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Kenya Urged to Ditch Single-Use Plastics: Greenpeace Africa Launches Refill and Reuse Festival

By Bruno Aero Family Media Staff Writer & Enviromental Climate Activist

GREEN PEACE KENYA CALL FOR ACTIION 

Speaking during the compaign in Nairobi Mdm. Hellen Kahaso Dena Project Lead at Greenpeace (K)

 Empasize the goal In a bid to reduce the country's plastic waste and promote sustainable living, Greenpeace Africa has launched the Refill and Reuse Festival, urging the government to set ambitious targets to cut down on single-use plastics. The festival, themed "Experience, Refill, Reuse: A Sustainable Lifestyle for All," aims to showcase refill and reuse options available in Kenya while creating space for policy discussions on the opportunities and challenges of mainstreaming sustainable alternatives to single-use plastics.

The Problem with Single-Use Plastics

Single-use plastics have become a major environmental problem in Kenya, with the country's plastic waste ending up in rivers, oceans, and landfills. The production and disposal of single-use plastics not only harm the environment but also have serious health implications for humans and wildlife. According to Hellen Kahaso Dena, Project Lead, Pan African Plastics Project at Greenpeace Africa, "throwaway culture is expensive" and countries spend billions of dollars to clean up drainage systems, build incinerators, and cover health expenses linked to plastic pollution.

Refill and Reuse: A Sustainable Solution

The Refill and Reuse Festival is part of Greenpeace Africa's efforts to promote sustainable living and reduce plastic waste. The festival features hands-on refill stations, zero-waste exhibitions, and children's upcycling art competitions. The event also includes live music performances, poetry sessions, storytelling circles, and an interactive refill challenge with prizes for participants.

A Call to Action

Greenpeace Africa is urging the government to set ambitious refill and reuse targets to cut down on single-use plastics. According to Gerance Mutwol, Plastics Campaigner at Greenpeace Africa, recycling is a distraction that allows corporations to keep producing more plastic while shifting responsibility to consumers and governments." Instead, refill and reuse systems prevent plastic pollution at the source, conserve resources, create jobs, and protect public health.

The Benefits of Refill and Reuse

The refill and reuse model has numerous benefits, including reducing plastic waste, conserving resources, and creating jobs. By adopting refill and reuse systems, Kenya can reduce its reliance on single-use plastics, promote sustainable living, and protect the environment. As Dena noted, "refill and reuse systems are not new to Africa. They are rooted in our culture and have existed since time immemorial."

A Sustainable Future

The Refill and Reuse Festival is a step towards a more sustainable future for Kenya. By promoting refill and reuse options, the festival aims to make sustainability accessible and engaging, demonstrating that alternatives to throwaway plastic culture are practical, affordable, and aligned with African values of community and resourcefulness. Admission is free on both days of the festival, and the public is encouraged to attend and participate in the activities.

About Greenpeace Africa

Greenpeace Africa is an independent campaigning organization that uses peaceful protest and creative communication to expose global environmental problems and promote solutions essential to a green and peaceful future. The organization campaigns to protect Africa's biodiversity, promote renewable energy, end plastic pollution, and hold corporations and governments accountable for environmental destruction