Over recent months, the devastating effect plastic waste is having on the planet has become painfully apparent. In our cities, out in the countryside and across the world’s oceans, plastic in a variety of forms is bringing about catastrophic consequences.
Which is precisely why most countries have begun implementing a variety of measures, geared towards more responsible use and recycling of plastic items. The traditional plastic carrier bag in particular has been making headlines all over the world – billions of which are still not being disposed of properly on a daily basis.
In some instances, governments have imposed mandatory charges on plastic carrier bags. In others, supermarkets and stores in general have simply ceased providing plastic carrier bags for customers’ use. Over in Kenya however, the government has taken a particularly heavy-handed approach to the problem – one that could result in jail time for those who choose to ignore the new legislation.
New law has been brought into force across Kenya, which states that anyone caught manufacturing, selling or even using plastic carrier bags could face a jail sentence of up to four years, or a fine up to $38,000. As far as the government is concerned, this incredibly strict stance on carrier bags is necessary for environmental protection purposes. Given that Kenya is known to get through approximately 24 million carrier bags every month, officials believe this really is the only way to make a real difference.
However, critics have stated that not only is the law far too harsh, but that it could also result in as many as 80,000 redundancies across the country. Despite the fact that the law is now officially enacted across the country, government officials have stated that everyday shoppers will for the time being at least simply have their bags confiscated and receive a warning, should they be caught using plastic carrier bags.
An official challenge was made to overturn the ban on Friday, which was quickly rejected by a Kenyan Court.
On the street, there appears to be evidence of the Kenyan population slowly adjusting to the ban. Greater numbers of residents than ever before are using their own reusable fabric bags and alternative means for carrying goods. What’s more, many have welcomed the initiative as a potentially lucrative business opportunity, manufacturing and selling cheap yet environmentally-friendly reusable bags in all manner of shapes, sizes and designs.
Whether it works or not remains to be seen, given that this is the third time in the last decade that the Kenyan government has attempted to ban plastic carrier bags. A six-month adjustment window was allowed when the new law was announced, which officially expired on Sunday last week. However, the severity of the potential penalties this time around is apparently being taken far more seriously than those related to any previous governmental strategies.
Still the question remains – are the punishments set out too severe? Or is this the only way of encouraging positive change for the sake of the environment?
We’ll leave that for you to debate for now!
