Written by Ifebuchechukwu Francisca Edeh and Nweze Emmanuel Obinna
In a bid to raise awareness about climate change and the importance of recycling, the Eco-steward and Humanitarian Foundation (EHF), in collaboration with Ecocyckle and the Women Environmental Programme (WEP), commemorated World Recycling Day 2025 with an inspiring event at the Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa, Nigeria. Under the theme “RecyFlix”, the event aimed to educate and engage young people in sustainable environmental practices.
A Call for Environmental Action
World Recycling Day is an annual global event dedicated to promoting recycling as a crucial strategy in tackling environmental challenges. According to the World Bank, without urgent intervention, global waste could increase by 70% by 2050. Recognizing this pressing concern, the 2025 theme, #RecyclingForTheFuture, emphasized the role of young people in driving a sustainable planet.
A Thought-Provoking Movie Screening
One of the highlights of the event was the screening of two compelling environmental documentaries, “Drowning in Plastic” and “The Storm Rages On”. These films provided eye-opening insights into the devastating impact of plastic pollution and climate change on ecosystems worldwide. The screenings sparked engaging discussions among participants, who reflected on key takeaways such as:
- The potential for plastics to be recycled and repurposed
- The economic opportunities in waste recycling
- The health risks associated with poor waste management
- The need for personal and collective action in combating environmental degradation
Interactive Sessions and Knowledge Sharing
The event also featured a fireside chat with Ifebuchechukwu Francisca Edeh, the Program Assistant at Ecosteward and Humanitarian Foundation. Moderated by Lovelyn Kwaji, the discussion addressed pressing concerns, including:
- The current state of recycling in Nigeria
- Public awareness trends regarding recycling
- The role of private companies and startups in advancing recycling efforts
- Innovative recycling technologies emerging in Nigeria
- Necessary policy and behavioral changes for more effective recycling nationwide
Additionally, students actively participated in the PLAN (Play, Learn, and Act Now) Game, an educational climate action awareness game designed to enhance their understanding of recycling and climate change mitigation.
Impact and Key Takeaways
By the end of the event, 50 students from the Department of Environmental Science and Management at Federal Polytechnic Nasarawa had significantly improved their knowledge of climate change, recycling, and sustainable waste management. The initiative also:
- Encouraged students to adopt eco-friendly practices in their daily lives
- Inspired long-term behavioral changes towards waste reduction
- Highlighted the need for continued advocacy on climate change across educational institutions
A Step Towards a Greener Tomorrow
The success of the RecyFlix event demonstrates the power of education and community engagement in fostering climate action. As young minds embrace sustainable practices, they become catalysts for a greener, more resilient future. Moving forward, stakeholders must continue to advocate for environmental sustainability, ensuring that recycling remains a key strategy in the fight against climate change.
Conclusion By merging entertainment with education, the Global Recycling Day 2025 Movie Screening not only informed but also inspired young participants to take an active role in environmental conservation. As the world grapples with the impacts of climate change, initiatives like these serve as vital stepping stones towards a more sustainable and eco-conscious society.
