Solid Waste Authority to promote re-usable shopping bags
By Pauline Waruguru
Nevis Reporter - SKNVibes.com
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| Carlyn Lawrence presenting a certificate of recognition to an employee |
{Basseterre; St. Kitts} Environment friendly re-usable shopping bags will be introduced to Nevis supermarkets in the New Year. Ms. Carlyn Lawrence, General Manager Nevis Solid Waste Management Authority, made the disclosure to reporters in her office yesterday, December 27th, during an end of year briefing.
Ms. Lawrence said her office had already ordered sample bags, which have been taken to super markets around the island.
“Super market owners are very receptive. Should super market owners agree to use the bags, we will introduce re-usable bags to reduce use of plastic bags,” she noted.
“Plastics contaminate the soil. It takes oil to manufacture the plastic bags. Plastic bags choke marine life and block drain systems. Plastic bags are very expensive,” Ms Lawrence said.
She noted that re-usable bags were popular in big nations, even in Canada shoppers, where shoppers have stopped using plastic bags.
Ms. Lawrence and her team were hailed recently in parliament by Nevis Premier Joseph Parry for their excellent performance since their appointment ten months ago. ~~Adz:Right~~
Ms. Lawrence said the Authority was looking for a 40-foot container to store E-Waste such as computer screens, TV, iron boxes and stereo systems. She called on well-wishers to donate the container.
She also disclosed that the Authority would get a new collection truck and plans are also underway to dispose the 9,000 used tyres at the landfill, she said.
The General Manager appealed to the public to make cleaning-up an everyday activity.
“Rather than wait until Christmas, they can bring the items they wish to dispose to the landfill,” she said.
She also urged the public to be conscious of their environment and make it a habit to re-use items.
Health Minister, Hensley Daniel, who officiated at the dinner, commended the employees for their hard work.
“I will ensure that the employees are awarded for their excellent work,” he said.
A cross section of the Authority’s employees were last Sunday awarded for their hard work and long service at a dinner held at the Sunset Beach Restaurant.
