Climate change is not a buzzword; it is a real and pressing concern. Every action, habit, and decision by individuals and private and public organisations matters.
In Africa, particularly in Nigeria and Namibia, its impact is already visible, from recurrent flooding affecting urban communities and agriculture in Nigeria to prolonged droughts threatening water security and livelihoods in Namibia.
With this in mind, industries and individuals are called upon to assess their environmental impact, considering factors such as energy consumption, products and services, land use, water management, and waste generation.
Over the years, Apodissi has intentionally incorporated sustainable practices in its activities. At the core of our work, we have developed Smart Step, an e-learning platform that educates learners on sustainable farming practices, waste management, and smart logistics. We also promote the use of renewable energy sources in our offices and work with state waste management bodies and social entrepreneurs to reduce single-use plastics in our operations.
Collaborating with small businesses to reduce environmental footprint
Recently, Apodissi, Dissemination and Communication Specialist, Blessing Sorinola, had a chat with Suliat, CEO of RestoreEarthng, a textile recycling business based in Lagos, Nigeria.
She spoke to our team about how she transforms municipal solid waste into useful items and discussed how her small business has created livelihood opportunities for youths and women.
“I was confronted daily with the realities of plastic pollution, widespread waste mismanagement, and the harsh conditions faced by informal waste workers – individuals who play a critical yet often invisible role in the country’s recycling ecosystem. Rather than viewing waste solely as an environmental burden, I see it as an opportunity to transform it into something functional, beautiful, and impactful,” She stated
Suliat has produced over 1,000 recycled tote bags for individuals and organisations, including Apodissi, in the last 1 year.
Our team had reached out to Suliat for merchandising and bag giveaway ahead of the CircuWasteVETAfrica project meeting and stakeholders engagement in Namibia. An Erasmus+ project co-funded by the European Commission that promotes vocational education in Green Waste Management and Circular Economy to increase sustainable employment for youth and women.
According to her, the tote bags are produced primarily from post-consumer waste materials, especially textile remnants that would otherwise end up in landfills. These materials are ethically sourced through a well-established network of informal waste workers operating across communities in Lagos. It is then handed over to trained artisans who carefully upcycle them into stylish tote bags.
The waste sector has a large informal component, with an increasing number of female recyclers. These women often work in settings, such as markets and dumpsites, where they face numerous challenges, including a lack of infrastructure, limited access to resources, and gender-based discrimination.
“Many women who work as recyclers are not recognised for the role they play, even though they contribute significantly to recycling in Nigeria. We fill this gap by involving them in our sourcing and production processes to create income opportunities, build skills, confidence, and financial stability”. Suliat told our team.
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