By Dillon Goring
Alana Bunbury Walton is now paving the way for the elimination of plastic waste in Guyana, thus creating an eco –friendly environment for the Guyanese community.
During an interview with the Pepperpot Magazine, Walton explained that one of the motivating factors behind the establishment of her own “Jars Zero Waste Store” which is located in the heart of Georgetown is due to impact of the amount of plastic that is indiscriminately disposed into drains, canals and around the city.

“It is no secret with what happens in the way we dispose of garbage and the amount of plastic waste that lines our streets, drains, sea defences and I don’t think that we are at a point where we realise the impact, the deposing of plastic can have on the environment,” she said.
Bunbury explained that one plastic bottle can take as long as 450 years to decompose, and thus this can be more devastating on the environment since there is no plastic as yet for the decomposition of plastic.

Bunbury noted that based on these concerns, she has developed some habits on her own that would seek to bring adjustments to the way she disposes of her garbage, particularly plastic waste.
“ I would take my reusable shopping bags to the supermarket, take it to the store, if I go to buy something I would refuse a plastic bag, just because I don’t want to end up in the landfill, just like any other plastic bag,” Walton told Pepperpot Magazine.

One thing that she believes that can be done to eliminate this problem is the use of reusable bags instead of lots of plastic bags when making a purchase of products at a store.
She advocates that in order to protect the environment, there must be the development of a zero-waste lifestyle.

Plastic Waste adds to the disintegration of waste in the city, thus one has to do his part to preserve the environment and make it a safe place for all.
Protection of the environment should be something taught to children and it should begin in the home.
Zero Waste theories and practices should be something that should be on the curriculum of schools and should be policy implemented by government.

Bunbury has made it clear, that in addition to her Zero Waste, she is also dealing with reusable stainless steel straws, dish washes that are not made of plastic and eco-friendly products.
Bunbury disclosed that she would like to see as much Guyanese as possible adopt the zero waste lifestyle and for her message of protection of the environment to spread across the country.
“Tidy up Detergents is a locally produced brand of products; these include laundry detergents, fabric softeners, dishwashing liquids multipurpose cleaners, antibacterial hand soaps, disinfectants and car wash.Tidy up Detergents is an overseas-based company which has local distributors across the country.There are twelve distributors across the country which has seen a tremendous response,”she said.

Recommendations for Government
The young woman said that there is need for recycling options if Guyana is going to protect the environment.
The setting up of a recycling plant is critical, she believes, while at the same time examining the possibility of educating the nation as it relates, to the proper disposal of waste in the country.
Enforcement of laws regarding littering in Guyana should also be maintained at all times, according to Bunbury.