Nurturing Green Minds: Embedding Environmental Responsibility in Zambia’s Next Generation

As plastics have significantly improved modern urban living, especially in cities like Lusaka, Zambia, their benefits cannot be denied. From plumbing and roofing materials to kitchen utensils and packaging, plastics have played a pivotal role in making life more convenient. However, this convenience comes at a steep environmental cost.

To ensure sustainable development across African nations, especially in Zambia, there is a pressing need to integrate environmental education into the school curriculum from early childhood. Teaching children to use resources responsibly is essential for shaping a greener, healthier future. As the old adage goes, “You can’t teach an old dog new tricks.” This makes early intervention critical. Parents, guardians, educators, and government agencies must work hand-in-hand to cultivate environmental stewardship in every child.

Before we criticize the use of plastics, it’s only fair to acknowledge their utility. Their widespread use in everyday life - particularly in construction, household items, and packaging - has made them indispensable. However, the short-term convenience of plastics has led to long-term environmental hazards. Improper disposal results in illegal landfills that not only diminish the quality of human life but also disrupt the delicate balance of ecosystems.

Plastics, much like invasive species, interfere with both biotic (living) and abiotic (non-living) components of ecosystems. Soil quality deteriorates, microorganisms and insects are affected, and even non-living elements like air and water become compromised. These disruptions can have far-reaching consequences. History offers dire warnings: environmental imbalances contributed to calamities like the European plague and the Chinese famine.

In Lusaka, one of the most visible consequences of plastic misuse is flooding. Every year, culverts and drainage systems become clogged with carelessly discarded plastic waste. This leads to widespread waterlogging, damaging buildings, vehicles, household items, and electronic equipment. The floods experienced during the 2024/2025 rainy season are a case in point. While global warming plays a role, local human behavior is also to blame. If we are to be part of the solution, we must change how we manage waste - starting at the individual level.

Floods don’t just damage infrastructure - they also create fertile breeding grounds for waterborne diseases like cholera and dysentery. Tragically, cholera outbreaks often follow seasons of good rainfall, taking innocent lives. Therefore, proper waste disposal isn’t just about protecting the environment - it’s also about safeguarding public health, a principle long promoted by the Ministry of Health.

Encouragingly, Zambia is making slow but visible strides in addressing this challenge. Major supermarket chains have begun replacing traditional plastic bags with recyclable and biodegradable alternatives. By pricing these bags (ranging between K2 and K7), consumers are encouraged to reuse them, reducing overall plastic waste.

However, more needs to be done - especially at the local government level. Small businesses and informal vendors often do not feel obligated to comply with environmental regulations. Local authorities must take the lead by incorporating green economy objectives into their annual performance indicators (KPIs). Enforcing these standards, especially among small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs), is essential for driving grassroots change.

In conclusion, shaping a sustainable future for Zambia requires a multi-pronged approach: early environmental education, stronger enforcement of existing laws, community awareness, and consistent government action. If we instill environmental responsibility in the minds of our children today, we will reap the benefits of a cleaner, healthier, and more resilient tomorrow.