The Botswana Climate Change Network In Botswana, (BCCN) has applauded Botswana’s efforts in adopting the circular economy principles to combat plastic pollution.
In honor of the recent World Environment Day 2023,themed #BeatPlasticPollution, BCCN noted that by promoting the adoption of circular economy practices, Botswana can make significant strides in reducing plastic pollution, preserving natural resources, and promoting sustainable development. Public Relations Officer at BCCN, Boitumelo Pauline Marumo said that the efforts of major recyclers and companies embracing circular economy values serve as beacons of hope and inspiration for a greener and cleaner future in Botswana. Off late, shops have shifted from using plastic bags to using renewable bags of different materials.
BCCN takes pride in spearheading initiatives that promote sustainability, environmental consciousness, and the circular economy. On World Environment Day commemoration, they recognized major recyclers and companies in Botswana that embrace its values to tackle the pressing issue of plastic pollution.
Marumo further said that, there is need for consumer awareness and engagement. “Educating and engaging consumers is essential for the success of a circular economy. Botswana can launch public awareness campaigns to educate citizens about the benefits of a circular economy, promote responsible consumption, and encourage the use of recycled products,” she said emphasizing that consumer behavior change programs can be implemented to encourage recycling, reduce waste, and promote a shift towards a circular lifestyle.
She also acknowledged that several companies have embraced the principles of the circular economy and are actively involved in recycling and using recycled materials as raw materials for their products.
“Implementing a circular economy in Botswana can bring numerous benefits, including reduced environmental impact, resource conservation, job creation, and economic growth,” she added. Some of the key strategies for implementing a circular economy in Botswana, she said include; Product Design and Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR). “Encouraging sustainable product design is essential for a circular economy. Botswana can promote the development and use of eco-friendly materials, encourage product durability, and promote modular design and reparability. Implementing Extended Producer Responsibility (EPR) policies can also hold manufacturers responsible for the entire lifecycle of their products, including proper disposal and recycling,” she noted.
Marumo also noted that people should look up to the several companies that embraces the principles of the circular economy and are actively involved in recycling and using recycled materials as raw materials for their products. These companies include; Enviro Recovery Botswana, a company that specializes in collecting plastic waste and processing it into plastic pellets of different colors. These pellets are then melted and used to manufacture recycled materials, including plastic chairs.
Eco Zera Pencils is a company that produces graphic pencils made from recycled paper, while Green Loop, is a recycling company in Botswana that focuses on recycling various materials, including plastics, paper, glass, and metals. Ngwao Glass is a glass manufacturing company in that produces beautiful glassware and decorative items using recycled glass, while Botswana Ash, a mining company produces soda ash, an essential ingredient in various industries. They have implemented a closed-loop system where the waste produced during the soda ash manufacturing process is recycled back into the production cycle. This approach minimizes waste and maximizes resource efficiency.
Marumo told Impact Botswana Magazine that, these companies represent a growing movement in Botswana towards sustainable practices and circular economy principles. “By recycling waste materials and incorporating recycled materials into their production processes, they are reducing environmental impact, conserving resources, and demonstrating the potential for a circular economy in Botswana,” she said.
She added that,collaborations and partnerships are important in this process. “Implementing a circular economy requires collaboration among various stakeholders, including government agencies, businesses, NGOs, and communities. Botswana can foster partnerships and collaborations to share knowledge, resources, and best practices. This can involve public-private partnerships to support recycling initiatives, research collaborations to explore innovative recycling technologies, and collaborations with educational institutions to promote circular economy awareness and education,” she said.