By Felix Matasva
The Zimbabwe Environmental Law Association (ZELA) has called on government to strengthen national policy frameworks through legislating strong policies targeted at reducing plastic pollution in the southern African nation.
The public-interest environmental law organisation said this on Monday, in a statement to commemorate the World Environment Day. This year’s World Environment Day ran under the campaign theme dubbed: #BeatPlasticPollution.
Zela said there is need for government to establish regulations that targets producers and consumers of plastic products.
“The government can play a role in reducing plastic pollution by enacting policies restricting single-use plastics, providing incentives for businesses to develop and use more sustainable packaging materials, and investing in waste management infrastructure,” reads part of ZELA’s statement.
It added: “ZELA calls for promotion of sustainable practices that reduce the reliance on single-use plastic products, such as reusable bags, water bottles, and containers.
“This can be done by encouraging sustainable production and consumption practices and choosing reusable alternatives to disposable plastic items, such as straws, bags, and water bottles.”
In order to deal with plastic pollution Zimbabwe passed the Plastic Bottles and Plastic Packaging Regulations Statutory Instrument 98 of 2010.
In 2015 government also established the Integrated Solid Waste Management Plan which recognizes the need to address plastic waste.
The rights group commended government for postive steps it has taken to fight plastic pollution and promote sustainable practices.
” Although the regulations are commendable, they have not significantly reduced plastic use in Zimbabwe.
“Challenges associated with plastic waste are worsened by the lack of capacity of state institutions to enforce and implement the legislation and the limited knowledge and educational programs among citizens,” ZELA said.
It also challenged local authorities to provide sustainable refuse collection services and minimise the sprouting of refuse dumps at undesignated places.
Businesses that gives priority to environmentally friendly products and practices must be promoted, according to ZELA.
“The production of plastic releases greenhouse gases into the atmosphere while plastic incineration releases even more greenhouse gases. Plastics disrupt marine food chains in aquatic environments, causing the death of marine species. Toxic substances from microplastic contamination extend to freshwater and terrestrial environments as well as food and beverages such as drinking water, which can cause various health problems,” said the public-interest environmental law organisation.
Globally, plastic pollution has been an environmental challenge contributing to the triple planetary crisis that relates to biodiversity and climate change.
According to ZELA, as of 2015, over 380 million tons of plastic were produced worldwide.
An estimated 9% has been recycled and another 12% has been incinerated while the remaining 79% has accumulated in landfills or the natural environment.