Ending Plastic Pollution: Why Green Entrepreneurship Matters

Every year on June 5th, the world observes World Environment Day. This initiative by the United Nations raises awareness about environmental issues.

This year's theme is “Ending Plastic Pollution.” It calls for action against plastic waste, a major global challenge.

Plastic waste levels are alarming worldwide. A 2023 OECD report shows that plastic production has doubled in 20 years. Only 9% of this waste is recycled. The rest goes to landfills, is burned, or pollutes oceans and ecosystems. This poses threats to human health, biodiversity, and climate stability.

Ghana faces a similar crisis. The UN Development Programme reports that Ghana produces about 1.1 million tonnes of plastic waste each year. However, only 5–10% of this waste gets recycled. Most ends up in drains or waterways or is openly burned, leading to floods and pollution.

Observing World Environment Day in 2025 is vital for a cleaner future. Ghana can tackle plastic waste through innovation and green entrepreneurship. Supporting startups that create eco-friendly alternatives can reduce reliance on single-use plastics.

Empowering young entrepreneurs with funding and training can turn this crisis into an opportunity. This approach creates jobs while promoting a cleaner environment.

Green entrepreneurs help build a circular economy where resources are reused instead of discarded. This model benefits both the environment and the economy.

The Kosmos Innovation Center (KIC) supports green entrepreneurship in Ghana. KIC empowers young innovators to develop sustainable solutions for environmental issues related to plastics.

They provide coaching, mentorship, and funding to transform ideas into eco-friendly products or services. KIC also focuses on inclusivity, reaching youth in urban and rural areas as well as women.

Earth-Allies is one startup supported by KIC in Bono East Region of Ghana. They produce biodegradable plastic films from cassava peels for agricultural use.

These films serve as sustainable alternatives for mulching, nursery bags, and greenhouse coverings.

As the world works to end plastic pollution, Ghana must harness its youth's creativity and innovation for sustainable economies.