Grenada is joining a number of
Caricom Caribbean Community countries that have, in the recent past, announced
plans to ban the use of styrofoam. The Keith Mitchell Administration
has given September 1, 2018 as the deadline for a ban on the importation of the
product as the initial step in a phased approach to the eradication of
styrofoam and reduction of single-use plastics, in keeping with the Non-Biodegradable
Waste Control Act, which was passed in Parliament this year.
The second phase will be a ban on
the sale of styrofoam in the tri-island state, effective March 1, 2019, and by
April 1, 2019, prohibiting the sale and offer for sale of food in or with these
products. According to Climate Resilience and the Environment Minister Simon Stiell, ultimately, there should be “zero styrofoam across Grenada, Carriacou
and Petite Martinique”, Speaking at the weekly
Cabinet meeting, Stiell said that the ban is not being instituted arbitrarily,
but in consultation with importers and other stakeholders.
The
environment minister said it is encouraging to note that “many restaurants and
many stores have already transitioned to alternative products, and the stated
timelines are agreed upon by both importers and Government”.
Read More at http://www.jamaicaobserver.com/news/grenada-gov-t-announces-ban-on-styrofoam-products_142821?profile=1373
