Blue Economy and Plastics -

Sub-Saharan Africa has a vast coastline and abundant marine resources, making the blue economy a promising area for economic growth and sustainability.

However, plastic pollution is a significant threat to marine ecosystems in the region. Africa is estimated to be the second-biggest ocean plastic polluter. These plastics contribute to climate change. They emit greenhouse gases as they decompose, and evidence shows that the tiniest bits damage zooplankton critters that are critical to the ocean’s ability to absorb carbon.

The impacts of climate change exacerbate and amplify the damages caused by pollution. Needless to say, this continuous harm to the ocean must be stopped.

ICE-JET Approach:
In response to the challenges of Africa’s blue economy, the Blue Economy and Project, is primarily predicated on three Project BEP Tripods:
· Advocacy
· Alternatives
· Plasticity

Advocacy: To reach the full potential of Africa’s blue economy, JET Africa is advocating for clear messaging in the packaging industry and driving better awareness of the dangers of plastics and their contributions to emissions. Countries and regional entities would be brought together to work collaboratively to promote, protect, and sustainably grow the continent’s fisheries, better manage pollution, and safeguard and restore biodiversity and ecosystems.

Alternatives: Reducing the use of plastic is essential for a sustainable future. Jet Africa will bring together a network of resources for collective action and work with willing organizations in the manufacturing and packaging industries to conduct research and a feasibility study on the identified and innovative replacement for plastics. Some of the identified alternatives include paper and cardboard, glass, natural fibres, mushroom based materials.

Plasticity: The phrase “plasticity” combines the words plastic and sustainability. The plastics value chain has the potential to provide several formal and informal jobs for Africans. Plastic is not inherently bad; it is a man-made material that contributes multiple benefits to society. However, the current linear economic model of “take-make-waste” is the root cause of plastic pollution. The way plastic is produced and the way products and packaging are designed, combined with how plastic items are managed after use, are highly unsustainable and damaging to both human health and nature.

When considering alternative uses for plastic, it is important to keep in mind the principles of the circular economy, which aim to keep materials in use for as long as possible, reduce waste and pollution, and create a regenerative system. Some alternative solutions that recycle and convert plastic waste for development purposes.