Dear Editor,
I recently returned from a visit to Guyana and was saddened to see the gutters around Georgetown. This pattern was also observed in other areas outside George-town. It would appear that the styrofoam-plastic culture is pervasive throughout − piling up at the sides of streets, in the country and even in remote areas like St Cuthbert’s Mission. I can understand why a little rainfall can cause Georgetown to be flooded. Some people might feel that the use of styrofoam and plastic indicates progress. However, they only pollute our environment.
I spent some time at a very busy restaurant at Camp Street and Brickdam and was shocked to see that styrofoam and plastic were used in almost every sale. The same pattern was also seen in other food outlets in Georgetown. It was disgusting! This problem did not exist when I left Guyana. Cardboard containers were used. Cardboard can be recycled and it is also biodegradeable.
At the hotel where I stayed, plastic bottles were used for juices and for water. I wondered why glass containers were not used. Glass containers could be reused or recycled. It is unfortunate that styrofoam, plastic, glass bottles, cardboard, food scraps and other waste all ended up in the dump.
On a visit to Guyana in 2001, I had a meeting with Mr Hamilton Green, the Mayor of Georgetown, his Medical Officer Dr Shury, and a senior supervisor who is responsible for cleaning the city. I stressed the need to separate garbage into biodegradeable and non biodegradeable items and the use of composting. I also met with Mr Mohandat Goolsarran, a Senior Edu-cation Officer about composting in schools and the enhancement of the school environment.
In my home in Guelph, Ontario, Canada, we have a bowl next to the sink. It is used to collect tea bags, peelings, food scraps, skins, etc. This bowl is emptied regularly in the garden where we have a composter (a bottomless box with a cover). These items are broken down into humus, which is good for the soil. Guelph promotes composting and has the facilities for composting tissues, paper towels, tea bags, peelings, food scraps, etc. The composted material is sold to garden centres and landscaping companies. I feel that the various authorities should promote composting at all levels with advertising, articles in the newspapers, public service promotion and also in schools.
Members of my family and I take canvas bags and boxes when we go shopping for groceries. We also take our own plastic bags for some items. Guyanese should be encouraged to practise similar measures and reuse plastic bags.
A good idea would be for the government to have canvas or cloth bags made and sold for a nominal fee. These reusable bags would definitely reduce the use of plastic bags. I just read that Toronto City Council has passed a new law.
Starting June1, 2009, shoppers will start paying 5 cents for plastic shopping bags. Also, starting immediately, there will be a ban on the sale or distribution of bottled water at City Hall and civic centres.
I feel that a major effort will be needed by government to reduce the use of the plastic and styrofoam in Guyana. Young minds need to be trained and guided to help in seeking alternatives. Every school should practise composting.
It will be a difficult task but it can be done. Teachers must first be trained so that they can do an effective job. The Environmental Sciences Department of the University of Guyana might be able to give assistance. The help of the Canadian government, through programmes like Canadian Executive Service Organization could also be investigated.
Many municipalities across Canada have excellent environmental programmes. If the principle of composting stimulates young minds, they will surely help in convincing adults to carry out that practice in the home.
I would like to see the government impose a fee for every plastic and styrofoam container used by customers.
This will surely force businesses to seek alternatives to these two items, which have created so many problems in Guyana. A reusable cloth bag could be offered at a nominal charge. Public relations should also be a major focus if this programme is to be successful.
The garbage problem is a serious one in Guyana and the government needs to act now!
Yours faithfully,
Hector Lachmansingh
