OUR world is evolving rapidly. Over the past decade, there have been unprecedented changes not only in our environment but also in the areas of health, science and technology, consumption patterns, even the way we socialise.

We have become accustomed to convenience and living in the fast lane; we are always on the go. Moreover, we have grown accustomed to plastic products; they make up almost everything we own. Plastics, however, while they are useful, cheap and easily accessible, have had long-term consequences on our health and the environment.

Moreover, single-use plastics have become very problematic and plastic pollution has now become a global problem. Therefore, regulation and appropriate systems to deal with plastic pollution have to be implemented. Guyana will, therefore, join with countries around the world to ban some single-use plastic products commencing, January 2021.

Consequently, your contribution is vital to this process. The Agency invites you to join the consultations in your area, participate in the social media campaigns and share your views on the proposed ban.

In this regard, the EPA will be having a series of newspaper articles, radio and TV programmes and other exciting fora throughout the year to engage the public on this very important issue.

What are single-use plastics?
Single-Use Plastic Products are:
* intended to be used once;
* petroleum-based, made of polystyrene/Low Density (LD) Polyethylene;
* environmentally persistent; and
* low recycling potential.

Who does the impending ban target?
The proposed ban is on the importation, manufacture, distribution and use of SINGLE-USE PLASTIC CARRIER BAGS AND OTHER SINGLE-USE PLASTIC PRODUCTS including plastic plates, food containers, cups, straws, and utensils (spoons, knives, forks), beginning in 2021.

Items targeted for the ban
• Plastic carrier bags
• Plastics straws
• Plastic cups
• Plastic plates
• Plastic food containers
• Plastic spoons, knives & forks

Items to be exempted
SUP for;
• The storage of garbage
• Packaging of pharmaceuticals
• Packaging of hygiene products
• Storage/preservation of food
• Packaging of industrial chemicals
• Use in scientific research, biomedical sciences, chemical analysis.

Follow us on Facebook, Instagram and YouTube or join a consultation in your area to learn more about the impending single-use plastic products and how you can be prepared.
Photo credit: google images

You can share your ideas and questions by sending letters to: “Our Earth, Our Environment”, C/O Communications Department, Environmental Protection Agency, Ganges Street, Sophia, GEORGETOWN, or email us at eit.epaguyana@gmail.com or follow us on Facebook and Instagram.