The issue of waste at landfills can be addressed by collectively incorporating the concept of sustainability into lifestyles through a ‘Whole of Nation’ approach. The Minister of Development stressed the matter in a message in conjunction with the World Environment Day.
Yang Berhormat Dato Seri Setia Ingenieur Awang Haji Suhaimi Bin Haji Gafar explained that in Brunei Darussalam, 229,496 tonnes of waste were estimated disposed at landfills in 2021 with 29 per cent of all the rubbish dumped at the landfill is plastic waste.
Yang Berhormat also shared findings from the Coastal Marvel Nationwide Marine Debris Cleaning Campaign conducted last year showed that more than 80 per cent of the wasted collected on the coast was plastic waste, most of which was plastic bottles. According to the United Nations Environment Programme, UNEP, if the ‘Business-As-Usual’ scenario continues, the amount of annual plastic waste entering aquatic ecosystems could almost triple from 9 to 14 million tonnes in 2016, to 23 to 37 million tonnes by 2040.
According to the Minister of Development, the existing balance, which is needed by the creatures of the earth has begun to be threatened by human activities for the purpose of development and economic development. Uncontrolled activities can cause various environmental issues such as global warming, loss of nature and biodiversity, air pollution, water pollution and marine debris. World Environment Day is celebrated globally every 5th of June. This year’s celebration carries a theme ‘Only One Earth’.
Source: Radio Television Brunei