MONROVIA – Salafana Scott, the recently crowned Queen of Miss Earth Liberia, is determined to draw attention to the escalating issue of plastic pollution that is wreaking havoc on the country. Scott emerged victorious in the environmental pageant on June 24, triumphing over numerous other contestants.
Addressing the concerning per capita plastic waste generation in Liberia, which is one of the highest in West Africa, Scott emphasized the urgent need to tackle this serious environmental problem. Following her victory, Scott expressed her gratitude for the opportunity to serve her country, advocate for the planet, and propel sustainable solutions to the forefront.
During her reign, Scott has pledged to prioritize the fight against plastic pollution in Liberia, stressing that the time has come to take decisive action and safeguard our environment. Her strategy aims to raise awareness about the escalating problem and exert pressure on policymakers to implement measures that address plastic pollution in the country.
Scott’s vision aligns with the United Nations’ sustainable development goals (SDGs), which underscore the importance of adopting sustainable environmental practices to mitigate the impact of human activities on the planet. SDG Goal 14 specifically targets the reduction of marine pollution, including plastic pollution.
The global plastic pollution crisis has reached a critical point, and Liberia is not exempt from its detrimental effects. In Liberia, plastic bags are used by nearly all households, and over half of these bags are carelessly discarded after use. With approximately 17,000 tons of plastic goods imported annually, Liberia faces an environmental catastrophe exacerbated by inadequate waste management infrastructure and limited enforcement of environmental regulations.
An alarming statistic from the 2019 World Cleanup Day revealed that over 10,000 tonnes of plastic waste were accumulated, exemplifying the extent of the problem. Scott envisions creating awareness and implementing sustainable measures in the waste management sector, including exploring innovative recycling methods to curb the mounting waste crisis caused by plastic.
Scott’s campaign plan, which she intends to execute in collaboration with the Environmental Protection Agency, centers around promoting recycling and proper disposal of plastic waste. This approach will significantly reduce the amount of plastic waste that finds its way into our oceans and waterways, thereby minimizing harm to the environment and the marine ecosystem.
Furthermore, Scott plans to forge partnerships with corporate organizations to initiate a series of clean-up campaigns focused on major water bodies in the country. Simultaneously, she aims to establish a reward system to incentivize individuals to adopt more eco-friendly practices.
Environmental groups and activists have lauded Scott’s platform, asserting that her emphasis on plastic pollution is precisely what Liberia needs, and that greater efforts should be made to educate people about the consequences of plastic waste. They applaud Miss Earth Liberia for sending the right message and express hope that her call to action will inspire individuals across the nation and the continent.
The detrimental impacts of plastic pollution extend to the deaths of countless marine animals due to entanglement and ingestion of plastic, posing risks to human health as well. Studies have linked plastic pollution to cancer, endocrine disruption, and other health issues in humans.
As a teenager, Scott represents a new generation of Liberians committed to confronting environmental issues head-on for the betterment of society and the world at large. Miss Earth Liberia, a prestigious event, aims to inspire young women to become advocates for environmental causes. This year’s edition witnessed a record number of entries from participants across the country.
Meanwhile, Cassandra A. Peters and Priscilia Q. Crabbe secured the titles of the 1st and 2nd runner-ups in the competition, respectively.