| Danial Norjidi |
IN LINE with efforts to address plastic waste, notable developments have recently taken place in the country.
In conjunction with Earth Day 2018 celebrations, the Ministry of Development (MoD)’s Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation (JASTRe) added Thursdays to the ‘No Plastic Bag Weekend’ drive.
The MoD first introduced No Plastic Bag Weekend in March 2011, involving only Saturdays and Sundays. To reinforce its 3R (Reuse, Reduce, Recycle) initiative, Fridays were added to the campaign in February 2012.
The addition of Thursdays to the No Plastic Bag Weekend initiative was launched on April 19 by Minister of Development Dato Seri Paduka Awang Haji Suhaimi bin Haji Gafar.
In a welcoming speech at the launch, Acting Director of JASTRe Martinah binti Haji Tamit said the chosen theme was in line with the government’s efforts to address plastic waste issue.
“The slogan ‘It takes a nation to end plastic pollution’ places an emphasis on the engagement of all parties, including private individuals, institutions and organisations, to end plastic pollution and ensure the environment is free from pollution,” she said. “All parties will need to cultivate a green-oriented and long-term sustainability approach to steer our country towards the goals of Brunei Vision 2035.”
The announcement of Thursdays being added to the campaign was first made during a press conference that took place on April 16.
From the press conference, it was reported that the latest initiative aims to realise the government’s objective of making the country totally plastic bag-free by 2019.
It was also shared that the remaining days of the week will be added in phases with Wednesday tentatively to be included in July 2018, Tuesday in October 2018 and Monday in December 2018.
Another notable development with regards to addressing plastic waste was the launch of the ‘Plastic Bottle Free Initiative’ by the MoD on June 5 in conjunction with the celebration of World Environment Day.
Implemented by JASTRe with cooperation from all personnel under MoD, the initiative is aimed at creating awareness on the importance of reducing plastic waste in the country, in line with the United Nations’ (UN) efforts to combat pollution from plastic materials.
The initiative was launched by the Minister of Development. In a speech at the launch, the minister affirmed, “As the Ministry of Development is responsible for matters relating to environment, we must lead through example. I would like to announce that MoD is committed in implementing the initiative to make it the first plastic bottle free ministry.”
The minister highlighted the theme, ‘It Takes a Nation to Beat Plastic Pollution’, and said that “with strong support from all parties, the initiative will succeed in raising public awareness in addressing the use and disposal of plastic bottles”.
“At the same time, it will instil a sense of responsibility among people to increase their efforts and play a role in contributing towards preserving the environment for the future generations.”
The minister also highlighted the importance of protecting the environment, saying, “Environmental issues are gaining attention at various levels as their implications are not just on the present generation but also the future generations. Common environmental issues include air and water pollution, loss of biodiversity and climate change.”
He noted that the main causes of these problems are uncontrolled physical development, lifestyle and consumption patterns as well as irresponsible human acts such as the use and disposal of plastic bottles which leads to river and sea pollution.
“If we do not tackle these issues, it will affect the quality of life and wellbeing of the people,” he said.
Adding on, the minister affirmed, “It is to instil awareness on the importance of preserving the environment and support actions to do so that the Ministry of Development through the Department of Environment, Parks and Recreation has launched the green initiative on the World Environment Day.”