– Environment Ministry launches stakeholders consultation ahead of 2014 ban

THE Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment yesterday hosted a stakeholders consultation on styrofoam products at Duke Lodge, Kingston, ahead of the impending government ban on these products.

When styrofoam comes into contact with heat, it releases toxic substances that lead to cancer, so it’s carcinogenic. It is also non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled, so it can only be used once.

The event was attended by Minister of Natural Resources and the Environment, Robert Persaud; Minister of Tourism, Industry and Commerce(ag) Irfaan Ali; President of the Georgetown Chamber of Commerce and Industry Clinton Urling; members of the diplomatic community and other invited guests.
The Ministry of Natural Resources and the Environment organised the consultation to inform stakeholders about the progress the ministry has been making in light of the impending ban in June 2014 of polystyrene products, also known as styrofoam, which is a trademarked brand of a polystyrene foam product. The consultation also sought to solicit from stakeholders their views as well as possible concerns.

NON-BIODEGRADEABLE & CARCINOGENIC

Ministry officials, in disseminating some background information on styrofoam, noted that in 2007 styrofoam was found to make up to 2% of the total waste stream. They also informed that when it comes into contact with heat, it releases toxic substances that lead to cancer. It is also non-biodegradable and cannot be recycled, so it can only be used once.

MINIMAL EFFECT ON BUSINESSES
In his address, Mr. Urling of the GCCI noted that the impending ban on styrofoam will not have any significant effect on businesses, except for the food industry which will have to adjust to using safer alternatives.
Urling remarked that his business, German’s Restaurant, has already taken the initiative and embraced alternatives to Styrofoam. He described the transition

as being very easy and said that the alternatives are readily available.

PEOPLE PROBLEM
He cautioned, however, against a perception that banning styrofoam and introducing alternatives will somehow magically reduce the waste situation. He noted that this is a people problem that will only change when people stop littering. Towards this end, he proposed a comprehensive campaign that will include changing people’s attitudes.
Meanwhile, Minister Irfaan Ali congratulated his colleague Minister Robert Persaud for taking the bold initiative to ban styrofoam, which may not be popular, but is necessary to showcase Guyana as a green economy. He stressed the need for penalties and incentives as well as enforcement to ensure that this initiative becomes a success.
Finally, Ali stated that this is the time to take action on the waste disposal problem that Guyana is facing.
And Minister Persaud noted that the term “ban” evokes negative memories from the country’s past, but from time to time public representatives such as ministers have to take responsible and sometimes tough decisions in the interest of public health. He says that people shouldn’t see this ban as taking away something from them, but rather as an opportunity to come up with innovative alternatives, which will create jobs and help grow the economy.

CHANGE OF ATTITUDES
Persaud emphasised that he agrees with Urling about the need for people to change their attitudes in this regard, but his ministry cannot do it alone. He said that if this initiative is to succeed it needs the cooperation of citizens who need to realise that they have the power and authority.
He also referred to the use of plastic bottles and said that they are working with beverage companies to find an acceptable solution. The minister further noted that the Opposition in parliament (APNU and AFC) had quashed the regulations his ministry had proposed to deal with this issue, but he encouraged the public to support those businesses that have already taken the initiative to discard styrofoam products in exchange for alternatives that are more environmentally friendly.

INTERACTIVE SESSION
During the interactive session, the invited guests contributed many constructive ideas to move the process forward. Most of them called for a comprehensive solution, but some saw the implementation period as being too short since there is need for some time in order to test the recyclability of the alternative products, before deciding on a particular one.
Other ideas that were brought forward included clarification on whether the ban includes only the importation or use of styrofoam, or both, as well as the availability of facilities where people can put garbage in, which are currently very limited.

(By Jimmy Roos)