FOOD WRAPPING PRACTICES AND THE REFUSE DISPOSAL PROBLEM IN A RURAL SETTING

Abstract

It is the aim of this study to investigate the food wrapping methods of the people in Igbo-Ora (a developing rural area). It has been observed that often, the type of materials used in wrapping food determines the nature of refuse being generated. The food wrapping materials form a great bulk of the refuse. The traditional method of food wrapping consists of wrapping the food in leaves. It is well documented in the literature that the bulk of refuse being generated in rural and urban areas consist mainly of leaves. This fact has contributed immensely to poor environmental sanitation, the consequence of which may include disease endemicity, occasional epidemics, and a contributing factor to flood and fire disasters. In order to combat refuse disposal problem both local and state governments have been spending large sum of money, but with little or no positive effect. Furthermore, policy makers e.g. state governors and many authorities have made remarks about the refuse components, i.e. that leaves used for wrapping food constitute the major component of the refuse. Co-incidentally this study endeavours to investigate the opinions of the people on the different types of materials used to wrap food and their preferences in using them. This study would be useful to Waste Disposal Boards, Plastic/Polyethylene manufacturing Industries and all organizations or individuals interested in better environmental sanitation in our communities.