EMA hosts recycling exhibition

The event provided a platform for corporate entities, the academic community, non-governmental organisations and schools to demonstrate the limitless possibilities available for reducing the volume of municipal waste entering landfills.

The theme, “Transitioning to a culture of reducing, reusing and recycling”, guided the transformation of the University of Trinidad and Tobago’s (UTT ’s) Graduation Pavilion at the O’Meara Campus on April 26 and 27. The UTT served as a key partner for this event, facilitating interactive and insightful presentations on “Why eco textiles?” by chairman Charles of the Caribbean Academy of Fashion and Design (CAFD); “Micro plastics” by Dr Reia Guppy of the Marine Sciences Department, and “Recycling as a partial solution to solid waste pollution” by Prof Valerie Stoute of the Environmental Studies Department.

However, the most memorable feature of the event was the “Wearable Art” display, crafted by students of UTT ’s fashion programme, said a media release.

Deputy Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Planning and Development Beverly Khan delivered the feature address.

Khan aligned this exhibition with the objectives of the Government’s National Development Strategy - Vision 2030, which contains five overarching development goals that are closely aligned with the Sustainable Development Goals set out by the United Nations (UN).

Dale Cozier, senior project manager of the EMA said in his address: “In stimulating readiness for a culture change, we must create a space that will allow new concepts, ideas, and practices to germinate and evolve”.

Cozier also referenced the successes of the EMA’s own recycling project, “The Recyclable Solid Waste Collection Project (RSWCP)”. Launched in 2015, it began an active collection drive and amassed over 200,000 jumbo bags of recyclables in the form of tetra packs, glass bottles and aluminium cans.

Also delivering remarks on behalf of SWMCOL was CEO Ronald Roach, whose delivery projected a sense of urgency in adopting waste reduction measures.

The event generated keen interest among attendees, who were inspired to do more in their personal capacity to reduce household waste.

The EMA also received an overwhelming number of requests for more exhibitions across the country