2021-07-01T15:57:11Z
Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (2018) Together we can beat plastic pollution, Rwanda.pdf
Rwanda Environmental Management Authority (2018) Together we can beat plastic pollution, Rwanda
Together, We can put an end to single-use
plastics
06/05/2018
The following was adapted from remarks given by the Minister of Environment, Vincent
Biruta, at World Environment Day celebrations in Rwanda on 5 June 2018.
For more than two decades, Rwanda has prioritised environmental protection and
conservation. This focus on sustainable development and ensuring a healthy environment for
all people living in, and visiting, Rwanda has had a significant return on investment.
One of the major green initiatives was the banning of plastic bags and specific types of
packaging in 2008. This was done because we understood the threat that they posed to our
health and environment. While the ban was considered revolutionary at the time, we now
know that more must be done to limit the damage plastic waste is doing to our environment.
In Rwanda, plastic waste is blocking drains and waterways and polluting farmland, rivers and
lakes.
To address the challenge, the Ministry of Environment and partners have come together to go
beyond plastic bags alone and end plastic waste in all forms. As a nation, Rwanda is uniquely
placed to take our environmental protection efforts to the next level and end the use of
disposable single use plastics. Indeed, many nations and regions around the world are already
implementing restrictions on disposable plastics.
In the lead up to World Environment Day, a number of initiatives were organised in support
of this objective. A policy conference held last week brought together a range of stakeholders
to discuss how Rwanda can beat plastic pollution. Importantly, the role of the private sector,
young people and women was elaborated during the discussions. The goals of this campaign
can only be achieved if everyone is on board.
Last Sunday, we held a walk during Car Free Day to raise awareness about single use plastics
and encouraged attendees to make the switch to sustainable alternatives, such as reusable
water bottles. The Rwanda Environment Management Authority, in association with the
Rwanda National Police and local authorities, also conducted inspections of businesses to
check for the illegal use of plastic bags and packaging.
These activities are the just beginning of what will be a long-term effort to end the use of
disposable plastics and rid our environment of plastic waste.
Essentially, the “Beat Plastic Pollution” campaign is a reminder of our responsibility to
protect our ecosystems by choosing reusable alternatives to plastic and adopting
environmentally friendly practices in our everyday lives.
By building an alliance of government institutions, the private sector, civil society and the
general public, we can grow understanding of the dangers of plastic and fast track efforts to
beat pollution. Institutions and companies, such as Bralirwa, COPED, Inyange and other
partners are already taking steps to reduce plastic waste and have established a plastic bottle
collection scheme. Efforts such as these should be commended and supported.
The young students who made posters, poems and songs with a message of ending plastic
waste for the World Environment Day schools competition demonstrate a level of passion
and dedication that should inspire us all.
The Ministry of Environment is now in the process of revising the law on plastics to ban
single-use plastics that have readily available alternatives. Such items include plastic straws,
cups, plates, and cutlery. For the time being, there is no plan to ban PET bottles but as as
alternatives to these bottles come onto the market, the option of ending their use will be
considered.
While we don’t need a ban for us to reduce our dependence on them in our daily lives, we do
need everyone to play their part. It’s simply a matter of changing our habits and choosing
sustainable alternatives that won’t cost the earth. Together, we can beat plastic pollution and
protect our health, and the health of generations to come.
Available at:
https://rema.gov.rw/index.php?id=77&L=0&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=6&tx_news_pi1%5Bday%
5D=5&tx_news_pi1%5Bmonth%5D=6&tx_news_pi1%5Byear%5D=2018&cHash=80174194e9940a
0a64bb807394902b30
Page 1
Page 2
Together, We can put an end to single-use
plastics
06/05/2018
The following was adapted from remarks given by the Minister of Environment, Vincent
Biruta, at World Environment Day celebrations in Rwanda on 5 June 2018.
For more than two decades, Rwanda has prioritised environmental protection and
conservation. This focus on sustainable development and ensuring a healthy environment for
all people living in, and visiting, Rwanda has had a significant return on investment.
One of the major green initiatives was the banning of plastic bags and specific types of
packaging in 2008. This was done because we understood the threat that they posed to our
health and environment. While the ban was considered revolutionary at the time, we now
know that more must be done to limit the damage plastic waste is doing to our environment.
In Rwanda, plastic waste is blocking drains and waterways and polluting farmland, rivers and
lakes.
To address the challenge, the Ministry of Environment and partners have come together to go
beyond plastic bags alone and end plastic waste in all forms. As a nation, Rwanda is uniquely
placed to take our environmental protection efforts to the next level and end the use of
disposable single use plastics. Indeed, many nations and regions around the world are already
implementing restrictions on disposable plastics.
In the lead up to World Environment Day, a number of initiatives were organised in support
of this objective. A policy conference held last week brought together a range of stakeholders
to discuss how Rwanda can beat plastic pollution. Importantly, the role of the private sector,
young people and women was elaborated during the discussions. The goals of this campaign
can only be achieved if everyone is on board.
Last Sunday, we held a walk during Car Free Day to raise awareness about single use plastics
and encouraged attendees to make the switch to sustainable alternatives, such as reusable
water bottles. The Rwanda Environment Management Authority, in association with the
Rwanda National Police and local authorities, also conducted inspections of businesses to
check for the illegal use of plastic bags and packaging.
These activities are the just beginning of what will be a long-term effort to end the use of
disposable plastics and rid our environment of plastic waste.
Essentially, the “Beat Plastic Pollution” campaign is a reminder of our responsibility to
protect our ecosystems by choosing reusable alternatives to plastic and adopting
environmentally friendly practices in our everyday lives.
By building an alliance of government institutions, the private sector, civil society and the
general public, we can grow understanding of the dangers of plastic and fast track efforts to
beat pollution. Institutions and companies, such as Bralirwa, COPED, Inyange and other
partners are already taking steps to reduce plastic waste and have established a plastic bottle
collection scheme. Efforts such as these should be commended and supported.
The young students who made posters, poems and songs with a message of ending plastic
waste for the World Environment Day schools competition demonstrate a level of passion
and dedication that should inspire us all.
The Ministry of Environment is now in the process of revising the law on plastics to ban
single-use plastics that have readily available alternatives. Such items include plastic straws,
cups, plates, and cutlery. For the time being, there is no plan to ban PET bottles but as as
alternatives to these bottles come onto the market, the option of ending their use will be
considered.
While we don’t need a ban for us to reduce our dependence on them in our daily lives, we do
need everyone to play their part. It’s simply a matter of changing our habits and choosing
sustainable alternatives that won’t cost the earth. Together, we can beat plastic pollution and
protect our health, and the health of generations to come.
Available at:
https://rema.gov.rw/index.php?id=77&L=0&tx_news_pi1%5Bnews%5D=6&tx_news_pi1%5Bday%
5D=5&tx_news_pi1%5Bmonth%5D=6&tx_news_pi1%5Byear%5D=2018&cHash=80174194e9940a
0a64bb807394902b30
Page 1
Page 2
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