Strategies and projects to eliminate plastics: the case of Burkina Faso. Article by Michele Dotti, editor of ‘L’Ecofuturo Magazine’.
For those who, like me, have been returning to Africa for several decades, it has been truly impressive to witness the progressive invasion of plastic bags, carried by the wind and scattered everywhere, from the cities to the countryside, creating surreal and disturbing landscapes. I have referred specifically to bags because it would be misleading to speak of plastic in general. A bucket that has been reused for years is very different from a disposable bag! In recent decades, plastic has become an ambiguous symbol of progress and destruction in Africa. On the one hand, its versatility has made it indispensable in many sectors. On the other hand, its devastating impact on the environment, human health and wildlife has caused increasing alarm.
The urgency of tackling plastic pollution is finally being recognised, and some governments are taking bold action. Among them is Burkina Faso, which recently banned the production and import of non-biodegradable plastic bags, taking a crucial step to protect the country and future generations.
The multiple harms of plastic
Every year, billions of tonnes of plastic waste end up in oceans, rivers and farmland, where they take centuries to decompose. Meanwhile, they break down into microplastics that contaminate soil, water and air. The consequences of this phenomenon are particularly severe in Africa, where waste management is often non-existent. For centuries, almost everything has been biodegradable. The banana peel thrown on the ground did not even have time to become food for soil micro-organisms, which were eaten within minutes by a passing animal.
Over time, this has created a mindset that leads many to underestimate the seriousness of the problem. Plastic is known to be a serious disruptor of ecosystems. Plastic bags, carried by the wind, often end up in cultivated fields, smothering shoots and preventing photosynthesis. They also form a physical barrier on the soil, preventing seed germination and root growth.
Bags also pose a health risk by creating stagnant water, which facilitates the proliferation of parasites such as mosquitoes, vectors of malaria. And microplastics, now found in drinking water and even in the air, can accumulate in the human body with potentially serious effects. Wildlife also pays the price. Many animals ingest the bags, mistaking them for food, often with fatal consequences. In some countries, this is estimated to be responsible for 30% of premature deaths among grazing animals.
The case of Burkina Faso
In an attempt to curb this emergency, Burkina Faso has recently adopted very strict legislation banning the production, import and marketing of non-biodegradable plastic bags. The law, introduced in November last year, is a response to growing concerns about pollution choking farmland and polluting water supplies in a country where agriculture and livestock are the main sources of income. The Burkinabe law reflects a desire to solve an environmental problem and protect the economic and social fabric of the nation. By banning the use of non-biodegradable plastic bags, the government also aims to improve public health conditions by reducing the number of uncontrolled fires, which are the main cause of air pollution in rural areas.
A possible change
However, the adoption of such ambitious legislation poses several challenges. The first is the economic and logistical accessibility of alternatives. Although biodegradable bags are increasingly available, they are more expensive than regular plastic bags. For many retailers and consumers in Burkina Faso, the switch could be a major expense, unless they are prepared to change their habits – never a foregone conclusion – in favour of reuse. The ‘Faso Eco’ project, which promotes the use of strong, reusable plastic bags, and the ‘Bio Sachet’ project, which provides paper bags and containers, aim to raise awareness of the importance of reuse. Another challenge is infrastructure. Burkina Faso needs to invest in composting facilities and promote awareness programmes on good environmental practices.
Only by educating the population about the risks of plastics and the benefits of alternatives can lasting change be ensured. In this respect, it is interesting to note the commitment of the ‘Touche Verte Burkina’ movement, which is organising the first edition of SIARO (Salon International des Arts de la Recouvrement in Ouagadougou) from 30 April to 2 May in the capital’s Place de la Nation. The ban is also an opportunity for the country. The law could stimulate the growth of new industries dedicated to the production of biodegradable materials from agricultural waste (such as sugar cane, millet or shea). This could reduce the country’s dependence on imports of traditional bags and also create jobs and strengthen the local economy, in line with the recent rediscovery of traditional cotton textiles.
READ THE FULL ARTICLE IN L’ECOFUTURO MAGAZINE FOR FREE (Italian)
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