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TAS Weekly: What’s plastic got to do with your future?

A lot, considering the long-term implications of plastic production, use and disposal on our environment, our health as well as societal well-being

TAS News Service

info@thearabianstories.com

Friday, July 19, 2024

The answer to that question hangs like the Damocles sword. For, despite the glaring effects of the menace called plastic, we routinely expect supermarket baggers to pack our purchases in plastic bags, which then we save in our kitchen pantries to line our garbage bins.

But there is hope still. All that it requires is a conscious decision to put a stop to this menace; to take a pledge to do your bit for the society, the environment.

The following cover story is designed to add an impetus to your resolve and join in Oman’s mission to bid farewell to single-use plastic bags by January 2027. 

Read on as Rumaitha Al Busaidi, Vice President of the Environment Society of Oman, shares her insights on this crucial environmental initiative in an interview with The Arabian Stories (TAS) Weekly.

Challenges in Realizing the Ban

“The path to banning single-use plastic bags in Oman is long overdue, but it’s not without its hurdles,” observers Rumaitha Al Busaidi, pointing out that the biggest challenge is ensuring that everyone is on board with the changes and moving away from the mindset of ‘business as usual’.  

She admits that shifting the deeply ingrained habit calls for robust public awareness campaign, but notes that both consumers and businesses need to understand the whys and the how’s of the change to make the campaign a success.

The challenges, she notes, include logistical and financial challenges as businesses transition to alternative packaging solutions. It is also about making affordable and practical alternatives available, having a strong framework to monitor compliance and impose penalties where necessary and providing a buffer to minimize the economic impact on industries producing plastic bags.

Educating the Public

According to Rumaitha, educating people against the use of plastic bags requires harnessing the power of conscious consumerism. She affirms that consumers are increasingly aware of the impact their choices have on the environment and social and ethical aspects, and quotes the Nielsen survey, which found that 73 percent of global consumers would change their consumption habits to reduce their environmental impact.

Elaborating further, she states, “To leverage this growing trend, a multi-layered public awareness campaign is essential. This campaign should not only highlight environmental damages and emphasize the benefits of sustainable alternatives; it should also underscore how moving to a greener environmentally responsible economy is good for all.”

Retailers can play a crucial role by providing clear information about the environmental impact of plastic bags and offering incentives for customers to bring their own reusable bags. Additionally, public awareness campaigns that offer practical tips and support can empower individuals to make informed choices, she maintains.

To elucidate the power of the Omani consumer, Rumaitha provides the example of the current war in Gaza, which has impacted several businesses owing to large-scale boycott from consumers.  “Similar strategies can be employed to reduce plastic use,” she states.

Transitioning to Plastic-Free Shopping

Transitioning to a plastic-free future requires practical and accessible alternatives, notes Rumaitha, suggesting reusable bags made from materials like cotton, jute, or recycled fabrics are a great option. “They are durable, easy to carry, and can be used multiple times. Biodegradable bags made from plant-based materials that decompose naturally are another excellent alternative. For lightweight and dry goods, paper bags can be a suitable option, provided they come from sustainable sources,” she opines.

She recommends bulk buying to reduce the need for packaging and refill stations for items like grains, detergents, and personal care products to minimize plastic use. “Retailers can implement programs that reward customers for bringing their own bags, such as discounts or loyalty points, to encourage this shift in behavior,” she adds.

The State of Plastic Pollution

Plastic pollution is a critical global issue with far-reaching impacts. “Globally, millions of tons of plastic waste enter the oceans annually, creating massive ‘garbage patches’ and affecting marine biodiversity. According to recent studies, there are now over 5 trillion pieces of plastic debris in the ocean,” states Rumaitha, pointing out that plastic pollution impacts marine life and contributes to greenhouse gas emissions.

Besides, recent research has shown that nanoplastics, tiny plastic particles less than 100 nanometers in size, pose significant threats to both environmental and human health, as they can be found in virtually every corner of the planet. They enter the food chain through ingestion or inhalation and can cause physiological and toxicological effects in humans and animals.

As far as Oman is concerned, plastic pollution is a visible and growing problem, she notes, listing out the abundance of plastic waste in cities, villages, beaches, wadis, and the sea. “Recent research in Oman showed macroplastics in Oman degrade relatively quickly under high radiation and high temperatures, turning into microplastics and nanoplastics which accumulate in coastal sediments and are prevalent in various environmental compartments as the final deposit for mismanaged plastics, highlighting the need for comprehensive waste management strategies and strong regulatory frameworks to address this issue,” she explains.

Environmental Impact of Single-Use Plastic Bags

Rumaitha describes the environmental impact of single-use plastic bags as profound and detrimental, with billions of bags ending up in landfills, oceans, and other natural environments every year. “These bags take hundreds of years to decompose, releasing toxic chemicals and forming microplastics and nanoplastics, which can be ingested by wildlife and enter the food chain. This not only affects the health of marine and terrestrial animals but also poses risks to human health,” she states.

To top that, the production and disposal of single-use plastic bags also contributes significantly to greenhouse gas emissions, while the presence of plastic bags in the environment leads to soil and water pollution, impacting agricultural productivity and water quality. “The environmental footprint of single-use plastic bags is extensive, and reducing their use is crucial for protecting ecosystems, wildlife, and human health,” she remarks.

Effectiveness of Bans in Other Regions

Bans on single-use plastic bags have proven effective in various regions. As an example, Rumaitha quotes Kenya, which implemented one of the strictest bans on plastic bags in 2017, resulting in a significant reduction in plastic waste and improvements in environmental health. “Similarly, the European Union’s directive to reduce plastic bag usage has led to a dramatic decrease in plastic bag consumption, with some countries reporting reductions of up to 80 percent,” she adds.

However, she admits that the success of these bans largely depends on enforcement and public cooperation. 

Personal Actions to Reduce Plastic Use

Underscoring the importance of reducing plastic use in daily life in combating plastic pollution, Rumaitha points out that average plastic footprint of an individual is nearly 84 kilograms each year. 

Here are some practical steps Rumaitha takes to reduce his plastic footprint: 

  • One of the most significant actions I take is always having reusable shopping bags in my car that allows me to quickly pick them up and head to the store especially when doing groceries.  
  • I support local businesses and initiatives that prioritize sustainability, such as shopping at farmers’ markets where goods are often sold without a lot packaging. 
  • At home, I use glass or stainless-steel containers for food storage instead of plastic ones – they help reduce the reliance on single-use plastics. 
  • I also almost always carry a refillable water bottle made from stainless steel or glass and opt for the delivery of the returnable big gallons of water instead of purchasing individual plastic bottles. 
  • Beyond personal actions, I actively engage in advocacy efforts to promote sustainable practices through my participation in the Environment Society of Oman’s activities and other youth-driven grassroots initiatives. 

Through these combined efforts, Rumaitha aims to inspire and drive meaningful change towards a more sustainable future. 

“By collectively adopting these habits, we can significantly reduce plastic pollution and protect our environment for future generations,” she asserts.

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