Our journey began with intensive training sessions. We knew thorough preparation was crucial to success, so we rigorously pretested our data collection tools. These early stages were the foundation of our work. During these sessions, we learned the importance of careful planning, attention to detail, and teamwork. The time spent in these sessions wasn’t always smooth sailing, but ensuring our data collection methods were reliable was essential.

A group of enthusiastic researchers huddled together, discussing tools and methodologies.

Transect walks became our daily ritual, leading us through the maze of narrow alleyways and bustling streets of slum areas. Armed with our tools and enthusiasm, the scorching sun and cloudburst bore down on us as we ventured into the unknown. The ups included the sense of purpose and the satisfaction of contributing to a vital cause. However, the downs were equally real. Witnessing the massive volume of scattered, piled, and burned waste was disheartening. It made us painfully aware of the enormous challenges that communities, especially slums, face in managing their waste. As we walked, we couldn’t help but reflect on the disparities in living conditions, a powerful lesson in itself. The raw intensity of the situation struck a chord within us, driving us to strive harder in our pursuit of solutions.

In our quest for precision, we turned to technology. Google Street View maps were invaluable for topping up our transect walks. The ability to cross-reference panoramic street images with our observations enhanced accuracy and opened our eyes to the possibilities of combining old-school fieldwork with cutting-edge technology. It provided a much-needed bird’s eye view, offering valuable insights and a broader terrain perspective.

There are many different types of plastic polymer or resin that behave differently in the environment. Without labelling on packaging or expensive laboratory facilities, it can be hard to know which resin is which. Using packaging samples from our market survey, we tried out an experimental low-cost plastic resin identification method, which involved examining and categorizing plastic according to features, characteristics, properties, and resin codes. Every plastic bore its tale, and it was our duty to decipher its characteristics within the context of waste management and environmental sustainability. However, this process wasn’t without its challenges. Sometimes, plastics were tricky to classify while exhibiting distinct features. Lessons learned? Patience and attention to detail were essential for accurate identification.

Our journey introduced us to the unsung heroes of waste management: the waste collectors. We conducted focus group discussions and surveys at their workstations. It was a humbling experience, witnessing their relentless efforts to navigate the maze of waste, salvaging what could be repurposed and recycled. Their resilience in the face of adversity became a beacon of hope, instilling within us a renewed sense of purpose and dedication to our cause. However, we also faced some challenges. Some waste collectors were hesitant to participate until we answered their questions about our study. It taught us that building trust was key to collecting accurate data and understanding their perspectives. Their stories were eye-opening and reminded us of the importance of their often-under-valued role in our communities.

A defining moment in our journey culminated with a visit to a plastic recycling plant in Accra . It was a testament to the power of innovation and perseverance, witnessing first-hand the transformative potential of recycling in mitigating the detrimental impact of plastic waste. It was a beacon of hope amidst the chaos, reaffirming our faith in the possibility of a greener, more sustainable future. However, the downs included seeing a few handfuls of recycling plants in Ghana, especially in the face of the sheer volume of daily plastic waste. It was a sobering reminder of the magnitude of the problem. Witnessing the life cycle of plastic, from its inception to its eventual fate (recycled, burned, or unmanaged), left an indelible imprint on our consciousness.