Minimise plastic usage

By AVV

3 August 2024

PENAMPANG: While plastic bags offer convenience and practical benefits, their negative impact on the environment cannot be overlooked.

To address this issue, efforts have been made to decrease the usage of plastic bags through measures like implementing plastic bag bans in supermarkets on specific days, imposing fees to discourage their usage, or requiring payment for plastic bags on designated days. Individuals have been encouraged to embrace more sustainable alternatives, such as bringing their reusable bags when going shopping.

A random survey shows the inclination toward a total ban on plastic bag.

Stella Moluntang, a former hotelier now in healthcare, expressed that the implementation of these measures should have been done long ago, but it is never too late as it is beneficial for our global environment.

She stressed the importance of enforcement and suggested that this topic should be included in school curriculums to educate students on maintaining a clean and healthy lifestyle.  She highlighted the significance of instilling awareness of major threats in every child's mindset.

"There are no pros and cons to plastic usage; it is crucial to educate the nation on how we can enhance not only the environment but also our homes."

“By doing so, we can reduce the serious threats to marine life, biodiversity, and climate change caused by open burning of plastic waste, which leads to toxic emissions,” she said adding that it is important for individuals to be mindful of their habits and encouraged the exploration of eco-friendly alternatives like reusable bags to help mitigate the harmful effects of plastic bags on the environment.

Doreen Chin, also a former hotelier agreed saying, ‘If the government is truly committed to eliminating plastic usage, they must address the root of the issue by regulating manufacturers. When considering the pros and cons of implementing a no-plastic policy, some advantages include reducing plastic pollution in the ocean and overall environment, as well as encouraging individuals to use their reusable bags, which is a positive step.”

“However, challenges may arise in certain contexts such as wet markets where items like fish and meats require packaging, necessitating the use of plastic or similar materials. Additionally, plastic remains essential for certain household purposes like managing wet garbage and using products like diapers. It is important to carefully consider these factors when formulating and implementing policies to reduce plastic usage effectively,” she states.

Nathania Mikyle, who works in a firm in Kuala Lumpur said it may be inconvenient for consumers, especially those who do not regularly practice sustainable living.

“While individuals accustomed to sustainable practices may have a shopping bag readily available, others may find it cumbersome, particularly when purchasing items in bulk. I do believe that reducing plastic usage can significantly benefit our environment. It plays a crucial role in decreasing pollution and safeguarding wildlife. Additionally, it catalyzes consumers and businesses to explore alternatives to plastics beyond just plastic bags, such as plastic cutlery and product packaging.”

Kathirina Tati Sitaim a local author believed that decreasing the use of plastic can pave the way for a cleaner environment for future generations. The environmental pollution caused by plastic usage has adverse effects on marine life and human health, presenting challenges to various industries and consumers.

When considering the pros and cons of implementing a no-plastic policy, it may initially pose challenges as customers may need to invest in reusable bags, incurring additional costs, she said adding that over time, however, individuals will adapt to this change, ultimately contributing to the protection of the environment from plastic waste.

“Embracing a no-plastic policy encourages the use of cloth bags or reusable alternatives, thereby aiding in the preservation of a clean environment and reducing the harm inflicted on marine life,” she said.

Normala Lim, a dedicated homemaker, passionately addressed the pressing issue of plastic waste carelessly discarded by irresponsible litterbugs, which significantly contributes to environmental pollution.

She highlighted the crucial need for adopting alternative reusable bags as a sustainable solution to this growing problem. By choosing reusable bags, individuals can actively participate in preserving our environment, especially during rainy days when discarded plastic bags can clog drains, exacerbating the risk of flash floods.

She emphasised the importance of proper waste disposal practices as a vital step in preventing pollution and mitigating the environmental damage caused by plastic waste.

Angeline Boilis, a retiree from a cultural body believed that banning the usage of plastic can help the environment to a certain extent. Only a total banning may potentially help preserve the environment and could encourage the development and use of biodegradable materials as alternatives.

“Nevertheless, it is important to acknowledge that alternatives to plastics may also come with their own set of drawbacks. Some alternatives could have negative environmental impacts or may not be as versatile and cost-effective as plastics, presenting challenges for specific applications like waste disposal or causing economic disruptions and potential job losses.”

“Therefore, the transition away from plastics should be complemented by a comprehensive approach that includes reducing the use of single-use plastics and promoting recycling. This combined strategy may prove to be more effective in combating plastic pollution while mitigating any adverse effects on society and the economy,” Angeline stated.

Salome Dominus, the proprietor of the Treehouse tourism attraction in Tuaran emphasised the importance of minimising plastic usage and shared her proactive approach towards this cause, which she has been implementing for a considerable period. She mentioned practices such as keeping nonwoven shopping bags in her car and foldable shopping bags in her handbag as part of her daily routine. She highlighted the ubiquitous presence of plastic bags in various retail outlets, supermarkets, and malls, often ending up as garbage and contributing to the pollution of our ecosystem, particularly in water villages where plastic waste is dumped into the seas.

She stressed the non-biodegradable nature of plastic bags and the detrimental impact they have on marine life, citing instances of whales found with stomachs full of plastics leading to their demise. Salome advocated for a "no plastic policy" to reduce pollution and safeguard lives, emphasising the potential for a cleaner and healthier environment both on land and in the seas.

While acknowledging the necessity of garbage bags, Salome suggested exploring alternatives or finding ways to minimize their usage. She proposed enhancing the effectiveness of the "no plastic policy" by erecting signage, especially in supermarket and mall parking areas, to remind shoppers to bring their bags. She called for an end to the sale of plastic bags in establishments that no longer provide them for free, urging for more innovative and sustainable solutions to support the success of the "no plastic policy."

Datin Juliana Janni, an entrepreneur and chairperson of PELITA, highlighted the critical need to ban plastic usage to effectively address the ongoing solid waste challenges in our state. She emphasized the significant positive outcomes that such a ban could bring, including enhancing tourism by making local products like baskets more marketable without the competition from plastic alternatives.

This shift would not only benefit rural communities but also create opportunities for village residents and promote citizen education. She highlighted the importance of promptly implementing these changes, noting that people will gradually adapt to the new practices.

To support this cause, she proposed initiatives, including conducting educational talks at the village level and extending them to the highest levels of government, organising awareness programs in government buildings and political events, and integrating environmental subjects into all educational institutions.

These efforts would be geared towards educating individuals about the environmental impact of solid waste, particularly non-biodegradable plastics, and fostering a greater understanding of the importance of sustainable practices.

Entrepreneur Hirna Tahir stated that banning plastic bags is a positive step as they are non-recyclable and non-biodegradable, leading to environmental pollution. Hirna emphasised the importance of avoiding plastics and suggested exploring alternative options whenever feasible to help protect our environment.

Recently assistant minister in the Chief Minister’s Department Datuk Abidin Madingkir expressed his hope that the State capital’s ban on single-use plastic bags starting August 1, would be implemented across the state.

He also encouraged the City Hall to enact by-laws that would enable them to enforce the band in the future. Abidin is a former mayor of Kota Kinabalu.