ED: Single-use plastics need to go

The use of plastic, especially single-use plastic (SUP), is undoubtedly one of the biggest threats to our environment, and has already reached levels deemed unacceptable by most environmentalists.

Unfortunately, our commitment to moving away from plastic use has been half-hearted at best and disastrous at worst.

Despite a 2002 ban on plastic production and the sale of polythene bags, which did see reductions in use, a lack of enforcement from the government eventually resulted in plastic finding its way back into our lives. While there was some hope last year when the High Court ordered the government to ban SUPs in coastal areas, hotels, motels, and restaurants -- areas of mass consumption -- there has been absolutely zero action taken in response.

To be ignorant of our actions is one thing. But we are now fully aware of the damage that plastic has already done to our environment, and the permanent harm it can cause our ecology. To now do nothing to protect our planet and country from further harm is unacceptable, especially since as a nation, we have been speaking up so loudly against climate change.

In fact, due to the pandemic, the use of SUPs has surged as more and more people have relied on home delivery options, where plastic is undoubtedly the primary raw material when it comes to packaging for most restaurants.

This plastic is neither capitalized on nor disposed of properly, and it is finding its way into water bodies and threatening marine life.

While there is a plan to move away from SUPs by 2030, and it is one which we appreciate, if history is any indicator, it would not be overly cynical to expect that this too could be another plan that sees no implementation.

SUPs need to go -- another year of excuses, incompetence, and inactivity regarding this is simply not acceptable at this point.