Cost attached to use of plastic bags

CONTINUED use of non-biodegradable plastic shopping bags (PSBs) could mean serious cost implications to the producers and retail businesses like supermarkets and alternative carry bags should be looked at, a Cabinet minister says.
Minister for Environment and Conservation and Climate Change John Pundari said during a consultative meeting with the Lae Chamber of Commerce, Trade and Industry (LCCTI) last week that businesses that import and manufacture non-biodegradable bags in PNG had been given 18 months to come up with alternatives or options before the ban takes effect in November next year.
“If the way forward would continue to involve use of plastic bags then there would be serious cost implications because of the fact that funds will need to be generated to assist the Conservation and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) to enforce the ban to conduct compliance monitoring to ensure that the imports and manufacture of PSBs are really biodegradable and not fakes or imitations,” he said.
Pundari said funds would also be needed to purchase and maintain biodegradable PSB-testing facilities at all ports and import entry points and to pay for awareness and clean-up campaigns.
“But as time is counting down fast, I am pleased that businesshouses in Lae involved in the import and manufacture of PSBs have been meeting with Cepa officials in Port Moresby and are demonstrating a great sense of responsibility in discussing and finding solutions on the way forward.”
The minister, after declaring the campaign to impose a complete ban on the the import, manufacture and use of all PSBs earlier, had started discussions and dialogue with the Chamber of Commerce and business communities.
Members of LCCTI agreed firmly that plastic bags had become a major cause of pollution also raised critical issues, including the lack of compliance to
existing laws on biodegradable PSBs.