HEALTH of Mother Earth Foundation (HOMEF), an ecology-focused non-governmental organisation (NGO) has called for a drastic reduction in the use of plastics to save planet Earth from suffocation.
In a statement, HOMEF noted that celebrating Earth Day is an annual event designed to shed light on serious environmental problems faced from the climate crisis to air pollution and deforestation.
According to the statement, “World Earth Day reminds us as humans that the Earth is ours to protect and preserve but over time humans have abandoned their roles in protecting the planet because of selfishness and drive for profit.
“The International Mother Earth Day’s theme this year ‘Planet Vs Plastic’ urges us to build a liveable future for humans, other beings, and natural systems.
“We stand united in our fight against non-biodegradable waste pollution. Our addiction to single-use plastics suffocates the planet. Plastics can take hundreds of years to decompose, clog our water bodies, and cause harmful impacts as a result of their chemical composition. Sadly, the world is literally a plastic civilisation due to a vested interest in hydrocarbons and ease of application.”
The Executive Director of HOMEF, Dr Nnimmo Bassey, while advocating for urgent action to ban the production and usage of single-use plastics, urged action by everyone to be involved in efforts to kick out plastics.
“Now is a critical time to choose between planet and plastic. Good sense tells us to choose the planet, our Mother Earth that sustains all lives. Poor sense driven by profit urges humans to choose plastics because of the ease they bring, despite the harmful impacts on our health, climate, and overall health of the planet.
“As we mark World Earth Day 2024, the alarm must be sounded that it is time to uproot plastics from their fossil base or be ready to be turned into plastic humans living plastic lives and heading to an infernal plastic future. At HOMEF, we are all for the planet, people, and all life forms,” Bassey said.
HOMEF noted that research has shown that 380 million tonnes of plastic are now produced every year, while only nine percent of plastic ever produced has been recycled. Campaigns around the world calling for a 60 percent reduction in plastic by 2040 are commendable and worthy of support.
Bassey added: “At HOMEF, we believe in the intrinsic Rights of Mother Earth and the rights of humans and other beings to be respected and to live in dignity. It is time to build up courage and to preserve and protect our health, and livelihoods by embracing alternatives that are sustainable, healthy, and safe for the planet.
“We must stop all forms of destructive extractive activities in Nigeria, Africa, and the World. The Planet vs Plastics campaign is a call to arms, a demand that we act now to end the scourge of plastics and safeguard the health of every living being on our planet. We are submerged in a sea of plastic waste, from our creeks to the ocean. It’s time we did better!”
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