THE IMPACT OF FOOD PACKAGING ON THE ENVIRONMENT AND WAYS OF MANAGING WASTES IN SELECTED GHANAIAN COMMUNITIES

Abstract

Purpose: The author sought to investigate into how food packaging wastes are handled in the Ghanaian communities, the impact of the wastes on the environment and ways by which the menace can be curbed.

Methodology: The study was descriptive in nature and observation was the main instrument adopted to gather information on the phenomenon of the threat of packaging waste on the Ghanaian environment. Such observations were conducted in parts of the three namely Accra, Kumasi and Sekondi - Takoradi major cities in Ghana. At least, five (5) suburbs in each of the metropolitan areas were studied.

Findings: The study revealed that plastic packaging waste generated in the country is currently the most post-consumer waste. Majority of the consumers in Ghana do not take cognizance of the environmental impacts of the products they consume and thus throw or dump packaging waste products indiscriminately.  They do not care about what will happen to it, to themselves as individuals and to the environment in general.

Unique contribution to theory and Practice and policy: The outcome of the study will enlighten the average Ghanaian on how to manage food packaging waste to help save the natural environment from unnecessary pollution, depletion and extinction of animals and marine habitat. This will enable policymakers in Ghana enact appropriate laws that will ensure the proper handling and management of the waste generated by manufacturers and consumers of food packaging.