The Green Economy Committee of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry (GCCI) wants the private sector to use its influence to find solutions to plastic pollution and educate residents of the city about the dangers of littering.
As part of its campaign, committee members Shaleeza Shaw, Eon Stephens and Melanie McTurk paid a courtesy call on Executive Director of the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) Kemraj Parsram and his team, according to a GCCI release. It said Shaw explained that the visit was part of the Green Economy Committee’s week of activities to commemorate World Environment Day 2023 under the theme “Stop Plastic Pollution.”
The release noted that the Green Economy Committee, “examined potential areas for collaboration on ways to encourage reduced plastic consumption or plastic recycling while adapting such incentives to the Guyanese context.” It was acknowledged that the private sector should use its power to advocate for solutions to plastic pollution and, more importantly, to promote a non-littering culture among citizens, as littering which is “far too common,” has ruined the beauty of the capital city, clogged its drainage systems, and endangered animal life.
The team noted that education was key for residents to understand that such habits compromise urban tourism and affect urban wildlife. Reference was made to Georgetown having one of the highest bird counts in the world, which draws many bird watchers.
The disposal of solid waste in the form of appliances and construction debris was also discussed, the release said.
At the end of the meeting, the committee members presented the EPA Executive Director with a t-shirt, cap, and bag, used in this year’s World Environment Day 2023 walk. Parsram in turn welcomed the visit and stated that his team was pleased with the interest shown by the GCCI and its willingness to render its support, the release added.
