The Government of Montserrat, through a Cabinet decision, has banned the use of plastic products, such as plastic cups, plates and Styrofoam dishes in all Government Ministries and Departments by December 31, 2018.
According to a statement from the Government Information Unit (GIU), the ban is part of a Cabinet approved ‘Go Green’ initiative and is a precursor to a wider policy, aimed at ensuring that suitable steps are taken to secure an environmentally sustainable future for Montserrat. Instead of using plastic items, the ‘Go Green” initiative encourages the use of biodegradable products which are environmentally friendly and therefore reduces adverse effects to the environment.
Government ministries and departments are now expected to investigate and identify local and other suppliers of biodegradable products to ensure compliance with the Cabinet directive.
Similar initiatives have been implemented regionally and internationally to reduce the detrimental impacts on the environment, caused by the rising use of single-use or disposable plastic products.
