Support anti-plastic Campaign to keep Our environment Clean and tidy
From August 1 a 10 cent tax on plastic bags will take effect. This will apply to all retail outlets that have point-of-sale
Aproposal to declare Nadroga-Navosa Province plastic free is a great idea.
If it finally happens, it will become the first province or region in the country to introduce this measure.
It may sound radical but it is needed to drive home the message that we must do something like this to show we are serious about protecting our environment, our resources, our rivers and seas.
Let’s face it, we are being challenged by a plastic invasion. Our cities, our backyards, our roadsides, our countryside are littered with plastic wrappings, bottles, containers and other material.
Many of these end up in our rivers and oceans and if we do not do something drastic now to stop it, we could live to regret it later.
The anti-plastic movement can be developed and spread throughout the country. It will be our tangible contribution in support of the Prime Minister Voreqe Bainimarama’s call that we stop rubbishing our country.
Let’s look at some basic steps to take:
1) Take your own non-plastic bag when you go shopping. Refuse plastic bags at shops/supermarkets.
2) Avoid drinks in plastic bottles. If you are really desperate, dispose of empty bottles in recycled bins. 3) Stick with biodegradable material whenever possible
4) If you find plastics lying around, pick them up and put them in recycled bins.
5) Remember that littering is prohibited. If you see someone littering, report him or her to the local enforcement authorities.
6) Support campaigns to create public awareness 7) Educate children in homes and schools not to throw plastic rubbish carelessly, especially from buses and cars.
Last night, Minister for Economy and Attorney-General, Aiyaz Sayed-Khaiyum announced new initiatives to combat this rubbish problem when he delivered the 2017-2018 National Budget in Parliament.
From August 1 a 10 cent tax on plastic bags will take effect. This will apply to all retail outlets that have point-of-sale registers.
The objective is to discourage people from using plastic bags. Mr Sayed-Khaiyum said a new Ministry of Waterways will be set up to manage the nation’s waterways to reduce the threat of flooding.
Plastic rubbish contribute to the clogging of drains and flooding, before it is swept out to the sea.
The Government will issue $100 million in “green bonds” to mobilise domestic resources for climate adaptation and environmental protection.
The Government is doing its part to help citizens keep our environment clean.
The onus is on the people to do their part.
All they have to do is very simple – Stop the littering, particularly plastic rubbish.
When we all do it, we will see a dramatic change in our environment. It will become clean and revitalise our natural resources.