Together we can #EndPlasticPollution
“Of all the waste we generate, plastic bags are perhaps the greatest symbol of our throwaway society. They are used, then forgotten, and they leave a terrible legacy”- Zac Goldsmith.
The EPA kick-started Earth Day 2018 celebrations targeting this truth through a reusable bag initiative. Seven major supermarkets came on board with the EPA to minimize the amount of single-use plastic bags being used by customers. Customers at Massy, Bounty, DSL, Budget, Survival, Real Value and Mattai’s supermarkets were able to get reusable shopping bags with their purchases. The first twenty customers who took their own reusable bags to each of those stores were also able to receive special prizes for their decision to join the campaign against plastic pollution.
At the official Earth Day opening ceremony, conducted by the Department of Environment in collaboration with the EPA, we were reminded of the relevance of this campaign for our nation, even from the voices of children. Government ministers and international leaders voiced their commitment to protecting our waters, land, biodiversity; and safeguarding human health. So why stop now? Can we envision a green state without thinking about plastic pollution?
The journey ahead
The drive to choose reusable over disposable did not end on April 22, but will continue until this problem is fully arrested. This goal, which has seen success in both developed and developing nations, is certainly attainable in our beautiful country. But how do we get to the pinnacle of success? This journey to end plastic pollution will require a strong political will under a global framework to regulate plastic pollution.
• Citizens must be educated and mobilised to take personal responsibility for the plastic pollution that each one of us generates by choosing to refuse, reduce, reuse, recycle and remove plastics.
• Be actively engaged in consultations for decision-making; and we must work with universities, school teachers and organisations and networks to build an effective platform to End Plastic Pollution by developing resources that others can use, and build partnerships.
• We must promote the work that our city and local government are doing to tackle plastic pollution. Journalists must be empowered to report on the problem and its emerging solutions.
How to make earth day everyday
If you feel compelled to join the fight to drastically reduce plastic pollution, you will first need to know where you stand now. Do you know how many plastic items you have been buying and discarding? You can try to calculate your total yearly consumption of plastic products. That is the first step to make a plan to reduce your plastics pollution footprint. You can start thinking of items typically discarded after 30 days of the original purchase date. You may also want to evaluate your use and disposal of more long-term items made of plastic. These might include consumer electronics, vehicles, furniture, construction material, and clothing.
After you know where you stand, you can try a simple 5R plan to reach your goal. The first R would be to Reduce your consumption of plastics. This includes refusing plastic items you feel are not necessary. You can also reuse some of the plastic items you already have. Try some upcycling or repurposing to keep something out of the trash. Another option is to recycle the plastic you do use,, and making sure you are doing so properly. The final R is removal of plastic that is already in the environment. As you put more and more of these actions into practice, you will discover that they become habitual and second nature. They will also bring you satisfaction. After all, you will not only be contributing to the solution of a serious planetary problem, but you will also be creating a better living environment for yourself and others. Once you adopt these practices into your life, you will truly be a part of the campaign to end plastic pollution!
Please remember your other earth-friendly actions; choose sustainable energy options such as renewable energy; conserve our water resources, and do not discharge any dangerous substances into waterways; ensure that your waste is disposed of in the right way; buy local produce and avoid unnecessary packaging; contribute to the upkeep of a green space; ditch your motor vehicle for short distances; and participate in community projects for environmental protection, or join an environmental club.
The EPA extends congratulations to our six (6) Radio quiz winners:
1. Gillian Phillips;
2. Mary Sunich;
3. Uttamkumar Isurdeen;
4. Cora Hamer;
5. Sharon Harris; and
6. Monifa Gillis.
You can also share with us your plans to go plastic free. Earth Day, Everyday.
You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O ECEA Programme, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at: [email protected] or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.
