As the world grapples with environmental challenges, women are stepping up to lead the charge for sustainability across various industries. In honor of International Women’s Day, Forkeeps is spotlighting women who are driving change and redefining sustainability in their fields.
One such trailblazer is Rita Idehi, the visionary behind Ecobarter, a platform transforming waste management in Nigeria through recycling and upcycling. From her transition from geosciences to tackling waste management head-on, she has become a key player in promoting environmental responsibility.
In this exclusive interview, she shares her inspiring journey, the challenges of sustainable waste management, and the crucial role women play in advancing sustainability—especially in the fashion industry.
Can you share what inspired you to transition from geosciences to founding Ecobarter, focusing on sustainable waste management?
Where I grew up, we were reusing or recycling waste unconsciously, even though we didn’t know it was called recycling. So, I grew up with a culture of sustainable waste management.
Luckily for me, geosciences also relate to what we do. It was in my geoscience class that I learned about how open consumption and poor waste management practices were threatening human survival.
Fast forward to after university, when I moved to a new city, I couldn’t gain access to the sustainable waste management system I was used to back home. There were no informal waste pickers that could exchange buckets and pails for recyclable waste. That motivated me to do extensive research, and I discovered recycling.
I wanted to make a difference in waste management and its impact on our climate. But I quickly realized that tackling these issues required more than just awareness.
In 2018, I launched Ecobarter, a platform designed to address Nigeria’s indiscriminate waste management practices. Through last-mile waste recovery operations, recycling, and upcycling, we transform waste into valuable lifestyle products, helping to create a cleaner and more sustainable environment.
What significant challenges have you encountered in promoting sustainable waste management in Nigeria, and how have you addressed them?
One of the biggest challenges is the low level of awareness about sustainable waste management. Many people do not fully understand its importance, which means we have to invest heavily in education and sensitisation.
Another challenge is the lack of existing infrastructure. In developed countries, governments provide waste drop-off centres or waste banks. In Nigeria, we have to build these infrastructures ourselves, which requires significant resources.
Navigation is another major issue—houses are not properly numbered in many areas, so we’ve had to develop our own navigation system to reach users and collect waste efficiently.
Other challenges include poor road networks, regulatory issues with vehicle inspections (VIO), and logistical hurdles. Essentially, we are not just managing waste—we are building an entire ecosystem from scratch, which stretches us thin financially.
Despite these challenges, we remain committed to innovating and pushing forward to create lasting impact.
How do you perceive the role of women in advancing environmental sustainability within the fashion industry?
Women are at the forefront of the fashion industry—whether as designers, models, or stylists—and many of them are driving the movement towards sustainability.
Over the past year, we’ve seen more women-led fashion brands integrating sustainability into their business models. Many are incorporating waste materials into production or opting for eco-friendly alternatives. Since women dominate the fashion industry, they are also the key players in promoting sustainability within it.
For me, women’s resourcefulness in upcycling materials, embracing traditional craftsmanship, and advocating for local, eco-friendly solutions has been a driving force in the industry. By combining indigenous sewing and weaving techniques with modern sustainability principles, women are reducing textile waste, promoting circular fashion, and fostering environmental responsibility—both in their communities and globally.
What are your thoughts on the environmental impact of fast fashion, and how can consumers shift towards more sustainable choices?
The textile industry is the third-largest water polluter due to the chemicals used in production. The fast-fashion model encourages overproduction and waste, leading to an excess of cheap, low-quality clothing that often ends up in landfills.
Cotton, a key material in many clothes, requires large amounts of water and pesticides, which harms both the environment and workers. This overconsumption cycle makes fashion one of the most damaging industries to the planet.
Consumers can make a difference by buying less and choosing quality over quantity, as well as supporting sustainable brands that prioritise ethical production. Also, opting for slow fashion—pieces that last longer and have a lower environmental footprint is another great way of making a difference.
For example, a ₦500 shopping bag from a fast-fashion store may seem like a good deal, but it likely won’t last more than a few months before ending up in a landfill.
On the other hand, choosing an upcycled backpack made from pure water sachets or a bag made from recycled plastic bottles is not only stylish and unique but also helps reduce waste. When consumers make these conscious choices, they contribute to a more sustainable fashion industry and help protect the environment.
What advice would you offer to women aspiring to become entrepreneurs in the sustainability sector?
To women who want to enter the sustainability space, my advice is:
· Start small and be passionate – Focus on a specific area of sustainability that excites you, whether it’s eco-friendly products, waste management, or renewable energy.
· Build a strong network – Connect with like-minded individuals, eco communities, mentors, and sustainability-focused organisations for support and collaboration.
· Embrace innovation – Look for creative, practical solutions that reduce environmental impact and solve real-world problems.
· Be patient and persistent – Sustainable businesses take time to grow, but staying dedicated to your mission will bring long-term success.
The journey is long, but the impact is worth it. You are in the right space to create meaningful change.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, what message would you like to convey about the importance of women’s leadership in environmental sustainability?
On International Women’s Day, I want to celebrate women leading the charge for environmental sustainability—those who are taking matters into their own hands and creating real impact.
Think of the women in local communities who have turned waste into opportunity, using recycled materials to create jobs and protect the planet. Or the female entrepreneurs launching eco-friendly brands, proving that fashion and sustainability can coexist.
Women aren’t just talking about change—we are making it happen. Often, we do this with limited resources, sweat, tears, and intentional determination.
Whether at a household, community, or national level, women are the most concerned and involved in environmental issues. It’s time to recognise that women’s voices and leadership should be central to environmental sustainability strategies in Nigeria and beyond.
Women like Rita Idehi are proving that sustainability isn’t just a concept—it’s a movement led by real action, innovation, and persistence. Through Ecobarter, she is transforming waste management in Nigeria while advocating for a more sustainable fashion industry.
As we celebrate International Women’s Day, her story reminds us that women’s leadership is essential in the fight for a cleaner, greener future. By rethinking waste, supporting ethical fashion, and making conscious consumer choices, we can all play a role in building a more sustainable world.
The future of sustainability is female.
