Can Uganda Supermarkets Lead Environment Sustainability Efforts?

Uganda finds itself at the crossroads of an escalating environmental crisis that resonates globally—the unchecked proliferation of single-use plastic bags. In this exploration, we delve into a pivotal question: Can Uganda’s supermarket giants champion the cause of environmental sustainability? We scrutinise their efforts to combat the plastic pollution menace and propose a path forward—one deeply rooted in the principles of the 4Rs: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. By fostering the adoption of reusable bags, these retailers can align themselves with the United Nations’ Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and take a pivotal step towards environmental redemption.

Uganda’s Plastic Problem

According to research conducted by the World Climate School’s Uganda chapter, over 75% of used plastic bottles meet a dire fate, ending up in landfills, lakes, and rivers, causing severe environmental damage. The statistics provided by the National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) paint a grim picture of plastic waste management in the country. NEMA reports that Uganda produces an astonishing 600 tonnes of plastic waste daily. Shockingly, only 40% of this vast amount is collected and disposed of properly, leaving the remaining 60% to infiltrate the environment, causing many problems.

The plastic predicament is particularly acute in Kampala city, where the bulk of plastic waste accumulates. NEMA’s data reveals that a staggering 51% of plastic garbage in the city goes uncollected, finding its way into drainage channels, wetlands, natural watercourses, manholes, undeveloped plots, and roadsides. To compound the issue, recycling rates are dismally low in Uganda, with less than 5% of plastic finding a new life. It’s worth noting that plastic can take over 450 years to decompose completely.

Adding to the alarming statistics, the Executive Director of the National Environment Management Authority highlights that Uganda has produced a staggering 12,330 metric tons of PET plastics since 2018. In the Kampala Metropolitan Area alone, 135,804 tons of plastic waste are generated annually. Shockingly, 42% of this waste still needs to be collected. In comparison, a mere 15% is collected through a structured value chain approach, and service providers collect the remaining 43%. Even more concerning is that approximately 21,728 tonnes of plastics are incinerated, and 47,457 tonnes end up in landfills or illegal dumpsites, further exacerbating the pollution crisis. An additional 27,160 tonnes of plastic waste remain scattered on land, and a disheartening 13,580 tonnes find their way into water systems, compounding the environmental catastrophe.

How Supermarkets Can Utilise the 4Rs Framework?

(Courtesy: Tesco)

Before we explore how retail chains in Uganda can contribute to environmental sustainability, we must understand the foundation upon which their efforts should be built—the 4Rs framework: Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover. This framework offers a comprehensive approach to responsible resource management and waste reduction. To gauge the environmental friendliness of supermarkets, it’s crucial to assess their adoption of the 4Rs framework:

• Reduce: This involves minimising the production and use of items that cannot be easily recycled or decomposed. Supermarkets can lead in this aspect by reducing the consumption of single-use plastics. They can do so by offering reusable bags for sale or incentivising customers to bring their bags. Additionally, supermarkets can opt for eco-friendly packaging alternatives, thus reducing the demand for single-use plastics.
• Reuse: Reusing products and items whenever possible reduces the demand for new resources and decreases waste. Supermarkets can actively encourage customers to reuse bags and other packaging materials. For instance, promoting glass containers and cloth bags can significantly reduce waste. Implementing customer systems to return and refill containers further reduces waste.
• Recycle: Recycling involves converting materials into new products, reducing the need for raw materials and lessening environmental impact. Supermarkets can establish collection points for recyclable materials such as plastics, glass, and paper. Collaborating with recycling companies ensures proper recycling and reduces the environmental footprint of discarded materials.
• Recover: Recovering energy from waste materials is another critical aspect of sustainability. Supermarkets can explore energy recovery options from waste streams, such as biogas production from organic waste. This reduces waste and harnesses energy from it, contributing to a cleaner energy mix.

Embracing the 4Rs and promoting reusable bags aligns supermarkets with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), particularly Goal 12: Responsible Consumption and Production. Goal 12 emphasises the need to reduce waste generation and promote sustainable practices. By encouraging customers to embrace reusable bags, supermarkets contribute to responsible consumption patterns and reduce the amount of plastic waste in landfills and water bodies.

Case Study: Carrefour Uganda

Carrefour Uganda, a prominent supermarket chain, stands as an exemplar of these principles. They have demonstrated a strong commitment to environmental sustainability by implementing a reusable bag policy. Their reusable starch bags decompose fully in less than six months, a remarkable contrast to the several hundred years it takes for plastic bags to decompose. Moreover, these plant-based bags do not decompose into harmful substances, unlike their plastic counterparts, which break down into toxic compounds.

Carrefour actively encourages its customers to bring their reusable bags or offers them for purchase at a nominal fee. This initiative reduces plastic bag usage and promotes a sustainable shopping experience. By supporting such initiatives, customers play a vital role in preserving the environment and reducing plastic waste.

In conclusion, whether supermarkets in Uganda are environmentally friendly can be addressed affirmatively when measured against their adoption of sustainable practices. By championing reusable bags and embracing the 4Rs framework—Reduce, Reuse, Recycle, and Recover—these retail giants can spearhead a transformative journey toward environmental reparation. Their influence extends beyond the retail landscape; it reverberates throughout the community and resonates globally.