By Precious D. Freeman
The Pollution Control Association of Liberia (POCAL), under the stewardship of its Executive Director, Henry O. Williams, hosted a vibrant celebration of World Environment Day 2025 in collaboration with Agenda of Tanzania.
The two-phase program began Friday in Monrovia and kicked off with an educational initiative at the Elshaddai Christian Mission School and the Torch Academy.
Dozens of eager students gathered to learn about the dangers of plastic pollution under this year’s global theme, “Beat Plastic Pollution.”
Mr. Williams addressed the children with a passionate plea: understand the problem and be part of the solution.
“Plastic pollution is when plastic waste ends up in places it doesn’t belong, like oceans, rivers, parks, and streets,” he explained in simple, engaging terms.
“Plastics are man-made materials that don’t break down easily. They stay in the environment for hundreds of years, harming both nature and people.”
He warned the young students of the health risks: clogged drains, flooding, and invisible microplastics in food, water, and even the air.
“Some mothers even use plastic to cover food while cooking,” he noted, “but this is very dangerous. Plastics can release harmful chemicals over 10,000 of them some of which are now being found in breast milk.”
He urged students to become ambassadors in their homes, emphasizing the power of reuse and proper disposal. “If you use one plastic bag today, wash and reuse it tomorrow,” Williams advised. “Otherwise, using new plastic every day only adds to the pollution.”
Speaking during the event, Mr. Williams did not mince words. “From our rivers to our streets, plastic is choking our environment and infiltrating our bodies. But this is a crisis we can fix. The time for awareness is over—now we must act.”
Key facts shared at the event painted a grim picture:516 million tonnes of plastic will be consumed globally in 2025, 11 million tonnes of plastic enter aquatic ecosystems each year.
13 million tonnes settle into soil, Microplastics have been discovered in human lungs, arteries, brains, and even breast milk, only 9% of global plastic waste is recycled; just 21% is economically recyclable.
Williams outlined bold recommendations: The Government of Liberia must uphold commitments to the upcoming Plastic Treaty and Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).
A just transition must support informal waste pickers and communities most impacted by plastic pollution.
Plastic education should be added to national school curricula; Communities must be empowered to design and implement localized plastic action plans.
“The solution lies in a circular economy,” Williams emphasized. “Plastics should be designed to be reused and repurposed—not wasted. This strategy alone could reduce ocean plastic by 80% and save governments over $70 billion by 2040.”
The event drew students, educators, government officials, clergy, and environmental advocates, reflecting a wide consensus: Liberia must act.
“It’s not just about one day,” said Williams. “It’s about every day. Real change happens when everyone—from the smallest child to the highest policymaker—plays their part.”
The children responded enthusiastically. During a follow-up session, many repeated key points from the lesson and pledged to educate their parents and friends about safer cooking habits and responsible plastic use.
Speaking in separate remarks the Dean of Students at Torch Academy, James N. Yancy and the Vice Principal for Administration at Elshaddai Christian Mission School,Sornah R. Kuleyeteh, both praised POCAL’s initiative.
“We thank Mr. Williams and his team for this eye-opening session,” said Yancy. “We’re committed to extending this message to all our students—not just the ones who participated today.”
The second phase of the event unfolded Sunday at God’s Conquering Army International Church, where Mr. Williams addressed congregants with a message blending science and spirituality.
“Plastic pollution is not just an environmental issue—it’s a moral issue,” he said. “We must protect the Earth God has given us. Every plastic bottle we reuse, every bag we don’t throw away, is an act of faith and stewardship.”
The church audience responded with enthusiasm, pledging to implement the lessons in their homes and communities.
Since its inception in 1973, World Environment Day—led annually by the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP)—has become the largest global platform for environmental outreach.
This year’s theme holds special urgency as world leaders prepare to finalize a historic global treaty to end plastic pollution, with negotiations set to conclude in just two months.
Liberia’s celebration mirrored global events, including those held in Jeju Province, Republic of Korea, reinforcing the shared responsibility of nations and communities in the fight against plastic pollution.
As World Environment Day 2025 comes to a close, Liberia’s voice joins the global chorus with clarity and conviction: Plastic pollution is a crisis—but it’s also a challenge we can conquer together.
