The Environment Society (EnvSoc) at the University of Peshawar (UoP) held a seminar to celebrate the World Recycling Day 2019, declared by the UN. The purpose of the seminar was to create awareness amongst the students regarding the importance of waste management and how recycling can protect our environment and precious primary resources so as to securing the future of our planet.

During the welcome speech, the Organiser of EnvSoc Dr Asif Khan Khattak, Assistant Professor at Department of Environmental Sciences, welcomed all the participants and introduced the World Recycling Day. He also made a brief but valuable presentation on recycling, its process including the steps. He explained that Sweden is recycling 99% of its waste. He further emphasised that, “Waste is our 7^th resource” and he showed the participants a ruler made from 100% recycled material which he brought from the Environment Agency, UK. He also shared the news that in the UK, recycled plastic pellets are being used to construct roads. He concluded his talk by suggesting the steps for recycling in Pakistan.

Speaking at the occasion, Dr Shahla Nazneen, the Co-organizer of EnvSoc talked in detail about the seven types of plastics based on recycling and their codes (1-7). She explained that code 1-4 are recyclable and 5-7 are non-recyclables. She said, “Plastics have negative impacts on our environment and end up in the oceans affecting marine life”. She concluded her presentation with the ways of how to go environmental friendly with plastics.

Another Assistant Professor, Dr Rashid Miandad, gave an insight to food waste as a source of energy. He said, “Nothing in this world is waste, the leftover of one is treasure for another”. He mentioned that millions of tons of food is wasted in wedding ceremonies. He also said that Peshawar alone is generating 564 tons of municipal solid waste per day, while UoP is producing 72 tons per year. He highlighted that NEPRA is taking formal steps to the waste-to-energy production in Pakistan.

At the end of the seminar the Chief Guest, Dr Hizbullah Khan, Chairman, Department of Environmental Sciences, in his vote of thanks, emphasised on the importance of recycling and appreciated the efforts of EnvSoc and praised the cabinet members for organising such a successful event for the UoP students.