Green Shango Trust fumes over plastic litter.

A Hwange based conservation organisation, Green Shango Trust has urged a transporter to clean up the plastic litter strewn along the highway by their company when it was involved in an accident along the Bulawayo to Victoria Falls road recently.

The litter is now endangering both domestic and wild animals. The litter emanated from an accident which occurred at the 45km peg where a haulage truck transporting pet drinks and mineral water veered off the road.

The Green Shango Trust, Climate and Sustainable Development Expert Director Daniel Sithole called on the truck company and the beverage manufactures to clean up the litter as this was posing danger to wild animals.

“This is a clear case of negligence and irresponsibility by the truck company, retailer and the beverage manufacturers, who have failed to clean up the mess and restore the environment to its original state. We should bear in mind that the Victoria Falls- Bulawayo highway is just next to Hwange National Park, hence wild animals cross freely to the road,” he said.

Sithole further appealed to relevant stakeholders to be tough and discourage those who produce plastics and encourage them to use alternative materials, such as paper, cloth, or biodegradable plastics.

Plastic waste is a serious threat to the health and well-being of humans, animals, and plants. It does not biodegrade but breaks down into micro plastics that can enter the food chain and cause various diseases and disorders.

Plastic waste also blocks waterways, clogs sewers, and creates breeding grounds for insects and pests that spread infections. Plastic waste also contributes to greenhouse gas emissions and climate change, which affect the livelihoods and security of millions of people.

Animals may mistake plastic for food and swallow it, which can block their digestive system, reduce their appetite, and make them malnourished or poisoned.

“Animals may get trapped or strangled by plastic items, such as bags, rings, nets, or containers, which can restrict their movement, breathing, feeding, and growth. Animals may get wounded or infected by sharp or broken pieces of plastic, which can damage their skin, organs, or blood vessel, to make matter worse plastic litter can alter or destroy the natural habitats of animals, such as coral reefs, forests, or grasslands, which can affect their food sources, shelter, and biodiversity,” said Sithole.

Green Shango has urged relevant manufacturers and producers to follow up on their product use and disposal.

“Let’s curb litter waste at source, let’s all be disgusted by litter in our communities. Road users let’s avoid throwing litter through windows, our roads are nauseating with litter.

Meanwhile, Green Shango Environmental Trust is open to collaborate with other stakeholders to install branded garbage bins at each layby points.