Consultation begins on proposal to ban single use plastic

The Department of the Environment on Tuesday initiated a national conversation on the Government’s proposal to ban single-use plastic in a bid to beat pollution.

A panel discussion was held today with members of the private sector, civil society and government to talk about national consultations, drafting of regulations and development standards, alternatives and incentives for the private sector

The discussion is ongoing even as Guyana joins the rest of the world to observe World Environment Day with several activities across the country under the theme; “Beat Plastic Pollution”.

But even before this occasion, the government had announced its plans to ban single-use plastic. The cabinet is presently considering the way forward and was recently given a presentation on the proposal.

Aretha Forde, Management Coordinator at the Department of the Environment presented highlights from that presentation to the gathering on Tuesday, pointing out that 50 percent of all plastics are single-use plastic.

She said the ban will be on the importation, manufacture, and sale of single-use plastic.

Already Guyana has banned the importation and use of Styrofoam and Forde believes a similar model can be used to encourage the ban on single-use plastic.

Guyana is also likely to sign on the Clean Seas Campaign and develop a marine litter policy.

But outside of efforts at the government level, Forde said actions can be taken at the individual and hospitality level to “beat plastic pollution.”

Simple things that refusing to use a stray or plastic dinnerware and taking your own bag to the market can help in the process of avoiding pollution and indiscriminate dumping of these items.

Several other organizations including the Georgetown Mayor and City Council are holding events today in observance of World Environment Day.

Several other organizations are engaged in clean up exercises as part of a larger action to protect the environment.

World Environment Day (WED) occurs on the 5th of June every year and is the United Nation’s principal vehicle for encouraging awareness and action for the protection of our environment.

First held in 1974, it has been a flagship campaign for raising awareness on emerging environmental issues from marine pollution, human overpopulation, and global warming, to sustainable consumption and wildlife crime.

WED has grown to become a global platform for public outreach, with participation from over 143 countries annually. Each year, WED has a new theme that major corporations, NGOs, communities, governments, and celebrities worldwide adapt to advocate environmental causes.