Plastic is destructive

THE EDITOR, Madam:

There is need for there to be the effective control and recycling of plastic containers as part of Jamaica’s overall strategy for sustainable development. The first recommendation is that it should be mandatory that all manufacturers and distributors put in place a system to pay for the return of these containers. Second, consumers who refuse to return them and instead use them to pollute the environment should be penalised. Third, the government should ensure that all raw materials used in the manufacture are biodegradable. This must be monitored by the Bureau of Standards and the Fair Trading Commission.

The government in collaboration with the consumer movements and other relevant non-governmental organisations mount a campaign to get consumers to purchase only those plastic goods that have returnable monetary value. The government should also strengthen existing laws and institute new ones to discourage vessels dumping waste off the coast of Jamaica.

A law needs to be promulgated that focuses on a broad-based industrial policy encompassing water, air quality, proper garbage disposal. Further science and technology should be used in the whole process. Investments that are conforming to friendly atmosphere, compatible with sustainable developmental goals should be encouraged. It is a disgrace how plastic is being used. This is hostile to a friendly environment and works strongly against the type of sustainable development to which the country should aspire.

Jamaica is threatened to be overrun by garbage – according to estimates the island’s annual solid waste production is approximately one million tonnes. Over 70 per cent of the garbage on the beaches in Jamaica are plastic bottles and Styrofoam. The serious implications are that these damage the reefs, kill the fishes and clog the drains.

Burning of plastic emits toxic fumes into the atmosphere and damage the ozone layer and poisons the air quality. Although it would require massive capital investment, a recycling plant would bring tremendous economic benefits for Jamaica. The Commonwealth Fund or the Afreximbank could be one means of funding for such a major project. Plastic such as bleach bottles can be recycled into plastic lumber to make garden furniture, underground pipes, toys, pails, drums, liners, kitchen boards, trash cans and signs. I challenge the banks and others within the private sector to explore the possibilities in this area. This potential waste can become a multi-billion-dollar industry.

ROBERT DALLEY

robertdalley1r@proton.me