Environmental Networking Platform for Children and Youth by SAMSUNG E&A
Stay connected with Eco-generation :
| Share 
| 
- Home >
- Our Actions >
- Ambassador report
9
Comments
HOW EFECTIVE IS THE BANNED OF NON-BIODEGRADABLE PLASTICS IN CAMEROON. |
|---|
|
When the government of Cameroon decided to ban non –biodegradable plastics on reasonable environmental grounds that clog water ways, spoil the landscape and end up in landfills which takes thousands years to breakdown into particles that pollute the soil and water. We all celebrated it as an environmental breakthrough and new era of environmentalism in Cameroon without asking, how effective this would be? When we took a survey of some few people, in the capital city of Yaoundé as a way of celebrating the World Environmental Day approaching. We realized the ban by government through the Ministry of Environment, Protection of Nature and Sustainable Development on the sale of non –biodegradable sacks in the country since April 2014 which i reported about is yet to have the desired impact. We see it as just a policy on paper for the situation has not really change-old habits of stockpiles of plastics persisting in most neighborhoods.
First of all, biodegradable plastics are very rare in the markets and very expensive since there were few plants involve in their production. Since the time of the ban just a handful of companies /enterprises respect the ban like the pharmacies may be because of their high level of turnovers and market monopoly. Secondly, the Ministry proposes an alternative way of packaging through the use of banana/plantain leaves which is impossible in the 21st century and somehow could be partially applicable only in rural areas. Some businesses like provision stores and cold stores are using newspapers but most at times problematic with customers who buy in bulk. Thirdly, the government did not give companies in charge of producing plastic bags / packages the time to change their production strategies or subsidize the production of these biodegradable bags, because till date some are still producing non –biodegradable bags through black market outlets. Lastly, the government did not consider the effect of neighboring countries around Cameroon such as Nigeria, Chad, and Gabon.He neglected their impact on this very important environmental policy. There has been a great influx of non- biodegradable plastics from these countries through black market outlets into the country since they are becoming rare and in high demand. Finally, the government did not adequately consider the advice of experts and advocates enough on this campaign for enough sensitization was not been done. Normally, sensitization for such a program should be done for years but in this case it lasted for months without enough personnel in the field. TUNZA and Fellow ambassadors should guide us on how we could help our government to restructure this wonderful environmental policy that would benefit the future generation |
|
|
|
|
Previous : Green puts UAE in world's ...
9 Comments
Dear Azieh, I appreciated about your research on the effectiveness of government policy to ban non degradable plastic bags. Without proper alternative implemented policy will be limited only in papers.
I view diverting the plastic manufacturing industries to green bags manufacturers like multiple use cotton bags, fiber bags etc producing will be one of the viable solution.
As when the production is in surplus amount the product cost minimizes and people can afford degradable, multiple use plastic bags.
Posted 10-04-2015 20:46
Thanks for the interesting article on the banning of non-degradable plastics. Arushi made good points, but it may be hard for the government to spend funds on subsidies and buying up non-degradable plastics. I totally agree with Anthonys and Christy's point, and furthermore I think it might be a good idea for the government to legalize non-degradable plastics but put a tax which will make it cheaper to buy degradable-ones. Since many people may not be convinced (informed) that non-degradable plastics should be banned, the law will be simply not be obeyed, as in the case of many environmental laws in many countries, including often mine. However, posing a tax (to pay for the consequences in the environment) may bring better results, as it the tax implies itself the environmental reason of its existence, and also may raise funds for the further development of degradable plastics or further measures if needed.
Posted 10-04-2015 16:41
In my opinion, the recycling infrastructure must be placed in entire country.
Secondly awareness campaigns, incentives etc. must be introduced. The incentives may be funded by earning from recycling.
Thirdly, Use of Jute Bags may be increased. So that people carry their own bags for shopping.
Fourth point, a fee per bag may be charged by supermarkets so that the usage of plastic is reduced.
Fifth, The arm of law must be strengthened to punish the violators. Members of public may be involved in naming & shaming them.
It is for our Mother Earth. And our future gens will be hugely benefitted.
Posted 10-04-2015 12:46
Thank you Azieh for the nice news from Cameron it is a very nice decision since us African countries we are not yet able to Recycle most of our garbage. Thank you fot sharing the article
Posted 10-04-2015 11:35
Thanks for sharing your opinion on the non-biodegradable plastics. When I first heard of the news of the ban from you, though I was happy for the policy but I was also wondering about the possibility to adapt the policy immediately. I fully agree with the policy itself, but adapting the policy needs lots of steps that we should go through. Even one man's habit cannot be made in a day, and this policy needs people's habit change. They have to have awareness campaign and give some time to the market to embrace the policy.
We hope the Cameroon can succeed in this policy and become an environmental pioneer in the African continent! All the best, Cameroon!
Posted 09-04-2015 16:41
Thank you Azieh for the update on your recent report on banning non-degradable plastics. The analysis was perfect and I could see what was exactly going on. I double agreed your each point.
As Arushi and Anthony made good points about your issue, I would like to add only one more point on it. If manufacturers are forced to use only degradable plastics or banana/plantain leaves, then I would love to see start-ups which are specialized in making derived wrappings made of them in low cost.
Posted 08-04-2015 13:43
Hi Azieh
Policy making is not always the issue but its implementation like you rightly pointed out. Arushi has said it all I guess. people sometimes need sanctions to comply with government policies and am sure a steep one will shy them off the practice.
Posted 08-04-2015 07:55
Your govt should encourage manufacturers or producers of bio degradable plastics by offering subsidies or by offering free land portion to set up production. Non biodegradable plastic still available in market should be bought by govt by paying to the retailers who have these so that there is no more circulation in market. Anyone found using or selling in non biodegradable plastic should be fined. There is a dire need to really put some measures in place to make the ban effective.
Thanks for highlighting the issue here.
Posted 08-04-2015 05:11
Your advice to help our government restruture this program is of great importance to me and my country friends.thanks.
Posted 08-04-2015 02:08