A Different Taste to Waste

Rapid urbanization in Africa has led to 238 million people living in informal settlements. Poor waste management, including dumping in water bodies and unregulated sites, worsens sanitation issues. Over 100 million people in East Africa lack proper sanitation, according to the UN.
Open dumping and burning are common waste disposal methods. Greenhouse gas emissions from plastic’s lifecycle endanger our goal to limit global warming to 1.5°C, as per a 2019 study by the Centre for International Environment Law. Methane emissions from dumpsites are 27 times more potent than CO2.
That’s why waste management is urgent, especially in slum areas prevalent across Africa.
Meet Taka Taka Zero, a Nairobi-based solid waste management project. They deploy an innovative solution called the ‘Community Cooker,’ saving energy equivalent to 6,600 mature trees annually. This initiative also enables jobs and training for young community members.