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Ivan Zhakata-Herald Correspondent
THE Environmental Management Agency (EMA) wants church leaders to mainstream environmental issues into their main programmes and teachings during the Easter celebrations this weekend.
The Easter holiday is usually characterised by religious and social gatherings, as well as travelling as people will be going for holidays and to visit their loved ones or just to take a break.
EMA, in a statement, said there was need for people to spare a thought for the environment, in particular, waste management issues.
“The best thing to do this year is to celebrate the holidays in a litter-free environment,” EMA said.
“The church can form departments or groups of individuals who assist in the coordination of waste management activities at the church. The responsible individuals should have adequate protective clothing.
“When hosting large gatherings, churches should ensure that they procure enough waste receptacles to be able to sustainably manage their waste. When advertising, churches should shun the use of posters and flyers as they are a source of litter.
“They should go electronic, for instance social media, radio, billboards and television worship and beyond.”
EMA said churches can adopt streets which they maintain and provide bins for and this should start from their places of procurement.
To achieve a clean, safe and healthy environment people needed to understand that everyone has a role to play.
“The sustainable management of waste calls for an integrated approach, where everyone participates to make our nation clean and litter free,” said EMA.
“Stakeholder participation, therefore, becomes key in resuscitating the aesthetic value of our once beautiful towns and cities.
“This week, we shall, however, zero in on a few stakeholders as we look forward to the coming holiday, churches, motorists and public vehicle operators.”
EMA urged passengers to desist from throwing litter out of moving private vehicles.
The agency said motorists should ensure that a litter bin is placed in the vehicle for passengers to dispose of their waste.
The same applies to public vehicle operators, who should ensure bins are in place for their passengers.
Online Reporter