It has become more evident than ever that plastic is wreaking havoc on the environment. Recently, the media has really focussed on how the poor sea creatures and oceans have been affected by plastic and how we all need to act now to protect the environment. In a move that has been hailed by environmentalists and marine biologists, the Kenyan Government has taken a hard stance against pollution and banned the use of plastic bags. Although, this a positive step towards protecting the oceans, we thought it’s important for our guests to know how this bit of legislation would affect them. So here are some facts, rules and info for you …
Some Interesting Facts – Why the Ban:
- Since the introduction of plastic in the 1950s, an alarming 8.3 billion metric tons of plastic has been produced.
- Only 12% of all plastic produced has been incinerated.
- 91% of plastic waste has not been recycled.
- 500 million plastic straws are being used every day in America.
- Up to 2 million plastic bags are distributed worldwide every minute.
- Between 500 billion and 1 trillion plastic bags are consumed worldwide.
- 1 million plastic bottles are purchased every minute worldwide.
- 8 million metric tons of plastic end up in our oceans every year.
- The amount of microplastics (extremely small pieces of plastic debris) in our oceans exceed the amount of stars in the Milky Way.
- Plastic pollution will outweigh the amount of fish in our oceans by the year 2050, should the production of plastic remain uncontrolled.
The Laws and the Consequences of Non-Compliance:
The Kenyan Government has placed a ban on the selling, buying and the possession of any and all plastic bags due to an excessive amount of litter. Violators of this new law could face up to four years imprisonment or fines of up to US $40 000 (KSH 4 038 500). Market-goers are now making use of nets or woven alternatives to comply with the new legislation. Since the ban (2017) was implemented more than 500 people have been arrested for continuous illegal activities revolving the ban on the use of plastic bags.
The Success of the Ban:
Initially, after the ban had been implemented citizens were confused, plastic manufacturing companies had to shut their doors and more than 60 000 people lost their jobs. However, Kenya is seeing an improvement of plastic pollution since the change in legislation in 2017. There is nearly a 100 percent compliance and although job losses were high at the time, the National Environment Management Authority has said that losses were minimal and that the success of the ban far outweighs the setbacks.
The more rural areas in Kenya have seen the greatest change from the plastic bans – waterways are cleaner, the “food chain” is no longer as contaminated with plastics (animals/fish are consuming fewer plastic bits) and the environment is starting to look cleaner.
So don’t forget to make use of some alternatives when packing your bag for your trip to Mnarani, Kenya.
What do you think about the ban and the protection of the environment from plastic? Let us know in the comment section. Want to read more? Visit our blog page.