Environmental pollution has been a big issue for the past decades, and plastic bags have been found to be a major cause of land, water, and air pollution. Environment-concerned associations and other non-government organizations have teamed up to fight against the dilemma. Consequently, the use of plastic bags has been banned by many countries around the world. This is significant progress towards a greener environment and to prevent health issues to humans especially the consumers. Tagbilaran City is the latest entity to join the battle for an environment free of plastic bags and as one of the things we can do to help preserve the natural beauty of Bohol.
The single-use plastic ban in Tagbilaran City, Bohol
Starting this Saturday, June 2, 2018, the city will implement a six-month dry run on the prohibition of plastic bags and styrofoam containers. The new policy is part of the local government’s determinations to decrease plastic usage in the entire city.
The City’s Economic Enterprise department stated that the ban on the use of plastic and styrofoam in establishments such as malls and shopping centers would be implemented on Saturdays in the next six months. It is meant to give the establishments enough time to exhaust the plastic and styrofoam they have in stock.
As stated by the Plastic Bag Law which was passed in 2012, the ban will be fully implemented throughout the week after the six months of trial run elapses.
Are there exceptions to the use of plastics?
Wrapping wet products using plastic bags will still be allowed. Such products include fish and meat. However, consumers are encouraged to bring their own reusable containers for the wet products to avoid using the single-use plastic bag.
What is the fine of breaking this regulation?
When the law will be fully implemented, breaking it will attract a fine a maximum of P5,000, up to 6 months sentence, and one-year suspension of business licenses.
What are the alternatives?
Following the ban, the city’s administration has urged the public to carry their shopping bags and containers as substitutes to plastic bags.
By banning the use of these bags, it means businesses and the general public can take part in making the environment clean.
Not only are the alternatives friendly to the environment, but they will save the consumers the cost of buying a bag every time they go shopping. There are bags made from organic cotton and other sustainable materials, making them more durable and reusable. Washing the reusable bags and air dry after every use is all that is needed to make it last for long.
For the chic girls that love shopping, reusable shopping bags can be used as fashion accessories. They come in various styles and shapes, and they can be personalized to become a fashion statement. The attractive colors and prints on these bags will leave consumers with lot varieties to choose from.
Conclusion
When going out for shopping in Tagbilaran, remember the city’s law banning single-use plastic bags and styrofoam is already effective. Therefore carry a reusable bag with you to contribute to making the city clean. Challenge everyone in your family to avoid using plastic bags by carrying reusable bags every time they go shopping. This small initiative to preserve natural resources surely adds up when you think of all the plastic bags you might use yearly.
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