by Irene Yeboah, Jacqueline Sampah-Adjei
World Environment Day is celebrated every year on June 5th to raise awareness about the importance of protecting our environment. In 2023, this day holds even greater significance due to the ongoing climate crisis and increasing levels of pollution around the world. At Constromart Africa, we are committed to environmental sustainability and have taken steps to ensure that our projects in Accra contribute positively to the environment. Our recent projects in Accra are a testament to our passion for finding solutions to municipal solid waste management. One of our projects focused on providing training on safe working practices for waste pickers in Accra. We recognize the significant contribution of waste pickers in waste management, especially recycling of plastic waste. Waste pickers play a crucial role in collecting and sorting plastic materials, ensuring that they are diverted from landfills and sent for recycling. In fact, waste pickers are estimated to recover approximately 20% of the total plastic waste generated in Accra. Their efforts have a direct impact on reducing plastic pollution and promoting a circular economy. This project was commissioned by the MSWR through the GARID project, with funding from the World Bank, and saw the training of 100 waste pickers in occupational safety practices.
This initiative was crucial because waste pickers in Accra often work in hazardous conditions, such as handling toxic waste and sharp objects, without proper protective equipment or training. As a result, they are at high risk of injury or illness, which not only affects their health but also affects the environment. The improper disposal of hazardous waste can lead to the release of harmful chemicals into the air, water, and soil, which can have long-term effects on the environment and the health of the local population.
By providing training on safe working practices, we were able to improve the working conditions of waste pickers in Accra and reduce the risk of injury and illness. This project is just one example of our commitment to environmental sustainability and finding innovative solutions to environmental challenges.
In addition to our project on waste pickers, we have also implemented other initiatives such as recycling programs and renewable energy projects. Our goal is to reduce our environmental footprint and promote sustainable practices in all our operations. We believe that by working together, we can make a positive impact on the environment and help to create a better future for generations to come. In conclusion, World Environment Day is an important reminder of the need to protect our environment and promote sustainable practices. At Constromart, we are committed to environmental sustainability and have taken steps to ensure that our projects reflect this commitment. Our project on waste pickers is just one example of the innovative solutions we are implementing to address environmental challenges. We hope that through our efforts and those of others, we can create a better future for our planet and future generations.
