Jamaica Gleaner

I’m fully behind plastic ban

- ANGELLA WILSON wiksonangi­e@gmail.com

THE EDITOR, Sir:

THOUGH SOME are decrying the ban on single-use plastic bags, plastic straws, and styrofoam, which took effect on January 1, 2019, I want to say that I am fully in support of the Government’s decision.

We should all come on board and support this move as it is a step in the right direction in protecting the environmen­t.

The oceans and our beautiful beaches are crying out. The situation is so bad that plastic accumulati­on zones have been set up offshore in different parts of the world to rid the oceans of plastic debris.

It is estimated that 1.15-2.41 million tonnes of plastic enters the oceans each year. This is very alarming and has serious consequenc­es not just for marine animals, but also for us humans.

The Government will be distributi­ng 30,000 environmen­tally friendly bags in market districts in an effort to help in the transition process. This is not enough, but there are supermarke­ts, stores, and other entreprene­urial ventures that are ready to fill the gap. Let us support them, and in doing so save our environmen­t.

The impact of plastic waste on the environmen­t is real. The good news is that it is not too late to protect our environmen­t. Let us not make this a political issue, but work together to make it a success.

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