Mary Macheze is a qualified Mozambican lawyer who by all accounts was destined for a successful career in the legal profession. But this was never to be as she accidentally discovered environmental sustainability as her new passion. This was inspired by her realisation of the growing challenge of litter where members of the community threw empty cans and bottles indiscriminately in the surrounding open spaces. This was not only an eyesore but it was also a serious environmental disaster.
Forming a company
Although she detoured from her first career choice, she felt being an environmental activist is an equally worthy cause. This is because it aligns neatly with the current global initiatives aimed at reducing the debilitating effects of climate change. To fulfil this dream, in 2019 Macheze formed a company, Othuka Eventos, to raise public awareness about the importance of caring for their own environment. Her company also aims to rescue and resuscitate the declining moral values by teaching children the Mozambican culture through traditional games.
Using empty cans and bottles as teaching aids
Macheze teaches the community particularly the youth about the need and importance of recycling of empty cans and bottles to avoid environmental pollution. She believes that recycling these items helps to substantially reduce energy use, and also curb carbon emissions. She uses cans and bottles as raw materials to design the traditional games and also employ them as teaching aids because children learn easily through fun and play. She also uses the empty cans and bottles to generate income and sustain her project. As parents bring their children for the traditional games Macheze engages them to discuss issues around the environment and green issues. Thanks to Macheze there is sufficient awareness among the community as they no longer throw away empty cans and bottles but recycle them for an income.
Recycling to reduce costs
“When I designed the project I was in a complicated stage (Covid-19) and the dream was to organise events where we could all play and learn. However, when organising the event, I was collecting cans, bottles and recycling to reduce the costs. I only had the costs, but I didn’t have the money and I ended up discovering a passion for recycling. I remember that the first recycled bottles were made with my mother’s capulanas and with the help of my brothers to spray some bottles and cans offered by friends,” says Macheze.
AU’s Agenda 2063
According to environmental experts, Africa is experiencing rapid population growth which drives high economic activities and urbanisation. This results in the generation of tons of waste materials whose disposal at the dumpsites is mostly uncontrolled. According to the African Union’s Agenda 2063: “The Africa We Want”, the continent needs to pursue sustainable waste management practices to ensure countries are able to address and curb further pollution.
Municipal solid waste
The AU’s agenda will also enable the continental body to realise the UN’s SDG Goal 7 and achieve environmental sustainability and economies that will withstand climate change. Statistics show that 19 of the world’s 50 biggest dumpsites are found in Africa and are mostly located in sub-Saharan Africa. Other interesting facts are that around 70-80% of the municipal solid waste generated in Africa is recyclable. However, only a paltry 40% of municipal solid waste is currently recycled.
A source of inspiration to young girls
Macheze’s initiative will undoubtedly contribute significantly to the AU’s objective of promoting environmental sustainability in the continent. She says when she started with her recycling project it seemed difficult but she is now encouraged by the support and willingness shown by the community to embrace the recycling. She says her biggest dream is to see many young people and other countries in the sub-Sahara supporting and promoting green issues. Macheze says she wants to be a source of inspiration to other women especially young female generation to continue to recycle and preserve their future.
