing plastic consumption and promoting recycling and reuse.

Credit : Independent News Pakistan-WealthPk