Fiji Sun

Nasinu School To Ban Use Of Styrofoam Containers

- SHALVEEN CHAND Edited by Percy Kean Feedback: shalveen.chand@fijisun.com.fj

Mr Cathers said it was an environmen­tal and ethical decision. He said the convenienc­e of cheap petroleum-based materials should not excuse harmful practices.

ANasinu school has taken steps to ensure a safer environmen­t by banning the use of polystyren­e or styrofoam containers starting from Term Three.

Internatio­nal School Suva is the first school to take up the initiative.

ISS principal Stephen Cathers said this policy change had input from many people.

“Our students raised this issue many times and a couple of students, in particular, have made it a personal project and advocated for the change,” Mr Cathers said.

“Several parents, including Kate Davey a board member, have pushed to make this shift happen. “The Government’s priority on reducing waste and from single-use plastics and styrofoam containers also encouraged us to take action now.

“Of course, we feel it is a needed change for the world as a whole and so we want to lead and encourage responsibl­e action.”

Mr Cathers said it was an environmen­tal and ethical decision.

He said the convenienc­e of cheap petroleumb­ased

materials should not excuse harmful practices.

“We know that we must move forward continuous­ly to implement planet-friendly and oceanfrien­dly policies in sustainabl­e ways,” the principal said.

It’s certainly a learning process that requires planning and commitment.

“We believe changes like this help our students to think about other global issues and to seek solutions,” he said.

Mr Cathers hopes other schools follow their example.

Polystyren­e or styrofoam is a petroleum-based product and one of the most common known pollutants.

During the National Budget announceme­nt it was noted that the use of single use plastic bags and polystyren­e containers will be phased out by January 2021.

ISS definitely has the right idea.

 ??  ?? Internatio­nal School Suva.
Internatio­nal School Suva.

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