The Nigeria Climate Innovation Centre (NCIC) has rejected the idea of a Climate Change Tax and is advocating for a shift towards a circular Economy that focuses on sustainable waste management. The centre released a report titled “Beyond Green Taxes: Embracing the Circular Economy for Sustainable Plastic Waste Management in Nigeria”, stating concerns about the suggested green tax on single-use plastics and advocating for a circular economy strategy as a better alternative with long-lasting results. President Bola Tinubu recently ended the federal government’s 10 percent tax on single-use plastics.
Also, the NCIC report will focus on advocating for a switch to a circular economy as a strategic Investment to stimulate job growth. The report will be launched in just a few days, and it will provide a detailed examination of the country’s Plastic Waste crisis, the drawbacks of green taxes, and the benefits of embracing a circular economy. It also stated the harmful impact of plastic waste on the country, posing risks to public health, ecosystems, and general welfare.
Circular economy should be promoted for better waste management.
A green tax to reduce plastic production, importation, and usage is suggested to combat this issue and fund Waste Management efforts. On the other hand, the NCIC cautioned about the negative impacts of the eco levy, such as unemployment, interference with current plastic waste Recycling processes, and financial hardship for underprivileged areas that heavily depend on waste collection for their livelihoods. This approach’s key components include creating easily recyclable products, improving waste collection systems, and developing markets for recycled materials.
Furthermore, the expansion of the recycling industry can also lead to the development of new technologies and innovative processes that can improve the efficiency and Sustainability of recycling practices. This can result in a more environmentally friendly approach to waste management, reducing the amount of waste in landfills and decreasing the demand for raw materials. Overall, the growth of the recycling industry can potentially have wide-reaching positive impacts on both the economy and the environment.
Netherlands and Japan excel in the circular economy in reducing waste.
In addition, the NCIC’s stance on advocating for a circular economy over a green tax aligns with global trends in sustainable waste management. Countries like the Netherlands and Japan have successfully implemented circular economy models, leading to significant reductions in waste and increased economic benefits. By taking a similar approach, the country can mitigate its plastic waste crisis and stimulate innovation and job creation in the recycling and waste management sectors. This shift can also attract foreign investments and partnerships, improving the country’s economic resilience and environmental sustainability.
Moreover, integrating this approach involves recycling and rethinking product design and Manufacturing processes. By encouraging the production of goods that are easier to recycle and have a longer lifecycle, the nation can reduce its reliance on single-use plastics and decrease the overall volume of waste generated. This requires collaboration between government, industry, and consumers to create a market for sustainable products and materials. Incentives for businesses to adopt Eco-friendly practices and for consumers to choose sustainable products can drive this transition effectively.
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Community engagement and Education are crucial elements in successfully implementing a circular economy. Public awareness campaigns help citizens understand the importance of sustainable waste management and their role in it. Local communities can be empowered through programs that support small-scale recycling initiatives and waste collection enterprises. Nigeria can also make significant strides towards a cleaner, more sustainable future by promoting a Culture of environmental responsibility and providing the necessary Infrastructure and support. This comprehensive approach addresses the immediate waste management challenges and lays the groundwork for long-term Environmental Stewardship and economic prosperity.