Plastic free

FIJI was supposed to have banned single-use plastic bags from the beginning of this year. It is very disappointing to find what a short-lived memory many have of this.

You buy a few items at a supermarket such as onions or carrots and the weigh-in staff will immediately reach for a large, thick plastic bag; they are very reluctant to give you the price sticker alone.

I go into my local bread shop with my tea towel or fabric bag dedicated to carrying my bread in and other customers look at me as if I’m out of my mind. This doesn’t faze me in the slightest. What does is how they walk out with loaves in plastic bags, as if nothing has changed.

Where is the conscience of our nation? I see how people are not bothered spending money to buy supermarket bags when they only need to carry a few fabric bags with them. It’s heartbreaking.

There’s clearly not enough awareness about the impact plastics have on our environment. There is a mindset which needs to be changed.

Eight million tonnes of plastic enters our ocean each year. It is estimated that by 2050 there will be more plastic than fish in the ocean. Achieving a plasticfree environment will help Fiji’s marine life as well its tourism industry.

JULIE SUTHERLAND Tamavua, Suva

Making bridges and building stronger relationships

Creating trusting bonds and harmonizing peace

Alleviating stress boosting immunity

Smile is a therapy adding happiness

Promoting everlasting positivity

Subtracting sorrowful sadness

Expelling total negativity Smile is a mirror reflecting back equally Brightening life Destroying toxic thoughts and ideas

Smile links possibilities and probabilities

Smile an instant face-lift Without any superficial make-up

Smile enriches the receiver And enhances the giver Smile is the symbol

Of love, affection, warmth and care

Smile from the heart reaches the heart

Smile to heal and heal with smiles

MAHARAJ KUMARI BHINDI LBE, Nasinu and