Positive feedback after plastic ban

By CLARISSA MOI
CONSERVATION and Environment Protection Authority (Cepa) says it has received good feedback since the ban on single-use plastic shopping bags came into effect in March.
Speaking during the commemoration of Coral Triangle Day celebration at Tahira marine station, Bootless Bay, outside Port Moresby on Friday, deputy managing director Dilu Muguwa said the spill-over effects of that initiative would go towards their efforts in marine conservation.
“We thank the Minister (Wera Mori) for taking a bold stand in addressing the issue of plastic bags in the country,” he said.
“Cepa is behind this initiative and an environmental protection team is going around the country to make sure that we basically address the importation and the use of plastic bags.
“So far, the results have been good and the spill-over effects of regulating and managing the importation and use of plastic bags will spill over to our efforts towards marine conservation.”
Muguwa said according to data received, there were about 8,000 tonnes of plastic packaging and plastic bags that were floating around in the ocean. “That goes to destroying the marine life and environment. So this year’s theme is to raise awareness about the negative impacts plastic bags have on the marine environment.”