Home West Africa Ban on Single-Use Plastics Evokes Mixed Response from People

Ban on Single-Use Plastics Evokes Mixed Response from People

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People are divided on the impact of the ban. While the environmentalists welcome the step that used to create perennial problems in civic life by way of clogging its pavements and sewerages, others worry about its impact on business costs. Traders are concerned about the increased costs of sourcing more sustainable alternatives.

A recently announced ban on Styrofoam and single-use plastics in Lagos, Nigeria, evoked a mixed response from the people. The ban was imposed in Nigeria’s largest city, where plastic waste clogs the gutters and waterways. More than 20 million people live in Lagos, the commercial capital of the West African country. As reported by www.trendsnafrica.com, the announcement of the ban was made on January 21, which had an immediate effect, although the officials subsequently accommodated an extension of three weeks to help producers and distributors to adjust to the situation and to source reusable options.

People are divided on the impact of the ban. While the environmentalists welcome the step that used to create perennial problems in civic life by way of clogging its pavements and sewerages, others worry about its impact on business costs. Traders are concerned about the increased costs of sourcing more sustainable alternatives. After the lapse of three weeks, the Lagos administration is gearing up to impose heavy penalties on those who violate the norm and even closure of their businesses.  Some believe the ban is needed but remain skeptical as to how the city will manage to enforce the legislation.

It will also require the numerous fast-food producers to move to more sustainable products. Some people argue this habit of throwing litter onto the streets means people in the city need to be more informed and educated.

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The environmental activists support this move and feel that the ban is overdue. They also feel that the move has to be backed by an intensive grassroots awareness campaign.