Phasing Out Single-Use Plastic and Styrofoam Items

Earlier this year, the government announced a Cabinet decision to reduce the use of single-use plastics and Styrofoam items over a one-year phase-out period. The intent is to decrease plastic and Styrofoam pollution. One of the key components to the phase-out is the cutback in the importation of these single-use plastic shopping bags and Styrofoam and plastic food utensils. Chief Executive Officer in the Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development, Doctor Percival Cho, told the press today that several meetings have been held with importers and local producers.

Percival Cho

Dr. Percival Cho, C.E.O., Ministry of Environment and Sustainable Development

“The task force that has been to execute this phase is currently scheduling these consultations with importer and local producers as well, one on one discussion and that is ongoing at the moment. These things that we are targeting are completely avoidable pieces of waste. It is not necessary to use single use bag to take your grocery from shop to home. You can use a more permanent market bags as we use to call them. When it comes to straws, it is not necessary to use plastic straws. There are paper alternatives. When it comes to cups, you have paper alternation. It is not necessary to use plastic. These are all items that can be replaced with much inconvenience being cause. At the same time it takes some behavioral change in the general public to realize that and to ensure that we all operate mindful of the environmental impact that we have.” 

The use of these products will be phased out by April 2019.