Banning single-use plastics is a positive move

Dear Editor,
The proposal by the Department of the Environment (DoE) to ban single-use plastics is a brilliant idea to promote a ‘clean and green’ Guyana and, to a large extent, a better world.
Single-use plastics cannot be recycled; when discarded as waste, they do not break down, and remain as permanent pollutants in the environment. For example, a candy wrapper would take at least 100 years to decompose. In fact, it is felt that every bit of plastic ever made is still in existence.
It is therefore clear that such material has no place in Guyana; where, despite the emergence of environmentally damaging practices, our God-given gift of a fresh, beautiful and harmonious natural environment is still largely intact.
I was encouraged by Minister of State Joseph Harmon’s speech at State House to mark Earth Day 2018, because in no uncertain terms he reiterated Government’s commitment to protecting Guyana’s environment. Now it is time for Government to turn these words into action by enacting strong laws to protect the environment, like a ban on single-use plastics.
A lot of harmful things were invented, and came into popular use and were even considered blessings. People were completely unaware that they were dangerous to the environment, and did not know the severity of their impact. Take DDT for example, which can still be found in our water system and earth, and causes the death of many babies, including my mother’s first daughter at the Skeldon Hospital. People gravitated to these things because of convenience and cheapness, but these qualities are minuscule compared with the costs of the extreme harm these things cause to the environment and to human lives.
We now know the serious threat they present, but having knowledge without acting on that knowledge is futile. That is why it is important to support any progressive move by the Government of the day to protect the environment. It is also necessary to put pressure on them to ensure that they transform their verbal commitment into positive action.
Furthermore, if Guyana is to succeed in becoming an environmentally friendly nation, the people have to do their part by limiting or ceasing the use of products that destroy the environment, like plastic bags. Years ago, everything we package in plastic bags today used to be packaged in material that did not destroy the environment, such as paper bags.
It is shameful and hurtful to me personally to see the vast amounts of smelly, unsightly plastic waste being carelessly disposed of all over the country.
After careful consideration, it seems the campaign for hemp growth in Guyana and for hemp products is truly an excellent idea under the circumstances of the destruction of our country and our plight. Hemp is ready for harvesting after just 120 days. The seeds are used to make paint, varnish, ink, detergent and fuel, and even biodegradable plastic.
Minister of Business with responsibility for Tourism, Dominic Gaskin, has spoken about Government’s goal to reduce or eliminate plastic waste by 2020. Therefore, I expect Government to put appropriate incentives in place to reward ‘green’ businesses, and also offer concessions like soft loans or tax breaks to bring new green businesses on stream. This would go a long way to show investors, the business community and the public at large that Government is sincere about creating a clean and green Guyana. There are persons with the means and know-how to move the nation forward in this area, if Government gives positive support, especially by providing suitable incentives.
Imagine how much Government can reduce Guyana’s ‘carbon footprint’ by promoting the use of these fuel-efficient vehicles in vital sectors of the economy.
Imagine how much added value businesspersons and patriots like me can give to the ‘greening’ of Guyana if Government would facilitate and support more green business projects.
I believe Government is truly committed to protecting the environment, and I look forward to the passage of a Bill in Parliament banning the one-use plastics, and even going further by implementing duties and taxes to discourage the importation, manufacture and consumption of environmentally harmful materials.
I also call on Government to give more support and guidance to businesses that promote environmental protection. I am ready, willing and able to accept such support from Government and do my bit to protect the environment of my beloved Guyana.
Apart from taking bold steps to save the environment, I have also noted Government’s efforts to enhance and showcase Guyana by selecting symbols of nationhood. I am referring to the Carifesta carriageway, the Kitty roundabout, erecting arches and more.
These are excellent initiatives, and I hope to see more.

Yours sincerely
Haji Roshan Khan (Sr)