The
Federal Ministry of Environment is making plans to phase out the use of
lightweight non-biodegradable plastics like pure water sachets in
Nigeria.
A
top official of the ministry who wished to remain anonymous, told the
News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) yesterday in Abuja that the ministry had
been working with the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation
(UNIDO) since December 2013 to raise awareness of the initiative, and a
draft of the action plan had already been instituted.
"The
next step is to source funds from UNIDO to implement the plan,” he
said. “Once we have funds, we will continue the process of phasing out
heavy non-biodegradable plastics."
The
official admitted that it was impossible to completely ban the use of
non-biodegradable plastics like plastic chairs because of its importance
to society, but he said the ministry will start by phasing out the use
of light weight plastics like pure water sachets and polythene bags,
which have been banned in many countries because of the damage they
cause the environment.
"Countries
like China and South Africa have placed an outright ban on light weight
plastic bags, while some other countries have placed tax levies on the
manufacturers, retailers and buyers of light weight bags.”
The
official added that Nigerian manufacturers will soon be required to
introduce an ‘addictive’ to their products that would reduce the
non-biodegradable component.
The phasing out process will be gradual and environmentally friendly alternatives will be used instead.
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