Egypt goes after plastic bags
An Egyptian environmental organization has launched a campaign against the country’s largest supermarket chain for the end of plastic bags along the Red Sea. The Hurghada Environmental Protection and Conservation Agency, which works mainly on environmental issues in the Red Sea, believes the use of plastic bags can be greatly curtailed in Egypt in an effort to promote environmental sustainability and a greener country.
Last year, the governor of the Red Sea governorate banned the use of plastic bags at local supermarkets, but one year on, they have yet to see extinction and remain a constant hardship for the ecosystem of the Red Sea.
“The decision was vital for the preservation of biodiversity in the Red Sea, as most of these plastic bags end up in the sea or on land causing devastating impacts on our environment,” a HEPCA statement read. “In 2005, it is estimated that the cause of death of 70 percent of the deceased turtles in the Red Sea was ingestion of plastic. Plastic bags smother corals, entangle seabirds, and choke marine mammals, causing death at sea and on land.
“Unfortunately, one year after the passing of this decree, plastic bags are still commonly provided by reputable establishments that are known for their high standards. As being the largest supermarket chain in Egypt, Metro Market continues to provide plastic bags to its customers.”
HEPCA called on supermarket chain and customers to use re-usable tote bags as an environmentally friendly alternative to plastic bags. They argue that this will curtail the devastating impacts that plastic is currently having on Egypt’s ecosystems through green alternatives.
Already, the Red Sea governorate has seen the switch from plastic bags. Currently, all plastic bags are banned from use at supermarkets. Customers purchase what HEPCA called the “eco-friendly” option at the cashier.
Full article bikyamasr.com
Tags: Egypt, Environment
