Plastic Bags in Rwanda
In Rwanda, plastic bags are treated as a type of contraband,
where people carrying them can be fined and executives of companies imprisoned
for producing them. Store owners are often publically shamed, having their
stores closed until fines are paid and plastic wrapped goods are removed from
their shelves. This harsh regulation stems from the negative environmental
impacts of plastic bags on the landscape. The persistence of plastic bags on
the landscape causes flooding and runoff, both of which impact agriculture. If
these plastic bags are left on the land, oftentimes cattle will consume them,
further impacting the farmers. Since plastics are not biodegradable, they
accumulate on the land, increasing the environmental damage. In order to prevent
plastics from inundating the environment, the government imposed strict bans and
reinforcements through business owners. Stores are required to remove any
packaging before the consumer leaves if the plastics have not already been
removed at customs. The ban is not only enforced among adults, but supported by
school curriculums that place value on the cleanliness of the environment,
teaching future generations to value their environment and well-being.
This article details a policy solution to an environmental
problem impacting both the health and the productivity of the land. Plastic
bags are a global problem that this policy methodology could help. Although the
methods of public shaming, fines, and prison sentences can be harsh at times,
there is a strong focus on improving the well-being for Rwandan citizens. This
model, designed for an authoritarian government, could still be applied to
other systems of political organization. Ultimately, the plastic bag ban here is
important for environmental health, and thus the well-being of Rwandans in
terms of their health and economy.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/2017/10/28/world/africa/rwanda-plastic-bags-banned.html?rref=collection%2Fsectioncollection%2Fworld&action=click&contentCollection=world®ion=stream&module=stream_unit&version=latest&contentPlacement=134&pgtype=sectionfront
In my opinion certain government regulations on plastic bags production are useful and decrease negative impact on the environment. These days it is easier to come up with some alternatives, for example paper bags instead of plastic ones ( a vivid example is Whole Foods). Moreover, it seems to me that using paper instead of plastic is cheaper in production plus brings certain benefits for the environment. Ethicaly, it is not right to use methods such as public shaming or prison sentence in order to reduce usage of bags. Why not to come up with some alternative programs that will grant those people who collect and recycle plastic?
ReplyDeleteI surprised to find out Rwanda have a such strict policy about plastic, but the whole idea totally make sense. I think another reason why plastic could cause so many environment problem in Rwanda is that they do not have a good recycle system of plastic. Restricting use of plastic could solve the environment problem in Rwandan, but could not solve our problem in U.S, since we are so much depending plastic. An alternative way for us to deal with plastic might be to do a better job in recycling.
ReplyDeleteIt really surprised me to read how strict Rwanda's policies are in combating plastics in the environment. While I agree with your assessment that public shaming and steep fines can be harsh, it appears to me that Rwanda is doing the right thing for the environment. Not only are they setting policy solutions, but they have established a culture that understands how bad plastic pollution can be, not only to the environment but to the economy as well. It is encouraging to see a developing country taking pollution so seriously, and I believe many other countries should follow Rwanda's example and combat not only plastic pollution, but all pollution.
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