Dear Editor,
This year’s Earth Day theme is “Planet vs. Plastics”. In honour of our planet and in support of the global push to preserve its sustainable future we should all look at ways to reduce the use of plastics. Whether it be by using only biodegradable and recyclable materials for the school feeding programme, or by establishing recycling facilities in each region where plastics are collected and processed for use in other areas, we must embrace the global initiative to reduce the use of plastics.
In today’s environment micro plastics have been found in the ocean and seafood. This has caused cardiovascular problems and the pollution continues to increase. Guyana’s current stage of development allows for the country to leapfrog these problems and focus on the newly developed alternatives being used to combat the problem of plastic. Glass has been a better alternative to plastic when it comes to the direct impact on the environment, but transportation costs have made plastics more attractive to large companies. This has given rise to new products such as boxed water products that allow for a biodegradable solution. The world is beginning to once again embrace paper products for packaging alternatives to help combat the extensive use of plastics. New technology has enabled producers to make products that are sturdier and more durable.
The government can play a major role in reducing plastic use through restrictions in imports and the development of local biodegradable products. Bottled water being a fertile area for such an initiative. The packaging used by the fast food industry can also be positively impacted by such regulations.
Our ecotourism credentials will be boosted as we implement such legislation that supports the global push for the reduction of plastics. Let’s do our part in achieving a 60% reduction by 2040. If we truly believe in our role as environmental stewards, we should help lead this initiative by providing a stellar example of how to live and thrive with the minimal use of plastics.
Best regards,
Jamil Changlee
Chairman
The Cooperative Republicans of Guyana
