Global Plastic-Free Day: Wake-Up Call for Sustainable Solutions

On July 3rd, the world observed Global Plastic-Free Day, highlighting the challenges posed by plastic pollution and exploring eco-friendly alternatives. This year, the focus was on paper bags as a potential solution to reduce our environmental impact.

The State of Plastic Pollution in Mauritius

Plastic waste management is a major issue in Mauritius. According to data provided by the Mauritius Chamber of Commerce and Industry (MCCI) in its March 2022 roadmap, the island generates around 120,000 tons of plastic waste annually.

Only 2.5% of these plastics are recycled, while nearly 60% are sent to Mare-Chicose, the main landfill site on the island.

The Mauritius Plastic Challenge, launched in March 2023, recovered over five tons of plastic from nature, underscoring the urgency of addressing plastic pollution.

Paper Bags as an Alternative to Plastic Bags

Anastasia Phyndiah, a representative from a printing company, noted that paper bags are often presented as an alternative to plastic bags due to their biodegradability and renewable nature.

Unlike plastic bags, paper bags decompose quickly in the environment and are made from sustainable resources like wood from responsibly managed forests.

However, a retailer points out that paper bag production also is posing environmental challenges, requiring significant water and energy consumption, as well as potentially harmful chemicals.

Paper bags are also less durable than plastic bags and may not be suitable for carrying heavy or wet items.

Despite some drawbacks, paper bags offer significant advantages. Made from recycled materials, they are biodegradable and decompose much faster than plastic bags, which can persist for centuries.

The best strategy for reducing our environmental impact remains reducing our consumption of bags altogether, whether made of paper or plastic, and adopting reusable and recyclable alternatives.

Collective and individual actions are playng a crucial role in sustainable waste management.

Current Regulations to Reduce Plastic Use

The government has implemented several legislative measures to limit plastic use and promote eco-friendly alternatives.

These regulations are part of a legislative framework aimed at reducing plastic pollution and promoting environmentally friendly practices.

The Environment Protection (Control of Single-Use Plastic Products) Regulations came into effect on January 15, 2021.

This legislation prohibits the possession, use, distribution, importation, and manufacture of ten non-biodegradable single-use plastic products, including straws, plates, and packaging containers.

Since April 15, 2021, non-biodegradable plastic straws, plates, and containers for packaging food items such as fruits, vegetables, dholl puri, and pastries have been banned.

The Environment Protection (Banning of Plastic Bags) Regulations have been in effect since March 1, 2021, prohibiting non-biodegradable plastic bags.

These regulations have been strengthened since January 15, 2022 with the ban on non-biodegradable cups and bowls for packaging food products, as well as non-biodegradable plates for packaging fresh cooked or pre-cooked food.

Penalties for Non-Compliance

Penalties for non-compliance with these regulations vary depending on the nature of the offense:

• Possession or use other than for commercial purposes: Fine up to Rs 2,000 for a first offense and Rs 5,000 for a repeat offense.
• Use and possession for commercial purposes: Fine up to Rs 20,000 for a first offense and Rs 100,000 with imprisonment up to three months for a repeat offense.
• Importation: Fine up to Rs 50,000 for a first offense and Rs 100,000 with imprisonment up to two years for a repeat offense.
• Manufacturing: Fine up to Rs 100,000 for a first offense and Rs 250,000 with imprisonment up to two years for a repeat offense.

Source: l’Express