In this interview, we asked Ayo Lewis, Group Head, FMCG, Manufacturing, Power, and Telecommunications for his thoughts on how to #BeatPlasticPollution. He believes that communication is one of the ways to instill a culture of environmental consciousness among Sterling Humans, particularly regarding the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastic materials. Do you agree?
We also asked him questions regarding how he stays environmentally conscious in his day-to-day life, his personal beliefs and practices when it comes to managing plastic waste, and how these beliefs influence his lifestyle and decision. If you are looking for how to adopt a zero-waste lifestyle, read on to learn more about what it takes to reduce plastic pollution.
- What are your personal beliefs and practices when it comes to managing plastic waste, and how do these beliefs influence your lifestyle and decision?
About 6 years ago, I was inbound Lagos, through the Lekki Epe expressway and observed a light truck branded ALKEM, loaded with disused PET bottles from the large LAWMA refuse dump along that route. A bit of research revealed that they have a business around PET bottle recycling. I generate quite a lot of plastic waste (empty PET water bottles, empty single-use plastics from take-outs, and shopping bags). All of this has gone into a separate bin bag. I realized a while ago that the chaps with the refuse company, isolate these plastics and make some extra income from it. It takes nothing away from me doing this, whilst my actions augment the income of others.
- Could you share an example of how you stay environmentally conscious in your day-to-day life? How do you bring this mindset into your work?
My energy usage is grid, inverter, and diesel genset in that order. I intend to install solar panels that would change the energy usage to solar, grid, and diesel genset. This would drop further my carbon footprint and reduce my consumption of grid power, making the same available for more households. The genset itself is properly maintained, so its emissions are compliant with its factory settings, and the company that maintains has a proper policy for the disposal of waste lubes.
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At work, my preferred setting for the air conditioner is auto at a reasonable temperature, this is the most energy-efficient way to use an air conditioner. At the close of business, all appliances are switched off, including those that go into standby mode, standby mode still consumes power, albeit marginally.
As we modify our energy mix across our network, reducing our carbon footprint, we must pay attention to the maintenance of the diesel gen-sets where we own or lease such. A well-maintained genset complies with factory-set emissions.
- How do you perceive the challenge of plastic pollution, and what role do you think Sterling can play in this global issue?
Plastics are not bio-degradable, so we must as a company ensure that our plastic waste, nationwide goes to those who recycle and not to those who dump it.
- What do you think are some effective ways to instill a culture of environmental consciousness among Sterling’s employees, particularly regarding the reduction, reuse, and recycling of plastic materials?
Communications, communications, communications.
