Bio-safety Officer in the Department of Environment, Vicia Woods, disclosed that the department has submitted a proposal to the Members of Cabinet to impose a ban on plastics during a recent discussion, regarding the observance of Plastic Free July.

Discussions on the reduction of single use plastics have been held in the past, with calls for more to be done, coming from key stakeholder groups, Ministers and department heads.

According to nrdc.org, single use plastics are goods that are made primarily from fossil fuel–based chemicals (petrochemicals) and are meant to be disposed of right after use—often, in mere minutes.

Ms. Woods also disclosed that the ban will be conducted in a three-phased approach, over a five year timeline. The first phase will comprise of a public awareness and education outreach allowing businesses the grace period to utilize the remaining stocks.

A ban on importation will follow the outreach efforts.