Huambo: The director of the Office of Environment, Waste Management, and Community Services in the Province of Huambo, Joo Figueiredo, announced a bolstered effort in environmental education aimed at reducing plastic usage in urban areas.

According to Angola Press News Agency, Figueiredo made this statement following the 8th ordinary session of the local government, which was chaired by Governor Pereira Alfredo. The initiative is aligned with the National Plan for the Progressive Elimination of Single-Use Plastics (PLANEPP), aiming to curb the rampant spread of plastics, enhance ecological awareness among the populace, and safeguard the nation's biodiversity.

Figueiredo elaborated that the plan is designed to deepen the community's understanding of methods to tackle environmental pollution and to promote sustainable ecological practices that support both social and economic development. These practices are intended to work in harmony with nature, avoiding the detrimental impacts of human intervention.

He highlighted that the environmental education programs are committed to raising awareness about plastic reuse and adherence to ecological principles, all while avoiding new sources of pollution. The project aims to engage all social segments within the province, particularly targeting families, to cultivate ecological culture and responsible awareness, a necessity under Angolan law for reducing plastic use.

Figueiredo proposed suspending the implicit pricing on plastic items to deter their unchecked utilization, thereby reducing their prevalence in key commercial venues such as supermarkets, stores, pharmacies, and informal markets.

"We will encourage the use of recyclable plastic to reduce single-use of this product," Figueiredo emphasized.

He also pointed out that Huambo city alone generates approximately 25,000 kilograms of waste daily, with a significant portion being plastic. The PLANEPP, put into effect nationwide this year, anticipates a gradual decrease in plastic usage.