Oceans have been described as ‘earth’s last sink.’ Most of the plastic in the oceans flows from land. Much of the plastic waste remains in coastal waters, but once caught up in ocean currents, it can be transported around the world. Plastics make up a huge amount of solid waste and take centuries to break down. Therefore, all recyclable plastics should be recycled to reduce landfill, conserve energy, and protect the environment.

Millions of birds, fish and other marine organisms are killed by plastics each year. Nearly 700 species, including endangered species have been adversely affected by plastic pollution. In recent years, Zanzibar has experienced an increase in both population and tourism. But all this growth is contributing to alarming amounts of plastic waste entering Zanzibar’s waters. This is devastating for the diverse marine ecosystem that provides valuable resources to its flora, fauna, and its human inhabitants.

On Zanzibar, burning plastic is an everyday occurrence. But burning plastic releases toxic gases like dioxins, furans, mercury and polychlorinated biphenyls. These toxins pose a threat to the health of humans, as well as the native flora and fauna. Chronic exposure to these highly toxic fumes and substances can cause cancer and neurological damage and disrupt reproductive, thyroid and respiratory systems.

In addition to fine particles, burning plastic releases black carbon. Black carbon contributes to climate change and air pollution. These effects are part of the environmental changes that lead to 7 million people around the world dying each year.

Waste management in any developing country is problematic to say the least. Changing our “throw away” culture, “out of sight, out of mind” mentality into one where waste is eliminated, or at least seen as a resource to reuse or be changed into a desirable product by recycling, should be at the forefront of our minds. Shifting towards a circular economy to tackle climate change, protect our ecosystems
and clean our island is now paramount.

“The ocean is our life support system” – Sylvia Earle