Wisynco should have been leading the way

Dear Editor,

I commend the Government and stakeholders, spearheaded by the National Environment and Planning Agency (NEPA), for proposing a ban on plastics, straws and Styrofoam products effective January 1, 2019.

I’m surprised at critics, such as Wisynco’s William Mahfood, who claims the ban went through without proper consultation, and that the timeline for implementation is too short, suggesting that three to five years of warning would’ve been better. Has he been asleep the past decade?

As a manufacturer of these products, don’t tell me he hasn’t been following the news where the damaging impact of plastics and other non-biodegradable products on the environment has been clearly documented. Manufacturers in Jamaica have been given a year to exit production. It is unfortunate that a company such as Wisynco didn’t anticipate this and wants more time.

Surely one would’ve expected a company like Wisynco to be proactive and anticipate the required changes.

In a small island such as Jamaica, the impact of these products on the environment can be even more severe and long-lasting, especially on marine life and ecosystems. We rely heavily on seafood, beaches, tourism.

These products being banned are ending up in our landfills and seas and they are also loaded with harmful chemicals, colourants, and toxins.

We have used boxes, paper and other biodegradable products in the past; we can go back to basics.

Plastic bans began in other countries many years ago to reduce the impact of these products on the environment. Some places charge an environmental tax as a deterrent to those who still prefer to opt for plastic bags in stores. As Minister of Economic Growth and Job Creation Daryl Vaz said, “Legislation is not required to facilitate the ban on single-use plastic bags or polystyrene foam containers.”

I’m really disappointed with Wisynco, one of the largest producers of these products. This is the same company which not long ago, sued one of Jamaica’s largest charity organisations, Heart Foundation of Jamaica, because of alleged misinformation out over the health dangers of high sugar content in some of its products. This suit was, however, withdrawn.

Corporations must become better corporate citizens and be in tune with social issues in order to remain profitable and sustainable. They must be able to adapt. A company such as Wisynco should’ve been the one leading the way on these issues.

Let’s cut the silly talk and start acting more responsibly. We ought to support all efforts to keep our environment (and ultimately our communities) safe and healthy.