Government plans to eliminate plastic usage
Government is considering a ban on the use of plastic bags and straws soon as part of their efforts to reduce plastic pollution.
This was revealed in Parliament on Monday by Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment, Lorna Eden.
In her response to the 2018-2019 National Budget in Parliament on Monday, she added the ministry would keep the momentum and action to address plastic pollution.
“In response to the existing situation, our Government will explore and establish the reduction of plastic bags and straws, and control the use of single use plastic bottles,” Ms Eden said.
“The next logical step will be to ban these single use plastic bags and straws all together, and that will come in the not too distant future.”
The current 10 cents levy on single use of plastic bags would increase to 20 cents, she said, and the aim was to discourage the use of plastic bags and encourage citizens to use reusable bags.
“The ministry will strengthen the existing 3R programmes (Reduce, Recycle and Reuse) and this will establish a stronger waste management and pollution control strategy, for Fiji.
“As this Government strives to build a strong climate resilient economy, it is of paramount importance that we continue to build on a foundation that accords a well protected, healthy and valuable environment.”
Edited by Epineri Vula
As this Government strives to build a strong climate resilient economy, it is of paramount importance that we continue to build on a foundation that accords a well protected, healthy and valuable environment Lorna Eden Assistant Minister for Local Government, Housing and Environment