Campaign to ban plastics gaining momentum

THE campaign to ban the import, manufacture and use of plastic shopping bags in PNG is gaining momentum and support, Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (CEPA) managing director Gunther Joku says.
Joku spoke about it at a voluntary plastic wastes clean-up at the Ela Beach area and Roku Village towards Papa and Lealea in Central on Saturday.
The clean-up was part of an ongoing campaign in the National Capital District (NCD) and parts of Central through a partnership between CEPA, NCD Commission and Japanese International Cooperation Agency (JICA) which started in May for the Apec Leaders’ Summit.
Joku said the campaign was part of a bigger vision by the government to ban the import, manufacture and use of all plastic shopping bags by next year.
“Minister for Environment, Conservation and Climate Change John Pundari made the announcement for the ban – that’s the government’s stance,” Joku said.
“No more plastic bags after the ban.
“It will be bilums, baskets and paper bags alone and since the announcement to ban was made in May by the minister, there is overwhelming support from industries, businesses, our development and multilateral and bilateral partners, non-governmental organisations, civil societies and most importantly, our citizens,” Joku said.
He said audits on plastic waste were also being conducted during the campaign to identify the different types os plastic found.
“The audit will then help us to know the different types of plastics and their quantity which will then help us to identify their sources,” Joku said.
“This will help us in terms of putting together our national waste management policy.”