Rwanda Ministry Spearheads Battle Against Disposable Plastics

SEATTLE (Scrap Monster): The Rwanda Environment Ministry has banned the use of disposable plastics within the institution. The announcement made by Dr Vincent Biruta, Minister for Environment states that use of plastic water bottles, cups and straws will be completely eliminated. Instead, the Ministry will switch to sustainable and reusable alternative materials. The decision comes ahead of the World Environment Day and will be applicable to various agencies under the Ministry.

According to Biruta, behavioral changes by citizens could bring about positive impacts on environment. He encouraged people to avoid use of disposable plastics like bottles, cups, straws, cutlery and plates that have been proved dangerous to the environment. By promoting the use of sustainable alternatives, the country would be able to achieve significant reduction in waste. This, in turn would protect health and environment, he added.

ALSO READ: Nigeria Considers Total Ban on Use of Plastic Bags

The Ministry also called upon other institutions to follow suit. It plans to write to other public institutions to join hands in its efforts by reducing their reliance on single-use plastics. Meantime, the Rwanda administration is in the process of revisit the current plastics law in order to make it stricter. Also, adequate steps will be taken to promote plastics recycling. The new reforms are likely to curtail plastic pollution and reduce the plastic waste ending up in country’s landfills.

Juliet Kabera, the Director General of Environment and Climate Change in the Ministry of Environment noted that use of water dispensers and glasses in place of disposable plastic bottles will not only reduce waste but also save money. The country has made incredible progress in environmental protection ever since plastic bags were banned ten years ago, he noted.

Several environmentalists have welcomed the move by Rwanda’s Ministry of Environment.