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Plastic ban an investment for the future

Published:Thursday | July 11, 2019 | 12:11 AM

THE EDITOR, Sir:

I am pleased that the Government has taken the initiative to address the amount of plastic waste in Jamaica. This is evidence of increased consciousness among Jamaicans concerning our responsibility to the environment in safeguarding the future.

The negative impact of plastics on the environment is unquestionable. Some plastics make their way into the ocean, streams and waterways, and result in the continued deterioration of our environment and health in the long term.

Improper disposal of plastic also causes destruction to life and property, especially our marine life. This is of particular concern to a country such as Jamaica, where tourism is the mainstay of the economy, since destruction of the environment is likely to result in a decline in economic stability.

With plastic threatening our environment, the time is right for us to find suitable alternatives. The reduction in the use of plastic created by the ban will spur greater effort to manufacture alternatives to plastic locally. The production of alternatives is likely to cost more, but it is a small price to pay in order to protect the environment and reduce plastic pollution.

MARTINA WADDELL

amelia_waddell@hotmail.com