By Linda SEGBEFIA & Rebecca KWEIFIO-OKAI
Have you ever stopped to think about how much waste we create every day? Every year, households, small businesses and public service providers in Ghana generate about 6.57 million tons of municipal solid waste – from packaging and electronics to plastics and food.
Our daily habits contribute to overflowing landfills and environmental pollution. Small changes can make a big difference!
As we mark Zero Waste Day, it is the perfect time to reflect on how we can be more mindful of waste and embrace simple, eco-friendly habits.
]If you have seen the Netflix documentary Buy Now: Shopping Conspiracy, you know just how much unnecessary waste is produced—especially when it comes to shopping! However, change does not have to be hard.
Here are some super easy ways to start reducing waste today:
Got things you do not need? Donate instead of discarding
That old pair of jeans, the books collecting dust or the gadgets you no longer use—someone else might need them! Instead of throwing them away, donate to charities or community organizations.
Say no to single-use plastics
Single-use plastics are one of the biggest contributors to pollution, generating over 840,000 tons of waste annually in Ghana alone. Reduce your plastic footprint by carrying a reusable water bottle, coffee cup, and shopping bag. Say no to plastic straws and cutlery—opt for reusable alternatives instead.
Buy in bulk & cut down on packaging waste
Ever noticed how much plastic comes with your groceries? Buying in bulk reduces packaging waste, and it’s often cheaper too! Bring your own reusable containers for grains, nuts, and spices.
Choose reusable over disposable
Make simple swaps: Use cloth napkins instead of paper towels, refillable pens instead of disposable ones, and glass jars instead of plastic containers. These small changes add up over time!
Reduce paper waste
Going digital isn’t just convenient—it helps the planet! Globally, an estimated 3 to 8 billion trees are cut down each year for paper production, leading to widespread deforestation. This loss equates to an area approximately 2.5 times the size of New York State (141,300 km²) or nearly the size of Germany (357,022 km²).
Ghana alone contributes to this with an annual deforestation rate of approximately 135,400 hectares of natural forest. Opt for e-receipts, online billing, and electronic documents instead of printing everything. Before hitting “print” at work, ask yourself, “Do I really need a hard copy?”
Plan your meals to reduce food waste
Overbuying leads to food waste! Plan your meals for the week, buy only what you need, and store food properly. Get creative with leftovers to avoid unnecessary waste.
Spread the word & inspire others
Share your zero-waste journey with friends, family, and colleagues. Small actions become big movements when more people get involved. Challenge your office, school, or community to go waste-free for a day!
Let us make a change!
Reducing waste isn’t about perfection—it’s about progress! Every small step makes a difference. This Zero Waste Day, let’s commit to simple, everyday habits that help create a cleaner, greener planet.
#ZeroWaste #Sustainability #ReduceReuseRecycle #SmallChangesBigImpact
Linda is Corporate Communications Officer at UBA and Rebecca is the ESG Officer at UBA
