Regulating the use of plastic
Published by the Visayan Daily Star Publications, Inc. |
NINFA R. LEONARDIA
Editor-in-Chief & President | CARLA
P. GOMEZ Editor
CHERYL CRUZ
Desk Editor
PATRICK PANGILINAN
Busines
Editor
NIDA A. BUENAFE
Sports Editor
RENE GENOVE Bureau
Chief, Dumaguete MAJA P. DELY Advertising
Coordinator | CARLOS
ANTONIO L. LEONARDIA Administrative Officer |
The Sangguniang Panlungsod has passed City Ordinance No.231, or the “An Ordinance Regulating the use of Plastic Shopping Bags on both dry goods and wet goods in the City of Dumaguete.
The plastic ordinance was enacted to regulate and reduce the use of plastic that has been blamed for aggravating floods during rainy seasons and typhoons. The ordinance bans vendors from providing shoppers with a second plastic bag as secondary packaging material for wet goods. For purchased dry goods, customers will not be given a plastic bag as packaging, but must bring their own bag when they shop.
The legislation promotes the use of alternative packaging such as native bags made of abaca and pandan leaves and other reusable shopping bags. The ordinance is part of the city’s effort to solve the ecological imbalance of the several waterways, sewage, creeks and canals within the city.
The public will be informed before the implementation of the ordinance in August this year, which the city government will strictly enforce. Establishments violating the law will be fined, meted imprisonment of not more than six months, or cancellation of license and permit to operate.
Advocates of the measure are optimistic that, after conducting an information drive, the attitude of city residents will gradually change and appreciate the importance of doing away with plastic bags.
It is hoped that the establishments and the public will obey the law, not only to avoid payment of fines and imprisonment, but for the perceived betterment of the environment and for their well-being.* |