Global Recyclying Day

Growing up, my parents always ensured that we made the best use of every single item we had at home. For example, if my mum bought a dress for my aunt (who lived with us), I would eventually wear that dress after my aunt outgrew it. The same applied to shoes and bags. In Ghana, we refer to clothes passed down from older family members as “SISTER THANK YOU”. When these clothes became too small for me, my mother would gather them and give them to some of my younger cousins. If my clothes became torn, she would either sew them with a needle and thread or ask our neighbors, who were tailors, to repair them. This way, the clothes lasted longer. When the garments were so worn out that we could no longer wear them, she would repurpose them as rugs for cleaning around the house or as support for carrying loads. Sometimes, worn-out cloths or wrappers were cut into smaller pieces, washed, and neatly folded to be used as menstrual towels or baby diapers.

I vividly remember that when our plates and bowls fell and broke, and the damage wasn’t severe, we would repurpose them for various uses. They became bowls for feeding our pets,

containers for storing small grains and vegetables, holders for dishwashing sponges, and stable bases for items with irregular shapes, such as round cooking pots. I often saw my father using glue to piece broken plates back together, allowing us to continue using them. Whenever my mother bought new kitchenware, she would take the old items to the village so that my aunts could benefit from them as well. As a child, during my visits to my grandmother, I would collect waste plastics for her neighbor and help transform those plastics into beautiful beads, which she sold at the market. She would reward me with some of these beads whenever I returned to my parents after visiting my grandparents.

As all these events and many others unfolded around me, I was unaware that we were reducing waste and extending the life cycle of products, as well RECYCLING some of these items. I have always been passionate about the environment, long before I began working in the field of environmental sustainability. My role in this

sector has been one of the most impactful experiences of my life, reinforcing my belief that we must manage our natural resources judiciously while ensuring that we do not cause significant harm to the environment. As today marks Global Recycling Day, I want to remind us all that we play a crucial role in safeguarding the environment for our children and future generations.

Global Recycling Day was established in 2018 with the primary aim of supporting sustainability efforts and promoting the importance of recycling worldwide. Since then, the day has grown into an annual event that unites individuals, organizations, and governments to raise awareness about the negative impacts of waste and encourage people to take action to protect our planet. The official concept for this day is to inspire people to think in terms of resources, not waste. Recycling is a crucial component of environmental sustainability because it helps conserve energy, protects the natural environment, and contributes to mitigating climate change while fostering creativity in individuals. The theme for this year’s celebration is “Breaking Barriers: A Revolutionary Blueprint for the Waste Management Crisis,” which underscores the urgent need for innovative collaborations to address the escalating challenges of waste management globally.

This theme further emphasizes the significance of transformative partnerships and innovative solutions in effectively addressing the global waste crisis. It encourages stakeholders worldwide to reevaluate waste management strategies and collaborate towards sustainable solutions. The world generates millions of tons of waste daily, encompassing various types, from food waste to electronic waste. A substantial portion of this waste ends up in landfills, oceans, and incinerators, resulting in severe environmental damage. Generally, there is a lack of adequate recycling infrastructure, compounded by economic constraints and gaps in public awareness, which continue to impede progress. In many regions, particularly in developing countries, waste management remains a pressing challenge due to insufficient systems and policies.

Personally, I believe that raising public awareness is essential for the success of recycling efforts. Governments, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), and businesses must invest in educational programs, community-led waste initiatives, and school campaigns to instil a culture of recycling in children. Community-led waste

management initiatives should be developed using existing structures and practices that communities already adopt (similar to what I observed while growing up) to facilitate a smooth transition to sustainable waste management practices. Waste management is not only an environmental issue but also a societal responsibility, and each of us has a role to play.

Strong policies are essential for driving change. Governments and other stakeholders must implement stringent waste management regulations, provide incentives for sustainable practices, and enforce bans on non-recyclable materials to promote responsible waste disposal. Businesses should be encouraged to adopt circular economy models, utilize eco-friendly packaging, and participate in extended producer responsibility (EPR) programs. Companies must prioritize sustainable production and motivate consumers to recycle. This is crucial, as businesses play a significant role in reducing waste and ensuring sustainable waste management. By adopting circular economy approaches to waste management, we can learn to adapt naturally. Although the change may be uncomfortable and the process may take time, we will undoubtedly learn to adjust.

Whether you are an individual, a business, or a policymaker, your actions can contribute to a cleaner, greener future. Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and advocate for improved waste management systems in your community. As

we observe Global Recycling Day 2025, we must recognize that addressing the waste management crisis requires a collaborative effort. Governments must create and enforce policies that promote responsible waste management, businesses need to adopt sustainable practices, and individuals must take conscious steps to minimize waste in their daily lives. When we embrace innovation, strengthen policies, and foster global cooperation, we can effectively dismantle the barriers that impede recycling and build a circular economy that benefits not only ourselves and future generations but, most importantly, the planet.

Every action counts, whether it’s separating your recyclables, advocating for better waste policies, or supporting eco-conscious brands. Before discarding items, let’s consider whether we can repurpose them in our homes or repair them. Additionally, check if someone in your area is collecting that waste for recycling or proper

management. Take a moment to learn more about where your waste is going, how it is being managed, and what improvements can be made. We all share a responsibility, and we can make a difference if we choose to. Together, we can transform the waste crisis into an opportunity for sustainable growth and a cleaner world. I wish everyone reading this a Happy Global Recycling Day. CHEERS!!!