Themed “Ending Plastic Pollution”, this year’s events demonstrated the corporate mission of Airtel to champion environmental stewardship.

Tagged #UnPlasticAfrica, the company’s campaign began on June 3, mobilizing employees across six operating regions for a week of education, advocacy, and cleanup activities aimed at promoting sustainable living, in alignment with global efforts to reduce plastic pollution.

The activities kicked off with a Sustainability Seminar, led by Dr Hassan A. Sanuth, Director of Sanitation Services at the Lagos State Ministry of the Environment and Water Resources, and focused on the role of the individual in reducing plastic waste while promoting practical recycling habits.

Following this educational session, all Airtel Nigeria employees took the “Eco Pledge” to commit to reusable containers.

In his remarks at the seminar, Dinesh Balsingh, chief executive officer of Airtel Nigeria, reaffirmed Airtel`s dedication to sustainability.

 “As we invest in Nigeria’s digital future, we are equally committed to protecting the environment that sustains us. From AI-powered services that reduce paper use to partnerships that connect rural areas without environmental disruption, we are embedding sustainability into every layer of our operations,” he said.

Speaking at the workshop, Dr. Sanuth emphasized the urgency of addressing the plastic pollution crisis, particularly in urban centers like Lagos.

“Plastic waste is choking our drains, polluting our water bodies, and threatening public health. Every little action counts, from individuals making conscious choices to organizations taking bold steps and together, our collective efforts can make a significant impact in ending plastic pollution,” he noted.

He also highlighted the dangers of plastic waste, noting that microplastics have been traced in food, water, and even human blood and called for stronger policies and corporate accountability.

The highlight of the week was a market clean-up and sensitization drive held by Airtel employees in Abuja, Oyo, Benin, Enugu, and Kano. Airtel staff volunteers, in collaboration with local partners, led plastic collection efforts, conducted environmental hygiene training, and distributed over 3,000 branded reusable bags and parasols to market vendors and shoppers.

The World Environment Day campaign, nicknamed Earth Fest 2025, is part of Airtel Nigeria’s broader CSR Strategy, which continues to integrate environmental stewardship into its organizational practices.

This year’s theme, “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience,” guided DBN’s comprehensive initiatives aimed at addressing critical environmental challenges.

The World Environment Day, celebrated annually every June 5, is a global platform established by the United Nations to raise awareness and promote actions for the protection of our environment.

In a demonstration of environmental stewardship and corporate social responsibility, DBN’s team engaged in a collaborative effort to plant trees in two strategic locations – the Lekki Conservation Centre in Lagos and Kpeygi Community in Abuja.

Through this impactful gesture, the bank reinforces its commitment to environmental conservation and sustainable development.

Speaking during the planting ceremony, Managing Director/CEO, Development Bank of Nigeria, Dr. Tony Okpanachi emphasized the importance of reforestation in combating desertification and promoting biodiversity.

He said:

“Land restoration is crucial for maintaining ecological balance and combating the adverse effects of desertification. By planting trees, we are not only restoring the land but also ensuring a sustainable environment for future generations.”

“So we are thrilled to celebrate this World Environment Day by engaging in this meaningful tree planting initiative, because at DBN, we are driven by the believe that environmental sustainability is a shared responsibility, and through initiatives like this, we are consciously contributing to the mitigation of climate change, improving air quality, and enhancing biodiversity in our communities”.

Speaking further, Dr. Okpanachi noted that “As the world grapples with pressing environmental challenges, this tree planting initiative will serve as a shining example of corporate leadership and sustainable action. By harnessing the collective power of our employees and partners, we have proven that when it comes to protecting the environment, every action – no matter how small, counts.”

He stated that:

“The tree planting drive underscores the bank’s broader sustainability efforts, including the integration of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) principles into its business operations. By prioritizing sustainability, DBN seeks to align its activities with global best practices and contribute to the green transition in Nigeria’s economic landscape.”

In his remarks, Dr. Joseph Onoja, the director-general, Nigerian Conservation Foundation (NCF),  represented by Uchenna Achunine, the organization’s director of Business Development and Communications,  commended the management of DBN for launching such audacious initiative aimed at promoting a greener and sustainable environment in Nigeria.

“We are happy that DBN understands the role and importance of fostering a culture of environmental responsibility within its organization. This tree planting project is an act of sowing the seeds for a more resilient, green future that benefits both people and the planet.”

“I want to express my profound gratitude to the management and staff of DBN for prioritizing sustainability by taking on this bold initiative. Permit me to use this medium to appeal to other organizations to borrow a leaf from what DBN has done, by contributing their own quota in preserving and conserving our environment.”

According to him” There is a very strong nexus between tree planting and climate change. When you plant trees, you will have greener environments, and that will lead to a healthier planet free from carbon monoxide which is poisonous to the human body”.

In its previous contributions towards a sustainable environment, the Development Bank of Nigeria initiated various projects to commemorate the World Environment Day, such as the donation of receptacles to the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Lagos, Kano and Rivers states for the collection of recyclable waste.

The launch of Green Clubs in selected schools in Lagos and Abuja and the planting of carpet grass, trees, and landscape designs in some selected schools are also some of the initiatives of the DBN towards the protection of the environment.

In the same vein, staff of DBN visit select schools across the country to interact with and provide training to students on recycling and other responsible behaviours toward the environment – all in a bid to nurturing and protecting the planet.

Speaking at the event was held at Airtel Head office, Banana Island, Lagos, Carl Cruz, the chief executive officer at Airtel Nigeria, represented by Femi Adeniran, Director, Corporate Communications and CSR, said that Airtel believes in leading by example, and has taken deliberate measures to ensure that the organization promotes a healthy environment.

 “In line with this year’s global theme of “Land Restoration, Desertification, and Drought Resilience”, we are drilling down to focus on plastic reduction, waste disposal, and recycling, which are critical to achieving the goals being set by the global theme. These are not just environmental issues; they are pressing challenges that require immediate attention. By reducing our plastic usage, managing waste efficiently, and embracing recycling, we can significantly lessen our environmental problems,” he remarked.

Environmental scientist and advocate Dr. Eugene Itua, who served as the facilitator at the event, shared insights on the pertinent strategies to adopt in combating plastic pollution.

His presentation covered a wide range of topics, ranging from the history of plastic use, the detrimental effects of plastic pollution on the environment and human health, and potential solutions to mitigate the pressing issue of plastic pollution.

“As the population grows, so does plastic waste. Since the 1950s, plastic use has become a norm, leading to the pervasive issue of micro plastics. These tiny particles, resulting from the degradation of plastic bottles left in the sun, enter our bodies through the food, water, and drinks we consume, thereby posing threats to our health,” he said.

Dr. Eugene further stressed the urgent need to take a paradigm shift from the traditional “take, use, and dispose” approach to a more sustainable “reuse, recycle, reorient and diversify” principle, embodying the circular economy.

He concluded by urging Airtel employees to take proactive steps to prevent plastic pollution and safeguard the environment.

In his words “To tackle the challenge of plastic pollution, we must adopt practices such as recycling and reusing. Without action, the average flow of plastics into the ocean is projected to triple by 2040.”

According to Airtel, several other activities have been put in place to encourage plastic reduction and proper waste management.

These activities include strengthening of policies to ensure responsible plastic use within the company, organizing of clean-up initiatives and educational seminars, internal sensitization on reusable alternatives and responsible disposal of plastic items, and utilization of social media and SMS campaigns to educate customers about plastic waste management.

The world environment day event reflects Airtel Nigeria’s dedication to fostering environmental awareness and sustainability within its corporate culture and the broader community.

In line with this commitment to the broader community, the organization is set to commission a facility newly constructed for the Green Fingers Foundation, a Non-Governmental organization dedicated to environmental protection and wildlife conservation.

World Environment Day, held annually on June 5, puts a spotlight on the pressing environmental challenges of our times, and is a great opportunity for people all around the globe to discuss efforts to protect and restore the Earth. 

This year, the focus is on beating plastic pollution, a critical environmental challenge that threatens the health of our oceans, wildlife, and even human well-being.

In line with the United Nations’ theme for World Environment Day 2023, “Beat Plastic Pollution,” governments, organizations, and individuals worldwide are joining forces to combat this growing menace.

Plastic pollution has reached alarming levels, with an estimated 8 million metric tons of plastic waste ending up in the world’s oceans each year.

Single-use plastics, such as bottles, bags, and straws, are major contributors to this crisis, taking hundreds of years to degrade and causing irreparable harm to marine life.

Speaking at this year’s World Environment Day celebration, Managing Director, LG Electronics West Africa Operations, Mr. Dong Youn Kim said, World Environment Day provides an opportunity for global citizens, governments, and businesses to unite and take decisive action against plastic pollution. It encourages everyone to rethink their consumption patterns, embrace sustainable alternatives, and demand stricter regulations on plastic production and disposal.

 “This is what has informed us as a company to embark on this cleaning exercise in order to address the issue of environmental degradation in the society to mark the world environment day. This is the reason why we continuously design products that would meet world environment standard thereby helping our teeming consumers experience cleaner and greener lifestyle. Let me reiterate that people all over the world need to engage more in activities that will help safeguard the environment and the inhabitants, on that note I say happy World Environment Day.”

On her part, Mariam Lawani, the CEO, Greenhill Recycling, said, she is pleased to work with LG Electronics on this project and also advises other stakeholders to follow suit. “On World Environment Day, we call upon individuals, communities, businesses, and governments to take a stand against plastic pollution. By making conscious choices and implementing sustainable practices, we can make a significant impact on our environment. Together, we have the power to preserve our planet for future generations.”

The cleaning exercise took place at Nigeria Army Shopping Complex, The Arena in Lagos State. The clean-up was informed by this year’s global theme #beatplasticpollution.

It is aimed at creating more nature friendly environment which will on the long run guarantee a sustainable environment. The event was well-attended and those present included staff of LG Electronics Nigeria, Members of Solution 17 and Greenhill Recycling, who all came out in their numbers to actively participate in the exercise.

LG has adopted the use of a new composite fiber material that helps reduce product weight. Additionally, the packaging used for the latest LG OLED TVs is made for recyclable materials and features single-color printing to further save on energy and resources.

The LG Soundbar line-up also reveals the company’s dedication to environmentally-conscious design.

Its sophisticated audio solutions utilize reused and easily recyclable materials, consume only a small amount of power when in use and ship in sustainable packaging. And to top it off, every 2022 LG Soundbar model has received SGS Eco-Product certification in recognition of their environmental impact. 

LG has prioritized sustainability for healthy and better lifestyle. AI DD detects the weight and fabric softness of each wash, and calibrate the optimal wash cycles, providing 18% more fabric protection.

Steam technology featured in LG clothing care appliances harnesses the natural power of steam to eliminate the fabric stains and the bacteria.

Using lower GWP refrigerant3, DUAL Inverter Heat Pump meets the sustainable use of resources as well as protects garment from damage with low temperature heat pump technology. 

World Environment Day serves as a reminder for LG to reaffirm its commitment to environmental stewardship and continue developing innovative solutions that contribute to a more sustainable future.

Visit Consumer Electronics: TVs, Home Entertainment & Appliances | LG Africa for more on LG Electronics.

Mr. Majekodunmi, who is the founder of Lufasi Nature Park, Lagos – Nigeria’s only urban forest reserve – gave the commendation at the Bank’s Beach Cleaning and Tree Planting exercise held to commemorate the World Earth Day 2023.

According to the nature park promoter, Unity Bank PLC’s commitment to environmental protection through consistent investment in sustainability programmes and initiatives has set the institution apart.

Recall that this year’s edition of the Beach Cleaning exercise makes it the third year in a row that Unity Bank is holding the volunteer initiative, being an activity lined up to commemorate the World Earth Day.

Unity Bank has partnered with 3 non-government organizations – Recycling Scheme for Women and Youth Empowerment, RESWAYE, MEDIC and KBG to promote environmental sustainability through the Beach Bleaning Initiative.

Majekodunmi joined no fewer than 200 volunteers,  inclusive of members of staff of Unity Bank, RESWAYE team and the Lagos Kids Beach Garden within the Oba Elegushi beach environs who participated in the cleaning exercise. The volunteers picked and removed over 100,000 plastic bottles from the beach to rid the beach and ocean of plastic waste and reduce pollution.

Also as featured in the previous editions, the Bank also carried out a Tree Planting exercise in 23 locations across the country, with members of staff participating in planting at least a tree in each of the locations.

Speaking at the event, the Divisional Head, Resources, Unity Bank Plc, Mr. Hillary Ajuebon said that the World Earth Day initiatives, have become a core focus of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility aimed at promoting climate action and reduction of environmental pollution.

Citing recent reports on ocean pollution, he decried gloomy statistics stating  that:

“of the over 380 million tons of plastic produced globally every year, about 10 million tons of plastic waste escapes into the oceans from different coastal plains. There are 5.25 trillion pieces of plastic waste estimated to be in our oceans. While 70% of the debris sinks into the ocean’s ecosystem, 15% floats, and 15% lands on our beaches.”

While noting that plastic pollution has become one of the world’s most pressing environmental issues, he said Unity Bank would continue to join collaborative efforts aimed at eliminating plastic pollution in our oceans.

Ajuebon further recalled that in addition to the Beach Cleaning and Tree Planting exercise, the Bank had, throughout the month of April, embarked on aggressive sensitization on environmental sustainability, reinforcing the Bank’s culture of prioritizing sustainable practices, adding that the Bank has over time promoted corporate and business philosophy that encourages low paper usage, recycling and adoption of renewable energy through increased investment in solar-powered branches and ATMs.

Commenting on the company’s commemoration of the 2022 World Environment Day, Surendran Chemmenkotil, the Chief Executive Officer & Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, said the Airtel Nigeria’s ambition is to address and minimize the impact of its operations on the environment as this is critical for the world, we live in, noting that it is committed to raising awareness about climate/environmental stewardship amongst employees and to work together as a team towards the delivery of its sustainability goals

“I have asked all my colleagues to bring to the office any electronic items from their homes that are old and no-longer of any use to them – so that Airtel can then prove its position as a technology company, that consistently explores sustainable ways of reusing, repurposing, recycling, and disposing of e-waste from our network and offices.

“We are committed to our overarching Airtel Africa Sustainability strategy, and we will continue to implement these plans relentlessly at the local level,” he said.

In response to the CEO’s call, employees of the telco came to the office on Monday, 6^th June with electronic wastes, which they deposited at designated areas across offices nationwide. The e-wastes will be collected by a credible e-wastes partner for the purpose of recycling, repurposing, and responsible disposal.

 As part of the awareness programme, an awareness session was held at the company’s HQ in Ikoyi, Lagos on Monday, 6^th June, with employees in regional offices connecting virtually. During the session, employees were urged to contribute in their respective individual capacities to the advancement of sustainable environmental management, reduction of environmental footprint in respect of call to action on climate change initiatives and to reduce activities that have negative impact on Health and the Environment.

World Environment Day is celebrated annually on 5^th June and is the United Nations’ principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of the environment. First held in 1973, it has been a platform for raising awareness on environmental issues such as marine pollution, human overpopulation, global warming, sustainable consumption, and wildlife crime.

The theme is a global call for collective and transformative action by various stakeholders to appreciate, protect and restore our planet.

An initiative led by the United Nations Environment Programme, aims to encourage communities worldwide to raise awareness on the protection of our environment.

South Africa is experiencing significant impacts of climate change, including extreme weather patterns. Recently, South Africa experienced devastating floods in the KwaZulu Natal and Eastern Cape provinces taking the lives of 443 people and destroying several thousand homes and major infrastructure. 

A report on “Making Africa’s Case in the Climate Debate” found that, out of all African countries, South Africa has experienced the most extreme weather events in the past 12 years.

The world at large is faced with the reality of climate change with a 2022 United Nations report noting that the planet is quickly approaching global warming of more than double the 1.5-degree limit. So, how do we, as individuals, tackle something as big as climate change? Where do we even begin?

“As Vodacom, we’ve always maintained that business success should not come at a cost to the environment”, says Jorge Mendes, Chief Officer of Consumer Business at Vodacom. “In commemorating World Environment Day, we would like to call on our customers to join us on our journey to protect the planet by reducing our collective impact to the environment. We are optimistic that together we can create a future where good business and doing good are the same thing,” says Mendes.

Here are five ways that Vodacom is actively enabling customers to make better buying decisions, so we can all put the environment first.

1. Eco-SIM Cards

To reduce the effect of plastic waste on the environment, Vodacom is actively replacing its current SIM cards with Eco-SIM cards, which are made from recycled plastic in a half-sized format.

In an effort to reduce plastic waste on the environment, Vodacom customers can play their part in reducing plastic waste by only using eco-sim cards.

To date, over 500 tons of paper and 300 tons of plastic have been saved thanks to the Eco-SIM cards initiative which has resulted in smaller starter Packs and less packaging.

2. Eco-rated Devices

In 2021, Vodacom introduced an industry-wide Eco-rating assessment where the Eco Rating score is a number used to indicate the environmental performance of mobile phones and is based on an objective assessment of both life cycle and environmental impact indicators.

The highest possible score is 100 for maximum environmental performance. Based on the scoring out of 100, with the closer the score to 100, the better the environmental performance of the device, the rating system helps customers make better buying decisions with the option to purchase devices with the lowest impact to the environment.

The Eco-rating label is based on factors such as durability, repairability, resource and climate efficiency and end-of-life recyclability.

3. Waste Reduction

Vodacom’s plastic-to-paper initiative, which replaces plastic bags with reusable eco-friendly paper bags in Vodacom retail stores, has prevented 2.5 million plastic carrier bags from entering the environment.

All retail stores have a waste management plan to enable the reduction of its water, electricity consumption and waste generation.

Additionally, a live carbon footprint dashboard displaying hourly, daily, and monthly data illustrates whether the store is meeting its carbon footprint KPI’s.

The dashboard is web enabled and screened live in store so staff and members of the public are able to view the stores performance.

4. Device Repair and Refurbishment

Vodacom aims to extend the useful life of devices as far as possible and to ultimately reduce volumes of electronic waste.

Vodacom’s Advanced Repair Centre (ARC) supporting an extensive repair network of 37 repair centres across all regions within South Africa, inclusive of two higher level repair hubs situated in Cape Town and Durban, have the capability to repair devices across all networks in the quickest possible time.

Depending on the make, model and condition of a phone, the device may either be repaired, refurbished or sent for recycling.

In FY22, more than 321 000 devices were repaired at the ARC and its supportive repair network, with just over 6 000 phones identified for responsible recycling. Customers on any network can feel free to bring in their devices for service or repairs, as this facility is available to everyone.

5. Vodacom Green Stores

Since November 2021, Vodacom has introduced two pilot ‘green stores’ into its retail channel. The green credentials are a result of the stores using electronics that are 5-star graded for energy savings. As well as LED lighting to reduce energy consumption.

Additional digital offerings such as Self-Checkout Kiosks, Digital Express Stores and e-Receipts will further reduce paper consumption within the Retail Channel.

In the six months since the launch of e-Receipts, we have issued over 127 000 digital receipts replacing the need to print paper receipts.

“We constantly looking at ways to make it much easier for our customers to make more environmental-friendly choices.  From reducing waste from our operations to replacing plastic bags with reusable, in-store paper bags, Vodacom is turning its sustainability strategy into a reality – a reality that customers can also embrace and fully participate in. It’s an important enabler of the company’s purpose; to connect for a better future, and ultimately, a better world,” concludes Mendes.