Each day, the equivalent of 2,000 garbage trucks packed with plastic waste is deposited into the Earth’s oceans, rivers, and lakes. Plastic pollution transcends borders, posing a significant global challenge. Annually, between 19 to 23 million tonnes of plastic waste infiltrate aquatic environments, contaminating lakes, rivers, and seas. This pervasive pollution not only disrupts habitats and natural cycles but also undermines ecosystems’ resilience to climate change. Such impacts directly jeopardize the livelihoods, food security, and social welfare of millions of individuals worldwide.
Plastic pollution is everywhere. Over 80% of the litter polluting our oceans originates from sources on land. This daunting reality may seem overwhelming, but numerous initiatives are underway to combat the alarming levels of marine pollution in South Africa.
Today, as we celebrate World Earth Day, the urgency to address environmental challenges like plastic pollution has never been more apparent. At the forefront of this battle is the North-West University (NWU), which implemented a pioneering campaign to combat plastic pollution across its campuses.
Under the leadership of Vice-Chancellor Prof Bismark Tyobeka, NWU has taken decisive action to confront the scourge of plastic pollution. The #BeatPlasticPollution #StopUsingPlasticBottles campaign was born out of a challenge issued in 2023, rallying all staff and students to join the fight against plastic pollution by switching to steel water bottles instead of plastic water bottles. The NWU takes a strong stance in reducing plastic bottle usage, minimizing NWU’s carbon footprint, and fostering a culture of recycling and re-use, which articulates in the curbing of plastic waste and championing responsible resource utilization. By taking a long-term view on environmental sustainability, the NWU’s action today will leave a positive environmental legacy for future generations.
NWU’s dedication to sustainability transcends the elimination of plastic water bottles. Drinking water analysis, carbon footprint calculations, and waste recycling programs underscore the university’s dedication to environmental stewardship. These efforts have not gone unnoticed, as NWU ranks among Africa’s top higher education institutions for its proactive approach to environmental, social, and governance issues.
The latest Sustainability ranking by Quacquarelli Symonds (QS) reaffirms NWU’s position as a leader in sustainability. Despite an increase in featured institutions in 2023, NWU has not only maintained but improved its standing in the rankings, a testament to its unwavering commitment to environmental responsibility.
As we mark World Earth Day, let us draw inspiration from NWU’s proactive stance in the fight against plastic pollution. Together, let’s heed the call to action and strive for a cleaner, greener future for our planet.