By Eileen Cox
Many consumers would have been concerned when they read the headline in the Stabroek News of May 28, 2008, ‘Guyana facing grave plastic waste problem,’ but I would bet that not all who read the headline took the trouble to read the text. It is not a new subject. When the Guyana Consumers Association embarked on a Social Responsibility Programme this topic was dealt with in two of the one-hour NCN radio programmes.
Avery Gomes of NCN introduced the topic and the response was good, with concern being focused on the blockage of drains and trenches with plastic.
Owing to the importance of the topic I quote the ending paragraphs.
“The two beverage companies had been part of a national committee formed around May 2002 with a mandate to explore solutions to plastic waste. This committee had also been mandated to come up with a national plan involving a number of regional systems.
“But according to sources all of the meetings and workshops with stakeholders amounted to nothing because the primary problem seems to be financing initiatives to get rid of plastic waste.
“Plastic bottles, Styrofoam food boxes and plastic bags continue to clog drainage systems and waterways in places along the coast. Plastic-bottle littering had turned into one of the biggest environmental challenges for Guyana with an estimated 500,000 plastic bottles discarded each month.
“This was manifested in the 2005 Great Flood, which clearly demonstrated that drainage systems were seriously comprised owing to blockage.
“This newspaper was told that the problem might be tied to trying to find money-making ventures to deal with the issue and this might not be possible.
“Although the amount of plastic in the environment might seem overwhelming, the amounts were not commercially viable when collected and compacted the source pointed out.
“According to information reaching this newspaper, a company based in Barbados had wanted to buy compacted plastic from Guyana and had wanted the Mayor and City Council (M&CC) to play a part in the collection and compaction of plastic waste. However, according to the source the M&CC was uncomfortable with the proposal since it would have meant a lot of money, which the city did not have, being spent on setting up a collection and compaction facilities.
“The source suggested that Guyana’s best bet at the moment might be to devise a system of collection of the recyclable waste and dispose of it in the waste management facilities at Mandela and the imminent Haag Bosch facility without tying economic gain to it.”
The reference to Barbados may be a reference to the Duraplast roofing system which is described in a brochure as “An innovative and exciting new roofing system made in Barbados.”
It offers “A synthetic roofing system with a classic look of slate, durable and long-lasting. “Twenty-five years limited warranty
“Available in a range of colours”
It goes on to describe this as a new roofing solution for the Caribbean:
“The Duraplast roofing system ushers in a new age in durable protection for your home. This innovative and revolutionary roofing system not only replicates the classic and textured look of natural slate but also adds character to any style of home.
“Made in Barbados from recycled PET bottles DURAPLAST Shingles are easy to install require no extensive roof reinforcement and are virtually maintenance free.”
