.jpeg)
By: Manoah Kikekon
 |
| Abdulsalam Abiodun Ashade |
Mr. Abdulsalam Abiodun Ashade, Founder and Executive Director of Green Janitors, marked Global Recycling Day with a message to environmental enthusiasts worldwide.
In a speech made available to News Peddlers on Tuesday, Ashade emphasized the urgent need to rethink waste management and embrace recycling as a critical tool for preserving the planet.
Ashade stated, “Every year, our planet yields billions of tons of natural resources, but the harsh reality is that these resources are finite. Sooner than we may expect, we will reach a point where they begin to deplete. This is why we must shift our perspective on waste—no longer seeing it as something to discard, but as an opportunity to preserve, repurpose, and restore.”
He highlighted the alarming climate crisis, noting that the last decade was the hottest on record. Rising global temperatures, melting ice caps, devastating wildfires, and rapid deforestation are clear indicators of the environmental challenges we face. Ashade warned that without swift and decisive action, these issues will only escalate, displacing communities, disrupting economies, destroying ecosystems, and leaving behind mountains of waste that threaten our environment.
However, Ashade also offered a message of hope. “We have the power to reverse the damage we’ve done, and it starts with the choices we make today,” he said. He underscored the pivotal role of recycling in this transformation, describing it as a cornerstone of the circular economy. By reusing materials instead of extracting new resources, recycling helps conserve precious resources, reduce pollution, and prevent waste from overwhelming our environment.
Already, recyclables referred to as the “Seventh Resource” save over 700 million tons of CO2 emissions annually. This figure is projected to reach 1 billion tons by 2030. Ashade stressed that these numbers are more than just statistics; they represent a critical effort to safeguard the planet for future generations. “Every bottle recycled, every piece of paper repurposed, and every ounce of plastic diverted from landfills contributes to a healthier, more sustainable world,” he added.
In commemoration of Global Recycling Day 2025, Ashade expressed heartfelt gratitude to the unsung heroes of the recycling industry. “At Green Janitors, we are proud to be part of this global movement, driving change and making a lasting impact. Together, we are on the front lines of a battle for the future of our planet and humanity,” he said.
He also thanked recycling champions worldwide for their dedication and efforts in turning waste into valuable resources. “Your work gives hope for a cleaner, greener, and more sustainable future,” he remarked.
Ashade concluded with a call to action: “Let’s keep recycling, keep innovating, and keep pushing toward a better tomorrow.” His message serves as a timely reminder of the collective responsibility we share in protecting the environment and ensuring a sustainable future for generations to come.