Plastic Pollution in Malawi

Author: Mildred (Malawi, Young Reporter)

Figure 1: one of the dumping sites on a public area at Juma area, Kasungu.

Plastic can be defined as the wide range of synthetic or semi-synthetic materials that use polymers. The plastics can be used in so many ways of which some may result in plastic pollution.

Talking of pollution, this is the contamination of the natural environment that causes a diverse change or harm. When talking of plastic pollution, it is the accumulation of plastic objects and particles. Plastic is everywhere, there are a lot of materials that are made of plastic e.g., bottles, bags, cups, spoons, plates etc.

Due to the excess availability of plastic and its high usage, it leads to plastic pollution since not much is recycled. Due to minimal ways of controlling it, plastics are found in rivers, dams, wells, landfills and many other places. The chemical composition of plastics causes problems to humans, the environment and aquatic life. In addition, people burn plastics as a way of controlling, this activity destroys the Ozone Layer (O3). This increases global warming that is also causing disease.

Malawi as a developing country is also facing plastic pollution as one of its huge challenges. This is due to the carelessness of local citizens. Many people in Malawi are less aware of the impact of plastic pollution. Hence there is a habitual use of plastic materials and improper disposal. Plastic pollution can be controlled by recycling used plastics, by avoiding dumping used plastic into rivers and by using proper method of reusing it.