KENYA – The National Environment Management Authority (NEMA) has called on small business operators to avoid using flimsy paper bags to package their merchandise and embrace the use of recommended biodegradable bags that are friendly to the environment.
NEMA through its Rapid Environmental Response Unit (RERU) conducted a crackdown in Eldoret town targeting bakeries and shops using banned plastic bags.
The agency also checked through petrol stations, hotels and milk processing factories to ensure they comply with the law by obtaining a valid Effluent Discharge Licence (EDL).
The swoop was intended to contain the discharge of hazardous waste into the environment which will further pollute rivers and other water sources.
Eldoret, Uasin Gishu County NEMA Director of Environment Solomon Kihiu said that plastics pose a serious threat to the environment and urged members of the public to embrace the use of the recommended biodegradable bags to package their products.
He noted that there was a defined procedure for manufacturers and all users of plastic bags who are supposed to apply for clearance to be allowed to use the recommended plastic bags.
“The polythene bags are causing a lot of harm to our environment, we have seen flooding in our cities, and it is because these polythene bags block storm drains,” said Mr. Kihiu.
NEMA Regional Director for Rift Valley Njoki Mukiri who led a team from the authority’s headquarters affirmed that the banned plastic bags are coming back slowly through porous borders and noted that they would embrace a multi-agency approach to sustain the operations to ensure the plastics bags do not get back in the market.
Earlier last month, Sustainable Packaging Africa Magazine noted that banned plastic carrier bags are steadily making a comeback to the Kenyan markets.
Small business operators trading in vegetables, tomatoes, onions and sugarcane are still using plastics that were banned six years ago.
Those using them have, however, heightened their attention claiming that the state did not provide them with an alternative. They say authorities banned plastic carrier bags and they were not given alternatives.
Meanwhile, a recent study has labeled the rise in plastic pollution in the country as due to donated clothing.
According to a recent study by the Netherlands-based Changing Markets Foundation, a large portion of the apparel imported into the nation is composed of petroleum-based materials, including polyester, or is in such a horrible condition that it cannot be donated.
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