Stop paying lip service and address waste management crisis with genuine, practical solutions – PRF

Pacific Recycling Foundation is issuing a strong call to action and says it is time to stop paying lip service to sustainability and start addressing the growing waste management crisis with genuine, practical solutions that prioritise sustainability and collaboration with those working on the ground.

PRF Founder, Amitesh Deo, emphasised that any business model dealing with waste must adhere to sustainability principles and actively engage with communities, especially grassroots recyclers, who are already leading the charge.

Deo says if their approach to waste management does not keep sustainability and a commitment to dialogue with locals working on the ground at its core.

PRF is calling on all Fijians, communities, businesses and the government to confront the mounting waste management crisis with urgency, commitment and integrity.

Deo emphasised that the time for hollow promises is over.

He says they are seeing far too many instances where sustainability is being used as a buzzword to mask practices that are anything but sustainable and the urgency of Fiji's waste crisis requires real solutions - recycling, waste reduction and accountability and not greenwashing or gimmicks.

Deo pointed out that PRF, through its work with the Collection Pillars of Recycling (CPR) - individuals who collect and sort recyclables in often harsh conditions is at the frontlines of Fiji’s recycling efforts.

He adds the CPR community works tirelessly to recover materials from their dumpsites and public spaces.

Deo says PRF’s message to the government, corporate sector and the public this Fiji Day is clear end the superficial actions.

Deo added instead of waste disposal being driven by profit or convenience, there must be a nationwide shift toward recovering recyclable materials, and properly managing what remains.

Deo further says this Fiji Day, let us make a real commitment to our future and let us embrace sustainability as more than a buzzword and empower those who are making a difference, so that Fiji can continue to thrive cleaner, greener, and more resilient for generations to come.