Dumasua: Dr Mary Antwi, the Head of the Department of Environmental Management at the University of Energy and Natural Resources (UENR), has called on market women to take the lead in the nation’s campaign against plastic pollution. She emphasized the significant impact of plastic pollution and urged women traders to be responsible in disposing of plastic waste.
According to Ghana News Agency, Dr Antwi stated that research indicates women generate between 15 to 95 percent of waste, with market environments contributing significantly to this waste. She made these remarks during a sensitization forum held in Dumasua, within the Sunyani West Municipality of the Bono Region. The event was organized by the Department and attended by market women from the area.
The forum was part of a project titled ‘Sustaining Our Future’, funded by the Global Green grants fund. The project aims to promote environmentally responsible practices and reduce plastic pollution in local communities. Dr Antwi encouraged the market women to choose and promote the use of reusable containers and other non-plastic materials. She urged them to motivate their customers to bring their own baskets or reusable containers when shopping at the market.
Dr Antwi highlighted that plastic pollution has become deeply embedded in shopping culture, with nearly every purchased item being wrapped in plastic. She stressed the importance of intensifying awareness about the effects of plastic pollution. Madam Grace Asante, a participant and shop owner, praised the organizers for the forum, describing it as an enlightening experience and calling for a change in attitudes towards plastic waste disposal.