KU, WWF launch plastic recovery bank

Speakers at seminar stress on reuse, recycle, regenerate to reduce waste

KARACHI:

The University of Karachi University (KU) Institute of Environmental Studies (IES) in collaboration with WWF-Pakistan, launched a Plastic Recovery Bank (PRB) and hosted a seminar on the "Significance of Circular Economy" on Tuesday.

During the seminar, IES Director Dr Muhammad Farrakh Nawaz highlighted the importance of adopting a circular economy to address challenges like climate change, resource depletion, and waste management.

He emphasised that by promoting reuse, recycling, and regeneration, societies can reduce greenhouse gas emissions and waste, while creating economic opportunities. Nawaz shared alarming statistics, including that Pakistan generates 50 million tons of solid waste annually, with only Karachi dumping 450 million gallons of sewage daily into the Arabian Sea. Sahib Alam Khan from WWF-Pakistan shared that Pakistan produces 3.9 million tons of plastic waste annually, expected to reach 6.12 million tons by 2050, with 70% of it mismanaged. He emphasized the need for better waste management and recycling practices.

WWF Climate Action and Sustainability Director Nazifa Butt stressed the urgent need for policies to reduce plastic production and improve waste management infrastructure. She added that universities play a crucial role in raising environmental awareness, with the PRB at KU set to promote plastic collection and recycling.

KU Dean of Science Dr Hajra Tahir acknowledged the need for practical environmental measures, commending IES for its initiative to tackle solid waste. KU Director of Research Dr Syeda Hoorul Ain highlighted the seminar's goal of raising awareness about the environmental impacts of plastic and promoting sustainable practices.

The event culminated in the launch of the PRB, supported by WWF-Pakistan and donors, to combat plastic pollution on campus.