KAMPALA – The private sector, particularly businesses in the manufacturing sub-sector, should adopt sustainable packaging ways that will consequently reduce plastic pollution in Uganda,
According to Environment Minister, conservationists, there’s a need for companies, mainly those whose products contribute a significant number of plastic pollutants to take steps toward reducing these wastes.
Mr. David Duli, the Country Director at Worldwide Fund for nature as a press conference held at his office in Kampala, said an alliance of government institutions, the private sector, civil society, and the general public, “we can grow the understanding of the dangers of plastic and fast-track efforts to beat pollution.”
He said that his organization is already taking steps to reduce plastic waste through creating awareness but also “working with schools and municipalities to ensure proper disposal of wastes.”
Mr Duli also urged the public to shun water battles or any sing-use plastic bottles in favour of water dispensers whom he said are better alternatives.
“Beating single-use plastics can be possible only if factories make items, which can be used more than once. Of course, we can give up on using single-use plastic items and replace them with glass or reusable plastic items in case we want to drink water to avoid the damage they cause on the environment,” said State Minister for Environment Beatrice Anywar.
She also warned traders that she not going to allow trading health and environment for money.
The Minister also advised traders to quickly return to other alternatives and acceptable usable bags to avoid facing hefty punishments.
“We must encourage alternative career bags to take effect. I know there will also put money in the hand of our ordinary Ugandans especially the women who are going to have hand-woven baskets which are environmentally friendly,” she said.
