Nigerian professor advocates for reduced plastic use, promotes waste-to-wealth solutions

Umar Aroke, a Professor of Chemical Engineering at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Nigeria, has called for a significant reduction in plastic consumption and the adoption of responsible waste disposal practices. He stressed that these measures are crucial for tackling environmental degradation and fostering sustainable development within the country.

“

Our environment is being degraded day in and day out. We are the ones generating the waste, and we are the ones who can reclaim the environment. We must find ways of making our environment conducive and sustainable for healthy living.

During the university's 47th inaugural lecture, titled "Waste and Circular Economy: Exploring and Utilising the Value Chain for Wealth Creation and Sustainable Environment," Professor Aroke expressed deep concern over the escalating environmental challenges. He attributed many of these problems, including flooding and disease outbreaks, to human activities and inadequate waste management, particularly the indiscriminate disposal of plastic materials.

“

Plastic materials are everywhere. When drains are blocked, roads become inaccessible, communities get flooded, and in some cases buildings collapse. If we take our environment seriously, many of these problems can be minimised.

Aroke pointed out that governments at various levels expend substantial resources managing the consequences of environmental pollution. He argued that preventative measures through effective waste management would be far more efficient and cost-effective. Plastic waste, in particular, poses a pressing environmental threat, contributing to blocked drainage systems, widespread flooding, and damage to critical infrastructure.

“

We discovered that instead of allowing polystyrene to remain in the environment for hundreds of years, it can be converted into useful products.

Highlighting innovative solutions, Professor Aroke shared his team's research success in transforming waste polystyrene into resin-based adhesives. These adhesives are then used in producing particle boards made from sawdust and rice husks, demonstrating a practical application of the circular economy concept. This process recycles waste materials into products with economic value, offering an environmentally friendly alternative that decomposes without causing long-term harm.

“

The particle boards produced from the recycled materials are environmentally friendly and will eventually decompose without causing long-term environmental harm.