Amitesh Deo, founder of the Pacific Recycling Foundation (PRF) and CEO of Waste Recyclers Fiji Ltd (WRFL) makes an important observation about our approach to waste management.
He reckons it remains misguided and cosmetic.
Now that’s a pretty tough thing to say, but it’s when you consider the statement, that it makes sense!
“Yes, it is a testament to our resilience and perseverance, and we are now seeing encouraging signs – greater political will and more partners stepping forward to work with us,” said Mr Deo.
“But how can we truly celebrate when land, creek, and river clean-up campaigns continue to be portrayed as groundbreaking waste management solutions?”
While such campaigns have a place, he reckons they should not be mistaken for comprehensive or innovative solutions.
He describes them as “media-friendly, short-term efforts” that do little to fix our underlying waste management failures.
“Let’s be honest. What happens to the waste and recyclables collected during clean-up campaigns?
“Are they being recovered and reintegrated into a circular system, or are they still ending up at dumpsites or the Naboro landfill? That’s the uncomfortable question no one wants to ask.”
Now, again, that’s a powerful statement.
He stressed the need for structural reform, policy accountability, and true investment.
A clean-up, he says, is not a waste management system.
“We must stop confusing visibility with effectiveness,” he said.
To that end, we say, let’s be honest with ourselves and do the right thing!
This must come from within us all.
There’s a phrase that suggests ‘cleanliness is next to godliness’.
It is about the importance of cleanliness in our lives!
So imagine a Fiji where it becomes instinctive for us to thoughtfully dispose our rubbish! The key word here being ‘thoughtfully!’
Imagine a Fiji where we thoughtfully dispose our rubbish when out on a picnic with the family, or every time we have rubbish when on the road!
Imagine a Fiji where our children appreciate the need to dispose rubbish thoughtfully, and they understand and are aware of the consequences of littering on the environment!
Imagine a Fiji where everyone is doing the right thing!
Imagine the positive impact on our environment, our communities, and subsequently our nation.
It only take a few seconds to reflect on your actions before disposing rubbish! Imagine a Fiji where we all see waste management as a shared responsibility!
We should see Mr Deo’s call as more than a critique! It is a challenge for us all to move beyond the cosmetics, beyond the campaigns, to a truly sustained future! Let’s do the right thing, with honesty, commitment and urgent action!
