04 June 2008Biodegradable Shopping Bags
GISBVI Government Encourages the use of Biodegradable Shopping Bags
Government launched its re-usable bag initiative on Monday at a press conference at the Joseph Reynold O’Neal Botanic Gardens to address and reduce the impact of plastic bags on the environment.
According to Chief Conservation and Fisheries Officer Mr. Bertrand Lettsome, “None of the plastic bags in the Virgin Islands are recyclable. Plastic bags don’t biodegrade. When we dispose of plastic in the environment they breakdown into smaller and smaller toxic bits contaminating soil and waterways.”
Mr. Lettsome said that many marine animals die annually from eating discarded plastic bags mistaken for food. “This is harmful to them and the problem must be addressed. We must protect our environment and preserve its future. We must change our behaviour if we want to improve aesthetics, human and animal life to preserve the generations to come.”
This initiative is a collaborative effort between the Office of the City Manager and industry partners such as Road Town Wholesale and Rite Way Food Markets, One-Mart Superstore and Bobby’s Supermarket. The companies, also present at Monday’s press conference, praised the environmental-friendly initiative and pledged their continued commitment to making the environment safe and clean. They will promote the use of recyclable bags, designed for customers to re-use for shopping and carrying groceries.
First Bank of the Virgin Islands is also participating in this initiative and will be distributing re-usable Green Bags at various local supermarkets. Their goal is to encourage people to think about preserving the environment.
Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Natural Resources and Labour Mr. Clyde Lettsome said, “Supermarkets are major sources of plastic bags and Government is pleased that these organisations have joined in the fight for a cleaner and safer environment.” He said it is everyone’s responsibility to address the problem and the project could be a sustainable solution, but it must be a team approach.
On June 6, persons from the community including musicians, pastors, government representatives and Miss BVI 2007 will bag customers’ groceries for one hour at participating supermarkets. They will also promote the use and benefits of reusing the biodegradable bags to be distributed to shoppers.
The permanent secretary said, “When bags are reused at the various supermarkets, it entitles customers to receive a discount of 10 cents each time they return to any of the participating markets with their bags.” The 10 cents and a shopper’s receipt make them eligible for quarterly prize drawings.
The re-usable bag initiative will be implemented only in the Road Town supermarkets and later expanded to other communities. This initiative is in keeping with Environment Month, which is being celebrated throughout June.
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