- Tanzania has announced a nationwide ban on the use of plastic bags starting from June 1, 2019.
- Tanzania follows similar steps by Kenya and Rwanda; to phase out non-biodegradable plastics in an attempt to tackle plastic pollution.
Reacting to this news, Greenpeace Africa’s Senior Campaign Manager, Renee Olende has said:
“Greenpeace Africa welcomes the decision by the Tanzanian government to implement and enforce a plastic bags ban. This is a beacon of hope in fostering an environmentally conscious society in the East African Region.
“Single-use plastic is an increasing global environmental threat. Plastic materials, their chemical composition, including their additives, pose great risks to the environment, marine life and human health. Greenpeace Africa is calling on the Tanzanian government to ensure strict enforcement and implementation of the ban.
“Kenya which banned plastics two years ago has been experiencing implementation problems. Greenpeace Africa urges the East African Legislative Assembly members to push for coordinated enforcement of the regional single-use plastic carrier bags ban to achieve effective implementation of the ban across the East Africa Region. There is an urgent need for a regional approach to tackle the menace brought by single-use plastics in East Africa.
Author: GBA News Desk
