By Success Nwankwo
Environmental organisations on Monday endorsed the ban of Styrofoam and disposable plastics, popularly known as take-away by the Lagos State Government, noting that the government’s policies were significant to the implementation of the restriction.
It could be recalled that last week, the Lagos State Government prohibited the use of Styrofoam, the Organisations noted that it should be effected immediately, citing the “massive” environmental damage caused by its careless disposal.
Acknowledging the current harm the use of Styrofoam causes to the environment and public health, the Environment and Water Resources Commissioner, Tokunbo Wahab, proposed a three-week extension to its manufacturers and retailers.
During a consultative meeting with representatives of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and the Restaurant and Food Services Proprietor Association of Nigeria in Ikeja, he said, “You will agree with me that the pronouncement on banning polystyrene was made over three years ago but that no one has tried to enforce the law till now.”
In response, the addressed environmental groups said “We express our full support for the recent decision made by the Lagos State Government to ban the use of styrofoam food packs in the state.”
“As youth-led organisations committed to promoting environmental stewardship and sustainability, we have conducted climate education outreaches in rural communities, organised weekly cleanups across universities, and developed numerous innovative solutions to address the plastic pollution crisis across Lagos.” They said.
The Organisations suggested using recyclable and reusable materials for food packing, “U-recycle Initiative Africa, Plogging Nigeria, Aquaworld Community Development Initiative, Dhoney Adire and Crafts Nigeria, GreenWithGrin, and Eco.Biz all signed the statement together.”